Air Canada inaugurates nonstop flights to Cartagena; newest destination in ongoing strategic international expansion

Air Canada’s inaugural flight, AC1872 from Toronto to Cartagena departed on the morning of December 18, 2017, marking the airline’s newest destination in its ongoing international expansion.

In 2017, Air Canada launched new international flights from

Toronto to: Mumbai (India), Berlin (Germany), Reykjavik (Iceland), St. Vincent (Caribbean), Belize City (Belize), Cartagena (Colombia)
Montreal to: Shanghai (China), Marseille (France), Reykjavik (Iceland), Tel-Aviv (Israel), Algiers (Algeria) and Lima (Peru)
Vancouver to: Melbourne (Australia), Taipei (Taiwan), Nagoya (Japan), Frankfurt (Germany), London Gatwick (UK)

In 2018, Air Canada will launch new international services from

Toronto to: Shannon (Ireland), Porto (Portugal), Zagreb (Croatia), Bucharest (Romania), Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Montreal to: Tokyo-Narita (Japan), Dublin (Ireland), Bucharest (Romania), Lisbon (Portugal), Tel Aviv (Israel)
Vancouver to: Paris (France), Zurich (Switzerland)

KLM launches its new World Business Class cabin in Airbus A330-300 PH-AKA

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ first Airbus A330-300 to be fitted with the new World Business Class cabin interior made its first flight over the weekend to Havana (KL723). The cabin refit for the remaining 20% of KLM’s fleet will be completed by the end of 2018. In addition to the new design, there will be full-flat seats and a new inflight entertainment system for all World Business Class passengers to enjoy.

The first A330-300 to be fitted with the new World Business Class cabin is registration number PH-AKA (below).

Above Copyright Photo: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Airbus A330-303 PH-AKA (msn 1287) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 908520.

Refits complete in 2018

The refurbishment of the business class cabins in the remaining four A330-300s has already commenced; the last is expected to be completed in July 2018. KLM’s eight A330-200s will follow. Their refits are expected to be completed in October 2018.

The World Business Class interiors of all the Boeings 747,777-200 and 777-300 have already undergone this transformation. KLM’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners already have the new-style World Business Class cabins.

New World Business Class

Renowned Dutch designer, Hella Jongerius, designed the new seats and cabin interior. In addition, KLM’s new World Business Class also contains:

Full-flat seats: 180 degrees reclinable and 206 cm long
In-seat power and improved privacy
Brand-new personal entertainment system with an 18” screen, HD quality films and a touchscreen navigation menu in 12 languages

Photos: KLM.

KLM:

KLM’s next step using artificial intelligence on social media

KLM issued this report:

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is taking the next step in using artificial intelligence (AI) within its social media service. KLM worked with AI frontrunner, DigitalGenius, to add automated answers to general repetitive questions from customers without the intervention of a human service agent. This gives KLM agents more time to focus on questions in conversations with customers that require a human approach. KLM is the first airline to offer a combination of human agents and artificial intelligence in a single conversation on Twitter, Messenger and WhatsApp.

KLM receives over 130.000 mentions via social media per week. This number has grown since the introduction of WhatsApp as a service channel. A dedicated team of 250 social media service agents personally engages in 30,000 conversations each week. On average, conversations consist of five or six questions and answers between KLM and its customers. Questions that can be answered automatically with the use of artificial intelligence usually come at the beginning of the conversation.

AI system gets smarter over time

KLM has been using AI provided by DigitalGenius, which now supports over 50% of all inquiries, for a year and-a-half. When agents need to answer questions, AI provides them with a possible answer. The AI system learns from the service agent’s actions and gets smarter over time. Until now, the agents had to decide if the proposed answer suits the question, adjust the answer if necessary and send it to the appropriate social media channel. With the high volumes of customer questions that the AI system has handled, KLM is now able to automate the answers to the most common questions on any subject without the interference of a human service agent. With the help of this next step in social media, KLM service agents have more time to focus on questions that require a human approach.

By using artificial intelligence, KLM makes conversations with our customers even more timely, correct, and personal. This is what characterises KLM. Heavy snowfall in the Netherlands last week, caused a significant increase of the number of questions on social media. Passengers obviously expect a timely answer. With the use of AI we support our service agents with technology and should be able to answer many more questions in a shorter period of time. This is exactly what the customer needs.

Pieter Groeneveld, Senior Vice President Digital, Air France-KLM

Once again, KLM has achieved an industry-first – the ability to provide hybrid “Human+AI” conversations to support their customers. They are a stellar example of a company that uses technology to unlock human time and potential – all in service of their respected brand and their customers.

Mikhail Naumov, Co-founder & President DigitalGenius

„

About KLM and Social Media

Since 2009, KLM has gained a reputation as pioneer in the field of social media services and campaigns. KLM has over 25 million fans and followers on various social media platforms. Through these channels, KLM receives over 130,000 mentions every week, 30,000 of which are questions or remarks. These are personally answered by more than 250 service agents, who form the world’s largest, dedicated social media team. On WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, WeChat and KakaoTalk, KLM offers her customers 24/7 service in nine different languages: Dutch, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. During office hours, 7 days per week, KLM also offers services in Italian. Recently KLM added BB, short for Blue Bot, to her servicing family, who can help you book a ticket on Messenger and pack your bag on Google Home. KLM was the world’s first airline to offer customers the option of receiving flight documents and status updates via WhatsApp, Messenger, and Twitter and the first Western airline on WeChat in China.

About DigitalGenius

DigitalGenius brings practical applications of deep learning and artificial intelligence into customer service operations of leading companies. Its Human+AI™ Customer Service Platform combines the best of human and machine intelligence enabling companies to deliver on increasing customer expectations. At its core are deep learning algorithms, which are trained on historical customer service data and integrated directly into the contact center’s existing software. Once enabled, the platform automates and increases the quality and efficiency of customer service & support conversations across text-based communication channels like email, chat, social media, SMS and mobile messaging.

British Airways transforms the international boarding experience

British Airways has made this announcement:

British Airways has become the first airline to trial self-service biometric boarding gates on international flights out of the USA, working in partnership with Los Angeles Airport.

As part of the airline’s commitment to invest in innovation and new technology, British Airways has begun an exclusive trial that will transform customers’ airport experience by improving the boarding process and significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to board an aircraft.

The new technology, created by Vision-Box, will create a smoother journey for customers, as they will no longer need to present their passport or boarding pass at the gate – only at check in and security. Instead travellers can simply look into a camera prior to boarding, wait for their biometric data to be verified, and then walk onto the aircraft.

Similarly to facial identification built into mobile phones, the biometric gates use high definition camera technology, and allow customers to pass through by recognising their unique facial features, and reconciling them with the digital facial scan taken as part of the immigration process.

Safety and security is at the core of biometric facial recognition technology, and British Airways has been working closely in partnership with the Customs and Border Protection Agency and the US government to develop and approve the scheme.

The gates have been installed on three stands at Los Angeles Airport and British Airways is the only airline with the advanced technology to offer purely biometric boarding to its customers.

The project, led by Los Angeles Airport, builds on technology already in use by British Airways on its domestic flights from Heathrow’s Terminal 5 – checking customers’ biometric data at the gate when they scan their boarding pass.

Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience, said: “Our customers want the ability to simplify and speed up their journeys through the airport, so we’re investing in the most advanced technology that will enable us to streamline our boarding process and further improve our punctuality.

“We’re using biometric technology that consumers are now familiar with and trust because it delivers a convenient, reliable and secure experience. This step forward to modernise our operation is a first in the industry, and we will continue to work with airports around the world to evolve this technology, and revolutionise the way in which people travel.”

“This industry-first deployment of innovative solutions from the US Customs and Border Protection and Vision-Box, shows the amazing potential of using biometrics to speed up the boarding process while maintaining safety and security,” said Los Angeles World Airports Chief Innovation and Technology Officer Justin Erbacci. “We have been very impressed with the results thus far, and love to see the passengers’ excitement at being some of the first in the world to use facial recognition to board British Airways flights from LAX to Heathrow.”

Photo: British Airways.

Delta’s Boeing 747-400 farewell tour makes a stop at the Everett birthplace

Delta Air Lines brought the pictured N674US back to its birthplace at Paine Field in Everett, WA from Detroit on Monday, December 18, 2017. The pictured Boeing 747-451 N674US operated a short flight to Seattle/Tacoma.

N674US nows carries this special “All Hail The Queen Farewell Tour” logo.

As previously reported, Delta announced the final flights for the iconic Boeing 747-400 this month:

Here are seven things to know about Delta’s big goodbye to the 747:

Delta is operating the Boeing 747-400 on daily scheduled service between its Detroit hub and its partner hub at Seoul-Incheon.
Here are the final regularly scheduled flights of the Delta 747:
- Final U.S. departure: Flight 159 at Detroit to Seoul-Incheon at 12:31 p.m.on December 15, 2017
- Final Asia Pacific arrival: Flight 159 at Seoul-Incheon from Detroit at 4:30 p.m. on December 16, 2017
- Final Asia Pacific departure: Flight 158 at Seoul-Incheon to Detroit at 11:15 a.m. on December 17, 2017
- Final U.S. arrival: Flight 158 at Detroit from Seoul-Incheon at 10:14 a.m.on December 17, 2017
Delta will take the 747 on an employee farewell tour from Detroit to Seattle/Tacoma on December 18, 2017 Seattle/Tacoma to Atlanta on December 19, 2017 and Atlanta to Minneapolis-St. Paul on December 20, 2017.
Customers can bid for a spot on these farewell flights via SkyMiles Experiences using their SkyMiles.
Employees and retirees can purchase a seat on these flights on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at noon ET November 20, 2017 at a discounted rate, with all proceeds going to the Airloom Project, the organization behind the 747 Experience exhibit at the Delta Flight Museum.
The 747 will fly a handful of sports team and ad-hoc charter flights through December 31, 2017.
Delta will fly its final Boeing 747 to its retirement place in Arizona in early January. This ferry flight will not be open to passengers.

Delta will be celebrating the iconic and revolutionary 747 throughout December in all of its channels and encourages customers, enthusiasts and employees to share their own tributes and remembrances using the #DL747Farewell hashtag.

Top Photo: Boeing.

Above Copyright Photo: N674US with Northwest. Northwest Airlines-NWA Boeing 747-451 N674US (msn 30269) SFO (Mark Durbin). Image: 903152.

Northwest:

Delta:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Boeing 747-451 N674US (msn 30269) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 907046.

Boeing’s statement on the ITC Hearing concerning “Bombardier’s Harm to U.S. Industry”

The Boeing Company released the following statement regarding the public hearing at the International Trade Commission (ITC) on Bombardier’s illegal business practices with its C Series aircraft and how those practices have harmed U.S. domestic industry.

“Boeing brought this case seeking enforcement of U.S. trade law, which mirrors the widely-accepted rules of international trade adopted by most WTO member nations, including Canada. The resulting Department of Commerce and ITC investigations are part of a longstanding, transparent, and rigorous fact-based process for resolving precisely these sorts of commercial trade disputes. Today’s hearing was simply the next step in that process, as the ITC considered extensive evidence that underscored the harm Bombardier’s unlawful actions have caused U.S. industry.

“These investigations have already established beyond question that Bombardier has taken billions of dollars in illegal government subsidies to prop up its C Series program. The C Series would not even exist at this point but for those subsidies. The investigations have also left no doubt Bombardier used these government funds to dump aircraft into the U.S. market at absurdly low prices, millions below their cost of production and millions below the price of the same aircraft in Canada. Bombardier’s conduct is flatly inconsistent with U.S. trade law, and it has caused severe harm to Boeing, its employees, and its suppliers.

“Boeing welcomes competition, but it must be competition on a level playing field. Bombardier can sell their aircraft anywhere in the world, so long as they follow the law and comply with the trade rules we have all agreed to.”

Air Canada unveils its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Olympic logo jet, logos removed after 6 hours

Official airline of Canadian teams for PyeongChang 2018 Games and Tokyo 2020 Games (CNW Group/Air Canada)

Air Canada announced on December 18, 2017 that it has renewed its sponsorship as the Official Airline of the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee. The four-year agreement extends through the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games.

Air Canada has been a sponsor of Canada’s Olympic Team since 1988 and a sponsor of Canada’s Paralympic Team since 2007. The partnership builds on Air Canada’s commitment to Team Canada from their efforts at 2016’s Games, when Air Canada flew more than 690 Canadian athletes, coaches and support staff to Rio.

Through these arrangements, the airline provides special services and transport for competitions. As well, under the renewed agreement Air Canada will:

Renew its Altitude Podium Program to provide qualified athletes 35K status and access to International Maple Leaf lounges while competing abroad;
Give athletes individual Care & Share packages for added comfort during the flight and include memorabilia they can share with others at the games;
Sponsor the outdoor area, available to the public, at the Canadian Olympic House in PyeongChang;
And host airport celebrations as athletes arrive at and return from the games.

To further show its support, Air Canada has entered into an agreement with five high-profile athletes who will be featured in a campaign beginning in January. They include figure skaters Patrick Chan, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir; freestyle skier (halfpipe) Cassie Sharpe; and Paralympic biathlon skier Mark Arendz.

Top Photo: Air Canada. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-FRSR now displays these three special Olympic logos.

Below Copyright Photo: The Olympic logos on C-FRSR only lasted for six hours! The logos were removed after the ceremony. However a special Olympic logo is expected to be added to an aircraft probably for the team charter aircraft. Air Canada Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner C-FRSR (msn 37178) (2018 Olympic logos) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 940355.

Air Canada:

Vietjet launches and celebrates three new routes between Vietnam and Thailand

Vietjet held several jubilant inaugural ceremonies to celebrate the debuts of the airline’s three new routes connecting Vietnam and Thailand, including the Da Lat – Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket and Ho Chi Minh City – Chiang Mai routes. Held in airports in Vietnam, passengers on the inaugural flights were treated to entertainment programs and presented with lovely gifts from Vietjet. The three new routes serve the transportation and travel demands of the local people and tourists while contributing to the promotion of trading and integration in the region.

The inaugural ceremony of the Da Lat – Bangkok route, with a hot flower bikini dance, was held at Lien Khuong International Airport in Da Lat on December 18, 2017. The event was warmly received by the public, leaders of Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ministry of Transport, Aviation Administration and related departments of Vietnam and Thailand.

The inaugural ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket route was held at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on December 15, 2017. It was witnessed by Mr. Manopchai Vongphakdi – Thailand Ambassador to Vietnam, leader of the Aviation Administration of Vietnam, Culture, Sport and Tourism Department of Ho Chi Minh City and leaders of travel industries of Vietnam and Thailand. Earlier, Vietjet also welcomed the first flight of the Ho Chi Minh City – Chiang Mai route, which arrived to the great excitement of both passengers and the public on December 12, 2017.

The Da Lat – Bangkok route operates a return flight every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a flight time of approximately one hour and 45 minutes per leg. Flights depart from Dalat at 12:55 and land in Bangkok at 14:40 (local time). Return flights take off from Bangkok at 10:30 and arrive in Dalat at 12:15 (local time).

The Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket route opearates a return flight every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at around two hours per leg. Flights depart at Ho Chi Minh City at 10:15 in the morning and arrive in Phuket at 12:10 (local time). Return flights take off at 13:05 in Phuket and lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 15:10 (local time).

The Ho Chi Minh City – Chiang Mai route operates a return flight every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday with a flight time of just under two hours per leg. Flights depart at Ho Chi Minh City at 11:35 in the morning and arrive in Chiang Mai at 13:30 (local time). Return flights take off at 14:20 in Chiang Mai and land in Ho Chi Minh City at 16:25 (local time).

With the opening of these new routes, Vietjet now operates six flights to “the Land of Smiles – Thailand” from Vietnam. Aiming to become a leading consumer airline, Vietjet has continually opened new routes while adding brand-new aircraft to its fleet, investing in modern technology and offering more added-on services and products to serve all customer’s demands. Since its establishment just a few years ago, Vietjet has continuously contributed to the community and created flying opportunities for tens of millions of domestic and international passengers.

Bottom Copyright Photo (all others by Vietjet): Vietjet Air (VietJetAir.com) Airbus A320-214 WL VN-A695 (msn 3646) SIN (Michael B. Ing). Image: 939266.

British Airways signs a codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines

British Airways has made this announcement:

British Airways customers are set to gain access to even more Chinese cities thanks to a new codeshare agreement with China Southern Airlines.

As part of the new agreement, customers can book seats on China Southern Airlines flights to four destinations in China – Shenyang, Harbin, Changchun and Dalian.

British Airways customers will be able to connect on to Shenyang and Harbin through Shanghai, connect on to Dalian through Beijing, and connect on to Changchun through either Shanghai or Beijing. British Airways offers 10 weekly flights to Shanghai and seven to Beijing, from London Heathrow.

As part of the agreement, China Southern Airlines customers will be able to book seats on British Airways flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Belfast, connecting on to these destinations through London Heathrow.

China Southern Airlines operates the largest fleet, most developed route network and largest passenger capacity of any airline in The People’s Republic of China, devoted to providing a comfortable travel service. China Southern Airlines has formed an extensive network both throughout China and globally with Guangzhou, Beijing, Urumqi hubs.

Top Copyright Photo: British Airways Boeing 777-236 ER G-VIIE (msn 27487) LHR (SPA). Image: 936781.

British Airways:

China Southern Airlines:

Bottom Copyright Photo: China Southern Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner B-2787 (msn 34931) LHR (Tony Storck). Image: 935073.

Delta’s ATL operations returning to normal

Delta Air Lines issued this statement on December 18, 2017:

Delta’s recovery efforts continued Monday following an Atlanta Airport power outage that shut down the facility for much of Sunday.

Delta began the day with 390 cancelled flights and as of 1 p.m. ET had not added to that total as the operation had stabilized and the majority of Delta customers had been rebooked. In total, Delta canceled approximately 1,400 flights over the nearly 24-hour period.

“Nearly 80 percent of the travelers coming through Hartsfield-Jackson every day are Delta customers, so we were closely engaged at all levels with the airport, City of Atlanta and Georgia Power in their recovery efforts following Sunday’s outage,” said Gil West, Delta’s Senior Executive Vice President and COO. “At the airport, Delta people, including not only those scheduled to work but also nearly 200 Delta Peach Corps employee-volunteers, have been serving customers — from passing out refreshments to assisting customers with wheelchair support. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we’re nearly back to normal at our biggest hub.”

With the busy holiday travel season underway, customers traveling through Atlanta or who were impacted by the outage should note:

Delta customers flying to, from or though Atlanta can make a one-time change to their travel plans. Waiver details.
Delta has temporarily embargoed travel for unaccompanied minors traveling to, from or through Atlanta Monday due to the power outage. Unaccompanied minors who already began their travel Sunday may continue.
Delta has established a dedicated line to help customers retrieve checked bags. Customers (including Air France-KLM customers) should call 1-888-977-1005 to arrange for baggage delivery. Due to congestion, customers are encouraged to call the dedicated line for assistance rather than going to an airport baggage service office.

Delta is reimbursing customers who needed to make hotel accommodations Sunday in Atlanta.

10:30 a.m., Dec. 18

Delta has cancelled nearly 400 flights today as it works to recover from a power outage at the Atlanta airport that shut down the facility for much of Sunday.

Nearly 1,000 Delta flights were cancelled on Sunday following the power outage, which impacted all airlines operating in Atlanta.

Power has been restored, and here’s what Delta customers traveling through Atlanta today need to know:

As of 10:15 a.m., airport trains are operational, but customers are still advised to arrive early due to high airport volume. Customers with paper boarding passes from yesterday will need to reprint them before going through security checkpoints for travel today.
Delta is working to reaccommodate customers. Those who need booking assistance are encouraged to go to the Fly Delta app or delta.com to check flight status before leaving for the airport.
Delta customers flying to, from or though Atlanta can make a one-time change to their travel plans. Waiver details.
Delta has temporarily embargoed travel for unaccompanied minors traveling to, from or through Atlanta Monday due to the power outage. Unaccompanied minors who already began their travel Sunday may continue.
Delta has established a dedicated line to help customers retrieve checked luggage. Customers (including Air France-KLM customers) should call 1-888-977-1005 to arrange for baggage delivery. Due to congestion, customers are encouraged to call the dedicated line for assistance rather than going to an airport baggage service office.

Throughout the outage, Delta people at every level have been engaged to ensure customers are taken care of. Delta executives have been in touch with leaders at the Atlanta Airport, the Atlanta city government and Georgia Power, while additional Delta staffers and nearly 200 Delta Peach Corps employee-volunteers have been supporting Atlanta frontline teams — from passing out refreshments to scouring the airport area for food to bring back to customers. Delta is reimbursing customers who needed to make hotel accommodations Sunday in Atlanta.

The Atlanta airport is providing updates on @ATLairport.

7:45 a.m., Dec. 18

Delta cancelled about 300 flights today as it works to recover from a power outage at the Atlanta airport that shut down the facility for much of Sunday.

Nearly 1,000 Delta flights were cancelled on Sunday following the power outage, which impacted all airlines operating in Atlanta.

Power has been restored, and here’s what Delta customers traveling through Atlanta today need to know:

Arrive early due to the large volume of customers at the airport and reprint boarding passes before going through security checkpoints. As of 7 a.m., airport trains were not yet operational.
Delta is working to reaccommodate customers. Those who need booking assistance are encouraged to go to the Fly Delta app or delta.com to check flight status before leaving for the airport.
Delta customers flying to, from or though Atlanta can make a one-time change to their travel plans. Waiver details.
Delta has temporarily embargoed travel for unaccompanied minors Monday due to the power outage. Unaccompanied minors who already began their travel Sunday may continue.
Customers with checked luggage ending their travel in Atlanta can file a claim with a Baggage Service agent in the Atlanta Airport or via delta.com. Bags will be delivered to the address provided in the claim. Due to congestion, customers are encouraged not to pick up their bags at the Atlanta Airport Monday.

Throughout the outage, Delta people at every level have been engaged to ensure customers are taken care of. Delta executives have been in touch with leaders at the Atlanta Airport, the Atlanta city government and Georgia Power, while Delta’s Peach Corps of volunteers has been supporting Atlanta frontline teams – from passing out refreshments to scouring the airport area for food to bring back to customers. Delta is reimbursing customers who needed to make hotel accommodations Sunday in Atlanta.

The Atlanta airport is providing updates on @ATLairport.

3:45 a.m., Dec. 18

Delta cancelled about 300 flights today as it works to recover from a power outage at the Atlanta airport that shut down the facility for much of Sunday.

Nearly 1,000 Delta flights were cancelled on Sunday following the power outage, which impacted all airlines operating in Atlanta. Power has been restored, and here’s what Delta customers traveling through Atlanta today need to know:

Most of the 300 cancellations Monday are early morning, inbound flights to Atlanta to give the operation there an opportunity to more quickly return to normal. Delta’s flight schedule in Atlanta is expected to return to normal by Monday afternoon.
Delta is working hard to reaccommodate customers. Those who need booking assistance are encouraged to go to the Fly Delta app or delta.com, as telephone wait times are longer than normal. The airline encourages all customers traveling Monday to check their flight status on the Fly Delta app or delta.com before leaving for the airport.
Delta customers flying to, from or though Atlanta can make a one-time change to their travel plans. Waiver details.
Delta has temporarily embargoed travel for unaccompanied minors Monday due to the power outage. Unaccompanied minors who already began their travel Sunday may continue.
Customers with checked luggage ending their travel in Atlanta can file a claim with a Baggage Service agent in the Atlanta Airport or via delta.com. Bags will be delivered to the address provided in the claim. Due to congestion, customers are encouraged not to pick up their bags at the Atlanta Airport Monday.

Throughout the outage, Delta people at every level have been engaged to ensure customers are taken care of. Delta executives have been in touch with leaders at the Atlanta Airport, the Atlanta city government and Georgia Power, while Delta’s Peach Corps of volunteers has been supporting Atlanta frontline teams – from passing out refreshments to scouring the airport area for food to bring back to customers. Delta is reimbursing customers who needed to make hotel accommodations Sunday in Atlanta.

The Atlanta airport is providing updates on @ATLairport.

9:30 p.m. update

Delta customers scheduled to traverse Atlanta Monday are encouraged to check their flight status as approximately 300 flights will be cancelled due to Sunday’s power outage at the Atlanta airport affecting all airlines there. The largest number of cancellations on Monday are early morning and inbound to Atlanta to give the operation there an opportunity to more quickly return to normal. Delta previously cancelled approximately 900 mainline and Delta Connection flights Sunday and diverted 48 flights to alternate airports due to the nationwide groundstop for Atlanta-bound flights. The airline is working to reaccommodate affected customers on alternate flights. Cancellations are designed, in part, to allow the operation to best reset Monday.

Delta leaders having been working to support customers by coordinating with Atlanta airport officials and leaders at the City of Atlanta and Georgia Power.

Delta customers are encouraged to check the status of their flight via the Fly Delta mobile app or delta.com before heading to the airport. Customers flying to, from or though Atlanta can make a one-time changes to their travel plans. Details are available at delta.com.

Delta has temporarily embargoed unaccompanied minors from traveling Monday due to the power outage. Unaccompanied minors who already began their travel Sunday may continue.

The Atlanta Airport, along with Atlanta Police Department, is restricting the vehicles allowed to the terminal drop-off and pick-up area due to congestion.The Atlanta Airport is providing updates at http://www.atl.com/media-center/. Georgia Power is updating on Twitter.

7:15 p.m. update

The Atlanta airport lost power Sunday across concourses and terminals affecting all airlines. As a result of the ongoing outage, Delta is canceling its remaining Atlanta flights Sunday to allow the operation to reset for Monday. The airline has canceled approximately 900 mainline and Delta Connection flights Sunday as a result of the outage and 48 flights have diverted to alternate airports due to a nationwide groundstop for Atlanta-bound flights.

Pending full resumption of power, Delta anticipates a near-full schedule Monday in Atlanta, though some delays and cancellations can be expected.

Delta continues to deplane the remaining customers from aircraft that have not been able to park at terminal gates that require power to operate. The airline will also work to reunify customers with their luggage once power is restored.

The Atlanta Airport, along with Atlanta Police Department, are restricting the vehicles allowed to the terminal drop-off and pick-up area due to congestion.

Delta customers are encouraged to check the status of their flight via the Fly Delta mobile app or delta.com before heading to the airport. A travel waiver has been issued for Delta customers flying to, from or through Atlanta allowing customers to make one-time changes to their travel plans. Details are available at delta.com.

Delta has temporarily embargoed unaccompanied minors from traveling Monday due to the power outage. Unaccompanied minors who already began their travel Sunday may continue.

The Atlanta Airport is providing updates at http://www.atl.com/media-center/

5:15 p.m. update

A power outage at the Atlanta Airport affecting all concourses and terminal buildings started at approximately 1 p.m. ET Sunday and is ongoing. Due to the power outage, more than 450 Delta mainline and regional flights have been cancelled today. A ground stop is in effect for all flights into the airport, resulting in flight diversions. Delta is working to deplane customers from aircraft that have not been able to park at a gate due to the outage.

Delta customers are encouraged to check the status of their flight via the Fly Delta mobile app or delta.com before heading to the airport. A travel waiver has been issued for Delta customers flying to, from or through Atlanta allowing customers to make one-time changes to their travel plans. Details are available at delta.com.

The Atlanta Airport is providing updates at http://www.atl.com/media-center/

4 p.m. update:

Delta is aware of a power outage at the Atlanta Airport affecting airport concourses and terminal buildings. Flight disruptions are expected as a result and Delta customers are encouraged to check the status of their flight via the Fly Delta Mobile App or Delta.com. More updates to follow.

Photos: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.