Travel agency shut down with holidaymakers owed almost £600,000 in refunds

Travel agents Felix Travels and Tours Limited has been wound-up at the High Court after customers complained they had not received the holiday they paid for 

Around 300 customers are owed refunds totalling almost £600,000 

A UK travel agency has been shut down after cancelling holidays at short-notice and not providing holidaymakers with the services they paid for.  Felix Travels and Tours Limited (FTT) was wound-up at the High Court in London on Tuesday 2 July. 

FTT, which traded more commonly as Felix Holidays, offered travel packages with flights, accommodation, transfers and extras such as Disneyland tickets and ski passes. 

However, many holidaymakers did not receive everything they had paid for in their package, leaving them to pay for the same service again from a different company. 

Almost 300 customers who missed out on the services promised by FTT are owed approximately £592,000. 

Cheryl Lambert, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:  "Felix Travels and Tours claimed to be a high-quality, trusted travel agency. This was sadly not the experience for holidaymakers who had packages cancelled at the last minute or were left missing accommodation or other services they had paid for in advance.

To make matters worse, around a quarter of the company’s total customers are owed refunds approaching almost £600,000. These completely objectionable trading practices left us with no option but to apply to have the company wound-up to protect customers in the future."

FTT was established in April 2020 as a travel agency with a call-centre in Sri Lanka. 

Virgin Atlantic to suspend Heathrow-Shanghai route this autumn

Less than 18 months after restarting the London Heathrow - Shanghai route, Virgin Atlantic has decided to axe the route, with the last outbound flight departing on 25th October. 

The carrier on confirmed the suspension today, a spokesperson said "Our people and customers in Shanghai have been amazing since we first touched down 25 years ago.  Since then, we’ve provided important connectivity between the UK and Shanghai for thousands of customers and supported global supply chains through our cargo operations. However, significant challenges and complexities on this route have contributed to the commercial decision to suspend flying to Shanghai.”

 One of the key reasons for the airline dropping the route is said to be the extra costs incurred due to the closure of Russian airspace since the start of the invasion of Ukraine. 

The airline cited increased operating costs and difficulties associated with not being able to fly through Russian airspace as the main reasons for dropping the route.

The airline will give a refund to passengers booked to travel beyond 26th October 

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UK's new Defence Secretary sets out commitment to AUKUS to drive regional British growth

New Defence Secretary, John Healey, has set out Britain’s commitment to the AUKUS partnership as an important driver of jobs and growth in Yorkshire and across the UK. 

Defence Secretary and Australian Deputy Prime Minister tour UK military steel production plant. 

Site supports hundreds of local skilled jobs with bright future under AUKUS. 

Steel components from Sheffield to be used on future UK and Australian nuclear-powered submarines. 

Joined by the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, on a tour of a key military steel supplier in Sheffield, the pair saw first-hand how the business is benefiting from AUKUS – the trilateral defence and security partnership between the UK, US and Australia.  

John Healey today reaffirmed the UK’s staunch commitment to AUKUS and the jobs and growth it can deliver for Britain.  

The AUKUS submarine programme will generate 7,000 additional British jobs. At its peak, there will be over 21,000 people working on the SSN-AUKUS programmes in the UK supply chain.

The visit comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, with the leaders outlining their commitment to the strong AUKUS partnership.  

Australia and the UK are close partners, working together on the most pressing global security issues. The two ministers also discussed UK-Australian cooperation to support Ukraine, our close coordination in the Indo-Pacific and our joint commitment to ensuring the AUKUS partnership fully delivers its potential.  

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:  "Working with allies and partners is fundamental to our security and so it is a pleasure to host my Australian counterpart within my first fortnight as Defence Secretary. The UK and Australia are the closest of friends and our work through AUKUS is testament to this.  

Sheffield Forgemasters is a shining light of UK industry that helps boost global security and employs skilled staff from the local community. This is just one example of how our hugely important partnership with our Australian and American partners can help drive jobs and growth across Britain."

Sheffield Forgemasters manufacture specialist steel parts used in critical UK defence programmes, including highly complex, nuclear-grade steel components for nuclear-armed submarines. Their parts will also be used in future UK and Australian conventionally armed, nuclear-powered, submarines – known as SSN-AUKUS – which will be the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.  

USA signs up first for national pavilion at the 2025 Paris Airshow...

Kallman Worldwide, organizer of the U.S. presence at the world’s most influential trade events, and SIAE, organizers of the International Paris Air Show, today announced that the United States of America is the first country to secure space for a national pavilion at next year’s biennial gathering at Le Bourget Airport.

 

The 2025 event will be the 55^th edition of the storied expo and Kallman’s 30^th year as the show’s U.S. representative. Following a record return in 2023 after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2025 USA Partnership Pavilion is expected to host a record-breaking 300-plus exhibitors over more than 6,500 sqm in its long-standing location in Hall 3 next July 16-22.

 

“We welcome the United States as the first national pavilion of the 2025 Paris Air Show floor plan,” said the show’s recently appointed CEO, Guillaume Bourdeloux. “It is a fitting statement of America’s leadership in the aerospace industry and the Paris Air Show’s proven reputation as the premier gathering place in the world for industry leaders.”

 

Produced in coordination with government agencies including the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, State, and Transportation, the Pavilion is America’s headquarters on-site, a high-profile showcase for participating U.S. exhibitors to maximize their success at the event, and a forum for all to share ideas and insights. The roster of participants is expected to include returning and first-time exhibitors, including a number of stand-alone state pavilions within the larger U.S. space, all looking to generate new business and create more jobs back home by growing exports, expanding their presence in international markets, and/or recruiting overseas partners to establish or participate in stateside operations.

 

Emirates SkyCargo orders 5 Boeing 777 freighters

Emirates SkyCargo announced an order for five additional Boeing 777 Freighters to meet the growing demand the carrier is experiencing.  The new purchase takes Emirates' order book to 245 Boeing widebody aeroplanes, including 10 777 Freighters.

Emirates SkyCargo is the cargo division of Emirates, the world's largest international airline. Its investment in the 777 Freighter will boost main deck cargo capacity 30 percent by 2026. In all, Emirates' freighter fleet will grow to 17 airframes – including 777 Freighters, 777 converted freighters and 747 Freighters.

"Demand for our world-class product and services is growing exponentially, further amplified by Dubai's Economic Agenda which aims to double foreign trade and reinforce the city's position as a global trading hub. This investment in additional Boeing 777 capacity enables us to cater to customer demand and marks a step forward on our long-term strategic growth plan," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, of Emirates Airline and Group. "The next phase of our strategy will include a full assessment for our future freighter fleet reviewing all aircraft options to ensure we are best equipped to respond to the evolving demands of the market and reaffirming our confidence in the role of airfreight and, more specifically, Emirates SkyCargo, in global trade."

American Airlines named best place to work for disability inclusion for ninth consecutive year

American Airlines has received a top score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index® (DEI) and was named one of the best places to work for disability inclusion in 2024 for the ninth consecutive year. The DEI exists to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities.

"We are honored to be recognized as a best place to work for disability inclusion and to achieve a top score on the Disability Equality Index,” said Cedric Rockamore, American’s Chief Diversity Officer. “This recognition reaffirms our steadfast commitment to fostering an environment where people from all backgrounds and abilities feel welcomed, valued and celebrated. We are committed to building and nurturing an environment where our team members of all abilities feel empowered to thrive."

The DEI was launched in 2015 in the United States as a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and is acknowledged today as the most robust disability inclusion assessment tool in business. By completing the DEI, companies can demonstrate their commitment to disability inclusion and equality, as well as broader social issues.

"On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today's global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN.

Globally, people with disabilities represent 1.3 billion individuals. Disability is a natural part of the human experience, and it crosses lines of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and other demographics.

Learn more about the DEI at disabilityin.org.

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China Airlines starts A350 service between Taipei and Seattle

Taiwan-based China Airlines has restarted non-stop flights between Taipei and Seattle with Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern USA by offering five weekly flights. In addition to providing travellers with even more options for travel between Taiwan and the Americas, China Airlines will leverage its extensive regional network to expand its share of the transfer market in Asia and boost business growth.

 

The China Airlines Taipei-Seattle service will depart every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The outbound flight CI022 from Taiwan to Seattle will take off from Taoyuan Airport at 23:30 and arrive to Seattle at 19:50 local time after 11 hours of flying. The return flight CI021 will take off at 01:40 local time from Seattle and arrive back at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan at 05:05 the following morning after 13 hours of flying. 

 

China Airlines currently flies to five major cities in the USA and Canada, including Los Angeles, Ontario, San Francisco, New York, and Vancouver. The scheduled non-stop service to Ontario, California in particular was the first of its kind from Asia and remains exclusive to China Airlines. The dual airport-one city configuration expands the passenger market for China Airlines and provides up to three flights a day to the Greater Los Angeles region. The introduction of the Seattle route will expand China Airlines’ North American network to six non-stop destinations. More than 40 return flights to North America each week means even greater convenience for both business travellers and tourists.

 

Seattle is known both for its economic diversity and for being home to tech start-ups. As one of the largest cities in Washington State and an essential portal for trade in the Pacific Northwest, the city’s business travel market boasts strong development potential. Thanks to an exceptionally pleasant temperate maritime climate, Seattle is known as the “Emerald City” and is popular with tourists. The Mount Rainier National Park, its landmark Space Needle, and the vibrant local arts and culture scene all contribute to the unique draw of Seattle. 

. You can find more information and reservations on China Airlines on Opodo.

DHL and Chinese cargo carrier Central Airlines sign letter of intent on forming new partnership

DHL Express intends to deploy two owned Boeing 777 freighters with Central Airlines through a multi-year Operating agreement.

DHL Express has signed a Letter of Intent to enter into an Operating Agreement with Central Airlines to deploy two DHL 777 freighters. This will be the first time for DHL Express to do so with a local Chinese cargo airline.

"The signing of the Letter of Intent is an important milestone for both parties in the process of establishing a partnership and is another important step for DHL Express to deliver its commitment to long-term development in China, and to seek and deepen its cooperation with Chinese companies. The partnership with Central Airlines will further strengthen our capacity on intercontinental cargo routes from China while providing more convenience and higher efficiency for Chinese enterprises to expand their businesses globally", said Dongming Wu, CEO China at DHL Express. 

The two DHL Boeing 777 freighters to be delivered for operations by Central Airlines will sport a dual DHL and Central Airlines livery. The 777 is the world's largest, longest range, and most capable twin-engine freighter, reducing CO2 emissions by 18 percent compared to the legacy Boeing 747-400s. 

East Midlands Airport is ready for a bumper summer

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is ready to welcome around 774,000 customers over the school summer holiday period, as families prepare to fly to their favourite destinations across Europe.

The busiest day so far this year on Friday 19th July, will see almost 20,000 people pass through the airport – with staff and systems ready to ensure that it’s an easy and effortless experience.

Internationally recognised Airport Service Quality rankings earlier this year placed EMA in fifth place among 118 European airports for how people feel about their experience – and in 18th position for overall experience. More than 99% of customers clear security in under 15 minutes and an award-winning Assisted Travel service is available for anyone who needs additional help on their journey through the airport and onto their plane.

EMA serves more than 70 destinations across Europe and north Africa, mostly with Jet2, Tui and Ryanair. These offer beach holidays from Spain to Italy, Greece and its islands or popular alternatives such as Croatia and Bulgaria, as well as city breaks in European capitals from Rome, Berlin and Madrid to Budapest, Prague and Riga.

Smaller operators include Eastern Airways which launched a new route earlier this year to Paris Charles de Gaulle – offering a great way to get to this year’s summer Olympics, or connecting to hundreds of flights across the globe, bookable as one trip with Air France. Aurigny and Blue Islands offer flights to the Channel Islands, while Balkan Holidays fly to Bourgas on Bulgaria’s southern coast, and Aer Lingus can have you in Belfast in just over an hour.

China Airlines Expands Cooperation on Pacific Climate Observation Aircraft for International Climate Observation and Research

Taiwan-based China Airlines is contributing to the protection of the planetary ecosystem by partnering with the National Central University (NCU) in Taiwan, the In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System (IAGOS) research team from the European Union, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to add the latest observation and measurement instruments for nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide to Pacific climate observation aircraft. Data collected by advanced optical and laser instruments will be used for research by the international organizations, such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). China Airlines is the only airline in the world conducting such observations in the Pacific.

 

China Airlines first joined the NCU Pacific Greenhouse Gases Measurement (PGGM) international cooperation project in 2007. The first trans-Pacific climate observation aircraft entered service in 2012. In 2016, another two A330-300 passenger aircraft were equipped with the IAGOS atmospheric observation instruments to collect climate data such as the concentration of ozone, water vapour, carbon monoxide, and cloud droplets while flying across the Pacific region. The two aircraft have now been additionally equipped with auxiliary instruments to observe nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide respectively, continuing to support the joint Taiwan-EU research project on global climate change. The scope of observations has been expanded to encompass Oceania as well as the Northern/Southern Hemispheres. China Airlines is the only Taiwanese carrier participating in the project and its support of international scientific research on climate change is a demonstration of its commitment to corporate social responsibility. The observation results have attracted the attention of the international scientific community as well.

 

Air Transport Services Group plays host to future aviators......

Air Transport Services Group is excited to share the success of its Aviation Camp 2024, which took place throughout June at Wilmington Air Park. This annual event aims to inspire and educate the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and professionals.

The Aviation Camp offers a unique opportunity for students in grades six through twelve to immerse themselves in the careers available in aviation. Through a series of interactive hands-on activities curated by experienced instructors from all areas of the ATSG network of companies, participants gain valuable insights into various aspects of the aviation industry, including aircraft maintenance, flight operations, logistics, and aviation safety.

"ATSG is committed to fostering a passion for aviation to inspire future employees," said Mike Berger, chief executive officer of ATSG. "Our Aviation Camp is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the aviation sector and the exciting career opportunities it offers. We believe that by investing in education and training activities like Aviation Camp, we can help build a strong pipeline of future aviation professionals."

Highlights of Aviation Camp 2024 included:

Aerospace Manufacturing: Each camper designed and built a cell phone holder using various manufacturing equipment resources.

Aviation Maintenance: Participants executed a maintenance check in the cockpit of a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, testing systems that ensured proper aircraft operation; and additionally engaged in a hands-on avionics exercise.

Airport Operations: Campers operated de-icing vehicles, simulated Wilmington Air Park's 19-acre water filtration system, and joined air traffic controllers in the tower.

Flight Operations & Safety: Activities included building skids, loading and unloading freight containers with a K-loader, and marshalling a Boeing 767-300 freighter.

Pilot Careers: Campers flew Boeing 767 and Boeing 757 simulators with an instructor, constructed 3D-printed motorized cars, and learned the principles of flight.

Applications for Aviation Camp opened in May, with applications doubling from the prior year. Twenty campers were selected from nearly 50 applications received. This year’s campers included:

Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation to develop operational concepts for air taxi network

Southwest Airlines and Archer Aviation Inc have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop operational plans for electric air taxi networks utilizing Archer’s eVTOL aircraft at California airports where Southwest operates. Archer Aviation is a leading manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Southwest is the Golden State’s largest air carrier, operating at 14 airports across the state. Archer Midnight aircraft is designed to transform urban travel, replacing 60-to-90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10-to-20-minute electric air taxi flights. The goal of Archer’s aircraft is to offer a safe, low-noise, cost-competitive transportation option with no direct emissions.

Southwest and Archer intend to collaborate on a concept of operations that lays the foundation for integrated electric air taxi networks that would support California airports and the surrounding communities that Southwest serves. This collaboration will include partnering with Southwest employees and respective unions, including SWAPA, to maintain and improve efficient operations. This is a key step toward potentially offering Southwest customers an airport transport service that saves time by streamlining the door-to-door passenger journey.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Pentair and MSP Airport work together to reduce single-use plastic waste

Pentair plc, a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) are excited to announce a new collaboration to sustainably deliver great-tasting, high-quality drinking water while reducing the need for single-use plastic water bottles for the millions of travellers that visit and fly through the MSP international hub each year. MSP, owned and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), is the 19th busiest airport in North America by passenger traffic.

Pentair is the first partner in MSP’s new strategic partnership program which aims to collaborate with businesses and community organizations to enhance the passenger experience and drive innovation. As the Official Water Sponsor of MSP, Pentair is working to help the airport promote sustainability through the installation of 10 HOPE Hydration HydroStations. The cutting-edge HydroStations are the first water refill stations of their kind at any airport worldwide, dispensing free, chilled, and filtered water while providing an interactive experience to users. Through the HydroStations, Pentair and MSP will be educating travellers about water-related issues and the positive environmental impact they can make by bringing and filling a reusable water bottle while travelling.

Each of the HydroStations features filtration technology by Everpure from Pentair Water Solutions, providing MSP employees and travellers with a free, great-tasting and more sustainable alternative to single-use plastic water bottles.

Etihad reports June 2024 traffic statistics

 Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has published its preliminary traffic statistics for June 2024.

The airline carried 1.5 million guests and saw its passenger load factor average out at 86 per cent across the month.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, highlighted the airline's recent achievements: "In June, our passenger numbers surged by 34% from last year, demonstrating our continued growth momentum.

“Year to date, we have flown 8.7 million passengers, an increase of nearly 2.5 million, almost 40 per cent, compared to the previous year, and as of June 2024, our rolling 12-month passenger tally stands at 16.4 million.

"Our passenger load factor is healthy at 85% for the year, even though we have seen significant capacity expansion compared to 2023.

"Furthermore, our operating fleet has grown to 92 aircraft, up from 76 at June 2023, and we are flying to 10 more passenger destinations than at the same point last year.”

In June Etihad delivered on its plans to expand its network launching eight additional locations including Bali, Jaipur and Al Qassim and seasonal destinations Nice, Antalya, Mykonos, Santorini and Malaga.

The airline also unveiled a special livery on one of the three A321neos that have already joined its fleet this year, with a further three joining shortly.

June-23	June-24	2023 YTD	2024 YTD
Passengers	1.1 million	1.5 million	6.3 million	8.7 million
Passenger load factor	86%	86%	85%	85%
Operating fleet size	76	92	76(1)	92(1)
Passenger destinations	66	76	66(1)	76(1)

Note: (1) As of the end of the period.

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Philippine Airlines Dash 8 Q400 runs off the runway in heavy rain.

A seven-year-old Dash 8 Q400 of Philippine Airlines has suffered minor damage following a runway excursion whilst landing in heavy rain.

The aircraft with the registration RP-C5905 was operating flight PR2680 from Cebu-Mactan Airport to Busuanga Francisco B. Reyes Airport with 57 people onboard. Local reports say the aircraft may have landed late on the runway and because of the excess surface water on the strip, is believed to have aquaplaned before coming to a halt on the grass. 

There were no reported injuries among the crew and passengers on the aircraft at the time of the incident.

Video posted by Dianne Pagas and @JacdecNew

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