SAUDIA crowned the World's Most Improved Airline in 2021

SAUDIA  wins the Skytrax award for the second time in four years!

           Skytrax announced this week that SAUDIA is the World's Most Improved Airline of 2021. This is the second time that SAUDIA has won this award since 2017. That year, the Saudi flag carrier impressively jumped from the 82nd to 51st position, a 40% improvement. This year, however, SAUDIA improved by a stunning 55% and is now 26th in the Skytrax ranking of global airlines.  

The award cements the airline's status as a full scale global carrier, constantly innovating its onboard service and culinary offering. Being awarded this accolade award reflects the dedication to quality and performance improvements in different award categories including cabin crew, food & beverage, in-flight entertainment and more. The Skytrax award comes as yet another milestone in SAUDIA's on-going transformation which has led to several other awards and recognitions. The airline's stellar health safety initiatives to ensure passenger safety during the COVID-19 pandemic have attracted global accolades.

With a route network of more than 95 destinations and a fleet of 145 aircraft – operating one of the youngest fleets in the world – SAUDIA is on an upwards trajectory of continued growth in international markets.

Saudi Arabian Airlines Director General, His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Alomar said, "It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of the entire SAUDIA team who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the pursuit of the highest standards globally – from health and safety to the product and experience. I would also like to express SAUDIA's deep appreciation and gratitude to The Custodian Of The Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman for their continuous support to SAUDIA, the Kingdom's flag carrier. My congratulations also to SAUDIA's Chairman His Excellency Eng. Saleh Al Jasser and the rest of the Board of Directors on this achievement."

Continued Eng. Alomar: "As part of the airline's SV2020 Strategy & Transformation Plan, SAUDIA has invested in new aircraft, product innovation and service enhancements with a single purpose – to provide all of our guests with the highest level of hospitality and comfort in the skies. We are delighted that the world is noticing and recognizing our efforts."

Commenting on the award, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: "SAUDIA continues to increase its global status and appeal amongst customers. Apart from overall improvement in the main survey, the airline performed well in many other survey sections which are considered for this award. It is a fabulous achievement for SAUDIA to be named the World's Most Improved Airline. Customers definitely recognize this improvement across the end-to-end passenger experience."                                     

Finnair expands coronavirus testing services plus introduces PCR testing

Photo Mikko Pylkkö

Finnair expands its coronavirus testing service and will also offer PCR testing at a price of €99. A negative corona test certificate is a prerequisite for entry in several countries, especially if the passenger has not been fully vaccinated. Finnair has previously introduced rapid antigen testing near Helsinki Airport, which costs €65. 

Testing is handled by Finnair Health Services and it’s available by appointment from 28 September onwards at Finnair’s headquarters in Vantaa near the airport at Tietotie 9. The test can be booked online at finnairtest.mbooking.fi. The booking can be made with a Finnish personal identity code, or with a date of birth. The test result and certificate in English are delivered electronically by the following morning at 9 am. The results are also available in My Kanta in Finland. 

“Our customers have found Finnair's corona testing service well, and we are pleased to be able to expand our offering with PCR tests. Especially when travelling to many Asian countries, a PCR test certificate is required even if you have been fully vaccinated”, says Kaarlo Karvonen, Finnair's Head of Security. "Testing in Finland is still more expensive than in many other countries, and we want to support an increase of travel by offering affordable tests." 

Find information on travel restrictions here.  

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

The Curling Club is sliding and gliding into London this winter......

London will be transported from inner-city concrete jungle to the European headiness of the Alps by The Curling Club. In two iconic locations, The Curling Club is bringing flamboyancy, frolics and festivities to The Langham, London from 20th November - 20th February 2022 and in Finsbury Square from 1st to 19th December 2021. The Curling Club will be a once in lifetime event for you, your friends, colleagues and business networks.

Drenched in après-ski vibes, the glistening pistes of the Alps will now lie in Finsbury Square and The Langham, some of the most iconic and legendary locations in London. Attendees at both locations will be joined by current Team GB Skip and 3 time Olympian, Eve Muirhead MBE, who will be on hand to glide party-goers to a clean sweep. With curling rinks at both venues, the quintessentially British sport will be played in short form, allowing people from all backgrounds to try and conquer this suspenseful game. Competitive socialising at its most masterful, The Curling Club is open to corporate bookings as well as the general public.

Situated in a spectacular courtyard, The Curling Club will transform The Langham into a festive wonderland complete with entertainment and alpine infused street-food. From January 2022, The Curling Club will welcome guests to a winter-sport city escape celebrating the Winter Olympics and continuing the alpine, après-ski vibe. There will be three ice rinks in the courtyard, allowing groups of six to take part in the game at any one time. Fully customisable and the ability to host groups from as small as six people to 150, The Curling Club presents an opportunity to be part of an unforgettable bespoke experience. Guests are invited to attend every day from midday until 10 pm.

 

The second location for the pop-up is Finsbury Square, London which has a 500 person capacity and 10 curling rinks, allowing groups of eight. Open every day from midday until 11 pm and conveniently located near Moorgate Tube Station, The Curling Club will be the ideal destination for festive party bookings. Catering for groups of all sizes, guests will be treated to wintery drinks, alpine infused street food, DJs and magicians.

Emirates introduces Bavarian specialties on flights to Germany.......

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is once again delighting customers by bringing regional festive culinary traditions onboard its flights. 

This time, Emirates customers flying to Germany from Dubai can enjoy traditional sweet and savoury Oktoberfest treats on their flights.

Customers flying from Emirates’ hub in Dubai to its four German gateways of Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich, in all classes of travel will be able to enjoy a Bavarian main course and dessert until October 3rd.

Travellers in First Class and Business Class can treat themselves to leberkäs as a main course, a typical German-style beef and chicken meatloaf served with sauerkraut, potato and red radish salad, and sweet mustard. They can round off their main course with a sweet and hot apfelstrudel with vanilla sauce in First Class and bienenstich, a traditional German cake with almonds and honey, in Business Class.

Emirates customers flying from Dubai to Germany in Economy Class, can also choose leberkäs as a main course, served with mashed potatoes as well as sauerkraut with fried onions. They can then also finish off their German meal with a piece of bienenstich cake.

One new Airbus A320neo aircraft for Air Travel

Aviation Capital Group has confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Air Travel. This A320neo, powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines, is ACG’s first aircraft delivery to Air Travel from ACG’s order book with Airbus.

“ACG is excited to deliver this A320neo to Air Travel, a new customer for ACG,” said Tom Baker, CEO and president of ACG. “We look forward to the airline operating this modern, fuel-efficient aircraft and supporting their growth for many years to come.”

“This aircraft delivered by ACG is the first new aircraft Air Travel has taken delivery of in China since our renaming, which manifests Air Travel’s efficiency and profitability has stepped up to a new level,” said Mr. Wu Jiazhu, CEO of Air Travels. “Thanks to the cooperation between our two companies and ACG’s advanced capability of asset management, we are happy to celebrate this successful delivery. We look forward to further cooperation between Air Travel and ACG.”

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Emirates’ A380 network expansion gains momentum as travel demand continues to rise

In line with the continued easing of travel restrictions around the globe, Emirates has announced that its flagship A380 aircraft will soon be deployed to an expanded list of destinations starting in October and November. By the end of November, the number of cities that the aircraft will serve will be scaled up to 27, representing a more than 65% increase from its current 16.

The Emirates A380 remains highly sought-after by travelers for its spacious and comfortable cabins featuring modern amenities to make the journey a memorable experience. The airline is gradually and responsibly deploying its popular aircraft in sync with passenger demand as the travel industry continues on its path to recovery. With the addition of 11 routes to the A380 network by November, as well as extra frequencies on the most popular ones already being served by the aircraft, Emirates is poised to offer close to 165,000 additional A380 seats to customers.

Fans of the popular double-decker aircraft will soon see more in the skies as an increasing number of A380s are returned to service, taking flight to operate routes where it is commercially viable to deploy them. Over the next six weeks Emirates will re-instate its signature A380 services to popular leisure and business destinations such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Johannesburg, Madrid, Milan, Riyadh (subject to government approvals), Sao Paulo and Zurich.

Emirates will also introduce a new route to its A380 network that was previously not served by the world’s largest commercial aircraft. The flagship aircraft’s services to Istanbul are scheduled to launch on 1 October, set to become the first-ever A380 operation in Turkey.

35 years of flying to Jordan...... Emirates flies over 6 million passengers!

Emirates is celebrating 35 years of flying to Jordan this month. The carriers first service to Amman took off on 1 September 1986. Since then, they've flown over 6 million passengers between Dubai and the Jordanian capital on over 32,000 flights.

IATA Urges Ethiopian Government to Maintain Support for Aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the government of Ethiopia to continue its focus on maintaining efficient air connectivity amid the COVID-19 crisis. This will place Ethiopia in a strong position to weather the crisis and speed up the eventual industry and economic recovery.

“We congratulate Ethiopia for the positive steps it has taken to promote travel and air service connectivity throughout the pandemic. This includes accepting vaccinated travellers without restrictions, managing the cost of PCR testing to ensure it is affordable and implementing a testing regime which accepts both PCR and rapid antigen tests. These measures should put Ethiopia on a faster track to recovery, not just for air transport but across the economy,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.

13 more Boeing 737 MAX 9s for Alaska Airlines

Air Lease Corporation Announces Delivery of First of 13 New Boeing 737 Aircraft to Alaska Airlines

 Air Lease Corporation announced the delivery of one new Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft on long-term lease to Alaska Airlines.  Featuring CFM International LEAP -1B engines, this is the first of 13 new 737 MAX 9 aircraft confirmed to deliver to the airline as announced in November 2020 from ALC’s orderbook with Boeing.  This new 737 MAX 9 from ALC joins six 737 MAX currently flying in Alaska Airlines’ fleet. 

“ALC is pleased to announce this first of 13 new 737-9 aircraft delivery to Alaska Airlines today,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.  “These new 737-9s from ALC will provide the most modern, fuel-efficient technology to advance the airline’s fleet modernization objectives.” 

“Alaska Airlines is excited to take delivery of our seventh 737-9 from Boeing today, extending our partnership with Air Lease Corporation,” said Nat Pieper, Alaska’s Senior Vice President of Fleet, Finance and Alliances.  “Our 737-9 experience has been terrific to date.  The aircraft is fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, and our guests and teammates love flying it.”

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Air Canada heading back to India.

Air Canada has confirmed today the resumption of its non-stop flights to and from Delhi, India, following the lifting of the Government of Canada restrictions on non-stop flights from India. The airline's flights from Delhi to Toronto and Vancouver resume arriving today.

"People are eager to reunite with family and friends and we are very pleased to resume service immediately from India to our Toronto and Vancouver hubs following the lifting of restrictions by the Government of Canada. We continue to be focused on the growing visiting friends and relatives market, and together with the long-standing cultural and business ties between Canada and India which are expected to grow over the coming years, Air Canada remains strongly committed to this important Asia-Pacific market," said Mark Galardo, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at Air Canada.

Air Canada is the leading carrier between the two countries. Since service began in 2015, Air Canada has operated flights from Toronto and Vancouver to Delhi and from Toronto to Mumbai. The airline is planning to launch new non-stop flights from Montreal to Delhi and resume service to Mumbai as market conditions allow.

International Services

Virgin Galactic hires Aparna Chitale as Chief People Officer

Virgin Galactic announced that veteran human resources executive Aparna Chitale will join the company as its Chief People Officer (CPO) on September 30, 2021. 

 Chitale brings over 20 years of strategic experience at multi-national organizations, where she has scaled and led global teams at both public and privately held companies. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at Disney Parks Experiences and Products.

Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Galactic, said, “I’m delighted to welcome Aparna to the Virgin Galactic team. She has an outstanding track record building and supporting highly skilled teams across engineering, maintenance, safety, and technical services. Aparna also brings deep experience hiring and developing top talent in global destinations around the world to support rapid growth. This unique background, combined with her proven ability to foster a high performance culture rooted in a diverse and inclusive work environment, will support Virgin Galactic’s ambitious growth strategy.”

As CPO, Chitale will report to Colglazier, with the mission to make the Company a destination for top talent. In this role, she will lead all aspects of human resources, including diversity, equity & inclusion, talent acquisition, employee experience, learning & development, compensation & benefits.

CUPE Members agree new contract with Swoop

CUPE Flight Attendants working at Swoop, WestJet’s ultra-low-cost carrier, have signed off on their first collective bargaining agreement. Members voted today to ratify the tentative collective agreement reached in September. The five-year agreement includes wage improvements, and momentum towards industry-standard scheduling and pay rules.

“This is the first-ever collective agreement for our membership at Swoop. Ratification of this deal is proof positive that certifying with CUPE has been instrumental in our members’ pursuit of fair working conditions,” said CUPE 4070 President Chris Rauenbusch. “Reaching this deal was not easy in light of the circumstances caused by the global pandemic. I’d like to thank both our union and our bargaining committee for working so hard to find a path forward despite the challenges of the past 18 months.”

CUPE represents over 200 Flight Attendants at Swoop. The parties have been engaged in collective bargaining towards a first union contract since February 2020.

CUPE also represents cabin crew at WestJet mainline and its subsidiary WestJet Encore.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Pegasus restarting Turkey - UK routes.

Turkish holiday carrier Pegasus has relaunched its twice-daily operation between Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen and London Stansted following Turkey coming off the UK's red list of countries. The airline has also made its service between Istanbul and Manchester fly five times each week.

UK travel trade publication TTG, reported that the airline will also be launching flights between Stansted and Antalya during this winter period twice a week, commencing on 20th October. A day later Pegasus will begin a London Stansted-Izmir route scheduled to operate five times per week.  

Chief commercial officer Guliz Ozturk said: “In light of the new announcement putting Turkey back into the amber list, we’re seeing strong growth in our bookings to Turkey from England.   

In response to this growing demand and desire for autumn travel, we’re delighted also to be expanding our flight programme from Stansted and Manchester to Turkey.

We’re planning to further increase the number of our flights from England later in the autumn if demand continues to rise, and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming our guests back onboard as travel begins to reopen again."

The carrier has a fleet of over 90 aircraft, the majority being from the Airbus A320 family and 28 Boeing 737 aircraft that are being phased out.  With over 50 more aircraft on order the airline also plans to increase its destination list to over 118. 

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

UK Pilot unions welcomes Norse Atlantic Airways plans

The British Airline Pilots Association and Norse Atlantic Airways announce partnership to bring hundreds of jobs to the UK

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) and Norse Atlantic Airways (Norse), the new intercontinental airline, have entered into a new agreement that will deliver hundreds of jobs in the UK.

 

The new airline plans to commence affordable flights between Europe and North America in 2022, with a fleet of more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

 

BALPA’s National Officer Terry Brandon, said:  “This is a glimmer of hope for the struggling UK aviation industry that is much needed. We are pleased to welcome Norse Atlantic to London and the new jobs they will deliver at this critical time.

 

“Our negotiating team has been incredibly impressed with the company’s business plan as it will provide sustainable long-term careers for our members on its transatlantic route network. This collective agreement will facilitate a fruitful relationship between BALPA and Norse to ensure that Norse is a great place to work.

“It is a refreshing change to have an employer knocking on our door asking for an agreement, rather than us chasing the employer. Norse has proven to be a different breed; they have recognition of unions in their DNA. Consultations and dialogue are just natural, and we can really be a contributor to the business when the employer brings us in like Norse has done”.

 

“With some government restrictions now being lifted, we hope the newest member of the BALPA family flourishes, and our new agreement with Norse provides opportunities for hundreds of our members.”

 

Norse Atlantic´s CEO Bjorn Tore Larsen (pictured left)  said:  “We are thrilled to be collaborating with BALPA to offer pilots the opportunity to return to the cockpit and create hundreds of new jobs in the UK, especially following a tough time for the entire aviation industry.

 

“The passion and professionalism demonstrated by the BALPA team are exactly what we are looking for in Norse as we build a team Norse culture throughout the entire airline which will be our lasting competitive advantage.”

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

No BA budget airline for Gatwick.

It was confirmed last week that British Airways planned budget operation from London Gatwick will now not go ahead.  The IAG carrier had wanted to start a no-frills operation to compete with easyJet and Ryanair from the Sussex airport with a fleet of nearly 20 Airbus A320 aircraft. It was thought negotiations with the airport, unions and suppliers had been going well, however those plans have now been dealt the death blow by Balpa, the pilots union.

BA says it had to scrap plans as Balpa wouldn't agree to plans.  "We’re disappointed that our plans for a new short-haul subsidiary at Gatwick have not received Balpa’s support," according to a statement from the carrier. 

"After many years of losing money on European flights from the airport, we were clear that coming out of the pandemic, we needed a plan to make Gatwick profitable and competitive.  With regret, we will now suspend our short-haul operations at Gatwick, with the exception of a small number of domestic services connecting to our long-haul operation and will pursue alternative uses for the Gatwick short-haul slots."

 

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Brussels Airlines takes 153,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Uganda

On Wednesday 22 September, 153,000 COVID-19 vaccines arrived safely in Entebbe, Uganda with Brussels Airlines flight SN455. The Brussels Airlines aircraft carrying the donation by the Belgian government of 153,000 doses of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine was awaited at the airport in Entebbe by Rudi Veestraeten - Ambassador of Belgium to Uganda, Tom Vanneste – Resident Representative of ENABEL and Geert Lemmen – Country Manager Uganda for Brussels Airlines. After the transportation of the vaccines by air, ENABEL takes further care of the logistic aspects. The donated doses will allow vaccinating teachers, meaning schools in Uganda can reopen again.

Geert Lemmen, Country Manager Uganda at Brussels Airlines said: “Brussels Airlines is the gateway to Africa, and we are proud to help the Belgian Government in the fast transportation of this vaccine donation to Uganda. Thanks to the close cooperation with the representatives of the Belgian government in both Belgium and Uganda, we can contribute to the increase of the vaccination rate in Africa and do our bit to help in reopening the schools here in Uganda. We look forward to shipping more vaccine donations in the near future.”

In the coming weeks, Brussels Airlines will transport another 190,000 Astra-Zeneca vaccines donated by the Belgian government within the framework of the COVAX initiative, in cooperation with UNICEF.

 

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Norwich – Jersey service for Summer 2022

Channel Islands airline to fly direct to Jersey

Direct flights to Jersey from Norwich will once again be possible from next summer as Channel Islands-based airline, Blue Islands has announced it will serve convenient twice-weekly flights as it further enhances its regional network with seats available to book now at blueislands.com.

Rob Veron, CEO of Blue Islands, said: “As Jersey’s airline, we’re thrilled to be providing new direct flights from Norwich and we look forward to welcoming new visitors from Norfolk to our beautiful island next summer as we grow our regional network.”

Although just 9 x 5 miles, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands. It boasts a diverse coastline with amazing beaches and dramatic cliffs, together with a rich history, unique culture and mouth-watering cuisine created using the freshest local ingredients from the land and sea available at every turn!

Amanda Burns, CEO Visit Jersey, said: “Visit Jersey is delighted with this very positive announcement, which demonstrates the growing appeal of Jersey and provides a much-needed connection from East Anglia. We very much look forward to welcoming Blue Islands visitors from Norwich next year.”

Airbus launches extra high performance wing demonstrator to fortify decarbonisation ambition

Airbus has launched an extra-performing wing demonstrator project focused on accelerating and validating technologies that will improve and optimise wing aerodynamics and performance for any future aircraft. This scaled demonstrator will integrate and fly breakthrough wing technologies on a Cessna Citation VII business jet platform in representative flight conditions. The applications of the extra-performing wing would be compatible with any propulsion solution and aircraft configuration and would reduce CO₂ emissions, contributing greatly to Airbus’ decarbonisation roadmap.

“Airbus’ extra-performing wing demonstrator is another example of Airbus’ novel technology-oriented solutions to decarbonise the aviation sector,” says Sabine Klauke, Airbus Chief Technical Officer. “Airbus is continuously investigating parallel and complementary solutions such as infrastructure, flight operations and aircraft structure. With this demonstrator, we will make significant strides in active control technology through research and applied testing of various technologies inspired by biomimicry. ” 

Similar to how an eagle soars, adapting the shape, span and surface of its wings and feathers, this demonstrator allows for increased flight efficiency. Various technology bricks will be investigated to enable the active control of the wing, including: gust sensors, pop-up spoilers or plates that are rapidly deflected perpendicular to airflow, multifunctional trailing edges that dynamically change wing surface in flight and a semi-aeroelastic hinge.

The demonstrator is hosted within Airbus UpNext, a wholly-owned Airbus subsidiary created to give future technologies a development fast-track by building demonstrators at speed and scale, in order to evaluate, mature and validate potential new products and services that encompass radical technological breakthroughs.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

The Royal Air Force Launches First Trial of Self-Driving Technology on Its Airbases With Academy of Robotics

Academy of Robotics and the Royal Air Force announced a new trial deployment of autonomous vehicles on an airbase as part of the RAF’s Astra campaign to deliver next generation Air Force capability. This trial is the first time that autonomous vehicles have been deployed on a UK airbase by the RAF.

The trial sees Academy of Robotics' Kar-go Delivery Bot making deliveries of tools, equipment and supplies to locations within RAF Brize Norton, near Oxford. RAF personnel then go out to meet the vehicle and a hatch is automatically released enabling them to collect the package.

During the trial, the vehicles will perform autonomous and semi-autonomous procedures with a safety team monitoring from a mobile command hub. This unique remote command hub is a secure mobile unit, which can oversee all aspects of the vehicles' operations. From this facility, the team are also able to take control of the vehicle remotely if necessary.

For security reasons, only trained and authorised personnel can move goods around an airbase, but the use of secure, autonomous vehicles could offer valuable support to professional personnel, freeing up their time to focus on the core roles they were trained for. As the vehicles are electric, the technology also opens up opportunities to reduce harmful emissions, helping the RAF towards its mission to achieve net zero by 2040.

Part-funded by the RAF’s Astra programme, with British start-up Academy of Robotics matching the investment, the trial is the first stage of understanding and investigating the potential to use autonomous delivery vehicles to support the work of RAF personnel.

Cathay Pacific launches new Light, Essential and Flex fares in economy. More choice for customers.....

Cathay Pacific is redesigning its Economy fares to give customers greater choice and flexibility when booking flights.

Cathay Pacific understands no two journeys are the same. The airline has developed new and simple-to-understand Light, Essential and Flex fares that are tailored to customers’ travel needs. The consistent and clearly defined attributes associated with each fare type provide greater visibility for customers on what they are purchasing, helping them choose the fare that suits them best.

The redesigned Economy fares will be introduced progressively across Cathay Pacific’s network in phases. Initially, they will be available for flight tickets originating from Malaysia, South Korea or the Taiwan region from 28 September 2021. They will then be extended across the rest of the network over the next six months, and to Hong Kong during the first quarter of 2022.

Each fare offers increasingly more control and greater benefits, from enhanced baggage allowances to flexible rebooking and upgrade options.

Light fares enable customers to enjoy great value when they have confirmed travel plans and are travelling light. One piece of checked-in luggage is included and customers can always pay for additional luggage and other benefits like seat pre-selection after their booking is made.

UK CAA warns travel first to renew ATOL licences before the end of September or stop selling holidays.....

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority is warning UK travel businesses that are due to renew their ATOL licence must apply for a renewal as soon as possible and those yet to meet their licence conditions must do so or face losing their ability to sell package holidays after 30 September 2021.

With just one week left before the deadline, there is still a variety of different sized travel companies that are yet to apply to renew their ATOL: around 20% of businesses.

Commenting, Michael Budge, Head of ATOL Licencing at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“We appreciate the challenges the travel industry has faced over the past 18 months and thank those travel businesses that have already submitted their application and supporting information for renewal in good time.”

“We are continuing to work closely with many businesses to support them with their licence renewal. However, applications must be thoroughly assessed and where licence conditions are required these must be met before the new licence can be granted. Therefore, it is very important that those businesses that have not yet submitted their applications do so as soon as possible to avoid delays to their ability to sell package holidays.”

If a new ATOL is not granted before the current one expires, the business will no longer hold an ATOL and will be unable to transact business which is legally required to be covered under ATOL.

This means businesses would have to:

Stop taking new licensable bookings

Stop accepting payments for existing licensable booking

Instruct agents (if applicable) that they should not accept any new bookings or any payment

Stop advertising licensable business and remove all references to ATOL on your website/s and other publicity/promotional material.

In addition, there would be a breach of the ATOL Regulations if businesses continued to hold bookings for customers that have entered into licensable transactions. This means businesses would have to notify all customers due to travel after 30 September 2021 that they cannot provide their travel arrangements and provide a full refund of all monies paid.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Teesside International Airport closed following light aircraft crash

Three people had to be cut free from a small aircraft that has crashed upon takeoff from Teesside International Airport earlier today.

The pilot and two passengers have been taken to  James Cook University Hospital after the incident that happened at 09:30. 

Rob Cherrie of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service told how the light aircraft "had taken off then come back down again very quickly" and fire crews had been "forced to cut the three people out of the plane".

The North East Ambulance Service said: "We sent two ambulances, a specialist paramedic, an officer and requested support from the Great North Air Ambulance. In total, three patients were taken to James Cook hospital, one with serious injuries. One patient was taken by air and the two other patients were transported by road."

The airport confirmed it would remain closed until Monday,  "Following an incident involving a light aircraft this morning, we will remain closed for the weekend so the Air Accident Investigation Branch can carry out a thorough investigation. We are hopeful the airport will reopen on Monday.

As a result of this closure, Loganair will be contacting customers affected with details on how to claim a full refund or rebook an alternative date. They request that customers do not phone Loganair at this time.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank all of our passengers who have been very understanding today. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the three people onboard at the time of the incident and their families."

A Ryanair flight from Palma has been diverted to Newcastle and coaches have been arranged to transfer passengers. 

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

56 Airbus C295 aircraft for Indian Air Force.....

Airbus and the Indian authorities have agreed on a deal for 56 Airbus C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force s part of the first ‘Make in India’ aerospace programme. 

Under the contractual agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain. The subsequent 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by the Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India as part of an industrial partnership between the two companies.  

The first 16 aircraft will be delivered over four years after the contract implementation. All the IAF C295s will be handed over in transport configuration and equipped with an indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite.  

“This contract will support the further development of India’s aerospace ecosystem, bringing investment and 15,000 skilled direct jobs and 10,000 indirect positions over the coming 10 years,” said Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “The C295 has proven again as the segment leader, and with the addition of India as a new operator, the type will enlarge its footprint even more, not only on the operational aspects but on its own industrial and technological development”.  

New FedEx ACMI deal for Atlas Air

Atlas Air Worldwide confirmed this week that it has entered into a long-term agreement with FedEx to provide two 747-400 freighter aircraft on a full-time aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) basis. This new agreement is in addition to the company’s existing multi-year peak season contract that provides FedEx with a minimum of five aircraft during the fourth quarter.

Both 747-400 freighters have entered service and are flying on behalf of FedEx to support their growing express and e-commerce network.

“We are pleased to grow our long-term relationship with FedEx. This agreement reflects the continued strong demand for airfreight capacity, particularly in the express and e-commerce markets,” said John W. Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. “Atlas is a leader in supporting express networks, with a focus on operating the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to deliver high levels of on-time performance for our customers.”

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

United Airlines making it easier for passengers to use travel credits - at last!

U.S. mega-carrier United has said it is adding some more flexibility in the way customers can use travel credits with the airline, making it a lot easier. United is one of the few airlines that displays travel credits as an option to pay during the checkout process. 

This functionality will be available for MileagePlus® members first and the airline is working to roll it out to all customers in the near future. Also, beginning next week, United will be the first to let customers use their travel credits for extra legroom seats and to pre-pay for checked baggage.   

These industry firsts, along with other new options like the ability to combine multiple travel credits and use them on partner airlines, give United customers more flexibility than any other airline. For customers who have travel credits issued on or before August 31, 2021, United is also allowing a one-time opportunity to share these credits with friends and family.

This represents the continuation of the customer experience transformation underway at United, putting the customer first every step of the way. United continues to invest in ways to enhance the travel experience including introducing new policies to encourage and make it simple for customers to return to travel.