Airlines
A Losing Proposition
IATA has released a revised outlook for airline industry performance in 2020 and 2021; advising that “deep” industry losses will continue into 2021, even though performance is expected to improve over the period of the forecast. A net loss of $118.5 billion is expected for 2020 (deeper than the $84.3 billion forecast in June). A net loss of $38.7 billion is expected in 2021 (deeper than the $15.8 billion forecast in June). Performance factors in 2021 will show improvements on 2020; and the second half of 2021 is expected to see improvements after a difficult 2021 first...
A Key To Reopening
IATA reports that it’s in the final development phase of the IATA Travel Pass, a digital health pass that will support the safe reopening of borders. Governments are beginning to use testing as a means of limiting the risks of COVID-19 importation when re-opening their borders to travellers without quarantine measures. IATA Travel Pass will manage and verify the secure flow of necessary testing or vaccine information among governments, airlines, laboratories and travelers. The industry association is calling for systematic COVID-19 testing of all international travellers and the...
Shifting Demand, New Opportunities
Airlines that respond the quickest to consumer demand for sustainable travel could potentially gain a competitive advantage over their rivals, according to GlobalData’s COVID-19 Recovery Consumer Survey. The data and analytics company observed that with concerns rising over climate change and increasing commitment from travel companies to become carbon neutral in the future, cleaner aviation is needed. It pointed out that it’s vital that airlines adapt to this emerging demand and harness technology to create new, greener ways of flying. In its survey (conducted between Oct. 7...
ACTA Takes The Initiative
ACTA is launching a six-point plan in support of travel agencies, making it clear to the federal government that as 2021 approaches, the travel industry will remain in a dire financial situation – facing devastation and widespread bankruptcies -without further government support. The plan that ACTA has presented to the federal government includes the following recommendations: Increase to CEWS to the 85% level Amendments to CERS to 90% An extension to CRB to June 30, 2021 Inclusion in any airline aid package A proposed travel industry subsidy to assist with fixed...
IATA Director General Stepping Down
Alexandre de Juniac is stepping down as IATA’s director general and CEO on March 31, 2021. Several months ago, de Juniac indicated his intention of stepping down and that allowed for a search process to facilitate a smooth leadership transition. As a result, the IATA Board of Governors will recommend to the 76th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Nov 24, 2020 the appointment of Willie Walsh, former CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG) as IATA’s eighth Director General from April 1, 2021. Commenting on his decision, de Juniac said: “I did not come to this decision...
Nine Months Later …
From commission recalls to cancelled bookings to endless hours on hold, the last nine months have certainly taken a toll on travel agents. But despite the setbacks and challenges, many in the travel industry are weathering the storm in anticipation of a brighter tomorrow. Travel Courier chats with three travel professionals to get a sense of how business is going, what’s getting them through this challenging time and why they’re optimistic about the future. As a travel agent, Rosie Darosa of TravelOnly With Rosie Darosa in Thunder Bay, Ont., says the lack of direction from the...
Hawaii Eases Restrictions For Canadians
This country's two largest airlines were quick to welcome Thursday's announcement by Hawaii that Canadians visiting the jurisdiction will no longer have to automatically self-quarantine for two weeks upon arriving in the jurisdiction. State authorities have decided that they will allow Canadians to enter without quarantining if they can demonstrate they have tested negative for coronavirus 72 hours before arriving in the destination, an alternative to the two-week quarantine that the aviation industry says has been hugely damaging to international travel. Both Air Canada and...
A Touchless Experience
Star Alliance has completed development of an interoperable biometric identity and identification platform that will significantly improve the travel experience for frequent flyer program customers of Star Alliance member airlines. The Star Alliance Biometrics platform advances the vision of Star Alliance member airlines of delivering a seamless customer journey, while strengthening loyalty value proposition within its travel ecosystem. Lufthansa Group (LHG) airlines, Lufthansa -- a founding member of Star Alliance -- and SWISS will be the first to use Star Alliance...