Source: Airline Revenue Management

Air France is increasing its service to the French Overseas Departments. This summer, the company will operate flights between the French Caribbean (Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe and Fort-de-France in Martinique), French Guiana (Cayenne) and Reunion Island (Saint-Denis de La Réunion) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle, in addition to its frequencies to and from Paris-Orly. Up to 56 flights will operate every week between these destinations and the two Paris airports, providing connections to the airline’s entire short, medium- and long-haul network.

Launched last December, the number of services between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and the French Caribbean will increase, with 7 weekly flights to and from each of the two islands.

Services between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Cayenne and between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Saint-Denis de La Réunion will be launched on 2 and 6 April 2021 respectively.

Flight schedule –2021 summer season:

To/from Pointe-à-Pitre: 18 weekly direct flights

• 11 weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Orly
• 7 weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle

To/from Fort-de-France: 14 weekly direct flights

• 7 weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Orly
• 7 weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle

To/from Cayenne: 10 weekly direct flights

• 7 weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Orly
• 3 weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays as from 2 April 2021

To/from Saint-Denis de La Réunion: 14 weekly direct flights

• 7 weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Orly
• 7 weekly direct flights on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle as from 6 April 2021

Flights will be operated by Boeing 777-200 and -300 equipped with Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins

Tickets can already be booked at all Air France points of sale including www.airfrance.com. Under the terms of its commercial policy, Air France currently offers modifiable tickets at no cost, irrespective of the selected fare, for travel until 30 September 2021.

Before travelling, Air France highly recommends its customers check the current restrictions, particularly with regard to COVID tests, by consulting the airfrance.traveldoc.aero website. It should be noted that a negative COVID test is currently mandatory for all travel to the French Overseas Departments.

As the safety of its customers and staff is its top priority, Air France is maintaining the Air France Protect health measures with reinforced cleaning of the aircraft before each departure, body temperature checks at boarding to certain destinations, and the wearing of surgical masks, which is compulsory throughout the journey.

Source: Airline Revenue Management

• Beginning Jan. 11, emotional support animals will no longer be ticketed on any Delta flight 
• Customers travelling with trained service dogs will be required to fill out DOT documentation confirming the animal meets training and health qualifications 

Effective Jan. 11, Delta will no longer accept emotional support animal bookings on any Delta flight. Delta’s updated policy follows a final rule issued last month by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which states carriers are no longer required to recognize emotional support animals as service animals.

“We applaud the DOT for making this change and acknowledging the concerns that Delta and many other stakeholders have raised for the past several years,” said Allison Ausband – S.V.P., In-Flight Service. “The DOT’s final rule enables airlines to put the safety of all employees and customers first, while protecting the rights of customers who need to travel with trained service animals.”

Delta’s updated policy includes input and guidance from our frontline teams, as well as recommendations from Delta’s Advisory Board on Disability.

“Delta’s updated policy follows a nearly 85 percent increase in animal incidents since 2016, including urination, defecation and biting,” said David Garrison – S.V.P. Corporate Safety and Security. “Our top priority is the health, safety and comfort of Delta customers and our people. We strongly believe this policy change will enhance the overall travel experience for everyone.”

Service animal policy changes effective Jan. 11, 2021:

• Delta will no longer accept new bookings for emotional support animals.
• Customers who hold a ticket with their emotional support animal(s) confirmed for travel prior to Jan 11. may still travel as planned on Delta.
• Trained service animals are defined as dogs regardless of breed, specifically trained to assist a person with a disability.

• Delta will lift its ban on pit bull-type dogs that meet documentation requirements for trained service animals; however, in line with Delta’s current policy, pit bull-type dogs will not be allowed to travel as emotional support animals for those customers ticketed and confirmed before Jan. 11.
• Customers travelling with a trained service dog(s) should submit DOT documentation via Delta.com attesting to the dog’s health, training and behaviour 48 hours prior to departure. If travel is booked less than 48 hours prior to departure, a customer may present the documentation at the ticket counter or at the departure gate.
• Customers travelling with a trained service dog on flights scheduled for eight hours or more must also submit a DOT Relief Attestation form available on Delta.com attesting that the dog will not relieve itself in the aircraft or can do so without causing health or sanitization issues.

Delta will continue to deny boarding to any trained service animal that poses a threat or demonstrates aggressive or inappropriate behaviour in a public setting.

Customers may continue to elect to travel with a pet in cabin if they meet Delta’s Travel Policy requirements.

More information on Delta’s updated service animal policy, which takes effect on Jan. 11, is available on Delta.com.

Source: Delta Air Lines

Source: Airline Revenue Management

Eight aircraft used as security for financing at favourable conditions

Since July 2020, Deutsche Lufthansa AG has raised a total of around 500 million euros by using aircraft as security in eight financing transactions. This enabled the Group to secure additional funds on top of the 1.6 billion euros raised via a convertible bond and a corporate bond.

The five Airbus A350s and three aircraft from the A320 family were used as securities for various financing instruments. Funds were raised through sale and leaseback financing, secured loans and secured promissory notes (Schuldscheindarlehen). Banks, private equity funds and corporate investors, particularly from Europe and Asia, participated in the financing. Lufthansa was also able to agree upon attractive terms compared with the most recently issued bonds.

“We have taken another successful step in refinancing existing liabilities which are maturing in 2021. The transactions once again demonstrate the confidence the market has in our company and our restructuring measures. We have a wide range of financing instruments at our disposal and aircraft financing will continue to play a key role in our financing strategy as it offers financially attractive conditions,” said Wilken Bormann, Executive Vice President Corporate Finance of the Lufthansa Group.

Source: Lufthansa

Source: Airline Revenue Management

Emirates has announced that it will deploy its latest flagship A380 aircraft featuring new premium economy seats and luxurious enhancements across all cabins to London Heathrow.

Starting from 4 January, passengers flying between Dubai and London Heathrow can experience Emirates’ latest A380. Operating as EK003/004, the aircraft is scheduled to depart Dubai daily at 14:30hrs, arriving at 18:20hrs in London Heathrow. The return flight departs London at 20:20hrs and arrives in Dubai the next day at 07:20hrs. All timings local.

Emirates last week unveiled its latest A380 with brand new premium economy seats that offer a generous seat pitch of up to 40 inches, in addition to new economy class seats similar to those installed on its latest Boeing 777-300ER gamechanger aircraft, enhancements to its popular A380 First and Business Class including its signature Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge, and refreshed colours and fittings across all cabins.

Until more Premium Economy seats enter its inventory, the airline intends to offer these as spot upgrades for its valued customers on a discretionary basis. All other signature Emirates A380 First, Business and Economy cabins are available for reservation on emirates.com or via travel agents.

The airline has safely and gradually restored its network over the past months, bringing back signature experiences onboard and on the ground with comprehensive measures in place for the health and safety of its customers and employees.

Emirates currently serves London Heathrow with 5 daily flights of which 4 are operated with an A380. The airline also operates 10 flights a week to Manchester, and daily flights to both Birmingham and Glasgow.

Emirates serves 99 cities across the world, offering travellers convenient access to Dubai and onwards to popular destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Dubai is open for international business and leisure visitors. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world-class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences. It was one of the world’s first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety. For more information on entry requirements for international visitors to Dubai visit: www.emirates.com/flytoDubai.

Flexibility and assurance: Emirates’ booking policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers who purchase an Emirates ticket for travel on or before 30 June 2021, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they have to change their travel plans. Customers have options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for 2 years. More information here.

Travel with confidence: All Emirates customers can travel with confidence and peace of mind with the airline industry’s first, multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover. This cover is offered by Emirates at no cost to customers, on all tickets purchased on or from 1 December 2020, up until 31 January 2021. In addition to COVID-19 medical cover, this latest offer from Emirates also has provisions for personal accidents during travel, winter sports cover, loss of personal belongings, and trip disruptions due to unexpected air space closure, travel recommendations or advisories, similar to other multi-risk travel insurance products. Some limitations and exclusions apply. Policy details and more information here.

Health and safety: Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers. For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety

Source: Emirates

Source: Airline Revenue Management

• Responding to increase in seasonal demand, Emirates to operate Airbus A380 aircraft between 9 and 30 January 2021

Emirates has announced that it will be operating its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft on the Dubai – Sao Paulo route between 9 and 30 January 2021. The Emirates A380 will be deployed four times weekly to Sao Paulo in response to the summer season increase in demand for travel to and from Brazil.

This will be the first time that the iconic aircraft returns to South America since the suspension of passenger flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Emirates resumed passenger flights to Sao Paulo in August 2020 on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Signature experience

Customers travelling to and from Brazil on Emirates in January 2021 can once again look forward to enjoying the unparalleled Emirates A380 experience with its spacious and comfortable cabins and the unmissable signature products and services on the A380, including the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa, reintroduced with additional health and safety measures.

In early November, Emirates also reinstated its signature dining service across all classes while observing strict hygiene protocols. Customers can now savour multi-course meals and choose from a complementary selection of beverages including wine and beer, as well as juices and soft drinks. Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment, ice, continues to add new content every month, and currently features a catalogue with over 4,500 channels.

Destination Dubai

Brazilian customers travelling to much desired holiday destinations including the Maldives can stopover at Dubai to experience the city’s wide range of world-class experiences from sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world-class hospitality and leisure facilities. Brazilian nationals can obtain a free visa on arrival in Dubai.

In 2019, Dubai welcomed 16.7 million visitors and hosted over hundreds of global meetings and exhibitions, as well as sports and entertainment events. Dubai was one of the world’s first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.

For more information on entry requirements for international visitors to Dubai visit: www.emirates.com/flytoDubai

Flexibility and assurance

Emirates’ booking policies offer customers flexibility and confidence to plan their travel. Customers who purchase an Emirates ticket for travel on or before 30 June 2021, can enjoy generous rebooking terms and options, if they have to change their travel plans. Customers have options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for 2 years. More information here.

Travel with confidence

All Emirates customers can travel with confidence and peace of mind with the airline industry’s first, multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover. This cover is offered by Emirates on all tickets purchased on or from 1 December 2020, at no cost to customers. In addition to COVID-19 medical cover, this latest offer from Emirates also has provisions for personal accidents during travel, winter sports cover, loss of personal belongings, and trip disruptions due to unexpected air space closure, travel recommendations or advisories, similar to other multi-risk travel insurance products. Some limitations and exclusions apply. Policy details and more information here.

Health and safety

Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of the customer journey to ensure the safety of its customers and employees on the ground and in the air, including the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes to all customers. For more information on these measures and the services available on each flight, visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety

COVID-19 PCR testing

Emirates customers who require a COVID-19 PCR test certificate prior to departure from Dubai, can avail of special rates at clinics across Dubai by simply presenting their ticket or boarding pass. Home or office testing is also available, with results in 48 hours. More information on www.emirates.com/flytoDubai

Source: Emirates

Source: Airline Revenue Management

Emirates has received the APEX 2021 Five Star Global Official Airline Rating^TM, based on feedback from passengers that was independently collected by APEX via its partnership with TripIt, and validated and certified by an external auditor to ensure that all ratings were made by genuine travellers who had flown on the airline they were reviewing.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition from our customers. It reflects all of our efforts to provide our customers with a safe and enjoyable flight experience.

He added: “In the past months, Emirates has constantly reviewed and proactively adapted our products and services to comply with regulatory protocols, and we’ve also kept our eye on innovation. In line with our strategy and our leaders’ vision, Emirates continues to invest in enhancing our customer proposition and product. In recent months, we’ve brought to market several innovative services to offer our customers even more confidence, comfort and convenience, and seamless travel. These were not simply a response to the pandemic, but also part of our DNA and long-term strategy to earn our customers’ trust and loyalty, and maintain our lead in the industry.

“With independently verified passengers serving as the final judges, Emirates continues to set the highest echelon bar of airline experience by winning the APEX Official Airline Ratings Global Five Star rating every single year without fail,” APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader stated. “Emirates’ ability to continue to advance the gold standard of customer care, even against the headwinds of a pandemic, demonstrates the airline’s non-stop focus upon positive guest engagement. I have experienced Emirates’ economy, business, and first-class products with heartfelt admiration for every service class backed seamlessly by the Emirates ice in-flight engagement system.”

Emirates continues to lead the industry in restoring travel confidence. It was the world’s first airline to offer free COVID-19 medical cover for all customers and this was later extended to a full multi-risk insurance cover; and it has modified its services onboard and on the ground to introduce enhanced bio-safety protocols while continuing to offer its signature experiences like the Emirates lounge and onboard Shower Spa.

Emirates also recently launched its fully-integrated biometrics facilities at Dubai airport, and self-service check-in and bag drop facilities that further reduces contact and eases the customer journey on the ground.

The airline has so far received 2 new A380 aircraft this year, the most popular aircraft and flying experience amongst Emirates customers. The next Emirates A380 aircraft, fitted with the airline’s first-ever premium economy cabin, is scheduled for delivery before end December.

Emirates has resumed passenger services to nearly 100 destinations. For more information on travel requirements, Emirates’ current network and its comprehensive health and safety measures, visit Emirates’ COVID-19 information hub.

The APEX Official Airline Ratings were created based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights gathered through APEX’s partnership with TripIt® from Concur®, the world’s highest-rated travel-organizing app. Using a five-star scale, nearly one million flights were rated by passengers across more than 600 airlines from around the world. The APEX Official Airline Ratings were independently certified by a professional external auditing company.

Source: Emirates

Source: Airline Revenue Management

Air Canada Foundation Continues to Provide Support to Hundreds of Canadian Families in Need Across Canada

Source: Airline Revenue Management

In a statement today, CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom thanked Congress and the administration for their support of the bipartisan coronavirus (COVID-19) relief package that extends the Payroll Support Program (PSP).

“Our team members are the very essence of our airline. Without them, there is no American Airlines. Over the past several months, we and our union partners have taken every opportunity to explain how our frontline team members are doing essential work that will help our economy rebound from COVID-19. We’re grateful that our elected officials heard us and passed a bill that includes an extension of the Payroll Support Program (PSP), an important indication that our nation’s leaders believe in our team as much as we do. This PSP extension will enable us to bring furloughed team members back to work and resume air service to cities and towns that rely on us — all at a critical moment. We appreciate the confidence Congress and the administration are placing in us by extending this additional support, and we proudly accept the responsibility that comes with it. We are prepared to work as hard as ever as we continue to care for our customers, provide vital air service to communities across the country and keep our country moving toward an eventual recovery from this pandemic.

“We are sincerely grateful to a long roster of members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, as well as to President Trump and members of his administration, who understood the significance of extending the PSP. Their commitment to the livelihoods of airline workers is evident in the months of work it took to deliver this much-needed relief, and we thank them for their dedication to this effort.”

Source: American Airlines

Source: Airline Revenue Management

American Airlines welcomes the decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation to grant antitrust immunity to enable Aer Lingus to join the trans-Atlantic joint business between American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair. The trans-Atlantic joint business has brought significant benefits to millions of passengers since its launch in 2010. Customers have benefited from lower fares and easier journeys to more destinations with better-aligned schedules and frequencies. The addition of Aer Lingus’ Dublin hub and its complementary network will significantly enhance customers’ travel options and add new European destinations not currently served by any other trans-Atlantic joint business. Aer Lingus’ customers will also obtain access to more than 200 new US destinations via the AJB network.

Source: American Airlines

Source: Airline Revenue Management