Aeroflot to start flights to Punta Cana

Aeroflot has confirmed it will launch flights between Moscow and Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic from 1st October this year. 

Three weekly flights SU0156/SU0157 on the Moscow – Punta Cana – Moscow route will be operated on Airbus A350-900 aircraft on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The Airbus A350-900 is the most advanced wide-body in Aeroflot’s fleet. Aeroflot’s A350 has a spacious three-class cabin layout with 316 seats: 28 private business class Suites, including 2-metre full-flat beds; 24 Comfort economy seats with extra legroom; and 264 Economy class seats. The Suites offer an unprecedented level of comfort for business class, rivalling the first-class cabins of most major carriers. As well as a high level of privacy and personal space, the Suites also come fitted with a 54cm screen.

In addition to the latest generation multimedia in-flight entertainment system, HD screens and Wi-Fi connectivity will ensure an enhanced experience for all passengers on long-haul flights. Economy and Comfort class offer increased legroom and seat pitch. The spacious cabin, reduced noise and adaptive lighting create a relaxing atmosphere for passengers on board.

Punta Cana is a popular resort in the Dominican Republic famous for its white-sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise sea and stunning landscapes. Holiday-makers seeking outdoor activities will enjoy numerous diving opportunities and the rich underwater world: coral reefs, caves, shipwrecks.  The Dominican culture exquisitely blends the traditions of Native Indians (Taino) and Spanish conquistadors, African and European lifestyles. Tourists are attracted by museums, carnivals, Caribbean music, dance and cuisine.

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Russia's Aeroflot named the world’s most punctual mainline airline in August 2021

Aeroflot topped August 2021 on-time performance ranking among mainline airlines globally. 

In August, Aeroflot operated 92% of flights on-time, according to Monthly On-Time Performance Report released by Cirium, a global provider of aviation data for the travel industry. Besides, Aeroflot has retained its position as the most punctual mainline airline in Europe for the second month running.

Cirium obtains data from hundreds of unique sources and tracks over 100,000 flights daily to report on the on-time performance of airlines and airports.

This month, Cirium has re-initiated its coverage of the global airline category, which was suspended with the onset of the pandemic. This is a sign of a return to normalcy for the world’s airlines, as Cirium’s experts outlined.

Aeroflot has consistently improved on-time performance through efficient measures, including strict implementation of flight boarding regulations. Future plans include innovations based on the latest digital technologies, such as biometric controls, that will significantly accelerate pre-flight airport procedures for passengers.

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Delta TechOps employee and veteran ships out 7,000th care package to military - video

Photo Delta

In a 24/7 operation, it is not unusual to spot a group of determined employees hustling about a hangar at 4:30 a.m. This time, they’re not on the clock. Rather, they’ve come in hours before their day shift to benefit strangers they may never meet, halfway around the world.  

The mission? Operation Care Package, a grassroots effort to pack and send goods to our service members abroad. Mark Norris, a 35-year Delta TechOps mechanic and Marine Corps veteran, started the project four years ago. Mark and his wife Doreta’s passion has motivated thousands of hours of volunteered service and generosity of Delta employees. In the early hours of September 8, they packed up and sealed their 7,000th care package.

This connection to military men and women is personal for the Norris family. The couple’s son is an active-duty Marine and through his connections, requests submitted by Delta employees, and word-of-mouth, Operation Care Package receives the names and addresses of individuals and groups of service members from all branches of the U.S. Military.

The process is simple, the addressee’s sacrifice is not. Mark and Doreta fill several shopping carts full of non-perishable food, personal care items, and even save space for some fun items like yo-yos and footballs to entertain service members during downtime. The supplies are then delivered to TechOps, where wonderful volunteers (who have no issue with a 4:30 AM call time) package and label the boxes, and then load them up for the post office – all before putting in a full day’s work.

When Operation Care Package began in 2017, the group was sending about 60 boxes per week with Doreta handwriting labels and custom forms. About two years ago, they moved to a monthly cadence -- sending packages to several addresses with 25 – 30 packages per address. The items and shipping costs quickly add up – most shipments average $2,000.  Funds are donated by Delta employees from all divisions and across the network. Many of Mark’s TechOps colleagues donate time and money every week toward supporting the operation.

Finnair saw passenger numbers rise over 24% in August

One of Europe's leading outsourcing airlines has continued to see growth in passenger numbers in August, according to the latest traffic results.

In August, Finnair carried 266,500 passengers, which was 38.1% more than in August 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 August 2021 was 24.6% more than in July 2021.

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.

The overall capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) increased in August by 63.3% year-on-year and by 17.0% month-on-month. Finnair operated 127 daily flights (cargo-only included) on average, which was 9.5% more than in August 2020 and 19.8% more than in July 2021. The differences between capacity figures compared to August 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 64.6% year-on-year and by 15.9% month-on-month. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) increased by 0.3% points to 42.0% year-on-year but decreased by 0.4% points month-on-month.

Passenger numbers up at Allegiant

Passenger traffic for Allegiant in August was up by over 86% year on year the budget carrier revealed in its latest update. Slowly demonstrating that passenger demand in the U.S. is rapidly growing and close to pre-pandemic levels. 

"As we have transitioned from our peak summer flying season into the off-peak fall season we have seen a softening in demand," stated Drew Wells, senior vice president, revenue. "Consistent with industry trends, the increase in COVID-19 cases coupled with return to school and work for many has contributed to an increase in cancellations and a deceleration of demand. The off-peak periods continue to underperform, while peak periods remain strong, a trend that has persisted throughout the pandemic. By way of example, Labor Day weekend performed well with load factors of roughly 80 percent on peak days, consistent with levels observed in 2019."

"We expect third quarter capacity to be up roughly 13.5 percent as compared with 2019, a 4.5 percentage point reduction from initial expectations," stated Gregory Anderson, executive vice president, chief financial officer. "Although we did observe demand weakness, these reductions were driven primarily by operational challenges observed throughout the quarter. Given these capacity reductions, we have updated our guidance, which is included in the table below. We expect an increase in total operating revenue from 2019 of between 3.0 and 5.0 percent, which should yield an adjusted1 EBITDA margin between 16 and 18 percent for the third quarter. We will continue to monitor trends and tweak fourth quarter capacity accordingly but given peak-period performance, we remain encouraged about the upcoming holiday travel season."

Breeze Airways confirms order for 20 additional A220-300 aircraft from Mobile Final Assembly Line

Breeze Airways has revealed its new A220-300 livery, while confirming that it has reached a purchase agreement with Airbus for 20 more of the aircraft. This previously undisclosed order for 20 brings Breeze’s total order book to 80 A220-300s, the first of which will be delivered in Q4 2021.

The aircraft’s fresh paint job was completed at Airbus’ facility in Mobile, Alabama, which will deliver approximately one A220 per month to Breeze over the next six-and-a-half years. The airline plans to begin flights with the Airbus fleet in the second quarter of 2022. 

The A220 superior efficiency will support the new airline’s business objectives to offer a great travel experience, with low fares and high flexibility. Breeze is expected to provide nonstop service between underserved routes across the U.S. at affordable fares.

Breeze started airline operations in May 2021. This first A220 is the first new aircraft that will be operated by the airline.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines. Benefitting from the latest technologies, the A220 is the quietest, cleanest and most eco-friendly aircraft in its category. Featuring a 50% reduced noise footprint and up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards, the A220 is a great aircraft for urban operations.

Over 170 A220s have been delivered to ten operators in Asia, North Americas, Europe, and Africa, proving the great versatility of Airbus’ latest family member.

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Air Canada puts Rouge back in the skies.........

              Air Canada Rouge resumed services this week with flights operating between Toronto and Las Vegas, Orlando, and Regina, with other destinations being introduced in September, including Cancun and Tampa.

"Air Canada Rouge remains integral to Air Canada's overall strategy. As we emerge from the pandemic, we anticipate increased demand for vacation travel and from customers flying to enjoy overdue visits with family and friends. Air Canada's leisure airline is ideally suited to serve this market with a compelling array of leisure destinations and an inviting travel experience so that the holidays begin as soon as customers board an Air Canada Rouge aircraft," said Jon Turner, Vice President Inflight Services and President, Rouge Operations, at Air Canada.

Air Canada Rouge also provided a sneak peek of the cabin interior that will be available on nine Airbus A321 aircraft of the 39-aircraft Rouge Fleet, with the first entering service later this fall.

These nine aircraft feature a new contemporary interior design with playful Rouge brand accents and will be configured with leather seats, with 30-inch seat pitch in the Economy cabin. The A321 Rouge aircraft also offer upgraded personal power options, including USB-C ports, and a convenient personal electronic device holder integrated into the seatback.

Minister for Civil Aviation launches India’s first Drone Medicine Delivery project ‘Medicines From The Sky’

.Mr. Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Govt of India launches ‘Medicine From The Sky, Beyond-Visual-Line-Of-Sight’ at a function held at Vikarabad, 75 km away from Hyderabad in Telangana on Saturday. 

Telangana's 'Medicines From The Sky' project can be a game-changer in using drones for healthcare. The project is the first of its kind in India. It is also a potential game-changer for using drones in the civilian sector in India. 

It is an initiative of the Government of Telangana led by the Emerging Technologies Wing of the IT Department in partnership with World Economic Forum, NITI Aayog and Apollo Hospitals’ HealthNet Global.

The Consortia partners Marut Drones’ HepiCopter, Blue Dart’s Sky Air and Tech Eagle’s Cure Fly showcased their capabilities and demonstrated the same to the guests. 

Out of the three drone companies, Marut Drones is a T-Hub incubated Startup. 

Hyatt Hotels opens new property in Oman’s southwest region of Dhofar

Alila Hinu Bay hosts a seemingly endless bay and a private beach upping the ante on tropical oases. A stunning beachfront resort that radiates sophistication, vibrancy and vivacity, offering an indulgence of luscious lifestyle facilities, an ecological escape and a glimpse into the wildlife charm that the scenic Dhofar region has to offer

Alila Hinu Bay Resport

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has told us that the Alila Hinu Bay in Oman is now ready to welcome international guests for the first time, following the recent announcement of borders in Oman re-opening to tourists.

The property joins Alila Jabal Akhdar as the Alila brand’s second hotel in Oman along with 15 other Alila properties worldwide. Distinguished by a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, the award-winning brand features luxury hotels and resorts in some of the most spectacular natural locations.

The 112-key hotel is nestled on a secluded beachfront in Oman’s southwest region of Dhofar. The untouched area is best known for its lush landscapes, cool summers, and it is within easy driving distance from Salalah International Airport. Between Samhan mountain and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, Alila Hinu Bay caters to well-travelled guests seeking reflection and impactful connections. Along with the breathtaking scenery, the area is known for its rich traditions and the renowned warmth of Omani hospitality. Combined with a personalized experience that is crafted for each guest, travellers can expect to be immersed in authentic yet bespoke journeys tailored to their preferences and interests.

“We are very excited to add Alila Hinu Bay to the Hyatt portfolio and welcome guests to this region of Oman, a true nature lover’s paradise full of stunning landscapes, waterfalls and greenery,” said Martin Persson, general manager, Alila Hinu Bay. “Dedicated to being responsible and sustainable, guests can enjoy exquisite culinary experiences evoking local and international flavours at one of our dining options or treat themselves to a customized spa experience that uses natural products.”

Accommodations with a View

Pool Villa 

Alila Hinu Bay boasts 112 guestrooms and private pool villas with interiors incorporating local materials which blend natural elements of the outdoors with clean, modern finishes. Guestrooms offer lagoon, or sea views, each with its own terrace with fixed seating and the option of booking connecting rooms for families. Pool villas offer the utmost in luxury with private plunge pools and outdoor bathtubs, enabling guests to feel in tune with the natural surroundings. Further, all of the pool villas boast direct access to the beach and plenty of space to relax and recharge.

Sustainable Dining Experiences

Say hello to Sunny Beach......

Bulgaria Holidays offer you great value for money and beautiful beach resorts. Situated on the southeastern Peninsula of the Balkans, Bulgaria has been dealt a generous hand by nature, with a range of holiday destinations to suit the needs of every holidaymaker.

Bulgaria's most popular beach resort, Sunny Beach was recently crowned best value holiday destination in the world according to the 2021 Post Office Travel Money Holiday Report making Bulgaria the true home of great value holidays.

Balkan Holidays Summer 2022 is now on sale offering the widest choice and the best value holidays to Bulgaria. Browse the full Balkan Holidays product range - we are confident that you will find a holiday to suit your taste and budget.

Situated on the southern Black Sea coast, near the town of Nessebar and approximately 30 minutes from Bourgas Airport, you will find Sunny Beach, Bulgaria's biggest and most popular summer resort. 

Air101 will earn a commission if you book holidays via the links above.

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Geneva comes back to the growing destination list from London City Airport .............

With Switzerland now on the UK Green List, and Swiss Air Lines back on the ever-increasing network from London City Airport.  So you can roam freely once again. And where better than the bejewelled city of Geneva. SWISS flights are operated by the comfortable and popular Airbus A220 aircraft with return fares coming out around £110. 

The old town is, without doubt, Geneva’s greatest gem. A cultured cluster of cobbled streets, city squares, big-name boutiques, museums, and churches. A place where getting lost is a lucky mishap, and the absence of a map just makes things more exciting.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays since 1970, the Plaine de Plainpalais teems with stalls and people. This is one of Switzerland’s largest flea markets. Bargain hunters and collectors graze on organic fare as they search bric-à-brac, books, clothes, jewellery, antiques and decorative items. Spectators and collectors flock to discover the most unbelievable objects, sometimes even vintage.

It could be said that Geneva is the gastronomic heart of Switzerland, it has over 1,000 restaurants which cater for almost every sort of world cuisine you can think of.  These eating places vary from wooden huts to posh Michelin starred restaurants, so something for all pockets. 

Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER and 260 Aircraft gets EASA certification

Beechcraft King Air 360

Textron Aviation is celebrating another recent milestone with its newest twin-turboprop models, the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER and King Air 260, as both aircraft achieved European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification. This approval now paves the way for the delivery of these aircraft to customers throughout Europe.  and will begin deliveries to customers throughout the region.

“EASA certification begins a whole new era for the Beechcraft King Air in Europe,” said Tom Perry, vice president of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “The King Air has been the turboprop of choice throughout this region for more than five decades, and the new 260 and 360 will build on that legendary reputation. We have incorporated innovative and next-generation technologies that enhance the flying experience for an already proven aircraft.”

Renowned for their versatility and reliability, King Air turboprops have been a popular choice across Europe with more than 460 aircraft throughout the region. Nearly half of all King Airs in Europe are owned and operated in France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

A typical King Air 360 flight with four passengers and a single pilot has a maximum range of 3,345 km (1,806 nautical miles), allowing it to complete flights such as London to Athens or Frankfurt to Moscow without stopping to refuel. Similarly, the King Air 260 has a maximum range of 3,185 km (1,720 nautical miles), allowing four passengers and a single pilot to take complete flights such as Rome to Madrid or Paris to Stockholm without refuelling.

More about the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER and 260

Fresh at the front........keeping it clean in the cockpit

The best way to ensure safe commercial flight operations is to have healthy and alert pilots working at the top of their game. It would then seem obvious that making the cockpit environment as comfortable as possible would be a design priority. Surprisingly, this is not the case but help is at hand from CTT Systems of Sweden.

The cockpit environment can be a challenge for flight crew, especially on widebody aircraft, where exposure time is longer because of the length of the sectors flown, with adverse conditions having an accumulative effect.

The biggest problem is low relative humidity (RH). Human beings are comfortable when RH levels are around 20% but cockpit RH levels can drop to below 5%. This is because the cruising altitude of most long haul flights is usually at a level where there is very little water vapour in the atmosphere, so the air coming in is very dry. In fact, the only source of humidity is from passengers and crew, which means economy class has RH levels around 12%, business class has RH levels around 7%, while premium passengers have to contend with similar RH levels to the crew, as there are fewer people in the cabin.

So, what are the effects of such low RH levels? Most importantly for crew, eyes become dry and itchy. The lack of moisture begins to dry out the nasal passages, mucous membranes, mouth and respiratory tract. The nasal cavity dries quickly, reducing the sense of smell, while the viscosity of saliva changes, reducing the sense of taste. A dry nasal cavity also increases susceptibility to colds and virus, as the activity of cilia, which work to keep the airways clear of mucus and dirt, are suppressed.

Airbus and Alstom sign cyber security cooperation agreement

                  Airbus CyberSecurity and Alstom, global leader in sustainable mobility, have signed a worldwide cooperation agreement focussing on rail transport cybersecurity.

The partnership will allow the partners to provide rail operators with solutions and services combining Alstom’s solutions and expertise in rail transport with Airbus CyberSecurity’s services and expertise in ensuring the security of industrial information systems.

“In the context of increasing worldwide cyber threats across all sectors, Alstom aims to protect its assets and those of its customers as effectively and as early as possible. The collaboration between Alstom and proven specialist Airbus CyberSecurity will ensure the future usage and success of green mobility worldwide,” Says Eddy Thesee, Vice President Cybersecurity at Alstom. 

"As specialist in the cybersecurity of industrial systems, particularly in the transport sector, we are keen to contribute to securing the information systems of the rail sector along with Alstom”, says Nicolas Razy, Director of Airbus CyberSecurity France.

ATSG subsidiary signs multi-year deal with United Airlines.

Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group Inc confirmed this week that it has signed a multi-year agreement to provide additional heavy maintenance capacity for United Airlines. This agreement supports Airborne’s continued facility and personnel growth.

Under the terms of the agreement, Airborne will provide heavy maintenance support for United’s Boeing 767 wide-body fleet and the airline’s Boeing 737, Boeing 757 and Airbus A320 narrow-body fleets. The work will be performed at Airborne’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Wilmington, Ohio and Tampa, Fla.

Airborne President Todd France stated, “Our team is elated that United Airlines continues to recognize the value of our heavy maintenance services, including our flexibility to meet United’s evolving needs over the last year. We look forward to continuing to provide reliable on-time maintenance of their aircraft over the next several years.”

The agreement brings this portion of United’s maintenance work to Airborne from other MROs, and is expected to fill three heavy maintenance lines in Wilmington and four heavy maintenance lines in Tampa.

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British Airways extending local flights for winter......

The UK's British Airways has confirmed it is extending three of its newest domestic routes – Exeter, Glasgow and Leeds from Belfast this Winter season.  Customers will also be able to book flights direct to Birmingham as the airline further extends its UK network as domestic travel demand continues to increase.

Following a popular summer of domestic travel, the extended routes will continue to support vital business and leisure links between Northern Ireland and key cities across the UK. The additional services will be operated using BA CityFlyer’s existing fleet of Embraer 190 aircraft.

Flights between Belfast and Birmingham will operate twice daily, increasing to three times a day on Thursday and Friday.  Flights from Belfast to Exeter, Glasgow and Leeds will increase compared to the Summer season at 4, 13 and 10 a week respectively.

The airline has also launched a new route to Salzburg, operating from London City and Southampton. Offering customers a new destination idea for skiing this Winter, flights operate twice a week from London City, on Friday and Saturday from 10 December 2021, and once a week from Southampton, on Saturday from 11 December 2021.  Return fares start from £109 from London City and £75 from Southampton.

Aeroplan Credit Cardholders Can Now Enjoy $0 Delivery Fees -and More With A Free Uber Pass Membership

Aeroplan announced this week a partnership with Uber Canada that gives eligible Aeroplan credit cardholders access to unlimited $0 Delivery Fees on eligible food and grocery orders, ride discounts and additional perks with a free Uber Pass membership. 

The free Uber Pass membership is available to eligible Aeroplan credit cardholders for a period of three, six or twelve months depending on the card.

"We are very excited to come together with Uber and our bank partners to offer our Aeroplan cardholders something that will benefit their everyday lives," said Scott O'Leary, Vice President, Aeroplan at Air Canada. "Uber Pass provides real savings and is one more reason why Aeroplan's credit cards are more convenient and rewarding than ever."

Aeroplan credit cardholders can save up to $120 in monthly membership costs and enjoy Uber Pass savings like unlimited $0 Delivery Fees and 5% savings off eligible restaurant orders over $15 on Uber Eats, and save on grocery orders through Cornershop over $40, where available. Cardholders will also unlock new Uber Rides perks each month with discounts available only to Passholders. To enjoy these benefits, Cardholders must activate their free membership by September 7, 2022.

Quick, tell Joey and Pacey.....flights to Dawson Creek take off........

Air service returns to Dawson Creek as WestJet Link launches flights from Calgary

Air service returns to Dawson Creek as WestJet Link launches flights from Calgary

The Canadian airline WestJet has opened up sales on its newest route launched its newest route linking Calgary and Dawson Creek, British Columbia.

The inaugural flight marked a new link for the regions' business, travel and tourism markets as WestJet becomes the only carrier to provide nonstop service between the Peace River Region and a major international largest Calgary. 

"Our guests in both Calgary and the Peace River Region have been patiently awaiting this important milestone and we are thrilled to bring air service to the community," said John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. "As we continue to build back our network, Dawson Creek will benefit from lower fares and connectivity across our network as we strive to reconnect Canadians for business and leisure."

The airlines first flight, number 3027' was welcomed on arrival in Dawson Creek by Mayor Dale Bumstead alongside Chris Hedlin, WestJet's Vice-President of Network Planning and key regional business leaders.

"The City of Dawson Creek is so pleased to welcome WestJet into our city and the entire South Peace region of Northeast BC. This new direct service to Calgary is so important to the economic development of our city," said Dale Bumstead, Mayor, Dawson Creek. "The Energy, Forestry and Mining sectors are all very important to our region and this new service will be a welcome addition for industry while also providing our residents with nonstop air service to WestJet's global hub in Calgary for their leisure and business travel."

The new service and new route for WestJet operates four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.  WestJet Link flights are operated through a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal Airlines using its fleet of WestJet-branded 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft.

With the addition of Calgary-Dawson Creek service, WestJet Link now operates five routes between Calgary and Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Lloydminster and Medicine Hat and three between Vancouver and Cranbrook, Nanaimo and Comox.

Fifteen new Airbus aircraft for budget U.S. carrier Spirit Airlines from ALC

Global aircraft leasing giant, Air Lease Corporation confirmed this week the long-term lease placements for ten new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft and sale and lease-backs of five new Airbus A320-200neo aircraft with Spirit Airlines.  

The five A320neos are scheduled to deliver to Spirit Airlines in 2021 and 2022 and will be owned by one of ALC’s managed aircraft ventures through funds managed by Waterfall Asset Management.  The ten A321neos are scheduled to deliver to Spirit Airlines from ALC’s order book with Airbus beginning in 2023 through 2024. 

“ALC is pleased to announce this transaction for fifteen Airbus A320 & A321neos with Spirit Airlines,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “ALC is unmatched in our ability to offer highly customized fleet planning solutions to our airline partners.  Combining sale and leasebacks for near term deliveries of Spirit’s A320neos on behalf of our managed business with direct placement of ten of our A321neos from our order book with Airbus will further enhance Spirit Airlines’ overall operations and commitment to maintain a highly competitive, fuel-efficient fleet.”

“We appreciate our partnership with ALC on the financing of 15 new aircraft delivering now through 2024. This partnership helps us to achieve our previously announced capacity plans for 2022 and 2023, and our targeted growth in 2024, as we Invest in the Guest and deliver new exciting destinations,” said Scott Haralson, Chief Financial Officer of Spirit Airlines

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WestJet's budget carrier Swoop reaches tentative agreement with CUPE union

CUPE and Swoop have reached a tentative first collective agreement for flight attendants at the ultra low cost carrier. CUPE Local 4070 represents approximately 200 flight attendants at Swoop.

CUPE has represented flight attendants at Swoop since June 2019. The parties have been engaged in collective bargaining towards a first union contract since February 2020.

CUPE Local 4070 President Chris Rauenbusch called this “a remarkable testament to the hard work of the union bargaining committee particularly during the worst crisis our industry has ever seen.” Rauenbusch noted that COVID-19 travel restrictions and layoffs made achieving this milestone “an absolutely monumental task.”

“In the past seven months, we have achieved agreements for our members with WestJet, WestJet Encore and now Swoop,” said Rauenbusch. “To achieve constructive agreements for all three bargaining units, especially during a pandemic is remarkable.”

New luxurious 112 room Alila Hinu Bay Hotel opens in Oman........

Alila Hinu Bay hosts a seemingly endless bay and a private beach upping the ante on tropical oases. A stunning beachfront resort that radiates sophistication, vibrancy and vivacity, offering an indulgence of luscious lifestyle facilities, an ecological escape and a glimpse into the wildlife charm that the scenic Dhofar region has to offer

Alila Hinu Bay Resport

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has told us that the Alila Hinu Bay in Oman is now ready to welcome international guests for the first time, following the recent announcement of borders in Oman re-opening to tourists.

The property joins Alila Jabal Akhdar as the Alila brand’s second hotel in Oman along with 15 other Alila properties worldwide. Distinguished by a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, the award-winning brand features luxury hotels and resorts in some of the most spectacular natural locations.

The 112-key hotel is nestled on a secluded beachfront in Oman’s southwest region of Dhofar. The untouched area is best known for its lush landscapes, cool summers, and it is within easy driving distance from Salalah International Airport. Between Samhan mountain and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, Alila Hinu Bay caters to well-travelled guests seeking reflection and impactful connections. Along with the breathtaking scenery, the area is known for its rich traditions and the renowned warmth of Omani hospitality. Combined with a personalized experience that is crafted for each guest, travellers can expect to be immersed in authentic yet bespoke journeys tailored to their preferences and interests.

“We are very excited to add Alila Hinu Bay to the Hyatt portfolio and welcome guests to this region of Oman, a true nature lover’s paradise full of stunning landscapes, waterfalls and greenery,” said Martin Persson, general manager, Alila Hinu Bay. “Dedicated to being responsible and sustainable, guests can enjoy exquisite culinary experiences evoking local and international flavours at one of our dining options or treat themselves to a customized spa experience that uses natural products.”

Accommodations with a View

Pool Villa 

Alila Hinu Bay boasts 112 guestrooms and private pool villas with interiors incorporating local materials which blend natural elements of the outdoors with clean, modern finishes. Guestrooms offer lagoon, or sea views, each with its own terrace with fixed seating and the option of booking connecting rooms for families. Pool villas offer the utmost in luxury with private plunge pools and outdoor bathtubs, enabling guests to feel in tune with the natural surroundings. Further, all of the pool villas boast direct access to the beach and plenty of space to relax and recharge.

Sustainable Dining Experiences

Each of Alila Hinu Bay’s dining venues is committed to sourcing the majority of its produce from local vendors. Seasalt offers views over the ocean and welcomes guests to indulge in a coastal dining experience. The Lobby Lounge serves light refreshments and welcome guests to indulge in authentic Arabian flavours. Guests are able to enjoy company and conversation over an Omani afternoon tea experience called “fuwala”, while relaxing with magnificent views overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Unique Experiences

WestJet Group to demand COVID-19 vaccination for all employees.....

The WestJet Group has finally agreed to instigate a mandatory requirement that all its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, full vaccination status will be a requirement of employment for all future employees hired by the WestJet Group, this rule comes into effect at the end of October. 

Many travellers, industry analysts and staff have been calling for the demand for many weeks, if not months and follows Air Canada's recent announcement that it will require staff to be fully vaccinated by the end of next month. 

The WestJet Group says it will evaluate and accommodate those employees who are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 either through medical or other exemptions. However, the airline also warned that any employees who fail to attest their vaccination status by September 24 or achieve full vaccination status by October 30, 2021, will face unpaid leave or termination of employment. As part of its vaccine mandate, the airline will not provide testing as an alternative to vaccination.

"Protecting the health and safety of our guests and employees remains our number one priority and vaccinations are our best line of defense," said Mark Porter, WestJet Executive Vice-President of People. "Aviation has been one of the hardest-hit industries and we believe requiring all WestJet Group employees to be vaccinated is the right thing to do and ensures the safest travel and work environment for everyone in WestJet's world."

Continued Porter, "The WestJet Group remains committed to building back even stronger to ensure a competitive aviation industry in Canada. Requiring all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is essential to the safe restart of travel across Canada."

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Delta’s pre-flight testing significantly decreases rate of active COVID-19 infections on board

The risk of exposure to COVID-19 while travelling after all passengers test negative 72 hours in advance of your flight is less than 0.1 percent. That’s according to a unique study that examined real-world customer data on Delta’s COVID-tested flight corridors between New York-JFK, Atlanta and Italy’s Fiumicino International Airport.

The peer-reviewed study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed a single COVID-19 molecular test performed within 72 hours of departure could decrease the rate of people actively infected onboard a commercial aircraft to a level that is significantly below active community infection rates. For example, when the average community infection rate was at 1.1 percent - or about one in 100 people - infection rates on COVID-19-tested flights were 0.05 percent or 5 in 10,000 passengers. The Georgia Department of Health and Mayo Clinic conducted the study in conjunction with Delta.

United and Honeywell invest in new clean technology venture from Alder Fuels

United agrees to purchase 1.5 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over 20 years - which is one and a half times the size of the rest of the world's airlines' publicly announced SAF commitments combined.

Photo PRNewswire

 

United and Honeywell announced on Saturday 9th September, a joint multimillion-dollar investment in Alder Fuels – a cleantech company that is pioneering first-of-its-kind technologies for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at scale by converting abundant biomass, such as forest and crop waste, into sustainable low-carbon, drop-in replacement crude oil that can be used to produce aviation fuel. When used together across the fuel lifecycle, the Alder technologies, coupled with Honeywell's Ecofining™ process, could have the ability to produce a carbon-negative fuel at spec with today's jet fuel. The goal of the technologies is to produce fuel that is a 100% drop-in replacement for petroleum jet fuel.

As part of the agreement, United is committing to purchase 1.5 billion gallons of SAF from Alder when produced to United's requirements. United's purchase agreement, which is one and a half times the size of the known purchase commitments of all global airlines combined, makes this easily the largest publicly announced SAF agreement in aviation history. United's purchase agreement with Alder also surpasses the previous record set by the airline in 2015 through its investment in Fulcrum BioEnergy with its option to purchase up to 900 million gallons of SAF.

"Since announcing our 100% green commitment in 2020, United has stayed focused on decarbonizing without relying on the use of traditional carbon offsets. Part of that commitment means increasing SAF usage and availability since it's the fastest way to reduce emissions across our fleet. However, to scale SAF as quickly as necessary, we need to look beyond existing solutions and invest in research and development for new pathways like the one Alder is developing," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "United has come further than any other airline making sustainable travel a reality by using SAF to power flights. Our leadership gives customers confidence that they are flying with an airline that recognizes the responsibility we have to help solve climate change."

Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2021 - No. 1 Domestic Airline in the U.S. is JetBlue

The U.S. airline JetBlue has been named the No. 1 domestic airline in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2021 readers’ survey. Each year, the readers of Travel + Leisure vote on their favourite airlines, hotels, destinations and more, with airlines being rated on the following characteristics: in-cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service and value.

“Honors like this from Travel + Leisure serve as a powerful testament to the award-winning experience we set out to provide our customers with each and every day,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue. “Despite our most challenging year yet, it is clear that the work and dedication of our many crewmembers continues to make a difference and brighten the journey for those ready to take back to the skies.”

One wonders how JetBlue will rank in years to come after it embarks on an international with new, nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport. 

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