It's almost time to watch the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) virtually

Virtual Air Tattoo 2020

Following the cancellation of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) this year, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) are preparing an innovative online programme to be broadcast on what would have been the RIAT weekend; 18-19 Jul.  

The free to view programme, presented from a studio by the Air Tattoo commentators, includes an exciting mix of new and archive footage, virtual air displays from around the world, aircraft tours and insights.  

RAFCTE will present an exhilarating array of real and virtual air displays from around the world. Between air displays there will be live studio coverage, including live interviews of Red 10, one of the Red Arrows' engineers, and pilots from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Typhoon Display.  

Air Canada proposes science-based approach to easing quarantine restrictions

Proposed measures endorsed by medical professionals globally and the International Air Transport Association

Mirror those adopted by the European Union, the United Kingdom and other worldwide jurisdictions

Air Canada's Chief Medical Officer has issued a letter urging the Canadian government to consider a science-based approach to easing the Quarantine Act restrictions, which have been essentially unchanged since March, to strike a better balance for travellers and for the Canadian economy without adversely impacting public health.

Air Canada is not proposing relaxing the U.S. border restrictions at this time - only to replace the quarantine requirements for those countries with a low COVID-19 risk from a public health perspective with more proportionate, evidence-based measures and experiences from other countries.

KLM adds Southampton to its European route network

There can be no doubt the coronavirus crisis has a major impact on European aviation and as such many European air carriers are witnessing changes in demand and supply faster than before. By opening a new route such as Southampton, the loss of demand on other routes in Europe will be absorbed. In addition, KLM is strengthening its position in the United Kingdom.

KLM is in the process of slowly and carefully rebuilding the network. The number of destinations is growing rapidly, but the number of flights is still far from the old level. KLM has opted to first offer customers as much choice of destinations as possible. Opening Southampton fits in this strategy.

Flight schedule Southampton

From 31 August 2020, KLM will operate daily flights between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Southampton. The Embraer 175 has 20 seats in Business Class, 8 in Economy Comfort and 60 in Economy Class.

The flight schedule is as follows:

- KL0919 departs from Amsterdam daily at 16.35 and arrives in Southampton at 16.45.

- KL 0920 departs from Southampton daily at 17.20 and arrives in Amsterdam at 19.35.

All times are local.

Virgin Galactic names Michael Colglazier as its new CEO

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. announced this week the appointments of Michael Colglazier as its new Chief Executive Officer.  

Virgin Galactic's current CEO, George Whitesides and new CEO, Michael Colglazier

Michael assumes the CEO role just as the space firm progresses through its test flight programme and prepares for commercial service. He will also join the Board of Directors. Most recently Michael was President and Managing Director, Disney Parks International, where he was responsible for operations, strategy, and commercial and experiential development of Disney’s international parks and resorts.

Michael Colglazier said, “I am thrilled to join the talented team at Virgin Galactic at this inflection point in the Company’s journey. Like so many others, including hundreds of signed-up customers, I have been inspired by this purpose-driven, world-class brand and the incredible opportunity it offers to open space to change the world for good."

CheapOair Offers Insight into Having a Safe Theme Park Experience

Theme parks and attractions are reopening across the country and CheapOair, the travel experience experts, has a few tips to help travellers have an experience that's not only magical but also safe.

"We're very happy to be seeing the extensive safety measures many of our favourite theme parks are taking as they welcome their guests back. With everything from temperature checks, increased cleanings, and a wide variety of hygienic supplies readily available to customers, anyone ready to explore theme parks should take comfort in the steps being taken," remarked Sam S. Jain, Founder and CEO of Fareportal.

Masks are Essential

Cloth masks are key. According to the CDC, they're the most effective safety tool for guests in the moments where social distancing may be difficult. A cloth face mask will keep others from spreading any germs they may unknowingly be carrying, and full compliance greatly reduces the risk of spreading. Fortunately, if guests forget masks, the bigger theme parks (and several smaller ones) have complimentary ones on hand or for purchase.

The Bahamas Is Welcoming Visitors What Travellers Need To Know Before They Go

What Travellers Need To Know Before They Go

The Bahamas is pleased to be welcoming international travellers back to the beautiful island nation. Just a short flight or boat ride from the U.S., The Islands Of The Bahamas are perfectly situated to spoil travellers with an unforgettable tropical escape that's close to home. With 16 islands to choose from, there is something to appeal to all interests, no matter how social or distant travellers prefer to be. Visitors will find secluded stretches of beaches and turquoise waters, accommodations to satisfy every type of family, and outdoor adventures like boating, fishing and diving.

Variety of Options for All Travellers Across Islands Of The Bahamas; Visitors Must Present Negative COVID-19 Test and Complete an Electronic Health Visa Form to Be Granted Entry

The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remains the number one priority, and even greater emphasis is being put on ensuring The Bahamas is a safe and clean destination for all to enjoy. When planning a visit, here are a few things travellers need to know before they go:

Ryanair plane lands safely in Oslo after bomb threat, no explosives found

Police officers are seen near a Ryanair plane after it received a bomb threat in Oslo, Norway July 17, 2020. NTB Scanpix/Berit Roald via Reuters

 A Ryanair aircraft flying from London to Norway landed safely at Oslo’s main airport on Friday after receiving a bomb threat in the air, but no explosives were found and a suspect was arrested, Norwegian police said.

Danish F-16 military aircraft scrambled to escort the plane to Norway, The Danish Defence Command said on its Twitter account.

The police arrested a 51-year-old British man on suspicion of being behind the threat, the police said in a statement.

Virtual Air Tattoo 2020

Virtual Air Tattoo 2020

Following the cancellation of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) this year, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) are preparing an innovative online programme to be broadcast on what would have been the RIAT weekend; 18-19 Jul.  

The free to view programme, presented from a studio by the Air Tattoo commentators, includes an exciting mix of new and archive footage, virtual air displays from around the world, aircraft tours and insights.  

RAFCTE will present an exhilarating array of real and virtual air displays from around the world. Between air displays there will be live studio coverage, including live interviews of Red 10, one of the Red Arrows' engineers, and pilots from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Typhoon Display.  

AerCap, Air Transat and Airbus celebrating A321LR sustainable aviation fuel delivery flights

First delivery of an Airbus A321LR for Air Transat with sustainable aviation fuel (left to right): Damien Imbert, Head of Contracts Delivery, Airbus Hamburg; Capt. Manuel Chabot, Air Transat; Gunnar Gross, Project Leader Sustainable Air Fuel Airbus Hamburg; Jürgen Kuper, General Manager Air bp Continental Europe; Capt. Andrew Gordon, Air Transat; Ronny Stelter, Consultant Manager New Aircraft Acceptance and Delivery, AerCap Photo NW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.

The Canadian leisure carrier Air Transat is making its first two delivery flights today and tomorrow with its new jets fuelled by a kerosene blend containing 10% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a first for the Canadian carrier. 

It is also a first for the Airbus plant in Hamburg, Germany, which produces these aircraft, because until today delivery with SAF was offered only to Airbus customers at its plants in Toulouse, France, and Mobile, Alabama. The first aircraft took off at 2:04 p.m. (local time) from Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport (XFW) and will land at approximately 4:00 p.m. (local time) at Montreal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL). The second will depart the next day, Saturday, July 18.

"It is an honour for us and a sign of confidence from Airbus to be, together with AerCap, its first customer to take advantage of this new delivery option at its Hamburg plant," said Jean-François Lemay, President and General Manager, Air Transat. "This initiative is part of our commitment to reducing our own carbon footprint while contributing to the achievement of the airline industry's ambitious decarbonization targets."

New Self Bag Drop Solution at Tokyo International Airport Haneda

Tokyo International Airport (HANEDA), Japan's fastest-growing airport by passenger numbers, has increased its capacities through new terminal extensions.
The 4th biggest airport in the world commissioned the Japanese provider Toyo Kanetsu K.K. (TKK) and the German provider Materna IPS (Intelligent Passenger Solutions) with the provision of a unique self bag-drop solution at the Terminal 2 international facilities and in Terminal 3.
It was planned to start up the fully automated bag drops just in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in summer 2020. The new facility at Tokyo International Airport (HANEDA) was successfully opened in April 2020 with 68 self bag drop units. A total of 104 units will be installed this year. Japan Airlines (JAL) is already using the solution for their passengers while All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Delta Airlines (DAL), as well as many other airlines, will follow shortly.

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Hong Kong based carrier Cathay Pacific expecting losses of $1.3 billion

The Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways is expecting massive losses for the first half of the year, the carrier warned on Friday.

Estimates of HK$9.9 billion  / US$1.3 billion losses are reported by the airline as it battles the downturn in business caused by both the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and the democracy upheaval and protests in Hong Kong.

The HK$9.9 billion loss is a striking contrast to the net profit of HK$1.3 billion for the same period in 2019. This includes impairment charges amounting to approximately HK$2.4 billion, which mainly relate to 16 aircraft that are unlikely to re-enter meaningful economic service again before the 2021 summer season together with certain airline service subsidiaries assets.

Cathay Pacific Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Ronald Lam said: “The landscape of international aviation remains incredibly uncertain with border restrictions and quarantine measures still in place across the globe. Although we have begun to see some initial developments, notably a slight increase in the number of transit passengers following the easing of transit restrictions through Hong Kong International Airport, we are still yet to see any significant signs of immediate improvement.”

JetBlue and American Airlines announce strategic partnership - is it the first step to a merger..

The hometown airline of New York and one of the biggest carriers in the U.S. have announced a new strategic partnership that they promise will offer seamless connectivity and greater choice for passengers. Critics fear will lead to legalised price-fixing and is the first step to a full-on merger.

JetBlue Airways and American Airlines announced the new deal on Thursday, saying the partnership would "accelerate each airline’s recovery as the travel industry adapts to new trends as a result of the pandemic."

Alaska Airlines adds 12 new destinations in 2020 from LAX

New services from Los Angeles includes flights to Florida, Hawaii, Montana and Oregon

On Thursday, Alaska Airlines announced seven new routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to further connect its guests between Southern California and key markets around the country, including the first nonstop service from the West Coast to Fort Myers/Naples, Fla. (RSW) from both LAX and Seattle.

The added service builds on five recent additional routes that link LAX to cities across the West for a total of 12 new routes this year. Alaska will fly to 35 nonstop destinations from LAX this winter with a strong platform for future growth. 

The 'Queen of the Skies' to fly no more for British Airways - BA axes 747 fleet

The UK's leading legacy carrier, British Airways, has confirmed it will be axing its Boeing 747 fleet from immediate effect. 

A British Airways 747 takes off                                      Photo Credit Nick MorrishBritish Airways

BA is one of the largest passenger operators of the type in the world, having over 30 aircraft in its fleet, however, the downturn in business following the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis means the airline no longer needs the jumbo plane on its services. 

"It is with great sadness that we can confirm we are proposing to retire our entire 747 fleet with immediate effect," a spokesperson for the airline told the media on Friday morning,  adding; "It is unlikely our magnificent 'queen of the skies' will ever operate commercial services for British Airways again due to the downturn in travel caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic," 

The carrier already had plans to retire these 'Queen of the Skies' over the next four or so years, but the financial constraints on the company plus its self-induced antagonistic relations with staff have seen its forecast passenger numbers to remain low for the next four years at least. Mean these graceful big lumps have now flown their last regular scheduled flights for the airline.

British Airways and its forebears have had a long history with the 747's through the decades and with its various models, "Our first 747 was received in 1971 when we were known as BOAC. However, the current model being retired is the 747-400, which is the aircraft we first received in 1989." the BA spokesperson told us. Indeed over the years, the four-engined beast had been a mainstay of the carriers long-haul fleet, which at its peak, numbered  57 747 flying in BA colours.

Air New Zealand opens refurbished Auckland Domestic Lounge

Air New Zealand opened its refreshed domestic lounge at Auckland Airport on Wednesday featuring seating for 375 passengers.

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Liz Fraser says it’s fantastic to open the refreshed Auckland Domestic Lounge.

“We have redone the bar and barista station to provide more space for customers to enjoy a coffee or drink while taking in views of the runway. We’ve also refreshed the café zone and added more showers for those wanting to freshen up before they fly.

”We now have two Air New Zealand lounges available at Auckland Airport for our customers – our refreshed domestic lounge located through security for those flying on our main trunk routes, as well as our regional lounge located by the regional gates at the far end of the domestic terminal for customers catching a flight on one of our smaller turboprop aircraft.

“Both lounges have the same food and beverage offering and plenty of space to relax or get some work done before flying. We look forward to welcoming customers to both our lounges in Auckland with more and more New Zealanders beginning to fly again.”

The planned refurbishment of the Air New Zealand Domestic Lounge in Auckland commenced in January and paused during Alert Level 4 before work was restarted. The airline’s regional lounge which opened at the end of last year has seating for up to 265 customers.

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