Airlines
Is This The Early Stages Of Recovery?
IATA reports that passenger demand in May (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs), dropped 91.3% compared to May 2019. This was a mild uptick from the 94% annual decline recorded in April 2020. The improvement was driven by recovery in some domestic markets, most notably China. Alexandre de Juniac, director general and CEO for IATA, commented: “May was not quite as terrible as April. That’s about the best thing that can be said. As predicted, the first improvements in passenger demand are occurring in domestic markets. International traffic remained virtually stopped in...
Grupo Aeromexico Files For US Chapter 11
Grupo Aeromexico S.A.B. de C.V has announced that it, and certain of its affiliates have filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions in the United States to implement a financial restructuring while continuing to serve customers. The company indicated that it intends to use the Chapter 11 process to strengthen its financial position and implement necessary operational changes to address the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and create a sustainable platform for the future. Andrés Conesa, chief executive officer of Aeromexico, said: “Our industry faces unprecedented challenges...
London Falling
According to new research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and ForwardKeys, London has fallen to the bottom of the top 10 most booked European cities, as border restrictions and UK quarantine regulations choked travel. During the first half of June last year, as the holiday season was in full swing, London was the most heavily booked city in Europe for any date of arrival, followed by Paris and Rome. However, travel restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the quarantine rules imposed by the UK government, the capital has slumped to the...
Canada Makes EU Safe List
While the Canadian travel industry was initially cheered by the news that the European Council had agreed to start lifting travel restrictions for residents of 15 countries – including Canada – it only lasted for a short time. The news from the EC was overshadowed by word that Canada has extended its ban on all foreign travellers who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents or Americans travelling for essential reasons for another month at least. That measure was originally put in place in mid-March and was due to expire. Reports also indicate that Ottawa is expected...
Barbados Flights Resume July 12
Barbados has reached a milestone in its fight against COVID-19, reporting no more active cases of COVID-19 on the island and that, effective July 1, all curfews will be lifted. The announcement was made by Barbados’ Prime Minister the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, who said: “This is testimony to the will, discipline and commitment of Barbadian people … the health authorities, the frontline workers, the essential services, the social partnership, the media, the police, those on the borders, all have been integral to the success we have had thus far in tackling this pandemic. And more so,...
Air Canada Makes Major Domestic Service Changes
Air Canada is making major changes to its domestic operations, indefinitely suspending service on 30 domestic regional routes and closing eight stations at regional airports in Canada. The carrier said that the structural changes to its domestic regional network are being made as a result of continuing weak demand for both business and leisure travel due to COVID-19 and provincial and federal government-imposed travel restrictions and border closures, which are diminishing prospects for a near-to-mid-term recovery. Air Canada has previously indicated that it expects the industry's...
Air Canada Introduces More Flexible Rebooking Options
Air Canada says it is advancing its bio-safety measures by offering flexible rebooking options to Economy Class customers on flights that are close to capacity, introducing additional touchless processes at airports, and enhancing inflight service and amenities. Andrew Yiu, vice-president - product at Air Canada, said that: “As we rebuild our schedule, we are continually increasing the range of products and services available to safely and efficiently enhance our customers' travel experience. As of July 1, we will be transparent about flights booked close to capacity in Economy Class...
Porter Restart Set For August 31
In light of ongoing government travel restrictions, Porter Airlines has modified its return-to-service date. The carrier’s new restart date is now Aug. 31, instead of the previously-announced target of July 29. Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines, said that: “Our ability to successfully relaunch service is directly tied to the lifting of travel restrictions. We believe it is getting closer to a time when people can travel more freely and are optimistic that key border closures and mandatory quarantines will begin easing, so that we can recommence...