Condor to fly to Nice and Málaga next summer

To Andalusia in Spain or France's Côte d'Azur: From summer 2022, Germany's most popular leisure airline will be flying to two more Mediterranean destinations. From April 1, Condor will fly four times a week from Düsseldorf and Frankfurt to Nice (France) and from April 9, four times a week from Düsseldorf to Málaga. Tickets and packages with Condor can be booked with all German tour operators and in travel agencies, as well as through www.condor.com and by telephone.

Condor already offers a wide range of holiday destinations around the Mediterranean and adds two more popular destinations with Nice and Málaga. Nice, the cultural capital of the Côte d'Azur, is located on the French Mediterranean coast and is considered the most popular seaside paradise. Holidaymakers stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, immerse themselves in Nice's rich architectural heritage with palaces, villas and numerous baroque churches or enjoy French cuisine in picturesque restaurants and cafés overlooking the sea. Museums of art and history await, as well as numerous other excursion destinations in the region, such as Castle Hill with its panoramic view over Nice or the Principality of Monaco, 20 kilometres away.

Málaga is the gateway to the Costa del Sol, where the name says it all: holidaymakers can expect a sun guarantee. The second largest city in Andalusia not only offers the most beautiful beaches, but also captivates with the panorama of the surrounding Sierra de Mijas mountain range, from where unique views can be enjoyed. Those interested in culture will also get their money's worth in the birthplace of the painter Pablo Picasso: Numerous museums await exploration in the artists' quarter, and for a break in between, the local restaurants are the best place to enjoy fresh fish - grilled anchovy skewers are a speciality of Málaga - with Muscat wine.

Tickets from Frankfurt and Düsseldorf to Nice are now available from 49.99 euros per person and route, tickets from Düsseldorf to Málaga from 59.99 euros. Condor flies to Málaga on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and to Nice on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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Flights to USA are booming says Lufthansa

About a week after the planned end of U.S. travel restrictions, Lufthansa Group airlines are experiencing a further boom for flights to the United States. On certain days in the last week, flights across the Atlantic increased three-fold over the week before. 

Demand in the last week on certain routes almost reached pre-crisis levels. Flights with SWISS from Zurich and Lufthansa from Frankfurt to New York and from Frankfurt and Zurich to Miami had the highest bookings from both leisure and business travellers. In Premium Economy, Business and First Class more tickets to the USA were bought than in the same period in 2019.

Lufthansa Group is meeting this boom in pent-up demand by launching additional flights to the USA on short notice. Lufthansa and SWISS, for example, will be offering a combined total of three daily flights to Miami on short notice starting in November.

There is very strong demand for flights to the USA for the coming December. New bookings in the past week for this month were as high as they were for 2019 for the same time period. Flights to New York – traditionally in high demand during the Christmas season – have already been bolstered with additional connections. The airlines of the Lufthansa Group are offering up to 55 weekly connections to New York from their various European hubs in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland in December. A further short-term expansion of services is currently under consideration.

Alone to New York and Chicago, Lufthansa Group airlines offer more daily connections from Europe in November than flights to the entire Asia-Pacific region. Lufthansa Group expects that the opening of the U.S. to vaccinated EU travellers will be a signal for other countries and regions to make international air travel easier again and roll back travel restrictions.

Additional flights also within Germany

Lufthansa Group is also increasing German domestic flights to its European hubs as demand for U.S. flights continues to soar. For example, compared with July, Lufthansa is increasing its domestic German flights by 45 percent from starting in October. This means, among other things that as of October there will be nine instead of six daily flights from Frankfurt to Berlin. Flights from Frankfurt to Hamburg will increase from six to eight flights daily. The situation is similar for Munich: The current five daily connections to Berlin will be increased to seven starting in October; instead of six daily flights from Munich to Hamburg, there will be up to 11 daily flights in the future. And also starting in October, Lufthansa will again operate hourly flights from Hamburg and Berlin to its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich in the morning and in the evening.

With the flight schedule expansion more connections are available throughout the day. This means business travellers who often want to fly in the morning or the evening will benefit from an improved flight schedule as will other travellers.

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SITA helps Flyr take off with solutions for connectivity and efficiency

The new low-cost airline has selected solutions from SITA’s aircraft and airport portfolios to boost operational efficiencies and optimize air-to-ground communications.

As Flyr AS, a new low-cost airline based in Norway, takes to the skies, it has turned to SITA to deliver a wide range of solutions that help boost operational efficiencies, reduce carbon emissions, and streamline border processes for a smoother passenger experience. Based at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Flyr operates flights within Norway and between Norway and European leisure destinations, having completed its first commercial flight on 30 June.

In the air, Flyr has implemented SITA’s eWAS Pilot and eWAS Dispatch to provide pilots and dispatchers real-time access to accurate multi-source weather reports. eWAS Pilot, an application used by 67,000 pilots worldwide, provides accurate 4D weather forecasts and real-time updates from various sources to warn about weather hazards such as thunderstorms, lightning, clear air turbulence, strong winds, icing, and even volcanic ash. Cloud-based eWAS Dispatch incorporates this data into a next-generation flight tracking system which reduces dispatchers’ workload by streamlining flight monitoring.

Together, the solutions help Flyr optimize decision-making and efficiency for flight route planning to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions, all while ensuring a more comfortable service for passengers.

To connect air and ground operations, Flyr has adopted SITA’s AIRCOM® Cockpit Services and AIRCOM® FlightMessenger. AIRCOM® FlightMessenger, the air transport industry’s leading solution for the management and integration of operational communications, supports operational efficiencies for Flyr through improved air-to-ground communication.

On the ground, the addition of SITA Messaging connects Flyr to their partners and over 2,400 air transport industry actors via fully-managed message distribution services, while SITA’s Community Connect DCS service is providing Flyr network connectivity across approximately 10 airports.

No barriers – FL3XX and MySky maximize aviation efficiency

Both FL3XX, a provider of aviation management software, and MySky, the technology company specializing in spend management solutions, bring powerful automation and efficiency to business aviation. Working together, unsurprisingly, these two pioneering organizations are delivering very productive results.

Already offering a leading web- and app-based aviation management platform for charter operators and scheduled airlines, Vienna-based FL3XX first implemented MySky’s spend management platform in early 2020.

Paolo Sommariva, founder of FL3XX, explains: “Our company was founded in 2010 and our platform rapidly built a reputation for helping sales, operations, management, maintenance and rostering teams organize and optimize flights extremely quickly, reliably and in sync. Today, many companies globally – from specialist businesses to high-profile operators – rely on our technology and can seamlessly connect to over 100 integrated services, saving thousands of work-hours every month. We network with a large range of partners to offer a broad ecosystem of integrations.”

“Unmatched” and “amazing”

Many clients credit MySky’s technology with improving their customer service and FL3XX is no exception. “MySky offers an unmatched level of additional services to FL3XX users,” says Paolo, “complementing our core functionalities in sales and reporting.” Every progressive aviation business wants to reduce their clients’ costs, save time and bring greater transparency to the industry. “Through MySky, we have enhanced our cost collection and tracking, analyzing data down to each aircraft, and the reporting is amazing.”

No barriers to progress

Qantas and Jetstar updates flight schedules as states reopening plans published

Photo Getty

Qantas will continue to operate five return flights a week between Perth and both Sydney and Melbourne to maintain minimum connections for those with permits to travel.

There is no change to Qantas or Jetstar flights between WA, Tasmania, Northern Territory and South Australia. Flights between WA and Queensland will increase once border restrictions are removed, hopefully in coming weeks. The Group is ready to adjust its schedules in response to changes by states as various restrictions ease in the weeks ahead.

Internationally, flights are still on track to gradually restart from 18 December 2021 onwards when Australia is expected to have reached National Cabinet’s ‘Phase C’ vaccination threshold of 80 per cent. However, as previously flagged, Qantas will temporarily reroute its flagship Perth-London service until at least April 2022 due to the latest WA border settings and assumptions.

    Bringing forward the reopening date for travel between Victoria and New South Wales from 1 December to 5 November 2021, based on Victoria’s reopening plan.

    Significantly increasing regional flying within New South Wales from 25 October 2021, in line with the State Government’s roadmap, to around 40 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

    Delaying the restart of domestic flying between Western Australia and Victoria / New South Wales by two months to 1 February 2022, based on border assumptions.

Qantas is in detailed discussions with the NT Government and Darwin Airport to assess operating the direct London flight from Darwin during this time. The national carrier has successfully used Darwin as a hub for its repatriation flights to various destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East over the past 12 months.

The discussions for what would be a daily Melbourne-Darwin-London service focus on the logistics of domestic and international transit under the current NT Government Plan for COVID-Management at Stage 3 of the National Plan. If this service can’t operate through Darwin, it will instead fly Melbourne-Singapore-London until at least April 2022. A decision on the exact routing is likely to be made within the next two weeks.

Boeing, U.S. Air Force Extend C-17 Sustainment Partnership with Phased Contract Valued at Up To $23.8 Billion

 

 Performance-based logistics agreement reduces support costs while adding work scope

 Boeing supports global fleet of 275 aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force and eight global partners

Boeing will continue assuring the C-17 Globemaster III's worldwide mission readiness through a follow-on contract awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense, valued at up to $23.8 billion including potential options and incentives over ten years. The program is currently funded through September 2024 with a Phase I award of $3.5 billion.

Under the agreement, Boeing will continue performing critical sustainment activities, including engineering, field support, and material management, for the global fleet of 275 aircraft. The contract provides additional funding for new work scope such as international staffing to augment maintenance efforts and cyber security work statement.

"The C-17 continues to serve as the strategic airlift workhorse for the nation, as evidenced by its impressive performance in the recent airlift of more than 124,000 evacuees from Afghanistan in an around-the-clock operation," said Brig. Gen. Darren Cole, Air Mobility Command (AMC) director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection. "As the command responsible for operating the U.S. Air Force C-17 fleet, AMC looks forward to the continued partnership with our Boeing teammates as we work to keep the Globemaster fleet healthy for years to come."

This performance-based logistics (PBL) contract builds on more than two decades of successful C-17 sustainment, where Boeing has worked closely with the U.S. Air Force and global partners to maintain high mission-capability rates and continuously improve affordability. While sustainment costs typically rise as a fleet ages, Boeing will lower operating cost per-flight-hour for the global fleet under the new agreement.

Air Canada Foundation Golf Tournament raises more than $765,000

The Air Canada Foundation successfully raised more than $765,000 during the ninth edition of its annual golf tournament. The tournament resumed after a one-year pause due to COVID-19. The fundraising event will support charitable organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada. Held at the Saint-Raphaël Golf Club on Monday, September 27, following local COVID-19 protocols, the event welcomed approximately 250 guests.

"On behalf of all the children and families whose lives are touched by the Foundation, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Air Canada's partners and friends who joined us today to support the Foundation's activities," said Priscille LeBlanc, Chair of the Air Canada Foundation. "Their ongoing generosity is particularly heartwarming this year as the pandemic has made times more difficult than ever for many of the young Canadians we support. The funds raised at this event will go to children in need, some who otherwise would not get to eat breakfast everyday and others who need to fly great distances  for urgent medical care."

"After a challenging 2020, we were thrilled to finally hold this annual event that helps support charitable organizations across Canada which are focused on the health and well-being of children and youth. The Foundation has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children, and through the tireless work of so many outstanding Air Canada volunteers, employees and retirees, as well as the unwavering support of our partners. This successful event would not have been possible without them," said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada.

Jetstar Asia getting ready to resume services between Singapore and Darwin

Jetstar Asia has announced plans to resume its Singapore to Darwin services as early as mid-December 2021, when a travel corridor between Singapore and Australia is expected to open.

The popular route was first launched in 2008, with the airline flying more than 1.2 million visitors between the two cities during that time.

Jetstar Asia CEO, Bara Pasupathi, said after a two-year suspension, it was exciting to start preparation for Jetstar Asia’s return to Australia, starting with Darwin and with additional Australian routes planned for 2022.

“With Singapore’s strong vaccination rate and Australia on track to see 80 per cent of the population vaccinated by the end of the year, we’re starting to plan the restart of our international flights between these COVID-safe destinations,” Mr. Pasupathi said.

“We will remain flexible, but based on the pace of the vaccine rollout, we want to make sure we’re ready to reconnect family and friends and provide our customers with more exciting destinations, such as the ever popular Top-End, as soon as possible.

ViaEurope picks Budapest for its third e-HUB

ViaEurope continues its dynamic pan-European expansion and chose Budapest Airport to set-up its third e-HUB. Budapest growing interest for cargo and e-commerce from China to Europe matches ViaEurope’s strategy to cover key entry points across the continent creating a pan-European super e-HUB. 

Two years only after successfully venturing outside The Netherlands, with the opening of a second e-HUB in Liege (LGG), Belgium, ViaEurope, a leader in e-commerce logistics in Europe is excited to announce the company’s continued European expansion with the opening of a third e-HUB at Budapest Airport (BUD), Hungary. BJ Streefland, CEO and founder of ViaEurope explains: “The success encountered at LGG in just two years of operations, validates our concept of connected e-HUBs, and confirms that it can be duplicated anywhere we see fit. As we continue to grow our footprint across the continent, Budapest airport’s strong investments, and commitments towards e-commerce, place us at the centre of a new regional cargo hub in Central & Eastern Europe (CEE).” 

The unique and strategic geographical location of Budapest Airport in CEE is an undeniable advantage for ViaEurope, as its catchment zone comprises the entire CEE region including Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Austria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, parts of Germany etc..

Also, the recently signed cooperation agreement between China and Hungary dubbed the “Air Silk Road” has led to the creation of a dedicated express logistic centre: BUD Cargo City. Opened in January 2020, this new cargo handling centre allows ViaEurope to operate its own bonded warehouse and do digitise customs clearance 24/7. Located directly at the airport, ViaEurope e-HUB has easy landside access, direct connection to the motorway network of Hungary and easy access to the neighbouring countries. The new facilities of BUD Cargo City handed over in 2020 and the actual cargo flight network of BUD provides an excellent environment for ViaEurope to start its BUD hub project.

Flewber takes first flight after mobile app launched

Flewber Global Inc. a technology platform enabling travellers to book air taxi services in real-time, celebrated the first completed flight booked through its new mobile application, which launched on Sept. 9. 

Flewber’s first passenger was a Bitcoin miner with a facility in upstate New York. He needed to schedule a last-minute flight for a meeting and site inspection but encountered difficulty finding a flight through legacy private charter services and virtually no commercial flights. Then, he found Flewber; it was the only platform that offered the round trip flight he needed on such short notice.

“It’s the same day, so this is the best opportunity,” he said as he prepared to board his flight. “I can fly in, do my meeting, and then fly right back.”

The passenger added that Flewber’s mobile application was easy to set up and use, taking only one minute from download to book his flight. The flight was performed by Flewber’s wholly-owned operator; the platform will also serve to connect passengers with a broader network of Part 135 operators, expanding the available routes throughout the region.

United and Airlink agree codeshare deal

This week, United Airlines and Airlink, a South African airline, announced a new codeshare agreement that will offer customers more connections between the U.S. and Southern Africa than any other airline alliance. The new agreement, which is subject to government approval, will offer one stop connections from the U.S. to more than 40 destinations in Southern Africa. Additionally, United will be the first airline to connect its loyalty program with Airlink, allowing MileagePlus members to earn and redeem miles when they travel on Airlink flights. This new cooperation will be in addition to United's existing partnership with Star Alliance member South African Airways.

"United continues to demonstrate our commitment to Africa, starting three brand new flights to the continent this year alone including new service to Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria and Johannesburg, South Africa," said Patrick Quayle, vice president of international network and alliances at United. "And now through our codeshare agreement with Airlink - which is the most expansive partnership in Southern Africa - customers will be able to easily explore more bucket list destinations across the continent including easy connections to Zambia, Zimbabwe and more."

United has continued to expand its footprint into Africa, with direct service to four African destinations. Earlier this month, United announced flights between Washington, D.C. and Lagos Nigeria will begin November 29, subject to government approval. Earlier this year, United launched new service between New York/Newark and Johannesburg, South Africa and between Washington, D.C. and Accra, Ghana, which is expected to operate daily this December and January. United's popular service between New York/Newark and Cape Town, South Africa will also resume on December 1.

"North America is an important source market for our destinations. This codeshare will make it easy for our North American customers to reach the Okavango Delta, Chobe, the Kruger National Park and adjacent private game lodges, Cape Town, the Garden Route, Swakopmund and the Copperbelt, among others," said Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster. "Similarly, the codeshare means that our customers in the 12 African countries we currently serve, will have fast and seamless access to all of United's network."

This new codeshare will be implemented upon final government approvals

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American Airlines and IndiGo Announce Codeshare Agreement

American Airlines and IndiGo announce a codeshare agreement, making it easier than ever for customers to travel to India.

American’s customers will have access to 29 new routes from Bengaluru and Delhi.

AAdvantage members will earn miles when traveling on American codeshare flights operated by IndiGo.

 American Airlines is opening new doors across India this fall thanks to a new codeshare agreement with IndiGo, India’s leading airline. The agreement, announced today, will place American’s code on 29 of IndiGo’s domestic routes in India, providing a convenient option for American Airlines customers arriving on the carrier’s new Bengaluru (BLR) and Delhi (DEL), India, flights. The codeshare, which will require U.S. and Indian governments’ approvals, is expected to begin in October, as American launches new service between New York (JFK) and DEL on Oct. 31 and between Seattle (SEA) and BLR on Jan. 4, 2022.

“We’re eager to add IndiGo as our trusted partner in India,” said Vasu Raja, American’s Chief Revenue Officer. “Whether our customers are traveling for business or pleasure, this new partnership makes it easy to reach all four corners of India. Today we’re adding 29 new routes to our map as a result of this agreement, providing customers with even more options around the globe.”

As the codeshare agreement begins, members of American’s AAdvantage® loyalty program will earn miles when traveling on American codeshare flights operated by IndiGo. Customers who aren’t yet members of the award-winning AAdvantage program can enroll online and enjoy immediate benefits such as Group 6 boarding on flights operated by American.

“We are delighted to sign this codeshare agreement with one of the world’s largest and most reputed airlines,” said Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo. “We are confident that this will be a strong partnership that will create many opportunities for trade and tourism through IndiGo’s seamless nationwide connectivity. We look forward to having American’s customers on our lean clean flying machine, as we extend to them our on-time, affordable, courteous and hassle-free travel experience.”

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by number of passengers carried, is based in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. With its fleet of 275+ aircraft, the airline operates more than 1,100 daily flights, connecting 70 domestic destinations and 24 international destinations. Since its founding in 2006, IndiGo’s 23,000 employees have professionally served more than 300 million customers.

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SAS increases flights to New York to meet growing demand

As demand for both leisure and business travel to the United States increases, SAS expands the number of flights from Stockholm and Oslo to New York.

New York will be served with daily flights from Stockholm as well as with 4 weekly flights from Oslo, in addition to existing daily flights from Copenhagen. SAS will in total be flying 12 direct routes to the United States this fall and winter.

“SAS is very pleased to be able to increase our operation to New York from Scandinavia. Many people are looking forward to visiting family and friends in the United States and the New York routes are also important for both business travel and air cargo,” says EVP and Chief Commercial Officer Karl Sandlund.

SAS Safe travel

Finavia to start using a coating that destroys viruses and bacteria at Helsinki Airport

Airport company Finavia will start using Finnish technology company Nanoksi Finland Oy’s coating solution at Helsinki Airport. The coating can be used to remove viruses and bacteria from airport surfaces and furniture.

“We are continuously keeping track of new methods and products to ensure a high level of hygiene at the airport. This nanotechnology-based coating, which is sprayed on contact surfaces and furniture, makes it easier to keep surfaces clean. The coating destroys pathogens with the help of light and air,” says Sami Kiiskinen, Finavia’s Vice President, Airport Development for Helsinki Airport.

The coating is sprayed on targets such as check-in counters, machines, departure gates and toilet facilities. The coating lasts for a long time, even though the furniture is wiped several times a day.

The Nanoksi solution has been tested at the
airport since early summer and, thanks to the good results, Finavia has decided to start using it in September 2021.

Thailand’s 4-phase reopening plan from October until January

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to report that the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved a four-phase timeline for the country’s reopening plan to revitalise the nationwide tourism industry.

Pilot Phase (1-31 October, 2021)

This will continue with the four popular beach resorts, which were the first destinations to reopen – beginning with Phuket on 1 July, then Surat Thani’s Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao on 15 July, and most recently Krabi and Phang-Nga on 16 August linking with Phuket under the 7+7 Extension arrangement. This phase will also see reopening of new designated areas in Krabi – Khlong Muang and Thap Khaek.

First Phase (1-30 November, 2021)

This will see the reopening extended to 10 other tourism-driven destinations. These include all areas of Bangkok, Krabi and Phang-Nga, and designated areas in Buri Ram (Mueang), Chiang Mai (Mueang, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, and Doi Tao), Chon Buri (Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Na Jomtien, and Sattahip), Loei (Chiang Khan), Phetchaburi (Cha-Am), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), and Ranong (Ko Phayam).

Second Phase (1-31 December, 2021)

The reopening will be extended to 20 more provinces which are tourism-driven, well-known for art and culture, or border destinations. These include Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Nong Khai, Pathum Thani, Phatthalung, Phetchabun, Phrae, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Trang, Trat, and Yala.

Third Phase (1 January, 2022, onwards)

This will see the reopening of 13 border provinces, including Bueng Kan, Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nan, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, Satun, Surin, Tak, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.

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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.  

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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