All remaining UK COVID travel measures to end this Friday.

All remaining UK COVID travel measures are to end this Friday announced the UK's Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Monday afternoon via social media.

TRAVEL UPDATE

All remaining Covid travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for all arrivals, will be stood down for travel to the UK from 4am on 18 March.

These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter.

— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) March 14, 2022

Shapps said that "All remaining Covid travel measures, including the Passenger Locator Form and tests for all arrivals, will be stood down for travel to the UK from 4am on 18 March.

These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter."

According to travel trade publication TTG, the news was welcomed by the travel industry, including the CEO of leading airline and holiday company Jet2, Steve Heapy told them, this "marks international travel finally returning to normal" almost two years after the onset of the pandemic.  The removal of needless forms and ineffective testing regimes means that customers can at long last enjoy hassle-free travel, just like they did before the pandemic" 

All COVID-19 entry requirements for the UK to be removed.

From 4am on Friday 18 March, you will no longer have to:

❌ Take a test
❌ Complete a Passenger Locator Form

However - if you travel abroad, you should still check the entry requirements for your destination! 👇

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) March 14, 2022

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: "The removal of all remaining UK travel restrictions is the final important step towards frictionless air travel, helping to further restore consumer confidence as we welcome more customers back to the skies this spring and summer.

To uphold the experience of all travellers, it's vital that the UK Government works closely with industry to ensure the UK border is ready for increasing passengers, as international travel ramps up."

Tim Alderslade of Airlines UK commented: "Today's announcement sends a clear message to the world - the UK travel sector is back. With travellers returning to the UK no longer burdened by unnecessary forms and testing requirements, we can now look forward to the return to pre-COVID normality throughout the travel experience.

We’re grateful for the timing of the announcement as we prepare to welcome back passengers this Easter and summer, for which we know there is huge pent-up demand, and for the UK’s leadership in being the first major aviation market to remove all remaining restrictions. The time to return to the skies – to enjoy all that makes aviation and international travel great, for families and businesses – is now."

This step reflects the decisions taken by the government, as set out in the Living with COVID plan, and the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout, with 86% of the population having received a second dose and 67% of the population with a booster or third dose.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:  "The UK is leading the world in removing all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, and today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work everyone in this country has put in place to roll out the vaccine and protect each other.

I said we wouldn’t keep travel measures in place for any longer than necessary, which we’re delivering on today – providing more welcome news and greater freedom for travellers ahead of the Easter holidays.

I look forward to continuing to work with the travel sector and partners around the world to keep international travel moving."

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:  "As we learn to live with COVID-19, we’re taking further steps to open up international travel once again ahead of the Easter holidays.

We will continue monitoring and tracking potential new variants and keep a reserve of measures that can be rapidly deployed if needed to keep us safe.

We can remove these final restrictions thanks to the incredible success of our vaccination programme, which has seen more than 8 out of 10 adults across the UK boosted."

To ensure the protection of public health, the government will maintain a range of contingency measures in reserve, which would enable it to take swift and proportionate action to delay any future harmful variants of COVID-19 entering the UK should the need arise.

In future, the government’s default approach will be to use the least stringent measures, if appropriate, to minimise the impact on travel as far as possible – given the high personal, economic and international costs border measures can have – and the contingency measures will only be implemented in extreme circumstances.

Given the current state of the pandemic and a move towards global travel volumes returning to normal, the remaining managed hotel quarantine capacity will be fully stood down from the end of March.

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of Airport Operators Association, said: "A return to restriction-free travel is good news for passengers and should allow for aviation to take significant steps towards recovery. People should feel encouraged to book their long-awaited holidays, trips to see relatives and friends abroad they haven’t seen for a long time and travel to rekindle business ties with other countries."

While there will be no border health measures on arrival in the UK from 18 March, other countries are at different stages in the pandemic and many still require passengers to comply with requirements.

Travellers should continue to check GOV.UK travel guidance including Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice to keep up to date with other countries’ entry requirements.

Passengers are also encouraged to carefully check booking conditions for flexibility in amending bookings prior to buying tickets. People will continue to be able to access their vaccine and recovery records through the NHS COVID Pass to use when travelling overseas.

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WestJet restoring network to near pre-pandemic levels, reinvesting in transatlantic operations

 WestJet will serve 43 domestic, 23 transborder, 16 Caribbean and 8 transatlantic destinations this summer

                                                WestJet today announced its 2022 summer schedule, marking a significant milestone in recovery through the restoration of its network to near pre-pandemic levels. Making significant investments in its transatlantic network, the airline will offer a multitude of connections to Europe this summer, with more non-stop service options across the country from Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax. WestJet also announced new, daily service between Toronto and Chicago beginning May 19, 2022.

"We know Canadians are ready to make their highly anticipated return to travel this summer, so whether it's reconnecting with friends and family, or taking that long-overdue trip, we are here to help our guests make up for lost time," said John Weatherill, Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet. "The aviation industry is a formidable economic engine and the investments we have made across Canada and internationally affirm our commitment to restoring connectivity across our expansive global network, while doing our part to expedite Canada's economic recovery."

At its peak this summer, WestJet will serve 43 domestic, 23 transborder, 16 Caribbean and eight transatlantic destinations, restoring 94 per cent of its pre-pandemic routes with more than 600 daily departures network wide. Complementing WestJet's network, Swoop previously announced significant expansion plans for its domestic network in preparation for Canada's busy summer travel season.

Restoring transatlantic connectivity

This summer, WestJet is restoring transatlantic connections across the country and significantly reinvesting in the Atlantic Gateway, bringing back international connectivity to Atlantic Canada with increased service between Halifax to Paris, London, Dublin, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Additionally, the airline will re-introduce connectivity to the Eternal City with non-stop service between Rome, Italy and its home hub in Calgary.

"Our guests have long awaited a return to international travel," continued Weatherill. "These routes create a significant visitor pipeline from Europe and demonstrate WestJet's commitment to leading the travel and tourism industry's recovery."

Route	Frequency	Start date
Halifax-Paris	4x weekly	May 7, 2022
Halifax-Gatwick	1x daily	May 1, 2022
Halifax-Dublin	3x weekly	May 1, 2022
Halifax - Glasgow	3x weekly	May 2, 2022
Toronto – Barcelona	3x weekly	May 13, 2022
Toronto - Dublin	1x daily	May 15, 2022
Toronto - Glasgow	4x weekly	May 20, 2022
Toronto - Edinburgh	3x weekly	June 2, 2022
Toronto – London Gatwick	Daily (increasing to 9x weekly in June)	May 1, 2022
Calgary – Rome	3x weekly	May 7, 2022
Calgary – Paris	5x weekly	March 14, 2022
Calgary – London Heathrow	4x weekly	March 26, 2022
Calgary – London, Gatwick	5x weekly	March 14, 2022
Calgary – Dublin	3x weekly	May 8, 2022
Vancouver – London, Gatwick	1x daily	May 1, 2022

Alberta network returns to pre-pandemic levels

WestJet will restore service levels across Alberta to pre-pandemic levels with more than 180 daily departures from both Calgary and Edmonton this summer. WestJet's investments in transatlantic flying from Calgary International Airport will see the airline increase the critical tourism pipeline between Alberta and Europe by 43 per cent when compared to 2019, supported by new routes and increased non-stop options to London Gatwick, Paris and Dublin.

"The restoration of our Alberta network marks a major milestone in WestJet and the province's recovery as we rebuild our network and strengthen critical connections to global hubs and business economies," continued Weatherill.

Alberta service:

Calgary: 142 daily departures, 35 domestic, 16 transborder and eight international destinations

Edmonton: 38 daily departures, 15 domestic and two transborder destinations

New daily transborder service between Toronto and Chicago

"We are also thrilled to provide daily non-stop service between Toronto and Chicago, two dynamic global cities," continued Weatherill.  "Whether travelling for business or leisure, this new route provides guests with increased options to discover these two vibrant cities or seamlessly connect to their chosen destination via our expansive network."

Route	Frequency	Start date
Toronto - Chicago	1x daily	May 19, 2022
Chicago - Toronto	1x daily	May 16, 2022

"The return of direct routes to the United Kingdom, Paris and Dublin signals that Nova Scotia has reopened to the world," said Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia. "Europe is an important market for our province, and direct air access brings new investment to our economy, supports tourism growth, and helps grow our population. I want to thank WestJet for their commitment to Nova Scotia. I look forward to continuing to work together to build demand for these flights and to bring more international routes to Nova Scotia."

"Airlines play a vital role in the health of our region's economy. Over the course of the pandemic, they have helped keep goods on our shelves, and allowed local businesses access to global markets," said Sean Fraser, federal immigration minister and Nova Scotia MP. "As the world begins to open up, it is encouraging to see today's announcement, that Halifax will re-establish access to the many routes that were served prior to COVID-19, including services across North America and in certain European destinations.  This is good news for our communities, local businesses, and the travelling public."

"We're thrilled to see WestJet reintroducing non-stop connections between Halifax Stanfield and Europe this summer as we work together to accelerate our community's economic recovery," said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. "Air connections are vital for the growth of regional tourism, trade, and immigration, and we appreciate WestJet's commitment to our region and investment in these routes as we put Nova Scotia back on the map after two years of very little air travel activity. At Halifax Stanfield, we're ready to help travellers on their journey and once again, connect Nova Scotia to the world." 

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Taiwan grounds Mirage fighters

Taiwan Air Force Mirage-2000 fighter jets taxi during military drills to test readiness ahead of Lunar New Year, in Hsinchu, Taiwan January 16, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo

Taiwan's air force grounded its fleet of Mirage 2000 fighter jets on Monday after one crashed into the sea, the second combat aircraft loss in the space of three months though this time the pilot was rescued.

The air force said the French-built aircraft took off just after 10 a.m. (0200 GMT) on a training mission from the Chihhang air base in the southeastern city of Taitung and reported it had to return after a mechanical problem.

The pilot ejected over the sea south of the air base and was rescued safe and in good condition by helicopter, it added.

Air force Inspector-General Liu Hui-chien told reporters the Mirage fleet would be grounded while an investigation was carried out.

Taiwan received its first of 60 Mirage jets in 1997, though they have been upgraded several times since then. Six have since been lost in accidents.

In January, the air force suspended combat training for its much larger F-16 fleet after a recently upgraded model of the fighter jet crashed into the sea, killing the pilot.

Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee, Reuters.

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Germany look to buy up to 35 F-35 fighter jets

Photo Lockheed Martin

News agency Reuters has reported that Germany is all set to buy up to 35 Lockheed Martin F35 fighter jets to replace its ageing Tornado aircraft, according to two government sources.

A German defence source told Reuters in early February that Germany was leaning toward purchasing the F35, which will be a blow for Boeing, who believed its F18 was favoured by former German defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to replace the Tornado.

The decision could also upset France. Paris has watched Germany's deliberations over the F-18 or more advanced F-35, concerned a deal could undermine the development of a joint Franco-German fighter jet that is supposed to be ready in the 2040s.  Chancellor Olaf Scholz two weeks ago backed the ongoing joint programme with Paris.  At the time, Scholz also announced that the Eurofighter jet, built by Franco-German Airbus, would be developed further to be capable of electronic warfare, a role the Tornado also fulfils.

Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke & Sabine Siebold.

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Etihad Airways adds summer flights to Nice

As authorities in Abu Dhabi relax COVID-19 restrictions to allow fully vaccinated travellers to Abu Dhabi to board a flight without the need to take a PCR test, the national carrier, Etihad Airways announced the introduction of flights to Nice from its home base starting 15th June.

The twice-weekly service will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays between Abu Dhabi and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport on a modern Boeing 787 aircraft. 

“As one of the most popular destinations on the French Riviera, Etihad Airways is delighted to add Nice to its summer network in 2022,” said Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo. “This is the first time Etihad will be operating flights to Nice and Etihad is confident it will appeal to a broad range of leisure travellers looking to satisfy their wanderlust this summer.”

Situated on the southeastern coast of France, Nice is renowned for its famous waterfront, with a scenic seven-kilometre walkway known as the ‘Promenade des Anglais’. The city was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

An elegant city on the French Riviera with a charm and a character all of its own, Nice’s sweeping Promenade des Anglais is the perfect spot to enjoy some warm Mediterranean sunshine and forms the central focus of many holidays here. It’s a place to sunbathe, try a water sport or go for an evening stroll.

Art lovers can take in everything from historic architecture to galleries and museums that showcase work from across Europe and beyond.

This is a city where you can admire the swirling domes of a Russian cathedral alongside gorgeous Italian-inspired homes and buildings.

As you browse around the colourful Cours Saleya market, you’ll hear a local dialect that is another nod to Nice’s past – it was once an Italian city and hasn’t lost touch with its roots.

A palm-lined coast, lovely sunshine, turquoise seas and the glamour of the French Riviera – it’s got the lot.

The Promenade des Anglais fronts onto some of the area’s best beaches, with golden sands and the chance to enjoy breathtaking sunsets. Affectionately known as ‘La Prom’, it’s also home to stellar restaurants that underline why this spot has long been regarded as the stylish heart of the city.

Landmarks here include the Palais de la Méditerranée hotel and an iron sculpture called La Chaise, but there’s much more to discover.

Spend a morning at Cours Saleya market

This quintessentially French market opens daily, although on Mondays it sells furniture and trinkets rather than its usual food. Stocking up on groceries is a wonderful way to experience the real Nice and, as an added bonus, you’ll be shopping alongside the locals. The true stars of this market, though, are the flowers.

Heady scents of dahlias, fuchsias and geraniums float into the air from the colourful stalls run by growers and nurseries. Food traders tend to start and finish early, but the flower sellers stay into the early evening.

Explore the old town

Stroll through winding streets filled with the aroma of baking, patisseries and warm coffee in Nice’s colourful Old Town.

Impressive architecture hides around every corner, with historic monuments and ancient churches to discover. Castle Hill looms over the orange-tiled roofs, giving this ancient quarter of Nice a medieval feel.

Visit the Cathedral of St Reparata, with its stunning edifice decorated in multi-colours. Nice Cathedral, meanwhile, can be found in the charming Place Rossetti.

From there, discover some of the former mansions and regal retreats of Nice’s rich and famous regal buildings including the 17th century Lascaris Palace.

 

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eDreams ODIGEO reports continued strong trading after ceasing its operations in Russia and Belarus

eDreams ODIGEO reports continued strong

 trading after ceasing its operations

 in Russia and Belarus

 

 

eDreams ODIGEO - Europe's largest online travel company, the largest globally in terms of flights outside of China and one of the largest European e-commerce businesses, today provided an update on its trading following its decision to cease operations in Russia and Belarus on February 28th in response to the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. 

eDreams ODIGEO is deeply saddened by the tragic events that continue to unfold in Ukraine and stands with all those who are suffering. eDreams ODIGEO earnestly hopes for a quick resolution to the conflict and a return to peace.

Whilst the Company only had a very small business in Russia, representing just 0.03% of its worldwide Bookings and 0.3% across Eastern Europe as a whole, on Monday 28 February, it ceased all operations in Russia and Belorussia and closed its Russian website and app. In addition, at that time, the Company removed all Russian and Belorussian airlines from its inventory and banned all transactions made from these countries as well as all local payment methods. Exceptionally, and with the aim of enabling the safe return of those travellers stranded in the region, eDreams ODIGEO did continue to temporarily process a limited number of bookings with the restricted number of non-Russian/Belorussian airlines that were still able to operate in the region according to all applicable global sanctions. The Company now considers that it has already provided the necessary assistance to the relevant affected travellers in the area and has, therefore, ceased all sales of travel into and out of Russia and Belarus by any route on any airline.

Exeter and Norwich reconnected by Loganair

Flights between Exeter and Norwich have resumed with Loganair operating the route twice a week providing a boost for both cities. The regional airline will fly on Mondays and Fridays until 25 March and then increase the schedule to four times a week with Wednesdays and Sundays added for the spring and summer season.  Loganair will use an Embraer ERJ145 regional jet with 49 seats on the route.

“We’re delighted that the link between Exeter and Norwich has returned, which is a key route for business, tourism and reconnecting family and friends.  The service re-establishes the connection between the South West of England and East Anglia, providing key domestic connectivity from Exeter aiding the boom in the staycation market with a short flight to Norfolk.” said: Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport.

The full list of destinations reached directly from Exeter Airport in 2022 is: Cyprus (Paphos), France (Chambery), Greece (Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Zante), Ireland (Dublin), Lapland (Enontekio, Pajala), Spain (Alicante, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Malaga, Majorca (Palma), Menorca, Tenerife), Turkey (Antalya, Dalaman). Plus Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guernsey, Isles of Scilly, Jersey, Newcastle and Norwich in the UK.

Plus, Aer Lingus has timed its Exeter to Dublin flight to connect seamlessly with the carrier's transatlantic flights, with pre-clearance of all US immigration and customs inspections at Dublin Airport, prior to departure.  Key destinations include New York, Newark, Boston, Chicago, Washington and Toronto. 

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Six additional 777 Freighters for DHL

DHL Express one of the biggest express package delivery service providers has placed an order for six additional Boeing 777 Freighters, the U.S. planemaker has confirmed,.

This new deal takes DHL Express' order book total to 28 777 Freighters since it placed its first direct order in 2018.

"With the order of six new, large widebody freighter aircraft, we continue to invest in our future and further enhance the capability and reach of our global air network. - will connect DHL's global hubs in Cincinnati, Leipzig and Hong Kong as well as serving other key markets," said Geoff Kehr, senior vice president, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express. 

 DHL Express has taken delivery of 15 777 Freighters to date. DHL Express is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group which generated revenues of more than 66 billion euros in 2020. 

"DHL Express' continued confidence in the 777 Freighter is testament to the airplane's outstanding capabilities in supporting global cargo demand," said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing's senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "The 777 Freighter's unmatched operating efficiency is enabling DHL to meet its sustainability commitments by reducing carbon emissions and contributing to its overall goal of net zero emissions by 2050."

The 777 Freighter is Boeing's best-selling freighter of all time. Customers from around the world have ordered more than 300 777 Freighters since the program began in 2005.

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Qantas budget carrier Jetstar restarts Perth - Singapore route

After more than four years, Jetstar Asia has resumed its Singapore to Perth services, the third Australian destination in the airline’s network following the relaunch of flights from Singapore to Darwin and Melbourne.

The budget carrier will operate four weekly services to the Western Australian capital to meet the pent-up demand for travellers wanting to return to this ever-popular destination.

Jetstar Asia’s CEO, Bara Pasupathi, said before the pandemic, Singaporeans made up one of the largest group of visitors to Perth and now quarantine-free travel was back on the menu, they expected the route to be as popular as ever.

“With family ties, education and business interests, not to mention the incredible places to visit in Western Australian from Fremantle, Rottnest Island and Monkey Mia to the stunning Margaret River region, we know this destination is high of people’s list of places to visit,” Mr. Pasupathi said.

“While we have operated a handful of services over the past two years to support business needs in Perth, Jetstar Asia is very excited to officially add Perth back into our schedule. 

“We know our customers are eager to reunite with friends and families, as well as enjoy the incredible beaches, vineyards and natural wonders WA has to offer, so I’m sure they will welcome Jetstar Asia’s low fares as well as the recent easing of quarantine requirements and the move from PCR tests to ART.

“And in return, we can’t wait to welcome Western Australians back to the Lion City while providing them access to services operated by Jetstar’s global network of codeshare and interline partners, as well as Jetstar Asia’s Southeast Asian network.”

Tourism Minister Roger Cook said he welcomed the resumption of the Jetstar Asia flights from Singapore to Perth. “Western Australia is open for business and open for tourism. - We look forward to welcoming more tourists and travellers to Perth on the new Jetstar Asia service.”

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London Gatwick to reopen its South Terminal as demand increases.....

Passenger numbers are down but increased demand means South Terminal reopens in two weeks 

Despite continually changing travel restrictions over covid and its various variants passenger numbers at London Gatwick Airport exceed 1 million in August, September, October, and December, which greatly helped reduce the airport’s annual losses to £370.6 million, compared to a £465.5 million loss in the previous year.  

Overall for 2021, the airport saw a 38.5% reduction in total annual passenger numbers which hit 6.3 million passengers for the year, compared to 10.2 million previously.  

Following the UK Government’s decision to return discipline to the airport slot regulations and a series of significantly increased airline flying programmes by its airlines, Gatwick will reopen its South Terminal later this month – on Sunday 27 March - which will lead to a massive recruitment drive and a much-needed financial boost for local communities across the south-east.

In recent months there have been significant increases in short-haul flying programmes from the airport indicating a strong 2022 summer season ahead. One of the major moves saw easyJet’s leasing of BA slots giving the airline their greatest capacity ever at Gatwick with 120 routes utilising 79 Gatwick-based aircraft. British Airways introducing a subsidiary airline  "Euroflyer2 at Gatwick, which will restart some of the routes BA axed at the height of the covid crisis and will also boost trade and passenger numbers. According to the initial plans, BA is basing 18 aircraft at the Sussex airport to operate up to 35 short-haul routes. Wizz Air UK is also looking to expand its route offering, although few details have been disclosed of those plans yet. 

Long haul traffic has also seen an increase in demand as soon as the restrictions were removed, the airport says Caribbean destinations operated by BA and TUI remained busy throughout 2021.  The second half of 2021 also saw WestJet and Air Transat restart services to Canada, BA and TUI restart services to destinations in Florida, Emirates restart daily services to Dubai (this is now double daily) – with other long-haul markets also re-established to Mexico, Mauritius, Costa Rica, Aruba and Qatar. 

 Towards the end of 2021, Gatwick welcomes two new long-haul airlines, with JetBlue flying services to New York and Singapore Airlines budget airline Scoot flying to Bangkok. Plus, JetBlue is expected to announce another international service to London later this year. 

Stewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport, said: "As it was for many airports, 2021 was a difficult year for Gatwick but, despite constantly changing travel restrictions and the emerging Omicron variant, we managed to end the year strongly and reduced our losses compared to the previous year. 

              Today, we find ourselves in a very different position.  Major announcements from our airlines about significantly increased flying schedules, and from Government on airport slot regulations and the relaxation of travel restrictions, mean we are now looking forward to a strong Summer.  We’re currently focussed on reopening our South Terminal to ensure we can meet this expected strong demand and we are looking forward to welcoming back passengers in increasingly larger numbers."

Turing around the turn around....

A further enhancement to ait airport and its airline and ground handling tenants will be the new handheld digital platform that allows ground handlers to update air traffic controllers about changes to the turnaround process - in real-time, direct from the apron – optimising efficiency, reducing delays and unnecessary fuel burn on the ground.

The new AirTurn platform means that information can be communicated more quickly on changes to turn events - such as updates on baggage loading, refuelling or other aircraft preparations – giving the control tower a more accurate, real-time departure or Target Off-Block Time (TOBT) to feed into the airport’s overall flying programme.

 Without the system, changes to aircraft turn events are updated through paperwork and radio communications - sometimes between several individuals at different locations - before being recorded into the system and communicated to the control tower and EUROCONTROL, the agency that manages air traffic management across Europe.

 AirportLabs - Making Aviation More Efficient

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Hyatt Hotels continue to operate in Russia including giving discounted rates to Government officials

Global hospitality chain Hyatt Hotels have updated its stance on its Russian operations following the invasion of Ukraine. 

The firm issued an updated statement on Friday which stated, 'We are heartbroken over the devastation unfolding in Ukraine and the mounting tragedies resulting from military actions, including lives lost, families separated and the displacement of millions of people. Our focus remains on the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and guests in both Ukraine and neighbouring countries who face these unconscionable challenges. The global Hyatt family has come together in inspiring ways to care for those impacted by this tragedy, including providing refugee accommodations across Europe, sending supplies to the people of Ukraine, job transfers for Hyatt colleagues and a relief fund for our Hyatt colleagues in need of basic necessities, relocation support and care. We will continue to work to expand our humanitarian efforts across the Hyatt portfolio.

At this time, we have made the decision to suspend our development activities and any new investments in Russia, effective immediately. We will continue to support our colleagues in Russia as they continue to care for hotel guests. The global hotel chain adds that it will continue to show guests at its Russian hotels, 'care when people need it most and provide a place to stay and gather – something more important than ever in times of crisis. 

Hyatt is also continuing with its massive discount and corporate rates to members of the Russian Government and the military with the Ararat Park Hyatt in Moscow a key meeting place for security staff. 

Hyatt says "As this complex situation unfolds, we will continue to evaluate our existing management agreements with the third-party entities that own Hyatt hotels in Russia, while complying with applicable sanctions and U.S. government directives and keeping our purpose of care at the centre of any decision we make."   

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Las Vegas flights return for Condor

Viva Las Vegas for German holiday airline Condor....... 

Condor flight DE2062 took off from Frankfurt on 3rd March bound for Las Vegas thus reconnecting the two cities for quite some time. The heavy passenger demand means the vacation airline will fly to the largest city in the U.S. state of Nevada on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.  

Flights and holidays can now be booked with travel agents, holiday firms and the airline itself and demand has apparently been very high with gambling ready thrill-seeking Germans. 

"We feel a great pent-up demand for travel to the U.S. and Las Vegas has been one of the most popular destinations for our guests for years," said Ralf Teckentrup CEO of Condor. "The dazzling city offers varied entertainment and numerous attractions that are always worth a trip."

“Condor and LAS have a longstanding relationship and it is yet another sign of recovery that the distinctive Condor livery will once again be visible on our airfield,” said Chris Jones, Harry Reid International Airport Chief Marketing Officer. “German travellers have an affinity for Las Vegas, and after the nearly two-year hiatus, our airport and community are eager to welcome them back via nonstop flights.”

“Germany represents our largest source of international visitors from continental Europe, and we are excited to welcome Condor and its passengers back to Las Vegas,” said H. Fletch Brunelle, vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike will experience a variety of new offerings, including three new resorts, a growing calendar of sporting events, and diverse entertainment and culinary options that only Vegas can offer.”

Las Vegas is one of a total of 16 destinations in North America that Condor will fly to nonstop beginning in summer 2022. This will give Condor the largest U.S. flight offering in recent years.

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New virtual ramp control system coming soon at Kansas City International Airport

Saab has been awarded a contract from the Kansas City Aviation Department for a Virtual Ramp Control System (VRCS) at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) for its New Terminal now under construction. The Saab system will include two digital tower camera houses, supplemental cameras, and Aerobahn Surface Management capabilities. The contract includes a three-phase implementation project and five years of ramp control services.  

Saab will provide a VRCS at MCI, designed to coordinate the safe and efficient movement of aircraft between the airport’s movement area, controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), and non-movement area, controlled by the airport. Using two centralized camera houses and additional distributed cameras, ramp controllers at MCI will have full digital visibility to coordinate safe and efficient traffic flow between all gates and aircraft parking aprons. Camera views will be integrated into Saab’s Aerobahn Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) platform and facilitate orderly coordination between the FAA Ground Control crews, airline operations, MCI airport operations, deicing operations, and MCI snow removal crews.

“Saab has pioneered the use of Digital Ramp Control with the combination of a virtual out-the-window view paired with our industry-leading Aerobahn suite. With a similar implementation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Saab’s Digital Ramp Control solution delivers increased traffic efficiencies, streamlined communications between key stakeholders, and a significant cost savings to both airlines and airports,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S

“The safety of the travelling public and aircraft at Kansas City International Airport are high-priority for us. We are excited to team up with Saab and the FAA to enhance the safety of airfield operations at MCI airport,” said the Aviation Department Deputy Director of Aviation – Operations and Maintenance Ian Redhead.

Following the implementation of the VRCS system at MCI, Saab will provide ramp control services through its partner, Robinson Aviation (RVA), Inc. The turnkey system is scheduled to be complete in 2023, which is when the 5-year ramp control service period begins.

This project supports MCI’s ongoing construction project to replace three ageing terminals with one new single terminal and parking garage, also targeted for completion at the beginning of 2023. The new single terminal will include 39 gates, improve the airport configuration to accommodate more efficient aircraft movements, expand waiting areas and amenities, and improve the passenger flow throughout the airport and parking areas.

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Comair's fleet grounded indefinitely

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has grounded the aircraft of regional airline Comair indefinitely it confirmed on Sunday. 

Comair is the franchise partner of British Airways and budget airline Kulula as well as a flight crew training operator. The regulators said Comair had not adequately addressed safety issues and the grounding was going to be indefinite. 

"This morning we communicated to them that their air operator certificate is now indefinitely suspended until they close all of the findings," a SACAA spokesperson Phindiwe Gwebu told Reuters, effectively grounding the company's fleet of over 26 Boeing 737 jets.

"This is a huge blow to our customers, employees and the flying public as it effectively takes 40% of the capacity out of the market.  The implications for the aviation sector and the country are considerable should the suspension continue for any length of time," said Glenn Orsmond, Comair chief executive.

 

The regulators claimed in the past month Comair had experienced safety problems ranging from "engine failures, engine malfunction and landing gear malfunctions," among others.  In its investigations, SACAA said it had discovered three so-called "level 1" findings "which pose an immediate risk" which it advised had to be rectified immediately.  However, the spokesperson would not publically state which those issues were and how soon they could be addressed. 

Passengers will now have to fly on government-owned and financially constrained South African Airlines which offers limited domestic and regional routes.  Full schedule (flysaa.com)

Additional reporting from Reuters, Wendell Roelf 

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SEK 1 billion boost for SAS as deal done with Apollo for summer holiday charter flights

SAS and Apollo have signed an agreement on charter production for summer 2022 worth just over SEK 1 billion. Flights will depart from around 20 locations in Sweden, Norway and Denmark and fly to around 30 Mediterranean destinations in Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Albania, and Turkey.

Within the framework of their three-year collaboration, SAS and Apollo have signed an agreement concerning this summer’s charter flights within Scandinavia for a total of approximately 150,000 passengers.

SAS, Scandinavia’s leading airline, with main hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, flies to destinations in Europe, USA and Asia. Spurred by a Scandinavian heritage and sustainability values, SAS aims to be the global leader in sustainable aviation. We will reduce total carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2025, by using more sustainable aviation fuel and our modern fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft. In addition to flight operations, SAS offers ground handling services, technical maintenance and air cargo services. SAS is a founding member of the Star Alliance, and together with its partner airlines offers a wide network worldwide.

The collaboration with Apollo is SAS’s largest agreement with a charter operator and the total contract value amounts to around SEK 3.4 billion for the first three years.

SAS continues to phase in new fuel-efficient aircraft and has now one of Europe’s most modern fleets. The charter flights will be flown using the new Airbus A320 aircraft offering the passengers a more comfortable and sustainable way of travel.

SAS strives to be a leader in sustainable aviation and works hard to reduce emissions. SAS does this, for example, with modern and fuel-efficient aircraft and by using sustainable aviation fuels and aims to reduce climate-affecting emissions by 25 percent in 2025.

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