Airbus A400M conducts major helicopter refuelling certification campaign

Photo Airbus

The Airbus A400M new generation airlifter has successfully conducted a major helicopter air-to-air refuelling certification campaign, completing the majority of its development and certification objectives. Airbus Defence and Space aims to achieve full helicopter air-to-air refuelling certification later this year with the conclusion of all mandatory night operation trials. 

The flight tests, performed in coordination with the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), involved operations with two French Air Force H225M helicopters.

The campaign took place in day and night conditions over the west coast of France at between 1,000 ft and 10,000 ft and flight speeds as low as 105 knots. During those flights, a total of 81 wet contacts and transfers of 6.5 tonnes of fuel were achieved, which included simultaneous refuelling of two helicopters for the first time. The tests confirmed the positive results of the dry and wet contact operations conducted in 2019 and 2020.

 

Helicopter air-to-air refuelling is a unique military capability and key for Special Forces operations, involving aircraft with different flight profiles and sharing a very limited common flight envelope, requiring close formation flying patterns at low altitudes and night time conditions.

 

Photo Airbus

Cathay Pacific Releases Traffic Figures For March 2021

Cathay Pacific Releases Traffic Figures For March 2021

Cathay Pacific today released its traffic figures for March 2021 that continued to reflect the airline’s substantial capacity reductions in response to significantly reduced demand as well as travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in place in Hong Kong and other markets amid the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

Cathay Pacific carried a total of 18,539 passengers last month, a decrease of 94% compared to March 2020. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) fell 95.7% year-on-year. Passenger load factor dropped by 28 percentage points to 21.2%, while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), decreased by 90%. In the first three months of 2021, the number of passengers carried dropped by 98.4% against a 91.7% decrease in capacity and a 98.2% decrease in RPKs, as compared to the same period for 2020.

The airline carried 83,329 tonnes of cargo and mail last month, a decrease of 30.1% compared to March 2020. The month’s revenue freight tonne kilometres (RFTKs) fell 32.4% year-on-year. The cargo and mail load factor increased by 8.9 percentage points to 86.4%, while capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometres (AFTKs), was down by 39.4%. In the first three months of 2021, the tonnage fell by 29.6% against a 39.6% drop in capacity and a 26.5% decrease in RFTKs, as compared to the same period for 2020.

Qantas signs new seven-year deal with Accor to manage Qantas lounges as they start to reopen

Qantas and Accor have announced a new seven-year agreement for the world-leading hospitality group to continue management of Qantas lounges in Australia and overseas.  The new agreement is an extension of the 14-year partnership with Accor, with their team of hospitality professionals providing Qantas customers with world-class service across the airline’s network of domestic and international lounges.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the renewed agreement highlights the airline’s commitment to maintaining a premium travel experience for its customers across every part of their journey. “As our customers step back into our lounges for the first time in over a year, they will continue to receive the exceptional service they have been accustomed to from the Qantas and Accor teams,’ Mr Joyce said. “Many of our frequent flyers who travel through the lounges regularly are like family to the Qantas and Accor team members who take great pride in knowing their coffee or wine preferences, family members names, birthdays and anniversaries.”

Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath said the continued partnership between Accor and Qantas would bring significant benefits for customers.  “Customers will continue to enjoy an unrivalled standard of service from our two much-loved brands. In Qantas we have an innovative tourism leader at our side; together we share a commitment to creating exceptional and memorable travel experiences on land and in the air,” said Mr McGrath.

Mesa Air Group records March 2021 operating performance.

Mesa Airlines reported 28,127 block hours in March 2021, a 15.9 percent drop from March 2020 as a result of reduced schedules during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company also reported a controllable completion factor of 99.86 percent and 100 percent for its American and United operations, respectively.

For Q2 of fiscal year 2021 ending March 31st, total block hours were 73,942 on 35,270 departures. These block hours are well below our guidance provided on our Q1 fiscal year 2021 Earnings Release. The reduced block hours and departures were the result of the mid-February major winter storm and subsequent Texas power outages impacting our major operations in both Dallas and Houston. During that period, we cancelled almost 1,300 flights representing close to 3,000 block hours while still incurring crew costs.

Operating statistics for March 2021 and fiscal year 2021 YTD are included in the table below.

Aeroflot to get a 777-300ER aircraft named after Sergei Korolev

Aeroflot's new wide-body Boeing 777-300ER will be named after Sergei Korolev. The aircraft will be delivered in May 2021.

           The name of Sergei Korolev was previously borne by the Aeroflot aircraft, which was retired in 2018. The decision is timed to the anniversary of the first manned space flight. On April 12, 2021, Russia broadly celebrates the 60th anniversary of this achievement, made possible by Sergei Korolev. Under his leadership, the launch of the first satellite and the flight of the first cosmonaut of the planet Yuri Gagarin took place.

 “Our airline has a long tradition of naming planes after great compatriots,” said Mikhail Poluboyarinov, CEO of Aeroflot. “This allows us to preserve the memory of outstanding personalities and pay tribute to their merits. We are glad to have the opportunity to perpetuate the contribution of Sergei Korolev to the formation and development of the aerospace industry. "

310,000 passengers flew with SAS during March

Continued strict travel restrictions, but Easter holidays lead to an increase in travel during March reports SAS. 

In March 310,000 passengers flew with SAS, an increase of about 40% compared with February, but almost 70% lower than the same month last year. The increased demand led to an improvement in the load factor compared with February by 5 percentage points to 31%. The load factor continues to be generally higher on SAS’ Scandinavian and European traffic and amounted to 44% in March, which is an improvement of 2 percentage points compared with February.

“The number of passengers and future bookings has increased during the month, but from very low levels. The development of the demand for air travel is entirely dependent on ongoing vaccinations and that travel restriction can be eased and coordinated between countries and regions. Although the market for the aviation industry remains challenging, we succeeded in securing favourable financing agreements for future deliveries of aircraft from Airbus during the month. The new aircraft take us toward a unified fleet with significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions,” says Rickard Gustafson, CEO of SAS.

Qantas looking to the future as recovery speeds forward,

Photo Getty

Growing domestic demand and the opening of a two-way travel bubble with New Zealand are helping keep the Qantas Group’s recovery on track and allowing more parts of the business to be brought out of hibernation.

    Group Domestic capacity increasing beyond previous estimates to reach 90 per cent of pre-COVID levels in Q4 FY21; Jetstar to exceed 100 per cent due to strong leisure demand.

    All Qantas and Jetstar domestic crew now back at work.

    Recovery strategy puts short term focus on cash positive flying over profit margins – meaning more low fares to help drive demand.

    Continuing to target resumption of rest of international network from late October; continued flexibility for customers.

    Premium international lounges in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to reopen.

    New deal signed with Accor.

American Airlines adding more flights to its summer schedule

The U.S. mega carrier, American Airlines has added a lot of flights for this coming summer season as it rebuilds its route network and passenger demand increases. 

The carrier says that due to strong demand, it expects to fly more than 90% of its domestic seat capacity compared to summer 2019 and 80% of its international seat capacity compared to 2019.  This year the airline will operate more than 150 new routes over the summer season. 

“Throughout the pandemic, our trademark has been to build a schedule based on what customers tell us they want and need,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Vice President of Network Planning. “And today, they are telling us they’re eager to get back to travel. With our summer schedule, we can offer customers the best network and continue welcoming them safely back to the skies."

New domestic routes 

More electrical problems found on some Boeing 737 MAX

An electrical problem that led to dozens of Boeing 737 MAX jets being suspended from service has widened after engineers found similar grounding flaws elsewhere in the cockpit, industry sources said on Friday, news agency Reuters is reporting, 

Airlines pulled dozens of MAX jets from service a week ago after Boeing Co warned of a production-related electrical grounding problem in a backup power control unit situated in the cockpit on some recently built aeroplanes.

Since then, suspected grounding problems have been found in two other places on the flight deck, the sources said.

These include the storage rack where the affected control unit is kept and the instrument panel facing the pilots.

Delta Air Lines records $2.9 billion loss for first quarter 2021

 

U.S. mega-carrier Delta Air Lines this week reported its financial results for the March quarter 2021 and provided its outlook for the June quarter 2021.  Highlights of the March quarter 2021 results:

  March quarter 2021 GAAP pre-tax loss of $1.5 billion and loss per share of $1.85 on total revenue of $4.2 billion

    March quarter 2021 adjusted pre-tax loss of $2.9 billion and adjusted loss per share of $3.55 on adjusted operating revenue of $3.6 billion

    Acceleration in demand supported positive cash generation in the month of March, marking a critical milestone in our recovery

“A year after the onset of the pandemic, travellers are gaining confidence and beginning to reclaim their lives. Delta is accelerating into the recovery with our brand stronger and more trusted than ever before,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer.  “Thanks to the incredible efforts of our people, we achieved positive daily cash generation in the month of March, a remarkable accomplishment considering our middle seat block and the low level of demand for business and international travel.  If recovery trends hold, we expect positive cash generation for the June quarter and see a path to return to profitability in the September quarter as the demand recovery progresses.”

Blade orders 20 BETA Technologies electric vertical aircraft for delivery in 2024

Blade Urban Air Mobility, Inc, the technology-powered urban air mobility platform, has confirmed this week that it has agreed to secure up to 20 BETA Technologies (“BETA”) ALIA Electric Vertical Aircraft (“EVA”) for purchase by its network of operators, subject to certain conditions. 

 The agreement includes a commitment for Blade operators, or third-party financing sources who will enter into leasing arrangements with operators, to purchase up to 20 of BETA’s first passenger-configured EVAs, scheduled for delivery beginning in late 2024, ahead of the Company’s 2025 target for its launch of EVA services. Blade intends to deploy these initial BETA EVAs on routes between its network of dedicated terminals in the Northeast, where BETA has agreed to provide and install charging infrastructure at certain key locations.

Constant Aviation gets FAA Safety Management System Certification

Constant Aviation, one of the country’s largest maintenance, repair and overhaul businesses (MROs), today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has accepted its fully functional SMS as being in “Active Conformance” with the FAA’s Part 5 Voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) Program, the final step in the SMS process. The certification ranks Constant Aviation among the leaders nationally in business aviation maintenance safety and risk mitigation.

 Constant Aviation becomes only the fourth MRO out of the more than 4,500 maintenance organizations nationally and the first independent business jet MRO Part 145 Repair Station to achieve this designation.

“We are proud that the FAA has certified Constant Aviation as being in active conformance with the Part 5 Voluntary Safety Management System Program,” said David Davies, Constant Aviation CEO. “This certification is a rare honor, earned by the dedicated men and women of our team and reflective of our commitment to the highest standards of safety for our staff and for those who fly on the aircraft we service.”

American Airlines to Help Grant 95 Wishes to Mark 95 Years of Service

American Airlines to Help Grant 95 Wishes

 to Mark 95 Years of Service

                 In honour of its 95th birthday, American Airlines is donating 10 million AAdvantage® miles to Make-A-Wish, the organization that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, to help grant 95 wishes. With each wish granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, anxiety with hope and sadness with joy.

“We believe caring for people on life’s journey extends to those in the communities where American’s team members live and work,” said Ron DeFeo, American’s Senior Vice President of Global Engagement. “We have a long history with Make-A-Wish and we are proud to help bring joy and strength to children as they courageously fight their illnesses.”

As the longest-standing airline partner of Make-A-Wish, American has helped thousands of wish families experience the hope and healing that comes with a wish. Since travel costs are typically the largest wish-granting expense, donated AAdvantage miles are used to help wish families get to their destinations.

"Make-A-Wish is extremely grateful for our 30-year partnership with American Airlines. This generous gift of 10 million miles reflects the dedication of the American Airlines staff and their belief that wishes give children a piece of their childhood back," said Richard K. Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "We are proud to call American Airlines a partner in our mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses."

Customers can support their own communities — including organizations like Make-A-Wish — through American’s Let Good Take Flight program. Through customer donations to Miles for Social Good, Miles for Global Health & Well-Being, or Miles for Heroes, American is able to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Budget carrier Allegiant reaches agreement with union.

Allegiant reaches agreement in principle for maintenance technicians and related workforce first contract with International Brotherhood of Teamsters

The U.S. budget carrier Allegiant has announced that it and International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), representing Allegiant's workforce of maintenance technician and related employees, have reached an agreement in principle on all remaining open issues for the first collective bargaining agreement between the parties. The agreement in principle is subject to finalization between the parties and ratification by the employee group, which includes line and heavy maintenance technicians as well as stores employees and some administrative maintenance staff.  A ratification vote is expected to occur by the end of July, 2021. Allegiant currently employs 415 maintenance technician and related employees.

Ethiopian Airlines Transports Vaccine to São Paulo, Brazil

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading Airline, has transported 3.5 Million doses  of COVID-19 vaccine from Shanghai to São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa. The vaccine arrived in Brazil on Thursday, 15 April 2021. So far, Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics  Services has transported over 20 Million vaccines to more than 20 countries.  

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam said “As a leading pan  African airline, we joined the fight against the pandemic since the outbreak of the virus. Our  commitment to fighting against the pandemic and saving lives has been unwavering in Africa  and beyond. I feel that our efficient and timely delivery of vaccines would save millions of lives  that could have been lost due to lack of access to vaccines. We are devoted to transport vaccines  globally with our modern fleet, well-established infrastructure and diligent employees. I am glad  that we have started to reach beyond Africa and we will continue to play our part in the global  vaccine distribution. Our collaborative efforts are the only way out at this critical time where  equitable distribution and transportation of the vaccines is desirable.’’ 

Ethiopian Airlines has beefed up its cargo shipment capacity by reconfiguring its  passenger aircraft and introducing new technologies. The airline has become the choice  of cargo partners as a result of its agility, capability to store and carry time-sensitive  shipments such as pharmaceuticals. It played an exemplary role in the distribution of  PPE across the globe which led to the selection of Addis Ababa Bole International  Airport as a humanitarian air hub by UN agencies.  

Currently, Ethiopian is developing an in-house dry ice manufacturing facility that is  capable of producing 9,000kg of ice daily to fulfill the need for additional coolants for vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech & Moderna that require ultra-cold environment  for transport.  

It is to be recalled that Ethiopian Transported PPE and other medical supplies to Brazil  when they were desperately needed to prevent the spread of the virus. 

As we celebrate 75 years of excellence, we take stock of our accomplishments over three quarters of a century. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam pic.twitter.com/MMgovt6MIl

— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) April 11, 2021

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Legal wrangle over new Air Force One aircraft

A subcontractor working on the new Air Force One aircraft for Boeing countersued the Chicago-based aircraft giant over Boeing’s allegations of missed deadlines for work on the presidential aircraft.

In a seven-page lawsuit filed in state district court in Fort Worth, GDC Technics LLC seeks more than 20 million US dollars in damages from Boeing. It also alleges that Boeing has damaged GDC’s reputation with the Pentagon. 

The lawsuit alleges that Boeing’s mismanagement caused the delays, not GDC’s actions. The Fort Worth-based subcontractor contends that Boeing failed in its contractual obligations to the subcontractors, including failing to pay what GDC was due for its work.

H125 performance increase certified by EASA

Photo Francisco Francés Torrontera

Airbus Helicopters has received EASA certification for the power upgrade of its single-engine H125 helicopter. Announced at Heli-Expo last year, this major evolution increases the aircraft’s power by up to 10% by making full use of the available power of the existing Safran Helicopter Engines’ Arriel 2D.

While the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft remains unchanged, its external and internal load lifting capabilities are increased for a large part of the flight domain (by up to +140 kg), while the hover ceiling OGE at maximum take-off weight is increased by more than 1,500 ft (up to 12,600 ft).

“It is our ambition to continuously improve our products and bring further competitive advantages to our customers”, said Axel Aloccio, Head of Light Helicopters Programme. “The extra power offered by this major upgrade represents a 10% to 20% payload increase for a typical aerial work mission versus the aircraft’s current lifting capabilities and confirms the superiority of the H125 in terms of payload and value for money”.

FAA and EASA Approve Viasat’s Ka-band In-Flight Connectivity System for Bombardier Challenger 300-Series Aircraft

Bombardier and global communications company Viasat Inc. are pleased to announce regulatory approval for the installation and use of Viasat’s Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) business aviation system on in-service Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft, for their fastest available download speeds in the super midsize segment. This solution is also offered for new Challenger 350 business jets, further strengthening the aircraft’s winning combination of performance and cabin experience. Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) have been successfully received from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Viasat first announced it would bring enhanced cabin connectivity to Bombardier Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 business jets in July 2020. Regulatory approval clears the way for operators of those aircraft to have Viasat’s Ka-band Global Aero Terminal 5510 installed for a premier in-cabin internet experience over the most heavily travelled flight routes and regions. Installation of the Viasat system will be available at Bombardier’s worldwide network of service centres.

French nationals and companies told to leave Pakistan

Photo France24

The French Authorities have issued an urgent update to all French nationals and companies to immediately leave Pakistan amind a wraith of anti-French protests erupting across Pakistan this week.

"Due to the serious threats to French interests in Pakistan, French nationals and French companies are advised to temporarily leave the country," the French Embassy in Pakistan said in an email to French citizens and the media. "The departures will be carried out by existing commercial airlines." the embassy advises. 

There has been an increasing amount of anti-French sentiment in the country since the French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for the magazine Charlie Hebdo’s right to republish the Prophet Mohamed cartoons last year.  

Tehrik-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) a staunchly hardline Islamic group has been stepping up its calls for proeststs and a boycott on France and French products in recent weeks.  Pakistani Interior Ministry has stateed in recent days that it will outlaw TLP.

For continuing coverage on this story, see France24

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French government orders Airbus H225Ms and VSR700 prototype to support nations helicopter industry

Florence Parly, the French Minister of Armed Forces has confirmed that the Armament General Directorate (DGA) has signed an order for eight additional H225Ms and a second VSR700 prototype. This special order is part of a Stimulus plan to support the French aeronautical industry. For Airbus Helicopters, the plan also includes an order for two H145s for the Sécurité Civile and 10 H160s for the French Gendarmerie Nationale.

Photo Anthony Pecchi

The H225Ms will be operated by the French Air and Space Force whereas the VSR700 is an unmanned aerial system being developed for the French Navy in partnership with the Naval Group. 

“We are very thankful to the French government for their support of the aeronautical industry through the Stimulus plan. This is a win-win situation as the aircraft fulfill a real operational need for the French armed forces and this order allows Airbus Helicopters to secure jobs and key skills in the medium term,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “The French armed forces are facing increasing and varied challenges and I am confident that the H225M, thanks to its excellent range and multirole capacity, will be an efficient and reliable asset that will enhance their operations at home and abroad. The VSR700 is also a crucial programme. It will provide the French Navy with a highly capable autonomous platform and it will pave the way for future unmanned systems within the Airbus Helicopters portfolio.”

Photo Airbus 

Like the rest of the aeronautical industry, the helicopter industry has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. 2020 saw the worldwide market decrease by 50%. The support of the French government will help secure 960 jobs during the next three years for Airbus Helicopters and its suppliers.

These contracts will benefit the French helicopter industry as a whole, including other key French aerospace providers such as Safran Helicopters Engines with the H225M’s Makila 2A engines, Safran Power Units with the Saphir 20 auxiliary power unit, Safran Electronic Defense with the electro-optical system Euroflir 410M NG and the Sigma inertial navigation system, and Thales with the VUHF radio TRA6034 and IFF transponder TSC4000. But with more than 300 French Tier 1 suppliers involved in the H225M’s supply chain, the contract will also benefit a variety of small and medium enterprises. The VSR700 is based on the Cabri G2 light helicopter built by local SME Hélicoptères Guimbal.

First deliveries of the H225Ms are planned to start in 2024 and will fulfill the Air and Space Force’s operational needs and the long awaited replacement of the Puma fleet.

Thanks to a modular and versatile configuration allowing the integration of diverse equipment, the aircraft will be dedicated to a wide range of military missions including combat/search and rescue, medical evacuation, support to the population in times of crisis, and tactical training. While based in the Air and Space Force’s Cazaux base in Southwest France, the helicopters will be deployed across the country and will also support the French armed forces’ operations overseas.

With more than 104 helicopters in service and more than 143,000 flight hours accumulated to date, the H225M is a recognized combat-proven, versatile and reliable workhorse for military missions worldwide. Among the essential operational advantages offered by the 11-tonne helicopter is the in-flight refueling capacity, already tested by the French and Brazilian air forces.

Designed to operate alongside other shipborne naval assets, the VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS) is being developed within the frame of the SDAM (Système de drone aérien de la Marine) programme for the French Navy. The VSR700, derived from Hélicoptères Guimbal’s Cabri G2, is an unmanned aerial system in the 500-1000 kg maximum take-off weight range. It offers the best balance of payload capability, endurance and operational cost. It is capable of carrying multiple full-size naval sensors for extended periods and can operate from existing ships, alongside a helicopter, with a low logistical footprint.

The first prototype of the VSR700 performed its maiden flight in 2020 and has recently begun expanding its flight envelope.

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IATA and Eurofins Partner to Boost Travel with Testing

                                                     The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an agreement with Eurofins to incorporate its worldwide COVID-19 testing network into IATA Travel Pass. Eurofins is a leader in bio-analytical testing with 800 laboratories across 50 countries. As part of the partnership, Eurofins’ dedicated COVID-19 portfolio encompassing multiple test types and hundreds of COVID-19 sampling stations globally will be made available through the IATA Travel Pass.

Amid the pandemic, coronavirus testing is required for most international travel. As part of the IATA Travel Pass initiative, Eurofins laboratories will provide secure, verified test results to travellers using the app. This result is checked against the IATA Travel Pass registry of national entry requirements to produce an “OK to Travel” status. Through the app, passengers can share their status and the digital test certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel.  

Eight people killed at FedEx depot near Indianapolis International Airport

A mass shooting at a FedEx facility very close to  Indianapolis International Airport has left eight people dead and a further seven injured, according to the local police department. 

Various news reports say witnesses heard several gunshots and one man said he had seen a man firing an automatic weapon.  It is understood the gunman was acting alone and the local police say there is no ongoing threat to the public as they believe the gunman has killed himself.  

"As officers arrived, they came into contact with an active shooting incident," a spokesperson  Indianapolis said, "After a preliminary search of the grounds, inside and out, we have located eight people at the scene with injuries consistent to gunshot wounds. Those eight were pronounced deceased here at the scene."

The shooting took place at approximately 23:00 local time which is 3:00am GMT, normal operations at the airport were unaffected. 

FedEx released a brief statement on the shooting. 

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JetBlue's new service to Guatemala City takes off.....

 Guatemala City JetBlue's Newest International Destination

Leading U.S carrier JetBlue has officially launched service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport (GUA), with the first roundtrip flight arriving back in New York this morning. 

JetBlue now offers the only daily service between New York City and Guatemala’s capital city and introduces the airline’s award-winning service and low fares to one of the largest markets in Central America.

“Growing JetBlue’s presence in Latin America and the Caribbean is key to our continued success internationally and Guatemala City service will play an important role in maintaining our leadership role in the region,” said Andrea Lusso, vice president network planning, JetBlue. “It also gives us an opportunity to serve a variety of travellers and grow our customer bases in Central America and the Northeast.”

With a mix of customers travelling between the U.S. and the Central American city to visit friends and relatives, for leisure and for business, Guatemala City builds on JetBlue’s success in the broader region. Guatemala is a country of extraordinary cultural and natural richness and a unique geographical location. The distances from place to place are short, allowing travellers to visit multiple regions in one trip. Known as the country of the eternal spring, Guatemala enjoys a climate that attracts visitors any time of year.

The first @JetBlue arrival in our 25th country! Welcome to Guatemala City! 🇬🇹✈️ #JetBlueGUA @HelloJetBlue pic.twitter.com/9enW4PWjge

— Philip Stewart (@PhilipStewartNY) April 16, 2021

Couples to take the plunge on Catalina Island - Literally

Exclusively from Catalina Island Company, Couples Will Soar Through the Skies During Their Nuptials

(Photo: Business Wire)

Weddings are meant to be memorable, but “Take the Plunge” takes on a whole new meaning with this new limited-edition Zip Line Wedding Package. Announced today from Catalina Island Company, this unique wedding opportunity includes a two-night stay and an extraordinary ceremony on the Zip Line Eco Tour, available for one day only—  Thursday, 13th May.

For more than 10 years, Catalina Island Company’s popular Zip Line Eco Tour has been thrilling guests with a 3,600-foot-long course that zigs and zags across Descanso Canyon and through a grove of towering eucalyptus trees. This adventure is set against the backdrop of beautiful Catalina Island, California’s Island Escape™, with sweeping views of the ocean and its iconic Casino building. On this special day, four lucky, adventurous couples will have the chance to say, “I do!” in one of nature’s most beautiful settings, all while safely harnessed as they soar through the Zip Line Eco Tour course.

US travel agency air ticket sales increased by 82% in March over February

Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) today released data showing net sales from ARC-accredited travel agencies totalling $2.8 billion in March 2021, an 82% month-over-month increase compared to February’s net sales. This represents the third consecutive month of positive sales growth, and a 120% increase compared to March 2020.*

Month over month, March 2021 results showed:

Total passenger trips increased 54%;

U.S. domestic trips up 50%; and

International trips up 66%.

“Our data shows leisure and online travel agency segments continuing to fuel the growth in airline ticket purchases,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Airlines are matching this demand by adding more leisure-focused routes while corporate travel remains suppressed.”

Total passenger trips settled by ARC in March 2021 increased 29% year over year, from 11,139,567 to 14,347,442. U.S. domestic trips were up 34% to 9.9 million, eclipsing February’s total passenger trips, while international trips were up 19% to 4.4 million YOY. The average U.S. round-trip ticket price increased from $377 in March 2020 to $382 in March 2021.

Year over year, EMD sales for March 2021 increased 43% to $5,794,680, while EMD transactions increased 127% to 125,280.

More detailed information is available on ARC’s website.

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