Airlines
ACTA Thanks Suppliers
ACTA is applauding the flexibility of suppliers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Wendy Paradis, president of ACTA, points out that many travel suppliers -- including airlines, tour operators, cruise lines and others – have been adjusting their cancellation policies and terms and conditions to accommodate a nervous public and assist front line agents with finding options for their clients. Said Paradis, “Some clients are anxious about upcoming trips and want to know their options, or they are looking to change destinations or postpone travel. Travel agents have told ACTA they really...
Flybe Grounded
Flybe entered Administration today (March 5, 2020) with Alan Hudson, Joanne Robinson, Lucy Winterborne and Simon Edel of EY appointed as Joint Administrators. All of the airline's flights have been grounded and the UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect. Customers are being advised that if they are due to fly with Flybe, they should not travel to the airport unless they have arranged an alternative flight with another airline. And a statement on Flybe's website noted that the airline is not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers. For flights booked on...
Turn For The Worse
An extensive worldwide spread of the COVID-19 virus could result in a 19% loss in passenger revenues, According to IATA that would equate to $113 billion – on a scale equivalent to what the airline industry experienced in the 2008 global financial crisis. “In a little over two months the industry’s prospects have taken a dramatic turn for the worse,” stated IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac. ``This is a crisis and governments must take note,” he stressed. The DG added, “Many airlines are cutting capacity and taking emergency measures to stay afloat as they...
The Tip Of The Iceberg
IATA released traffic data for January 2020 showing that demand (measured in total revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) climbed 2.4% compared to January 2019. That was down from 4.6% year-over-year growth for the prior month and is the lowest monthly increase since April 2010, at the time of the volcanic ash cloud crisis in Europe that led to massive airspace closures and flight cancellations. January capacity (available seat kilometers or ASKs) increased by 1.7%. Load factor climbed 0.6 percentage point to 80.3%. Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO, said of the...
Women Take To The Skies With WestJet
WestJet has unveiled its WestJet Women In Aviation: Committed to Change video in support of National Women in Aviation Week and International Women's Day, emphasizing the need to increase the numbers of women who have careers in aviation. Ed Sims, WestJet president and CEO, observed: “We are proud to be among those leading the field for the inclusion of women in the flight deck. But, WestJet can do better. Leaders, including myself, must pledge to listen to the voices of women who work in all areas of aviation, recognize their potential, and support their growth and development....
Sunwing Celebrates International Women’s Day
Sunwing is gearing up to celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8, 2020.) The carrier operated its 100th flight crewed entirely by women on March 2. Sunwing Airlines flight WG438 took off from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Punta Cana International Airport helmed by an all-female flight and cabin crew. The flight was piloted by Captain Vicky Marks from Sunwing’s Quebec City base, assisted by First Officer Nicola Godfrey from Sunwing’s Toronto base. The cabin crew was led by Cabin Safety Manager Tiziana Di Giuliantonio and included three female flight attendants...
Air New Zealand to Put Economy Travellers to Sleep
Air New Zealand has unveiled a ground-breaking new lie-flat prototype sleep product for economy class travellers. The Economy Skynest is the result of three years of Air New Zealand research and development, with the input of more than 200 customers at its Hangar 22 innovation centre in Auckland. The airline has filed patent and trademark applications for the Economy Skynest which provides six full length lie-flat sleep pods. Air New Zealand chief marketing and customer officer Mike Tod says that as the airline operates some of the world’s longest flights, such as the upcoming...
Sunwing Finalizes Summer Sked Without MAX 8
Sunwing has revised the coming 2020 summer season to operate without the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The new schedule, which will run until Oct. 31, has been reconfigured ahead of time to accommodate the non-availability of this aircraft type. While the move has been prompted by the continued worldwide grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, the company explained that being able to offer an excellent customer experience and provide clients with much-needed reassurance while planning their vacation were equally important factors in the decision. Andrew Dawson, president of Tour Operations for...