Russian airline Aeroflot shows off retrofitted Boeing 777

The leading Russian airline, Aeroflot has unveiled its first long-range Boeing 777 aircraft with a fresh new retrofitted cabin. The jet has been configured to accommodate 427 passengers, with 28 Super Diamond NG seats equipped with sliding doors in Business class, 24 seats in Comfort class and 375 seats in Economy class. 

All seats come in high-quality jacquard upholstery. The seat pitch in Economy class averages 80 cm, in Comfort class – 96 cm. Business-class passengers can enjoy individual suites providing a high level of privacy.  Sliding doors and an extra armrest turn a seat in a private suite fitted with an 18.5-inch HD monitor and 2-metre full-flat bed.

Passengers travelling in all classes of service can enjoy the latest generation Panasonic Ex3  multimedia in-flight entertainment system featuring new film releases and classical movies, audiobooks, games, children’s channel, flight map with city guides (same as onboard А350). High-speed Internet access (up to 30 Мb/sec)* is available onboard.

The innovative cabin and seat design ensure a premium level of Aeroflot’s travel product. The airline will operate the retrofitted Boeing 777 on all popular international and domestic routes, including Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, Mahe, Delhi, Yerevan, Bishkek, Baku, Tashkent, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. By end of 2021, Aeroflot will refurbish the cabin interior on two more aircraft.

Aeroflot operates one of the youngest fleets globally. As of August 2021, the airline has 202 aircraft, 20 of which are long-range Boeing 777-300ERs.

*extra charge applicable

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Canadian carrier WestJet restarts operating between Calgary and Paris with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

This week the Canadian carrier WestJet restarted its non-stop route to France, operating between Calgary and Paris with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. 

With the restart of service to Paris, WestJet becomes the airline serving the most European destinations, direct from its global hub in Calgary. WestJet introduced twice-weekly, non-stop, service between Calgary and Amsterdam on August 5 and is currently serving London (Gatwick) two times weekly, with both markets increasing to three times weekly in September.

"We are thrilled to bring back this historic route between Calgary and Paris, reconnecting these two incredible cities and providing easy and unique travel opportunities throughout Europe for Western Canadians," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "Calgary to Paris is a key market for inbound tourism to Western Canada. Alongside a successful vaccination rollout across Canada, we are proud to see this route return and will continue to invest in the economic recovery and growth of both Calgary and Alberta, following the COVID-19 pandemic."

In 2019, WestJet's investment in direct flights from Europe to Alberta drove $90 Million in spend from 56,000 inbound travellers.

Air France codeshare partnership

Norwich Airport sees return of Guernsey flights

Norwich Airport sees the return of flights to Guernsey this week with the first of five weekly Saturday services for anyone looking for a Channel Island break.

Guernsey’s own airline Aurigny is operating the flights until September 18, marking the return of a summer service that it last operated from Norwich in 2019.

Malcolm Coupar, Commercial Director of Aurigny, said: “Aurigny are delighted to be returning to Norwich airport this weekend with the first of five weekly Saturday flights direct to Guernsey in just 90 minutes.

“The seasonal service has always been popular and gives many the opportunity to visit the beautiful islands of Guernsey, Herm, Sark, Lihou and Alderney, which together make up the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Guernsey provides the safety of home yet the exotic appeal of an overseas location with much to see and explore. We look forward to welcoming aboard our visitors from Norwich and the surrounding areas.”

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “It’s great to welcome Aurigny back with their flights to Guernsey and to be able to offer passengers another exciting destination from Norwich.

Leipzig / Halle Airport strengthens position as a major humanitarian hub with recent Volga-Dnepr charter flights to Namibia

This week two Volga-Dnepr Group’s humanitarian flights took off from Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) to Windhoek in Namibia. Medical supplies, weighing over 95 tons, such as masks and respirators needed by this south African country heavily affected by the Corona pandemic were urgently delivered with An-124-100 flights.

In total, the German government's aid delivery consisted of more than 600 pallets or 1,200 cubic meters, which have been flown to southern Africa by Volga-Dnepr Airlines, one of the long-standing airport’s partners. The direct client is the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO). A new logistics centre also initiated by ECHO for civil protection is to be built in Leipzig within the framework of the RescEU programme. The German Red Cross (DRK) will set up a new logistics centre for disaster control in the area surrounding the airport as part of the RescEU programme.

Yulia Celetaria, Global Healthcare Director for Volga-Dnepr Group, highlights: ‘Not only do these flights demonstrate our commitment toward Humanitarian sector but also come as a logical step for further development of long-lasting strategic cooperation between LEJ and Volga-Dnepr Group. Earlier this year we have signed MoU which will ramp up our capabilities in setting up an Emergency Logistics/Humanitarian Hub in LEJ and humanitarian flights to Namibia, organized in cooperation with our customer Maersk, is one of the roadmap’s steps’.

All partners involved in the further development of the airport into a humanitarian hub have also exchanged ideas in the course of flights preparation, thus enabling smooth and fast handling for these and other aid flights.

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Southwest Airlines reaches agreement with customer service union

Southwest Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have reached a Tentative Agreement for Southwest's more than 5,000 Customer Service Employees.

"The parties concluded these negotiations with an agreement designed to reward our hard-working Employees, support future market expansion for Southwest, and increase our overall efficiency," said Vice President of Labor Relations Russell McCrady. "We appreciate the work by both Negotiating Committees, along with the assistance of the National Mediation Board, to get us to this point."

Composed of the Company's Customer Service Agents, Customer Representatives, and Source of Support Representatives, these employees deliver excellent customer service by helping our customers get to their destinations, whether that is taking a phone call to change a customer's travel plans or assisting a customer or fellow employee on the ground at one of the airports we serve.

The IAM will communicate to its membership the details of the Tentative Agreement and the ratification process.

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Allways Rewards - Allegiant launches 'first loyalty programme designed for leisure travelers

Allegiant Introduces Allways Rewards - The First Loyalty Program Designed Specifically For Leisure Travelers

Breaking the Mold of Traditional Airline Loyalty, Tech-Forward Program Offers Continuous Earning and Redemption, Unique Rewards

Budget carrier Allegiant has launched the travel company's signature non-credit card loyalty programme, Allways Rewards. 

The airline says this is the first airline loyalty programme that has been designed specifically for leisure travellers and brings together the best of tech, travel and retail. Allways provides continuous opportunities for customers to earn and redeem points - without restrictions, blackout dates or mileage tracking. 

In addition to opportunities to redeem points for flights, lodging and rental cars, the program leverages Allegiant's partnerships to bring unique rewards to members, including sports and live music event tickets and exclusive experiences.

The program rollout will be accompanied by the Allways Rewards Launch Sweepstakes, starting September 3. One grand prize winner will receive a year of concert tickets, along with a pair of tickets to eight NFL Las Vegas Raiders home football games, beginning when the Silver and Black host the Miami Dolphins on September 29 at Allegiant Stadium. The grand prize winner will also receive vouchers for travel to Las Vegas or any other Allegiant destination. Those who enrol in the program by September 13 will be automatically entered to win.

Blocked Airline Funds Could Slow Recovery

 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged governments to abide by international agreements and treaty obligations to enable airlines to repatriate close to nearly $1 billion in blocked funds from the sale of tickets, cargo space, and other activities. 

“Governments are preventing nearly $1 billion of airline revenues from being repatriated. This contravenes international conventions and could slow the recovery of travel and tourism in affected markets as the airline industry struggles to recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Airlines will not be able to provide reliable connectivity if they cannot rely on local revenues to support operations. That is why it is critical for all governments to prioritize ensuring that funds can be repatriated efficiently. Now is not the time to score an ‘own goal’ by putting vital air connectivity at risk,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 

Approximately $963 million in airline funds are being blocked from repatriation in nearly 20 countries. Four countries: Bangladesh ($146.1 million), Lebanon ($175.5 million), Nigeria ($143.8 million), and Zimbabwe ($142.7 million), account for over 60% of this total, although there has been positive progress in reducing blocked funds in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe of late. 

“We encourage governments to work with industry to resolve the issues that are preventing airlines from repatriating funds. This will enable aviation to provide the connectivity needed to sustain jobs and energize economies as they recover from COVID-19,” said Walsh.

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Lufthansa Group generates positive cash inflows again in the second quarter - Adjusted free cash flow at 340 million euros

Adjusted EBIT in the second quarter at -952 million euros: 43 percent better than in the same quarter a year earlier

Significant cost reductions and strong bookings for all Group Airlines stop cash outflows: Adjusted free cash flow at 340 million euros positive for the first time since the beginning of the crisis

Lufthansa Cargo on record course: good long-term prospects for air freight

Good response: Voluntary programs in Germany and Switzerland above expectations

Still high demand for tourist destinations and gradual recovery of business travel expected in the second half of the year

In the second quarter, the Lufthansa Group benefited from a significant market recovery with increasing passenger and booking numbers. Relaxation of travel restrictions in international air traffic and a great pent-up demand among passengers drove both demand and activity. In June alone, the number of bookings was more than twice as high as at the beginning of the quarter. As planned, the capacity offered at the end of June was 40 percent of the pre-crisis level.

Carsten Spohr, CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says: "All Lufthansa employees worldwide have made great efforts to significantly lower costs in all areas. As a result, we have been able to stop the outflow of funds in the current phase of reviving our business and generate a positive cash flow for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. The fact that more than 30,000 colleagues have left us in the process so far hurts us all, but is unavoidable to sustainably save the more than 100,000 remaining jobs. This unique crisis is also a unique opportunity for us to accelerate the transformation of Lufthansa in order to consolidate our global leadership role."

Quarterly loss limited - return to positive free cash flow

Thanks to the positive development of the airlines, record results at Lufthansa Cargo and the continued recovery of Lufthansa Technik and the LSG Group, operating losses in the second quarter of 2021 declined significantly by 43 percent to -952 million euros compared to the first quarter of 2021.

Adjusted free cash flow in the second quarter was positive at 340 million euros, mainly due to strong bookings. Operating cash flow was positive at 784 million euros due to positive working capital effects related to strong bookings in the second quarter. Excluding these effects, the cash drain averaged 200 million euros per month.

BOC Aviation Limited has just released its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2021, during which the firm reported net profit after tax (“NPAT”) of US$254 million for the first half of  2021. 

Profitability has improved since the second half of 2020, as the earnings and cash flow outlook improved for most of our airline customers, particularly in China, Europe and  USA.  During the six months ended June 2021, we generated positive operating cash flow net of interest expenses of US$557 million and ended the half-year with a record US$5.8 billion in available liquidity. 

The Board of Directors approved a distribution of US$0.1098 per share by way of interim dividend, which represents 30% of our NPAT in the first half of 2021 and is the same proportion of NPAT that we distributed as an interim dividend in prior years. 

“BOC Aviation’s underlying earnings continued to improve during 1H 2021 with profit before tax and impairment charges rising 5% to US$434 million, reflecting our disciplined investment in modern aircraft, placed on long term leases to high-quality airline customers,”  Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BOC Aviation, commented.  “We celebrated our fifth year as a listed company in June and have generated over US$5  billion in cumulative earnings since our inception 27 years ago.” 

Financial Highlights 

Financial highlights for the six months ended 30 June 2021 are: 

• Total revenues and other income increased 7% to US$1,107 million • Profit before tax and charges for impairment of aircraft and financial assets of  US$434 million, up 5% from US$412 million in the first half of 2020 

• Operating cash flow net of interest increased 0.4% in the first six months of 2021  compared with 1H 2020 

• Net profit after tax declined to US$254 million, compared with US$323 million in the  first half of 2020 

• Earnings per share of US$0.37 

 Total assets increased to US$23.9 billion as at 30 June 2021 from US$23.6 billion  as at 31 December 2020  

• Raised US$2 billion in new financing 

• Maintained strong liquidity with US$460 million in cash and cash equivalents in  addition to US$5.4 billion in undrawn committed revolving credit facilities as at 30  June 2021 

Portfolio and Operational Highlights 

Our operational transactions as at 30 June 2021 included: 

• A portfolio of 5361 owned, managed and committed aircraft 

• Owned fleet of 377 aircraft, with an average age of 3.7 years and an average  remaining lease term of 8.1 years, each weighted by net book value 

• An orderbook of 1221 aircraft scheduled for delivery through to 31 December 2024 • Total deliveries of 34 aircraft, including six acquired by airline customers on delivery,  in the first half of 2021 

• Signed 26 lease commitments in the first half of 2021, with all aircraft scheduled for  delivery from our orderbook before 2023 placed with airline customers • Customer base of 87 airlines in 38 countries and regions in the owned and managed  fleet 

• Sold nine aircraft from the owned fleet and three from the managed fleet • Owned aircraft utilisation at 99.6%, with six twin aisle aircraft (all of which are now  subject to new leases) and two single aisle aircraft off lease at 30 June 2021 • Managed fleet comprised 37 aircraft, with two single aisle aircraft off lease at 30 June  2021

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EU and UK Digital Covid Certificates Recognized by IATA Travel Pass

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) and UK NHS COVID Pass can now be uploaded into IATA Travel Pass as verified proof of vaccination for travel. 

Travelers holding an EU DCC or UK NHS COVID Pass can now access accurate COVID-19 travel information for their journey, create an electronic version of their passport and import their vaccination certificate in one place. This information can be shared with airlines and border control authorities who can have the assurance that the certificate presented to them is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it. 

“COVID-19 vaccination certificates are becoming a widespread requirement for international travel. Handling the European and UK certificates through IATA Travel Pass is an important step forward, providing convenience for travelers, authenticity for governments and efficiency for airlines,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations Safety and Security.  

Harmonization of Digital Vaccine Standards 

Harmonization of digital vaccine standards is essential to support the safe and scalable restart of aviation, avoid unnecessary airport queues and ensure a smooth passenger experience. IATA welcomes the work done by the EU Commission in developing, in record time, the EU DCC system and thereby standardizing digital vaccine certificates across Europe. 

Building on the EU DCC success, IATA urges the World Health Organization (WHO) to revisit its work to develop a global digital vaccine standard.

“The absence of a global standard makes it much harder for airlines, border authorities and governments to recognize and verify a traveler’s digital vaccination certificate. The industry is working around this by developing solutions that can recognize and verify certificates from individual countries. But this is a slow process that is hampering the restart of international travel.   

“As more states roll out their vaccination programs, many are urgently looking to implement technical solutions to provide vaccine certification for their citizens when they travel. In the absence of a WHO standard, IATA urges them to look closely at the EU DCC as a proven solution that meets WHO guidance and can help to reconnect the world,” said Careen.

 

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Lufthansa supports German federal government with airlift

Special flights to form an air bridge from Tashkent, Uzbekistan and Doha, Qatar to Germany

First special flight lands in Germany already this night

Lufthansa prepares further flights also from other neighboring countries on behalf of the German government

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Lufthansa is setting up an air bridge to Tashkent and Doha at short notice to support the German government with special flights during the evacuation. The first special flight chartered by the German government will depart from Tashkent this evening. An Airbus 340-300 long-haul aircraft will be used.

Within just a few hours, Lufthansa is thus quickly and flexibly enabling the first special flight from the Central Asian country, which no airline in the Lufthansa Group currently flies to on a regular basis. Traffic rights were applied for at short notice, crew deployment planning was carried out and the aircraft was released for the mission.

Lufthansa will operate further flights from Tashkent, Doha or other neighboring countries in the next few days as part of the airlift and in coordination with the German government.

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Air Canada Named Among the 50 Most Engaged Workplaces for the Fifth Consecutive Year

Air Canada has been ranked among the 50 Most Engaged Workplaces™ for the fifth consecutive year for its commitment to employee engagement by Achievers, an employee social recognition company.

"We are thrilled with this recognition from Achievers. After the severe disruption over the last year and a half from the COVID-19 pandemic, this affirms we have continued to create a positive work environment and our workforce culture has remained strong even in the face of adversity and change.  Our 'win as one' approach and culture supports our business priority and belief that a resilient, engaged workforce is important to our ongoing recovery," said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada.

The Achievers award is the most recent recognition Air Canada has received for human resources, corporate culture and employee engagement. The airline was also honoured earlier this week by FXExpress Publications, Inc. with six awards, including the Trazee readership's Favourite Airline in North America, and is the only Skytrax Four Star international network carrier in North America. Other awards include honours across several business segments, including customer service, employee engagement, social responsibility and innovation, and investor relations leadership.

28th Airbus A220-300 for airBaltic

On August 15, 2021, the Latvian government-owned carrier airBaltic welcomed its 28th Airbus A220-300 jet, registered as YL-ABB, in Riga. This is the third out of seven Airbus A220-300s scheduled to arrive this year. This aircraft is a part of the 50 Airbus A220-300 which airBaltic has ordered. In addition, airBaltic holds 30 options for the same aircraft type.

Since May 2020, when airBaltic axed its Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400 fleets, it has operated all its flights with the Airbus A220-300 jets, thus minimizing the complexity and benefiting from the additional efficiency provided by the aircraft.

The Airbus A220-300 has performed beyond the company’s expectations, delivering better overall performance, fuel efficiency and convenience for both passengers and the staff. This aircraft offers an excellent flying experience with such benefits for passengers as wider seats, larger windows, more hand luggage space in the cabin, improved lavatories and much more.

The Airbus A220-300 has a high-quality air filtering system equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) type filter that provides the best level of filtration currently available for recirculated cabin air from the very beginning of boarding, during entire flight and until all passengers have left the aircraft. The quality of cabin air is carefully controlled and is recirculated with ventilation rates that provide a total change of air 20-30 times per hour. 

United Customers Can Now Access 3,000 COVID Testing Locations at Albertson Companies and Walmart Through Airline's Mobile App and Website

Customers can book appointments and have test results directly validated on United's mobile app and website to be cleared for travel

United customers can access even more COVID testing locations, including more than 3,000 new Walmart and Albertson Companies locations across the U.S., through the airline's website and mobile app in the Travel Ready Center. Customers can now easily book COVID-19 testing appointments at more than 3,800 total testing providers powered by Accenture technology and the CLX Health's TrustAssure™ network and have their results delivered within 4 to 48 hours of their test and directly submitted to United's website and mobile app to be reviewed for their flight.

United remains the only airline that gives customers destination-specific travel requirements and the ability to upload country-specific required forms, testing results and vaccination records, all within the United App and on United.com. To date, nearly 3.3 million vaccination records, test results and destination entry forms have been submitted through United's online platforms.

"United continues to deliver solutions that make it simple for customers to understand and meet all testing and vaccination requirements directly through our award-winning digital channels," said Linda Jojo, United's executive vice president for technology and Chief Digital Officer. "As more Americans resume international travel, this enhancement to our mobile app and website will give our customers confidence and peace-of-mind knowing they have access to all of the information and services they need right in the palm of their hand or on their laptop." 

IAG Cargo reaches 10 million vaccine milestone, as it supports Crown Agents and UNICEF complete key shipments for vaccine equity

IAG Cargo continues to transport life-saving vaccines in a global effort to combat COVID-19

 

IAG Cargo completes UNICEF COVAX shipment of 4 million vaccine doses to Abuja, Nigeria

 

Working with Crown Agents the business also delivers 300,000 doses of vaccine to Jamaica donated by the UK government 

 IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced that it has now transported over 10 million COVID vaccines, supporting global efforts in the fight against COVID-19. This includes a 4 million dose shipment to Abuja, Nigeria in collaboration with UNICEF and its COVAX initiative and 300,000 doses to Jamaica, donated by the UK government. 

The Abuja shipment, completed on behalf of UNICEF, departed London Heathrow in July on two British Airways B777-200. The 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines bound for Jamaica also departed in July and were delivered in partnership with Crown Agents on a British Airways B777-200. This was in coordination with the UK Government’s scheme, announced at the G7 summit in June, to donate 100 million vaccines overseas, with at least 80 million pledged to COVAX and the remainder sent directly to countries, including Jamaica. 

The COVID-vaccine shipments have been transported using IAG Cargo’s specialist Constant Climate service, a product that has played a vital role in the distribution of vaccines and pharmaceuticals for many years. IAG Cargo benefits from an extensive global network of over 100 approved stations supported by constant climate specialists. Its hub at London Heathrow is one of the only airside facilities to be GDP certified and WDA licensed by the UK’s Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory agency (MHRA); and in 2019 the business opened a brand-new pharmaceutical centre in Madrid dedicated to processing temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products. 

Darren Peek, Head of Sales at IAG Cargo said: “We’re proud that with our sister airlines, British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, we continue to support countries across the world on the fight against COVID-19. Last year we delivered over 20,000 tonnes of PPE and today we have delivered over 10 million COVID-19 vaccines working with UNICEF and partners like Crown Agents. We will continue to work with a range of partners in the global response to COVID-19, supporting the efforts to ensure equal access to vaccines for all countries across the world.”

Crown Agents CEO Fergus Drake said: “As of today, 29% of the world’s population has been vaccinated. Urgent help is needed to ensure 70% vaccine coverage in every country in 2022 as per the WHO’s recommendation. Crown Agents is proud to contribute towards this goal with its long-standing, global supply chain expertise.” 

When the pandemic first emerged last year, IAG Cargo drew on all its existing resources and expertise in pharmaceuticals to be in a state of readiness to transport any vaccines or pharma across the world at short notice, and has been able to deliver COVID-vaccines to a vast number of countries including: Antigua, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ireland, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Chile, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, the US, Turks and Caicos and Melilla, a Spanish autonomous city located on the northwest coast of Africa. IAG Cargo also transported medical aid to Delhi during a peak in its coronavirus cases, carrying items such as critical care equipment, PPE and oxygen concentrators via two emergency charters.

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IAG Cargo reports another record uplift – 48.5 tonnes on an Airbus A350 from Bangalore to London

IAG Cargo’s record shipment for its service out of Bangalore, India weighed in at 48,500 kgs of cargo

 

Service completed on an IAG Cargo ‘cargo-only’ service

 

IAG Cargo has been servicing the route with a cargo-only schedule since the start of the pandemic – an important trade route for perishables, pharmaceuticals and automotive  

 IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) uplifted 48,500 kgs of cargo on a cargo-only flight from Bangalore, India to London-Heathrow operated by a British Airways A350-1000 aircraft in July – a record for IAG Cargo for this aircraft from India. 

 

The flight was carefully calculated, ensuring efficient ULD planning of its weight and volume. The IAG Cargo team worked collaboratively with its ground handling partners to ensure loading was completed with care. This is one of a number of record uplifts for the business in the last 12 months*. The record cargo-only flight comprised of a mix of products including perishables (baby-corn and other fresh vegetables), automotive and pharmaceuticals.

India is an important part of IAG Cargo’s network and from this week IAG Cargo will operate six weekly rotations from Bangalore to London-Heathrow, alongside its daily rotations from Delhi and Mumbai to London-Heathrow and its service to Hyderabad three times a week. Popular exports from India into the UK include fruits and vegetables, pharmaceuticals and automotive.

Speaking about the achievement, Area Commercial Manager for South Asia, Ankush Chawla at IAG Cargo commented: “This achievement comes less than a year after the India team moved over 50 tonnes on a B777-300.  I extend my thanks to our dedicated people who have continued to show exceptional resilience and commitment throughout the pandemic. Together we have continued to generate efficient solutions for our customers across the world, keeping global trade moving.”

In May, IAG Cargo delivered urgent medical aid for India on two emergency charters as the country responded to rising coronavirus cases and insufficient oxygen supplies.

 

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Avion Flight Training Centre opened at London Luton Airport IAGO, Avion Group, and Wizz Air sign training agreement

 Avion Group has opened a new flight training centre in Luton to support the start of a new long-term cooperation agreement with Wizz Air and IAGO Flight Training. The agreement will see the largest Central European A320 low-cost airline utilise the Avion A320 Level D Full Flight Simulator, based at London Luton Airport, creating a strong foundation for future collaboration.

"London Luton Airport is the home base of Wizz Air and continues to see steady growth. We are opening the Avion Flight Training Centre in Luton to meet the needs of Wizz Air and other A320 customers", says Avion CEO Erik Varwijk. "The industry is looking for training solutions that are cost-effective, risk-reducing, and at the same time bring flight training to the highest possible level. Avion is breaking new ground in aviation by addressing these needs locally to companies of all sizes." 

"The new LTN centre will add additional flexibility and capacity for Wizz Air training in the London area", explains CEO IAGO James Kingdon Leach. "Taking the training solution to the customer enables us to further support improved cost and resource benefits for the airline training function. Our partnership with Avion continues to strengthen, providing a new perspective for market differentiated, value-based, exceptional flight training."

The full-motion simulator has been thoroughly tested and positively evaluated by Wizz Air's training management. András Sebők, Wizz Air's Chief Central Operations Officer says it's an excellent opportunity for the future: "Wizz Air is constantly looking for opportunities to expand its network of destinations and offer low-fare flights paired with high quality services. London Luton Airport is, for us, a perfect location to perform crew training. Not only for our UK crews but also for other crews based elsewhere in Europe. The combined strengths of IAGO and Avion Group make it a win-win situation." 

"Together IAGO with Avion Group aims to provide Wizz Air with 'next level' pilot training", explains Ian Ratcliffe, Director of Training IAGO. "By using the latest technologies combined with effective training methodologies and strong collaborative working, Wizz Air crews will continue to benefit from the highest quality training services and standards." 

The simulator has been qualified by both CAA UK and EASA. Designed to ensure effective and industry-leading UPRT capabilities, Avion has developed an innovative, best-in-class full flight simulator. 

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Air Canada has resumed passenger flights between London Heathrow and its Montréal hub

Air Canada has resumed passenger flights between London Heathrow and its Montréal hub, with an initial three-times-weekly nonstop service, increasing to four-times-weekly from 8 September 2021. The outbound service from London Heathrow to Montréal will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the return service from Montréal to London Heathrow on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. 

Flights are operated with a newly reconfigured Airbus 330-300 aircraft, featuring 32 Air Canada Signature Class, 24 Premium Economy and 241 Economy seats. 

In addition to the resumed service between London Heathrow and Montréal, Air Canada offers a daily nonstop service from London Heathrow to Toronto and a 6-times weekly nonstop service from London Heathrow to Vancouver, increasing to daily from 17 August 2021. 

“We are excited to restart our service between London Heathrow and Montréal,” said Stephen Gerrard, Air Canada General Manager Sales, U.K. and Ireland. “Our nonstop service from London Heathrow provides our customers from the U.K. with greater travel choice and the possibility to connect via our Montréal hub to 20 onward destinations across North America.” 

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Air Canada's Aeroplan and LCBO Join Together to Launch New Loyalty Partnership

Multi-year agreement will provide market-leading value to Ontarians

Aeroplan members to earn points on LCBO purchases and redeem points for LCBO gift cards

Partnership to launch before year-end 2021

Aeroplan, Canada's leading travel loyalty program, and the LCBO, one of the world's largest buyers and retailers of beverage alcohol, are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership allowing Aeroplan members to earn points when shopping at LCBO stores across Ontario. The new partnership is expected to launch in late 2021.

"We're thrilled to come together with the LCBO to offer our members a new way to earn and redeem Aeroplan points in Ontario," said Mark Nasr, Senior Vice President, Products, Marketing and eCommerce at Air Canada. "When we relaunched Aeroplan last year, we made a commitment to earn our way into consumer's everyday lives. Marquee partnerships like the LCBO and other industry-leading, well-loved brands are central to delivering on that promise."

Finnair Traffic Performance in July 2021

Continued improvement in the passenger traffic figures although the COVID-19 pandemic impact still visible in July, another strong month for cargo

In July, Finnair carried 213,800 passengers, which was 47.2% more than in July 2020. The COVID-19 impact was already clearly visible then as Finnair operated a limited network due to strict and extensive travel restrictions. The number of passengers in July 2021 was 67.2% more than in June 2021 (month-on-month figures are not fully comparable as there is one fewer day in June).

The COVID-19 impact, including the strict travel restrictions imposed by several countries, still affected all passenger traffic figures. It was particularly visible in the North Atlantic and Asian figures. Travelling to Finland was eased as of 26 July 2021 with Finland’s relaxed travel guidance and the removal of internal border control within the EU and Schengen Area.

The overall capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) increased in July by 90.6% year-on-year and by 58.7% month-on-month. Finnair operated 106 daily flights (cargo-only included) on average, which was 20.5% more than in July 2020 and 35.9% more than in June 2021. The differences between capacity figures compared to July 2020 are explained by the longer average stage length of flights operated and by the larger gauge of aircraft operated. Finnair's traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs), increased by 95.4% year-on-year and by 94.4% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) increased by 1.0% points to 42.5% year-on-year and by 7.8% points month-on-month.

The ASK increase in Asian traffic was 43.6% year-on-year. In North Atlantic traffic, the ASKs increased by 100.0% as there were no passenger flights in July 2020. In European traffic, the ASKs were up by 61.1%. The ASKs in domestic traffic increased by 51.1%.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Brings ‘Simple Made Perfect’ Mantra to Mexico with Opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott, Riviera Nayarit, an All-Inclusive Resort

Leading Four-Star Brand Debuts First Property in Mexico with its First All-Inclusive Resort

Delta Hotels by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, today announces the opening of Delta Hotels by Marriott, Riviera Nayarit, an All-Inclusive Resort. Located on a hillside in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Riviera Nayarit, the resort focuses on the details that truly matter, featuring a clean aesthetic and a modern take on comfort, for a seamless travel experience. This is Delta Hotels’ first property in Mexico and the first Delta Hotels’ All-Inclusive Resort, signaling the continued global expansion of the brand since being acquired by Marriott International in 2015.

“This is an exciting moment for our brand as we welcome the first all-inclusive resort and our first property in Mexico,” said Jennifer Connell, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Delta Hotels by Marriott. “Delta Hotels All-Inclusive Resorts empower a seamless travel experience that helps guests focus on what’s important, championing the key essentials for the highest impact. Through amazing food and beverage experiences, activated pools, and maximum fun, guests are free to do and play more and simply concentrate on enjoying time with the people they care about.”

American Launches Fundraising Initiative to Help Cancer Patients Become Long-Term Survivors

                           In the fifth year of its collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C), American Airlines is launching a month-long fundraising initiative to support SU2C’s effort to make every cancer patient a long-term survivor. When American Airlines AAdvantage® members in the United States donate $25 or more on StandUpToCancer.org/aa, they will receive 25 AAdvantage miles per dollar donated.

The latest initiative from American will support SU2C and its mission to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now. To date, American and its customers have raised more than $10 million for SU2C to support innovative therapies, treatments and research for more than a dozen types of cancer.

Over the last five years, American and its team members have committed to Standing Up for those who are impacted by cancer through fundraising initiatives and events, as well as developing a special SU2C livery featuring 22,627 names of cancer survivors, patients and those we have lost to cancer.

“We know that our customers and team members are passionate about supporting Stand Up To Cancer because many of them have been impacted by cancer,” said Ron Defeo, Senior Vice President, Global Engagement. “We receive a lot of feedback and hear their stories of survival and perseverance. This fundraising initiative is one effort to ensure we live up to our purpose of caring for people on life’s journey.”

Flight Attendant Cody Summers is a breast cancer survivor and one of many team members who has shared her cancer story. Now three years cancer-free, Summers is living proof that advances in cancer research and treatment can help save lives.

“Despite my breast cancer diagnosis, I chose to fight. I had a strong support system who stood by me every step of the way,” Summers said. “At the end of the day, my cancer journey was just one chapter in my story, and the funds we’re raising are so important because it will ultimately help people just like me.”

Check out more of Cody’s story below and visit StandUpToCancer.org/aa to donate.

Sheremetyevo Airport Served 15 million Passengers in the First Seven Months of 2021

Sheremetyevo International Airport has served 15 million people since the beginning of the year, which is which is 33.6% more than for the same period last year. Passenger traffic in July reached 3.633 million people, which is 149.1% more than during the same period in 2020.

Based on the results of performance in July, Sheremetyevo Airport has confirmed its status of the most punctual airport in Europe and the second in the world for the third consecutive month, according to the Global Airports ranking by Cirium aviation agency. The on-time flight punctuality index was 93.99%.

In the first seven months of 2021, the airport performed 124,484 takeoff and landing operations. The number of TLOs in July was 25,484, which was 99.4% more than last year.

There were 3.521 million passengers on international flights in January-July and 11.48 million passengers on domestic flights. Passenger traffic on domestic flights was 1.022 million in July and 2.61 million on domestic flights, and an increase of 8% compared to the same period in 2019.

The most popular international destinations in January-July were Antalya, Istanbul, Yerevan, Male and Bishkek, while the most popular domestic destinations were Sochi, Simferopol, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok.

Aeroflot, Rossiya, Nordwind Airlines, Ikar, Pobeda, Royal Flight and Severstal had the largest volume of passenger traffic in January-July.

Sheremetyevo Airport is among the TOP-5 airport hubs in Europe, the largest Russian airport in terms of passenger and cargo traffic. In 2020, the airport served 19 million 784 thousand passengers.

Sheremetyevo is the best airport in terms of quality of services in Europe, the absolute world leader in punctuality of flights, the recipient of the highest 5-star Skytrax rating.

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Escape to the summer sun with City of Derry Airport

City of Derry Airport announced new flights to Majorca and the Algarve for next summer, which will make it easier for holidaymakers in the Northwest.

Travel Solutions, Northern Ireland's award-winning and leading tour operator, will operate weekly flights to these popular holiday destinations from June 2022, offering a choice of self-catering and hotel options at competitive prices.

Holidaymakers in the Northwest are now able to book a holiday to these popular sun destinations, with the convenience of departing from their local airport at competitive prices. The new routes will commence from 29th June 2022 to 31 August 2022 inclusive.

Launching the new holiday programme, Travel Solutions Managing Director, Peter McMinn, said “ We have always known that holidaymakers in the Northwest wanted to fly from their local airport, and with the help of the team at City of Derry Airport, we are pleased that from summer 2022, Travel Solutions will be offering their award-winning holidays to the island of Majorca and to The Algarve. Direct flights from City of Derry Airport make it so much easier”.

St. Regis Hotels and Resorts Makes Glamorous Debut in China’s Coastal City of Qingdao

The St. Regis Qingdao Introduces Iconic Butler Service, Celebrated Rituals and Exquisite Dining to the Region’s Modern Luminaries

Qingdao, China

St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, part of Marriott International's portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the debut of The St. Regis Qingdao. The highly anticipated opening marks the first Marriott International luxury brand hotel in the northeastern Shandong region. Strategically located in the landmark Haitian Center in the heart of historic Qingdao, the hotel is set to delight the city’s luminaries and tastemakers with its elegant design, refined craftsmanship and time-honoured signature rituals.

"We are very excited to expand our luxury footprint to one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the region with the debut of the iconic St. Regis brand, bringing bespoke experiences curated for the most discerning travellers," said Henry Lee, President, Greater China, Marriott International. "The opening of The St. Regis Qingdao ushers in a new benchmark of luxury hospitality in this dynamic city and underscores our commitment to continuously grow in Eastern China."

Occupying the 58th to 78th floors of the 369-meter-tall Haitian Center, The St. Regis Qingdao is the tallest hotel in the region, enthralling guests with panoramic vistas of the Yellow Sea and picturesque coastal scenes. Within an hour’s drive from Qingdao Liuting International Airport, the hotel is adjacent to scenic Fushan Bay, the venue for the sailing competitions during the Beijing Olympics, and with views of iconic local landmarks such as Badaguan Cultural Architecture Centre and Qingdao International Sailing Centre.

Drawing inspiration from the brand’s rich heritage, the renowned Singapore based interior design firm, LTW Designworks, subtly infused local Qingdao influences with St. Regis’ avant-garde aesthetic. This includes a crystal chandelier inspired by a legendary dress of golden thorns that Caroline Astor, mother of St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV and doyenne of New York high society in the Gilded Age, wore to one of her famed Midnight Suppers. A brilliantly-lit grand staircase offers the perfect venue for the celebrated St. Regis tradition of sabering a bottle of champagne to mark the transition from day to night. The backdrop of the grand staircase is a 74-meter-high atrium art wall that reflects the delicate traces left on the beach by the ebb and flow of the Yellow Sea.