The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko Opens its Doors Amidst a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan

The highly anticipated luxury hotel offers a pristine haven in the historic mountain region of Nikko, where a rich untouched natural environment entwines with centuries-old traditions.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has confirmed the opening of the latest hotel to join its luxury Asia Pacific portfolio, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. The property - set amidst a UNESCO World Heritage Site – introduces a new level of luxury to the destination, with an experience marked by an emphasis on immersing oneself in the majestic natural surroundings.

Ideally located in the Northern Kanto region of Japan, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is set two and a half hours north of Tokyo, accessible by rail or car, and is a true oasis promising access to a breadth of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. It features many natural treasures including the Kegon Falls and an array of famous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Nikko, and the surrounding area, has long been known as a holy place and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the cultural, religious, and architectural significance of its richly decorated shrines and temples. Perched along Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai, guests can easily access prominent scenic attractions, such as Nikko National Park, where the hotel is located, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage designated area.

Russian airline Aeroflot updates strategy to 2028

Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev recently presented the board of the Russian airline group an updated Aeroflot Group strategy for the period through to 2028.

Under the updated strategy the Group will target 130 million passengers in 2028. The Group’s fleet is expected to reach 600 aircraft, of which 235 will be Russian-built.

The Strategy also calls for additional differentiation among the Group’s airlines in terms of their individual priorities and operating models. Aeroflot will focus on developing long-haul operations.

Pobeda will focus on budget travel and will aim to carry 55-65 million passengers in 2028. Further development of the Group’s low-cost carrier will help significantly reduce average ticket prices for economy-class travel and increase air transport accessibility in Russia.

Air France expands its in-flight catering offer.

In an effort to improve its customers’ travel experience, Air France is gradually reintroducing some of the services that it had been forced to reduce at the height of the Covid-19 crisis. With the improving health situation and in line with the restrictions in force in certain countries, the company continues to reinforce its flight schedule in order to offer even more travel opportunities. Some 170 destinations will be served at the end of the 2020 summer season, i.e. 85% of its usual network. In this context, and to meet its customers’ expectations, Air France has been offering an upgraded dining service on board its flights since 26 June.

In the Economy cabin, on all flights lasting less than 2hr30*, a beverage service comprising water, coffee, tea, fruit juice and alcohol is offered, together with a savoury or sweet snack on some destinations. On flights lasting more than 2hr30, customers are able to enjoy a gourmet sweet or savoury snack. In Business class, in addition to its catering offer, Air France has resumed its wine and Champagne service.

RAF Odiham Airfield used to Support Civil Authorities

Capital Air Ambulance has utilized RAF Odiham airfield for a non-COVID urgent patient transfer from Guernsey to mainland UK as part of its support to an ongoing request for Military Aid to Civil Authorities (MACA).

Air Asia seeing continued improvement

                             AirAsia Philippines noted a positive improvement in its performance as commercial flights gradually resumed in June. 

Since the easing of travel restrictions, seats sold for the month of June increased by 30% compared to the previous month. 

AirAsia Philippines’ June performance contributed to AirAsia Group’s recent record-breaking 41,000 seats sold in a single day post hibernation. Popular routes booked include Manila to Puerto Princesa and Davao. Flights to and from Davao similarly showed consistently high load factors throughout the month.

Virgin Atlantic still up for sale despite recent recapitalisation plan

Virgin Atlantic is still up for sale,  the firm has appointed investment bank Houlihan Lokey to negotiate the whole sale process with potential investors it has been confirmed this weekend.

According to media reports,  more than 100 potential investors have already been contacted by the bank as the Virgin Group look to dispose of the bulk of its shareholding in the carrier,  to keep it afloat beyond the end of the year.

According to media outlets, a spokesperson for the group said: "Richard and the Virgin Group are committed to the airline and are not seeking to sell Virgin Atlantic. They recognize that additional investment will be needed to compensate for the total loss of revenue due to Covid-19 and are working with Houlihan Lokey to approach private investors about the investment opportunity."

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Passenger numbers down at VINCI airports

● Passenger numbers down 61.4% in H1 2020 due to the global travel restrictions imposed to limit the spread of Covid-19● Introduction of hygiene measures across the entire VINCI Airports network● Gradual return of commercial flights in June in the large majority of the network

The travel restrictions imposed by many countries (including population lockdowns, border closures and quarantines) caused operations across the VINCI Airports network to grind to a near standstill in the second quarter of 2020. Passenger numbers fell nearly 98% in April and May compared with the same period the previous year. The recent easing followed by the gradual lifting of restrictions has enabled passenger traffic to slowly resume, although it still remains low (down 94.1% in June 2020 versus June 2019).

Overall, with a total of 2.4 million passengers handled at the 45 airports in the VINCI Airports network 1 , passenger numbers in Q2 2020 contracted 96.4% compared with Q2 2019. Despite the collapse in commercial traffic, airports continued to operate flights throughout the period to meet the air travel needs of public services, such as repatriating people from abroad, transferring patients, healthcare professionals and medical equipment, and transporting freight.

The RAF is wasting money on already outdated F35 aircraft

The UK's Royal Air Force stands accused of wasting money on already outdated F35 aircraft according to a special briefing that, according to the media, has been shown to the Treasury.

According to reports in The Telegraph, a massive row is ongoing over the F-35 fighter jets the UK's RAF is buying from the U.S. which are said to be "outdated"  with some not able to take off from the new Royal Navy aircraft carriers.

The newspaper cites sources telling them there are serious concerns about the RAF’s priorities over buying F-35s, as one of the models being purchases - the F-35A ais not able to operate from the new carriers. According to the source it was “nonsensical” the RAF was going ahead with the desire for the aircraft.  “Why do they think they need F-35As when they cannot operate them from an aircraft carrier?”

US KC-46 Completes Its First Aeromedical Evacuation Mission

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nilsa Garcia

Airmen from the 931st Air Refueling Wing and 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron participated in a Total Force mission to test capabilities of the KC-46A Pegasus during its first aeromedical evacuation on July 10, 2020.

Over the course of six flights and 17 hours, the mission, which originated at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, transited five patients and two attendees to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia; Patrick AFB, Florida; and Travis AFB, California. The mission was evaluated by the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center.

“I don’t think most people realize the amount of training and dedication the team has when they come out and do a mission like this,” said Maj. Michael Murphy, 905th Air Refueling Squadron pilot. “Everyone really performed well and at a high level.”

KLM resumes flights from Norwich Airport from 3rd August

From Monday, 3 August KLM will resume flights between Norwich Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Throughout the summer period, passengers from Norwich Airport will have the opportunity to connect to over 100 European and intercontinental destinations via Amsterdam. These include many destinations not requiring self-isolation upon return*.

For KLM and Norwich Airport the health and safety of customers and staff is an absolute priority. Both teams are fully mobilized to ensure the highest levels of health and safety to ensure all travel is in complete confidence.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, KLM and Norwich Airport have introduced a range of health & safety measures, both onboard and at airports. For a full overview of KLM’s safety measures, please view the video here.

Agreement reached between Icelandair and the Icelandic Cabin Crew Association (FFI)

Despite failed negotiations between Icelandair and the Icelandic Cabin Crew Association (FFI), the parties have managed to resume discussions and have signed a new collective-bargaining agreement which is valid until 30 September 2025. 

The agreement is based on the same principles as the agreement which was agreed to between the parties on 25 June 2020 and thus meets the set objectives of increasing productivity and flexibility for the Company and at the same time ensures competitive compensation for cabin crew members. The current agreement results in further reduction in operating cost without negatively affecting the employee terms of cabin crew members. 

The agreement will now be presented to FFI members who will vote on the agreement but a conclusion from the vote is expected on 27 July 2020. Due to this progress, Icelandair’s pilots will not take over responsibility for onboard safety and the most recent cabin crew layoffs will be withdrawn.

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Delta CEO honours John Lewis with a pledge to continue his legacy

​Following the passing of Rep. John Lewis, Delta CEO Ed Bastian shared this message:

It is a sad day for the city of Atlanta and for our world. John Lewis was a towering figure in the Civil Rights movement, whose never-ending fight for equality and justice improved the lives of millions of Americans. He was also a great supporter of the people of Delta. In recent years I had the honor of working with Rep. Lewis as he represented the people of Atlanta in Congress, and was awestruck by his relentless commitment to justice and his well-earned role as the “Conscience of the Congress.” My prayers are with his family today, as well as the family of the Rev. C.T. Vivian. We not only honor them for their life’s work, but we pledge to join so many in continuing their legacy amid this national reckoning over racial injustice.

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American Airlines introduces new tech for better customer service

Touchless check-in experience and 

simplified Wi-Fi connectivity now available

American Airlines is taking more action in advancing its technology capabilities to ease the customer experience and focus on the well-being and safety of customers and team members.

New touchless check-in experience

Starting July 17, American has created a new touchless check-in experience for customers, allowing them to proceed to the gate without touching the kiosk screen, even if they are checking a bag.

Customers who would like to check baggage and are traveling domestically on a single itinerary can indicate how many bags they plan to check on the American Airlines app or at aa.com.

When the customer arrives at the check-in kiosk, they can scan the boarding pass on their personal mobile device or one they printed out at home. After the boarding pass is scanned, the kiosk automatically prints the bag tags, all without the customer having to touch the kiosk. This new technology will be in place at more than 230 airports.

Corporación América Airports reports June figures.

Corporación América Airports, the largest private-sector airport operator in the world by the number of airports, reported today a 96.9% decline year-over-year passenger traffic in June 2020. Total passenger traffic in June 2020 dropped 96.9% YoY, primarily reflecting the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on air travel. Although some countries relaxed government-imposed travel restrictions during June, allowing to restart commercial operations, passenger demand remains low. International traffic declined by 97.6% YoY, while domestic traffic dropped 96.5% YoY.

Cathay Pacific’s Sustainable Development Report charts milestones in areas of environmental, social and governance

The Cathay Pacific Group released its 2019 Sustainable Development Report, providing a comprehensive overview of Cathay Pacific and its subsidiaries’ approach and performance in the areas of environmental, social and governance.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Augustus Tang writes: “At the time of preparing this report, a public health emergency has rocked the global economy. It feels more important than ever to foster positivity, to protect our people, to strengthen our communities and to confront the major challenges we face. We are very determined to play our part in this hugely important undertaking; one which requires us to be financially successful but in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Our commitment to developing sustainably with transparency and accountability is undiminished.”

With a focus on climate change, the efficient use of resources, waste management, and supporting our people and community, the Report sets out the Group’s efforts in moving towards greener aviation. Some highlights from 2019 include: