Airlines
U.S. Lifts Global Level 4 Health Advisory
The U.S. Department of State lifted its Global Level 4 Health Advisory yesterday. In a statement, the Department said that it made the move in close coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explaining that the Global Advisory initially put in place on March 19, 2020 advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. However, the Department’s statement continued that with health and safety conditions improving in some countries and potentially deteriorating in others, the Department is “returning to...
Korean Air Cares
Korean Air is taking off with a ‘CARE FIRST’ informational program -- emphasizing its multiple layers of protection throughout the passenger journey -- to enhance travel safety and awareness with its customers and employees. The airline has established a ‘CARE FIRST’ page on its website, www.koreanair.com, where customers can check specific measures to ensure safety in all stages of air travel: cabin disinfection, self-check-in options, temperature checks at the gate, social distancing between passengers, boarding and deplaning, and strengthened cleanliness safeguards for...
Etihad On COVID-19 PCR Testing Requirements
Requiring Beginning Aug. 1, all travellers flying Etihad Airways from around the world to Abu Dhabi, and those transferring via Abu Dhabi onto other flights will be required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a list of approved testing facilities listed on www.etihad.com/destinationguide alongside their ICA approval if Abu Dhabi is their end destination. The PCR test must be carried out within 96 hours prior to arrival in Abu Dhabi and a negative COVID-19 PCR test result certificate from one of the approved clinics listed must be shown for approval to...
Transat Expanding To 40 Destinations For Winter Season
Transat A.T. Inc. unveiled details of the destinations it will be offering travellers as of Nov. 1, 2020, strengthening its overall program since gradually resuming its operations on July 23. At the height of the season, Air Transat plans to operate flights to more than 40 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, the United States, Europe and Canada. A selection of South and Europe packages featuring more than 320 dream hotels will also be offered. And to help travellers plan their getaways with peace of mind, Transat is presenting even more...
Porter Delays Restart
Porter Airlines is delaying its return-to-service date to Oct. 7. Previously, the carrier said it would return-to-service on Aug. 31. Key factors that Porter cited as affecting its ability to restart service include the Canada-U.S. border remaining closed to non-essential travel until at least Aug. 21; the Atlantic Canada travel bubble that restricts movement beyond the region; non-essential travel advisories issued by governments; and mandatory quarantine rules. In making the announcement, Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines, said: “We never intended to suspend...
TAP Going Non-Stop Montreal To Lisbon
TAP Air Portugal continues to expand its presence in Canada, adding new nonstop service between Montreal and Lisbon which complements the carrier’s existing Toronto-Lisbon flights. Canada was recently included on the European Union’s list of nations approved for travel to Europe. The new flights will operate three times weekly, with new Airbus A321LR aircraft, including Business, Economy and EconomyXtra classes of service. The flights leave Lisbon on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 7:50 pm and arrive in Montreal at 10:35 pm. In the opposite direction, they leave...
Travelport Launches Airline Health & Safety Tracker
Responding to the demand from both travellers and travel agents for information on airline health and safety measures, Travelport has launched the Travelport Airline Health & Safety Tracker. The tool, which is available free of charge to both Travelport customers and the wider industry, highlights the safety measures being undertaken by more than 80 of the world’s largest airlines – all available at a glance. It is delivered to both online and offline travel agencies through the recently launched Travelport COVID-19 Smartpoint Plugin, Travelport’s API-based merchandising...
“Devastating And Unprecedented Effects”
Air Canada is reporting unrestricted liquidity of $9.120 billion at June 30, 2020, in line with Air Canada's expectations, compared to unrestricted liquidity of $7.380 billion at Dec. 31, 2019. Total revenues fell from $4.738 billion in the second quarter of 2019 to $527 million in the second quarter this year, a decline of $4.211 billion or 89%. Cargo revenue increased 52% to $269 million. The airline reported second quarter 2020 negative EBITDA (excluding special items) or (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $832 million compared to second...