Astra conducts test aunch

The launch vehicle lifted off at 3:35PM PT on Saturday, August 28, 2021. One of the five main engines shut down less than one second after liftoff, causing the vehicle to slowly lift off the pad before resuming its trajectory. After approximately two minutes and thirty seconds of flight, the range issued an all engine-shutdown command, ending the flight. The vehicle achieved an altitude of approximately 50 kilometres, before safely returning to Earth.

Astra’s mission is to improve life on Earth from space by creating a healthier and more connected planet. Astra’s first flight to space was within 4 years of its inception, making it the fastest company to reach space. Visit www.astra.com to learn more about Astra.

“We regret that we were unable to accomplish all mission objectives for the U.S. Space Force; however, we captured a tremendous amount of data from this test flight,” said Chris Kemp, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Astra. “We will incorporate learnings from this test into future launch vehicles, including LV0007, which is currently in production.”

Astra has opened a mishap investigation and is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Reviewing flight data and video, two things are very clear - 1) An engine shut down right after launch 2) Everything that happened next made me incredibly proud of our team. Space may be hard, but like this rocket, we are not giving up. #AdAstra pic.twitter.com/2g3n812EaW

— Chris Kemp (@Kemp) August 29, 2021

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Canada halts flights from Morocco over COVID fears until end of September.

Canadian authorities have banned all flights from Morocco over fears of increased COVID-19 infections among recent visitors to the north African nation. 

Based on the latest public health advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada is issuing the notice to all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from Morocco. Cargo-only operations, medical transfers or military flights are not included in the ban. Passengers who depart Morocco for Canada, changing aircraft enroute will be required to obtain a valid COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country – other than Morocco – before continuing on to Canada. 

The new rules come into effect a minute past midnight tonight and will remain in force until at least 29th September.  Any passengers currently on flights that are already in transit from Morroco will be required to take a test upon arrival.

Transport Canada says the country "Continues to closely monitor the situation, and will be working closely with the Government of Morocco and aviation operators to ensure appropriate procedures are put in place to enable a safe resumption of direct flights as soon as conditions permit.  

Restricting flights from countries of concern is part of Canada’s general approach to the responsible and effective management of Canada’s border re-opening plan."

Canadian citizens are currently advised to avoid non-essential foreign travel to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the authorities warn border measures are also subject to change at short notice as the epidemiological situation evolves.

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BA in talks to create low-cost subsidiary for London Gatwick

The UK's British Airways is currently in negotiations to return short-haul routes to London Gatwick after the company dropped them at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.  However, the BA return will,  according to various media in the guise of a new low-cost subsidiary.

The IAG carrier has so far refused to make any comment other than confirming that it was in talks with unions. The Sussex airport has also remained tight-lipped over plans of the airline, although it's understood the new airline will use the same slots vacated by BA early in the pandemic. 

Acting General Secretary Martin Chalk of The British Airline Pilots Association said: “BALPA cautiously welcomes this decision to restart BA short haul operations at LGW and create a number of much needed new pilot jobs.  BALPA and BA are in the final stages of negotiations over the revised pay and conditions for Gatwick based BA pilots and we hope to bring these talks to a conclusion shortly”

Most staff based at Gatwick have either been on limited duties or furloughed for some or most of the pandemic and are keen to get back to work.  There are some media reports of a letter being sent to LGW based staff by the airline's senior management saying "This was previously a highly competitive market, but for us to run a sustainable airline in the current environment, we need a competitive operating model. Because of that, we are proposing a new operating subsidiary to run alongside our existing long-haul Gatwick operation, to serve short-haul routes to/from Gatwick from summer 2022.  This will help us to be both agile and competitive, allowing us to build a sustainable short-haul presence at Gatwick over time."

It would seem that the chief executive, Sean Doyle is progressing with his predecessor's plans to downgrade British Airways to a low-cost carrier on all short and medium-haul routes, whilst adopting a hybrid service level on long-haul flights consisting of budget carrier limited service in the economy and full-service airline in business and first. 

It wouldn't be the first time British Airways has set up a low-cost airline,  some might remember Go,  which operated mainly out of Stansted and had to be rescued by a management buy-out and was then sold on to easyJet. 

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FedEx helping humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti

Photo FedEx Express

As doctors and nurses on the frontlines work to treat those affected by the deadly earthquake in Haiti, FedEx Corp is working with multiple humanitarian agencies to deliver aid where it’s needed most. This week, the company will operate two dedicated charter flights into the disaster zone to provide help and hope.

The company transported 79 tons of critical medical supplies for Direct Relief via a dedicated charter flight. FedEx Express team members loaded the aircraft on Thursday morning in Memphis with $8 million worth of prescription medications, IV solutions, emergency medical backpacks, and other supplies. The cargo jet landed in Port-au-Prince just before 1 p.m. local time, where Direct Relief has teams on the ground.

“Our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti,” said Richard W. Smith, regional president of The Americas and executive vice president, global support for FedEx Express. “It is clear the need for help is urgent. In times like these, we are proud to be able to use our global network to bring life-saving resources to the country. It’s a big part of who we are and what we do as a company.”

Volga-Dnepr Airlines shifts our urgently needed Bell 214B fire fighting helicopters to Greece

Volga-Dnepr Airlines has masterminded urgent delivery of four Bell 214B helicopters with tanks and other associated equipment from Australia to Greece.

The complex delivery was organized in partnership with Chapman Freeborn Australia and McDermott Aviation – Heli-Lift within the toughest timeframes - only two days after confirmation An-124-100 was positioned to Australia to commence its journey to Athens (Greece) with double pick-up at Wellcamp and Perth (Australia). The cargo, weighing over 30 tons, has been split between two locations, with two helicopters and equipment to be uplifted in each airport.

It is expected that four water-bombers will ramp up Greek efforts to battle wildfires which have significantly spread over the last weeks. 48 hours after landing and reassembly in Athens they joined the fleet of other Bell 214B.

Ekaterina Andreeva, Commercial Director, Volga-Dnepr Airlines, highlights: ‘This is the first time throughout our 30 years of operations when we transported four helicopters on a single occasion, with the loading being done in two steps. This requires exquisite workmanship of the loadmasters, technicians, and crew and is only achieved by accurate calculations, powered by experience and respective competence in helicopters' transportations. Since 1990, Volga-Dnepr has accomplished deliveries of more than 40 types of helicopters for humanitarian missions, medical, firefighting, law enforcement, tourism, and other civil purposes, as well as for aerospace exhibitions and airshows, and they know the special transportation requirements of each of them'.

Today Volga-Dnepr Group’s global team provides the helicopter industry with the technical and engineering air transport solutions the Group is known for, including technical and project concept consulting services. Loading and offloading of non-demountable large-scale units is one of the Group’s proven skills. The core components to make this happen are ‘natural resources’ being Volga-Dnepr’s personnel, the people behind the tools who have extended experience, knowledge, and skills to deliver any project, no matter how complex it may seem.

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Hyatt Regency Houston West opens

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Prism Hotels & Resorts have announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Houston West.  The opening marks a full-circle moment as the property originally opened as a Hyatt Regency hotel in the early 1980s. Ideal for guests seeking a seamless and intuitive experience, the premium hotel sits on Katy Freeway within Houston’s Energy Corridor and features 400 rooms, including 44 suites, 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and three food & beverage outlets – a three-meal restaurant, an eclectic lobby bar, and an expansive coffee market.

Owned by L+R Hotels and managed by Prism Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Regency Houston West is conveniently located in Houston’s Energy Corridor and provides guests authentic hospitality and a connected experience with friends, family, and colleagues whether travelling for meetings or leisure activities. 

“We are thrilled to open the doors to Hyatt Regency Houston West and welcome guests, customers, visitors, and World of Hyatt members to our Houston hotel,” said General Manager Tom Jamison. “Whether guests are visiting for a short trip or an extended stay, we know Hyatt Regency Houston West is the perfect place to offer a high-touch hotel experience that offers confident service to make guests feel connected and refreshed during their stay."

With biophilic design at every turn, Hyatt Regency Houston West sits atop lush greens surrounded by a picturesque two-acre lake. A refreshing water garden in the atrium lobby welcomes guests with slowly cascading waterfalls, exotic foliage, and tropical fish, serving as the harmonious core of the hotel.

Rising to the occasion - behind the scenes with American Airlines team working on the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) response.

Within hours of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) being activated, the American Airlines CRAF Command Center opened. With departments and representatives from across the airline, the centre is effectively a scaled-down version of the carriers Integrated Operations Center, which carefully coordinates nearly 6,000 flights a day.

However, the CRAF Command Centre is singularly focused on supporting the Department of Defense’s rescue missions. American’s first flight arrived in the United States on 25th August, ahead of that, this behind-the-scenes team — serving as the nerve centre of the mission — went to great lengths to account for every detail, including preparing to fly to new airports, ensuring the aircraft were stocked with supplies to make the evacuees’ journey with us as comfortable as possible and supporting the airline's dedicated crew members.

There aren’t many situations that the American Airlines team at Dulles International Airport (IAD) can’t handle. As a sister airport to American’s hub at Reagan National Airport (DCA), IAD is a common location for diverting aircraft during inclement weather, which is why the airline’s team there has developed something of a speciality in managing irregular operations and other one-of-a-kind circumstances.

It’s also why American’s IAD team was well-positioned to rise to the occasion when U.S. airlines were notified that the Department of Defense was activating the Civil Reserve Air Fleet to transport evacuees coming from Afghanistan, with the first flights set to arrive at the Northern Virginia airport.

When Camille Didier, American’s general manager at IAD, began preparing her team for the task, she sought out volunteers and received a characteristically positive response.

“Like with every station, you get a feel, and our agents here are really good about stepping up, especially for greater causes. This was a station that [was here] for 9/11, so they’re really used to this kind of stuff, and we’ve been pretty lucky and very blessed because they always come through for us. They really do.”

Bombardier delivers another Global Bizz Jet or Saab’s GlobalEye Airborne Surveillance solution

Canadian firm Bombardier has delivered a fifth Global business jet at Swedish defence supplier Saab’s Linköping, Sweden, location, ready for conversion into Saab’s Airborne Early Warning and Control solution known as GlobalEye. 

The aircraft was delivered to Saab from Bombardier’s Toronto manufacturing site and underwent interiour completions work at Flying Colours Corp. in Peterborough, Ontario, prior to arriving in Sweden.

“Bombardier Global aircraft are ideally suited for conversion into specialized assets, and we are recognized around the world for our collaborative, flexible approach and unparalleled expertise,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Specialized Aircraft, Bombardier. “Our Global 6000 aircraft and increasingly its successor, our Global 6500 aircraft, are known as the go-to platforms for high-altitude, long-endurance missions that require significant payload capability with ample available power, hosted on a reliable platform featuring advanced avionics and systems technology. Bombardier’s signature smooth flight technology provides a comfortable environment for operators and highly stable platform for sensors.”

“Saab partners with industry leaders, which is why we chose Bombardier’s Global 6000 aircraft as the platform for our advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control solution. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Bombardier and Canadian industry,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Surveillance.

Alaska Airlines to Support Afghan Humanitarian Airlift Mission

As we see the heartbreaking images from Kabul and mourn the tragic loss of service members and civilians working to bring Americans home, we are humbled to play a small part in aiding those who have served our country.

Alaska Airlines is honored to support the critical humanitarian airlift mission and the U.S. military as it coordinates the evacuation of individuals and families from Afghanistan. Alaska will operate military charter flights to provide transportation within the U. S. and stands ready to provide additional support to the Department of Defense in their mission.

We are proud to support our military service members and grateful to all our employees who have served our country around the world, many of whom have reached out to offer their assistance during this time of need. Our values drive us to do the right thing and be kind-hearted, and we will bring this same sense of service to these operations and those we welcome on board as our guests.

Alaska has supported humanitarian efforts in the past, including the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and Operation Magic Carpet, the airlift of thousands of Yemenite Jews to Israel in 1949.

These charter operations are confidential and separate from the Civil Reserve Air Fleet program and related activations.

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WIN TWO SEATS ON A VIRGIN GALACTIC SPACEFLIGHT

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Earth from above, enter the Virgin Galactic Omaze sweepstakes. Use promo code GALACTIC25 to enjoy 25 bonus entries. Hurry, the last day to enter is August 31.

Space has given us all the chance to dream: Of beauty and wonder. Of great adventures. Of being part of something bigger than ourselves. And now…

You’ll be one of the first people to live that dream on a Virgin Galactic spaceflight! 

Let that soak in for a minute. You’re. Going. To. Space.

You and your guest will board a Virgin Galactic spaceship where you’ll take off smoothly, just like an aeroplane, and watch as the colours outside your window change from blue to indigo to midnight black...

Enter below 

Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO Hotel to Open in 2024

Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co. has announced that it will open the Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO hotel in 2024. The hotel will be located in Niseko, Hokkaido, a world-famous ski resort in Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido. The company has contracted with Fujita Corporation to manage the new property.

The Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO will offer 234 guest rooms, each with a standard area of about 34 square meters, including 16 suite rooms, on 8 floors above ground. All guest rooms on the top two floors will be equipped with bathrooms featuring a private natural hot spring bath. The hotel will also contain a restaurant with an open kitchen offering cuisine featuring rich local ingredients from Hokkaido. With views of the surrounding nature from every seat, an impressive circular bar counter and multiple private rooms, the restaurant will offer a variety of options for guests to enjoy their dining experience.

In addition, there will be a full range of facilities allowing guests to relax, including hot spring facilities with open-air baths overlooking Mt. Yotei, a club lounge, a fitness centre, and banqueting facilities.

Toshihiro Ogita, President, Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., commented, “We are delighted that the Okura Group will be opening its first ski resort hotel in Niseko, one of the world’s best-known resort areas. We are looking forward to offering our hospitality to guests from all over the world in a setting where they will feel close to the majestic natural surroundings.”

More safety concerns at Boeing forces new FAA review to take place.

American news agency Bloomberg and newspaper the Wall Street Journal is reporting that aviation regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. has opened a special review of Boeing after numerous employees said they couldn't raise safety concerns without interference or intimidation from the planemaker.

The report indicates that a survey was carried out by the FAA between May and July discovered that 35% of Boeing employees interviewed said conflicts of interest and a lack of independence prevented safety issues to be reported.

“Boeing’s company culture appears to hamper members of the ODA [Organization Designation Authorization], unit from communicating openly with the FAA,” the FAA said in a letter that was obtained by Bloomberg. The ODA is a special group within Boeing that is authorized to make safety decisions on behalf of authorities and was supposed to maintain an independent operation. The letter went on to say,  “These concerns require an objective review and further fact-finding,” it was signed by Ian Won, the acting head of the FAA office which monitors Boeing. 

Singapore Airlines Launches The Upcycling Project

Singapore Airlines (SIA) this week launched The Upcycling Project, through which the Airline will provide parts and materials from retired commercial aircraft to various Singapore-based organisations and selected global retail brands. These parts can be upcycled and repurposed to create unique retail products and art pieces, and will also be used to support educational institutions, artists, and persons with disabilities.

The first initiative under The Upcycling Project will be a competition organised by SIA and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), that aims to promote awareness about design and upcycling among tertiary and pre-tertiary students in Singapore. Aircraft parts and materials will also be donated to several educational institutions, which they can use as learning materials for art or design courses. 

SIA has also appointed two Singapore-based brand and product consultants, Edwin Low1 , Founder of Supermama, and Adriana Lim Escaño2 , Chief Executive Officer of Abry. They will work with SIA to source for local and global retail brands that are keen to repurpose aircraft parts and materials into products such as bags, furniture, fashion apparels and accessories, and service ware. More information on the sale of the finished products will be announced closer to their launch dates.

SWISS introduces mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for crews

SWISS is making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for its entire flying personnel from mid-November onwards, for operational reasons and under its duty of care towards its employees.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is making vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory for all its flying personnel from 15 November onwards. The action has been taken in response to national entry restrictions worldwide, which are seeing an increasing insistence on proof of such vaccination for air crews, too. Hong Kong recently became the first SWISS destination to demand – with immediate effect – proof of COVID-19 vaccination for crews arriving from certain countries, Switzerland included.

A separate organizational management of vaccinated and unvaccinated crew members and the resulting increased complexity of the rostering involved would make it impossible to ensure continued robust and reliable flight operations in the longer term. Some destinations and regions could no longer be served, and this in turn would seriously diminish the effectiveness of the SWISS hub system. The separate handling of the two crew categories would also entail their unequal treatment in rostering terms. In addition, as a globally operating airline, and given the sufficient availability of effective COVID vaccines, SWISS also wishes to perform to the full its duty of care towards its cockpit and cabin personnel.

“We must initiate this action now,” says SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx, “if we are to continue to maintain our global route network and fulfil our care obligations towards our employees.”  

In adopting its new vaccination requirement, SWISS is supported by corresponding provisions in the collective labour agreements for its cockpit and its cabin personnel, which provide for such action under such conditions. SWISS is also conducting an open and transparent dialogue with its social partners on the mandate planned.

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Jetstar reintroduces transit with alliance partners Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways at Singapore Changi Airport

Jetstar Asia has welcomed back Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways# to its international carrier partnerships. The renewed partnerships enable customers to seamlessly connect between Jetstar Asia’s Southeast Asian network and the European airlines’ global network via Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Customers travelling to/from Europe on these full-service carriers can once again transfer to a Jetstar Asia (3K) service in Singapore and travel to any of the ten destinations Jetstar Asia currently operates to Bangkok, Clark, Ho Chi Minh City^, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Penang, Phnom Penh, Phuket* and Surabaya.

Clive Ashmore Butler, Head of Commercial and Alliances, Jetstar Asia said it was great to see more airlines return to Singapore, helping restore its position as a global hub.

“Jetstar Asia’s longstanding partnerships with Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and British Airways will provide more exciting travel opportunities for our customers and a significant boost in the revival of Singapore’s air travel hub,” Mr. Ashmore Butler said.

Oklahoma State University launches Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education

Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum speaks to a crowd at the unveiling of the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education at OSU DISCOVER in Oklahoma City. (Photo: Business Wire)

Oklahoma State University announced this week the creation of a new institute aimed at supporting aerospace industry growth in Oklahoma and beyond.

“Our mission is to drive cross-industry collaborations and innovation, which is exactly what brings us together today,” said OSU President Kayse Shrum. “Oklahoma State University offers a complete turnkey solution for Oklahoma’s aerospace industry needs. From K-12 enrichment and workforce development, through faculty and graduate research to groundbreaking innovations in industry partnerships, we are leading the state to advance this important economic engine.

“Today, we’re announcing the formation of the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education. Oklahoma State University is the clear leader in aerospace within our state. We’ve had a partnership with NASA for more than 50 years. We’ve been training pilots for more than 80 years. Our depth and breadth of knowledge, faculty and research investments cannot be matched. We’re so proud of this very long history in aerospace and aviation excellence.”

The Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE) will bring the state’s aerospace innovation economy together under one umbrella. OAIRE will support ongoing and future partnerships between university, commercial, military and government agencies, becoming a valuable resource for developing Oklahoma’s aerospace ecosystem. That includes generating high-tech jobs and cutting-edge research that brings commercial enterprise and military sustainment support to the state.

The comprehensive scope of OAIRE also includes K-12 outreach programs focused on STEM connections, building the Oklahoma aerospace workforce pipeline and promoting community involvement.

Dr. Shrum said OAIRE will allow OSU to connect seamlessly with industry and K-12 partners and elevate OSU’s leadership role in Oklahoma aerospace, inspiring the next generation of aviators and engineers while enhancing opportunities for industry and defense partners in Oklahoma.

Skyborne Airline Academy Acquires Redbird MCX Training Simulators

Skyborne Academy Vero Beach, a modern airline training academy offering a fresh approach to pilot training, is proud to announce the addition of two Redbird MCX Training Simulators to its program. Representing the PA28 and PA44 aircraft, Skyborne will integrate these simulators into its FAA and UKCAA training programs next month, pending certification.

The Redbird MCX provides an enhanced training experience for both flight students and professional crew. It includes a dual, control-loading yoke system and dual rudder pedals for simultaneous pilot and copilot control, wrap-around visuals, and quick-change cockpit configurations to provide the highest quality of training for future pilots.

“At Skyborne, we aspire to be the most trusted airline training academy through an unparalleled approach to training that solves for gaps in the airline industry,” said Skyborne CEO Lee Woodward. “This includes investing in market-leading equipment, like the Redbird MCX Training Simulators, to ensure our cadets experience best-in-class training that will propel them into the next stage of their careers without interruption.

There is critical demand for professional pilots as the aviation industry is navigating a pilot shortage that is expected to grow in the coming years. The Redbird MCX was created to teach students to safely and effectively fly both alone and with someone else in the cockpit by putting students in real-world Crew Resource Management situations. This type of training is essential to pilots to be equipped with the right skillset to fill in the current talent gaps faced by the industry.

30 additional Airbus A321neo aircraft for Delta

Delta Air Lines has ordered 30 additional Airbus A321neo aircraft to help meet the airline’s future fleet requirements. The newly-ordered aircraft are in addition to the airline’s existing orders for 125 of the type, bringing the outstanding orders from Delta to a total of 155 A321neos.

“Adding these aircraft strengthens Delta’s commitment to replacing older fleets with more sustainable, efficient jets, and offering the best customer experience in the industry,” said Mahendra Nair, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Fleet and TechOps Supply Chain. “Delta appreciates the extensive partnership with the Airbus team in support of our strategic growth plans, and we look forward to continuing to work together throughout the recovery and beyond.”

“As the industry looks to emerge from the pandemic, Delta is showing responsible leadership and casting a strong vote of confidence now in the A321neo,” noted Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. “With orders for 30 more of an aircraft that is in very high demand around the globe, our partners at Delta are underscoring the strategic role they see for the A321neo with its outstanding environmental performance for the airline’s renowned customer service and reliability for years into the future.”

Delta’s A321neos will be powered by next-generation Pratt & Whitney PW1100G turbofan engines that bring significant efficiency gains over Delta’s current, already-efficient A321 aircraft.  Equipped with total seating for 194 customers with 20 in First Class, 42 in Delta Comfort+ and 132 in the Main Cabin, Delta’s A321neos will be deployed primarily across the airline’s extensive domestic network, complementing Delta’s current A321 fleet of more than 120 aircraft. The airline is slated to receive the first of its 155 A321neo aircraft early next year.

Many of Delta’s A321neos will be delivered from the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama. The airline has taken delivery of 87 U.S.-manufactured Airbus aircraft since 2016.

As of the end of July, Delta’s fleet of Airbus aircraft numbered 358, including 50 A220 aircraft, 240 A320 Family members, 53 A330 widebodies, and 15 A350 XWB aircraft.

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American Airlines Set to Reopen Industry-Leading Premium Flagship Lounges

Flagship Lounges will begin reopening in September.

American collaborates with James Beard Foundation and awe-inspiring local chefs on regionally inspired menu items.

Customers travelling to Hawaii in Flagship First and Flagship Business will be able to access the Flagship experience.

American Airlines is ready to reconnect customers to a premium dining experience on the ground with the reopening of its Flagship lounges, where customers can wine, dine and retreat during travel. Throughout the fall, American will begin reopening Flagship Lounges and Flagship First Dining, with the first location opening Sept. 14, 2021, at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). As customers return to the lounges, they will experience new menus from James Beard Foundation chefs, more ways to access the lounges and recognizable touches from the inflight experience.

“The Flagship Lounge and Flagship Dining experience brings a whole new level of luxury to our customers’ journey, and we are thrilled to showcase our new offerings,” said Clarissa Sebastian, Managing Director of Premium Customer Experience and Onboard Products. “With revamped menus designed in collaboration with awe-inspiring chefs and even more ways to access the lounge, we can’t wait to open the doors and serve our customers this fall.”

Projected reopening schedule:

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 8

Flagship Lounge: Sept. 14

Flagship First Dining: Sept. 16

Miami International Airport (MIA) Concourse D

Flagship Lounge: Sept. 28

Flagship First Dining: Sept. 30

Later this fall, locations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminal 4, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Terminal D and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Terminal 3 will reopen.

American’s Flagship Lounge features premium amenities and services, including the dishes created in partnership with the James Beard Foundation. Customers can access the Flagship Lounge depending on elite status or if they are travelling in a premium cabin on a qualifying flight. New to the list, eligible customers travelling to Hawaii in Flagship® First and Flagship® Business will be able to access the Flagship experience

Customers flying in Flagship First on qualifying international or transcontinental flights also have access to Flagship First Dining located within the Flagship Lounge. Flagship First Dining offers a full-service restaurant dining experience featuring locally inspired menus designed by the James Beard Foundation chefs. American became the first airline to open a restaurant-style dining experience on the ground in 2017.

While Flagship Lounges and Dining are its most exclusive, the airline has also reopened its Admirals Club lounges in U.S. cities and select international locations, customers travelling on an American Airlines or oneworld alliance® ticketed flight may also purchase a day pass to an Admiral’s Club.

New enhancements to Flagship Lounge locations

Customers will soon notice D.S. & Durga before takeoff, with hand soap and lotions featured in the restrooms. Shower suites will now feature Dyson Supersonic hair dryers to enhance the premium guest experience. This summer, American introduced new amenity kits for premium cabin customers in partnership with Shinola and D.S. & Durga.

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Delta to charge unvaccinated employees $200 a month for health insurance and to mandate masks indoors.

In a memo to staff, Delta Air Lines confirmed that unvaccinated employees will now be required to wear masks in all indoor Delta settings.  From the middle of September, Delta says any employee 'who is not fully vaccinated will be required to take a COVID test each week while community case rates are high. Those with a positive result will need to isolate and remain out of the workplace.'

The carrier will instigate another ruling starting 30th September that in compliance with local and state laws, COVID pay protection will only be provided to fully vaccinated individuals who are experiencing a breakthrough infection.

In addition, with effect from 1st November, unvaccinated employees enrolled in Delta’s account-based healthcare plan will be subject to a $200 monthly surcharge. The average hospital stay for COVID-19 has cost Delta $50,000 per person. This surcharge will be necessary to address the financial risk the decision to not vaccinate is creating for the airline. 

In recent weeks since the rise of the B.1.617.2 variant, all Delta employees who have been hospitalized with COVID were not fully vaccinated, which is part of the reason the carrier is making such rules. 

CEO Ed Bastian said: "If you aren’t fully vaccinated, I strongly urge you to discuss the issue with your personal physician or health provider. In addition, testing and vaccination information is available on Deltanet, and Dr. Ting provides regular, informative updates on the state of the virus and the tools available to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy.

Protecting yourself, your colleagues, your loved ones and your community is fundamental to the shared values that have driven our success for nearly a century. Vaccinations are the safest, most effective, and most powerful tool we have to achieve our goals, live up to our values and move forward."

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ASTA Recognizes American Airlines as Airline Partner of the Year for Third Consecutive Year

 In recognition of the airline’s commitment to the travel advisor community, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) named American Airlines its Airline Partner of the Year for the third year in a row.

“Each year, ASTA proudly recognizes an Airline Partner of the Year based on the votes and feedback of our members who trust American with their business,” said Zane Kerby, President and Chief Executive Officer for ASTA. “To win even once is a privilege, and American’s achievement of receiving this recognition for a third year in a row emphasizes the tremendous appreciation the advisor community has for the airline’s support in serving our mutual customers.”

The Airline Partner of the Year is awarded in ASTA’s individual supplier awards to the company that best supports advisors. ASTA is the world's largest association of travel professionals and strives to promote excellence within the travel industry while recognizing professionals who make lasting contributions to the industry.

“Now — more than ever — travellers seek guidance from trusted experts to recommend not only where to travel and what to do on their trip, but also how to navigate all the many requirements for safely and confidently visiting their chosen destination,” said Kyle Mabry, Vice President of Global Sales for American. “ASTA does so much to support travel advisors, the customers they serve and the travel industry at large. We’re honoured to receive this recognition for our partnership together.”

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Air Canada Introduces Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for All Employees and New Hires

Air Canada today said it has introduced a new health and safety policy to further protect employees and customers that makes it mandatory for all employees of the airline to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to report their vaccination status as of October 30, 2021. In addition, the airline is making full vaccination a condition of employment for any individual hired by the company.

Since the beginning of the pandemic Air Canada has been a leader in the adoption of science-based measures in response to COVID-19. This has included the airline being among the first to require pre-boarding temperature screening of customers, obligatory onboard mask-wearing policies and the use of testing. The decision to require all employees of Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Vacations to be fully vaccinated and report their vaccination status is another initiative to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees and customers.

Eastern Airways to resume flights between Aberdeen and Newcastle International Airport next month

The UK regional air carrier Eastern Airways has announced the restart of flights between Newcastle International Airport and Aberdeen Airport from the 6th September 2021. The route provides a vital link between the two regions for the transport-reliant offshore oil, gas and renewables industries.

The news was welcomed by many businesses in both the North East of England and Scotland, as well as passengers looking to travel to Aberdeenshire or the Highlands on holiday. 

The resumed schedule will see flights operating six days a week and give passengers a convenient and hassle-free way of travelling to the Scottish port city from the North East of England in under one hour.

Passengers flying with Eastern Airways can benefit from a swift check-in up to 30 minutes prior to departure, one item of free hold baggage and a high level of customer service throughout their journey.

Roger Hage, General Manager, Eastern Airways, said: “We have served the North-East of England to Aberdeen for twenty years now and we welcome the return to our Newcastle base, restoring the North-East Scotland connection.

“As passenger confidence and energy related activity increases, we want to ensure the right services are being offered. Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places. Ensuring the North-East’s main hub airport of Newcastle is connected to Aberdeen is part of our wider return adding further services at hubs we already serve and a crucial part of increasing connectivity and aiding economic recovery.”

Air Astana to restart London route next month

Air Astana will be resuming its twice-weekly services to London from Nur-Sultan starting from 18 September on Airbus A321Neo LR aircraft, the airline has confirmed.

 

The route will once again form an important link between the UK and Kazakhstan and the news has been welcomed by business executives and dignitaries in both countries.

 The Airbus A321neo LR is a long-range version of A321neo, with increased maximum take-off weight and associated design modifications. The aircraft is configured with 16 Business class seats and 150 Economy class seats and is highly rated for its comfort and cabin atmosphere. The super advanced jet is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines with supreme operational performance.

Air Astana delivers Vero Cell vaccine to Kazakhstan

Air Astana delivered a total of 1 million doses of Sinonopharm’s Vero Cell vaccine to Kazakhstan on 10th and 11th August 2021, with two Boeing 767 freighter flights from Beijing to Almaty operating for SK-Pharmacia under an agreement with the Kazakhstan Ministry of Health. The medical cargo weighed a total of 20 tons and was transported in thermal containers, which maintain temperatures be between 2°C to 8°C for up to 72 hours.

“Air Astana is proud to support the Kazakhstan Ministry of Health in their efforts to provide citizens with a wide choice of vaccines against coronavirus infection. We hope that mass vaccination in Kazakhstan will soon result in collective immunity and lead to a significant decrease of disease in the country,” said Zhanna Shayahmetova, Head of Air Astana Cargo.

Since early 2020, Air Astana has transported more than 1,700 tons of medical cargo to help combat the global coronavirus pandemic.  Cargo has included medicines, oxygen concentrators, ventilators and personal protective equipment.

5-Star Rating

Air Astana was recently amongst a select group of leading global carriers that received the highest level 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by Skytrax.

The Skytrax COVID-19 Airline Safety Audit of Air Astana was conducted during May-June 2021 and assessed all relevant health and hygiene measures introduced in response to the pandemic, with evaluation of frontline facilities and service systems at Nur-Sultan and Almaty.                   

The detailed evaluation process covered cleaning and disinfection procedures,  the standards and usage conformity by staff wearing personal protective equipment, COVID-19 signage and information, the management of social distancing and hand sanitiser facilities and finally the caring, but precise control of passenger flows and face mask usage both within the airport and during the boarding process and onboard.

“Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Astana has taken every possible step to protect the health and well-being of its passengers,” said Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana. “I’m naturally delighted that our dedication to performing these critical protective procedures at the highest level have resulted in today’s certification from Skytrax, which I’m sure will give extra confidence to the travelling public in Kazakhstan.”

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Flights to Saint Lucia have resumed

Flights to Saint Lucia have resumed -  Caribbean Airlines is now flying a weekly service between Trinidad and Saint Lucia on its ATR aircraft. 

On August 16, 2021, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire - Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information joined the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) in welcoming Caribbean Airlines' restart of flights between Trinidad and Saint Lucia.

To commemorate the occasion, Hon. Dr. Hilaire and Christopher Gustave (SLTA) Marketing Manager for Caribbean and Events, presented a special commemorative plaque to Caribbean Airlines Captain Dale Harrison and accompanying crew members. The SLTA also gave two lucky passengers special welcome packages, and the first 30 disembarking were gifted with branded items.

ATR 72-600 - NO. OF AIRCRAFT: 5

Seat Pitch	31"
Seat Width	16.5"
Interior Cabin Width	8'5"/2.56 m
Wingspan	88'9"/27.05 m
Length	89'1.5"/27.17 m
Tail Height	25'1"/7.65 m
Maximum Thrust/Power	2,750 hp
Maximum Fuel Capacity	1,666 US gallons
Maximum Take-off weight	50,265 lb / 22,800 kg
Maximum Range	825 nmi/1,528 km
Maximum Pay Load	17,173 lb/7,790 kg
Passenger Capacity	68
Typical Cruising Altitude	25,000 ft
Typical Cruising Speed	288 mph/250 kt
Cargo - Capacity/Volume	374.3 cu ft/10.6 cu ft
Number of Engines	2
Engine Type	PW127M
Engine Manufacture	Pratt and Whitney
Manufacturer's Website:	http://www.atraircraft.com

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