Fiji Airways welcomes back foreigners to the islands as Fiji opens its borders

Fiji Airways welcomed fully vaccinated tourists onboard for the first time in 20 months, with the first American tourists from Los Angles waking up in Fijian Paradise at around 5.45am on December 2, 2021 (Fiji time), to a big bula welcome and celebration from the local community.

FIji Airways operates daily flights from Los Angeles on the brand new A350-900 aircraft, five flights a week from San Francisco on the A330 aircraft and two flights a week from Honolulu on the Boeing 737 MAX.

Fiji Airways has utilized this time to launch a suite of new products and benefits to enhance the customer experience for its guests from 1^st December, including increased baggage allowance from 23kg to 30kg for economy class passengers on all international flights.

For selected long-haul and medium-haul flights, economy class passengers will be able to purchase the My Island sleeper product to stretch out and relax over an entire row. The new My Island option includes extra amenities made up of a business class size pillow, mattress topper, additional blanket and an extension seat belt to help foster the best possible sleep in economy class.

Travelers with Fiji Airways can also enjoy free access to digital reading platform PressReader, with more than 7,000 international newspapers and magazines available to download directly on their own device. Fiji Airways is the first airline in the Asia Pacific region to offer this service and guests are able to read and download their favorite titles 96 hours prior to departure, until 24 hours after the flight.

Onboard dining has also been given a re-haul with the appointment of renowned Fijian-New Zealand Chef Richard Cross to oversee all catering functions across the airline, including its award-winning Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport. Along with it, Fiji Airways has introduced a specially selected suite of highly-rated wines, including America’s number one luxury cabernet sauvignon varietal from Justin Wines. The new onboard wine range comes from renowned wine regions of Australia, New Zealand, France and America.

Fiji Airways has also focused on new ways to entertain its younger passengers onboard with the launch of Our Ocean, Our Life. The complimentary in-flight activity pack and book series, for passengers aged 2-12 years old, is dedicated to educating the future generation on the importance of preserving and protecting Fiji’s fragile marine environment, in a fun and engaging way.

For a discounted rate when booking holidays directly with the carrier, families can experience Fiji Airways’ world-class Premier Lounge in Nadi with a buffet/a la carte dining, cafe, bar, wifi, shower facilities and comfortable seating.

Fiji’s national carrier has been preparing its fully vaccinated crew for the resumption of flights at the new state-of-the-art Fiji Airways Aviation Academy, the first of its kind in the South Pacific islands.

90% of the adult population in Fiji are fully vaccinated. Travelers entering Fiji must be fully vaccinated and produce evidence of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. Entry conditions into Fiji include a pre-booked itinerary with Care Fiji Commitment (CFC) approved accommodation and transfers for the first three nights, proof of travel insurance that will cover COVID-19 related medical expenses, and a rapid Antigen Test 48 hours after arrival in Fiji at the resort.

Bula! Day 2 and we are back at @NadiAirport welcoming our first flight from @flyLAXairport! We have daily direct flights from #LAX to #Fiji. #OpenForHappiness #Fiji #FijiAirways pic.twitter.com/93J06doki9

— Fiji Airways✈️ (@FijiAirways) December 2, 2021

Southwest Airlines releases commemorative history book, “50 Years. One Heart. A History Of Southwest In 50 Objects.”

Southwest Airlines is wrapping up its milestone 50th Anniversary year by releasing a one-of-a-kind commemorative history book, “50 Years. One Heart. A History of Southwest in 50 Objects.” Starting today, Southwest® fans can purchase this unique coffee-table book, which brings to life the Company’s colorful history, its corporate archives, and reflection of its People through photographs and moments from the carrier’s rich past, exclusively sold at Southwest® The Store. This special book also represents the exciting culmination of 50 years’ worth of iconic stories as Southwest Airlines® closes out its first five decades.

Southwest is celebrating its incredible first 50 years by showcasing a stunning collection of 50 unique objects, outfits, and artifacts (photographed by Southwest Sr. Photographer Stephen M. Keller and Southwest Sr. Designer Brianna Juda), accompanied by short stories from the Company’s inspiring history and a special foreword by Kelly as he prepares to transition into his role as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors in early 2022.

This is the first of two special books launching in celebration of Southwest’s 50th year of service—more information coming on the second book in early 2022.

About “50 Years. One Heart. A History of Southwest in 50 Objects”

Hardcover coffee-table book
8.5 x 9.125 inches
220 pages
$50 plus tax, exclusively sold through Southwest The Store (free shipping applied for Southwest The Store purchases of $50 or more)
Showcases a visual collection of 50 unique objects, outfits, and artifacts accompanied by short stories from Southwest’s inspiring history
Features a special foreword by current Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Gary Kelly
Great for Southwest fans and collectors
The first of two books released in celebration of Southwest’s 50th year of service
Place holiday gift orders no later than Monday, Dec. 13

Southwest Airlines historic liveries slide show:

Fly Air41 Airways adds its third aircraft

Fly Air41 Airways added its third aircraft, Airbus A320 9A-SHO.

The aircraft went into service on November 19 between Zagreb and Dusseldorf.

Aer Lingus operates its first flight from Manchester to New York (JFK)

Pictured are Aer Lingus Cabin Crew Niamh Keegan and Nicola Carooza inaugural flight from Manchester Airport direct to New York, JFK.

Aer Lingus on December 1, 2021 celebrated the launch of its very first direct flight, EI45, from Manchester to New York, JFK as the airline expands its transatlantic services for customers from the UK and marks its first direct flight between the UK and the United States.

The Irish flag carrier is also gearing up to prepare for the inaugural service from Manchester to Orlando in Florida on December 11, 2021.

The two new routes are part of the airline’s ambitious schedule plans for 2022.

An Innovative and Sustainable Travel Experience

From December 3, 2021 passengers flying Aer Lingus to JFK will experience the new Airbus A321LR single aisle aircraft. The new state-of-the-art aircraft promises a more innovative and sustainable travel experience, boasting greater fuel-efficiency, with a 15% reduction in fuel burn, compared to a A321CEO and a 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft. Offering both a Business Class cabin with 16 fully lie-flat seats, fine dining and complimentary wi-fi, and an Economy Class cabin with complimentary meal and snack and soft drink in-flight, and top inflight entertainment, including the latest movie releases, TV boxsets, games and music.

Rediscover New York and Orlando

Flights to New York for those looking to visit the excitement of Manhattan and surrounding boroughs, depart daily at 12:35 and arrive into New York’s iconic JFK airport at 16:15 local time.

Holidaymakers wanting to visit the ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida, can choose from four weekly flights from Manchester to Orlando, with fares starting from £209 each way (including taxes and charges), departing each day at 11:00 every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Above Copyright Photo: Aer Lingus Airbus A321-253NX WL EI-LRC (msn 8965) BOS (Fred Freketic). Image: 955998.

Aer Lingus aircraft slide show:

Aer Lingus aircraft photo gallery:

Virgin Australia to restart Sydney-Canberra services under new exclusive agreement

Virgin Australia has made this announcement:

Virgin Australia will relaunch services between Sydney and Canberra from January 30, 2022, using Link Airways aircraft and crew.
The services will operate 53 times per week, with up to 9 flights per day on weekdays, adding up to 16,250 seats between the two cities each month.
Fares can be purchased from today at virginaustralia.com
All Virgin Australia fares include Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and up to double Status Credits^ as part of an ongoing loyalty promotion.
Passengers can change or cancel to travel credit with no fees for all domestic travel up to 30 April 2022*.

Virgin Australia will resume flights between Sydney and Canberra from January 30, 2022, with more than 50 services available between the two capital cities each week, under an exclusive agreement with Link Airways.

The services, which were first paused in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic, will be operated using Link Airways’ SAAB 340 B Plus aircraft and crew, with up to 9 flights per weekday.

The agreement with Link Airways will extend the Virgin Australia domestic network reach into markets like Sydney-Canberra that its’ own 737-800 aircraft cannot serve effectively.

As the airline quickly ramps up capacity across domestic and short-haul international services it will continue to evaluate new destinations and opportunities to connect Australia.

Since September, Virgin Australia has launched 15 new services, some of which have never been operated in the airline’s 21-year history, as the revitalized business takes flight under new ownership.

ITA Airways firms up order for 28 Airbus aircraft

ITA Airways, Italy’s new national carrier, has firmed up an order with Airbus for 28 aircraft, including seven A220s, 11 A320neos and 10 A330neos, the latest version of the most popular A330 widebody airliner.

The order confirms the Memorandum of Understanding announced on September 30, 2021. In addition, the airline will pursue its plans to lease A350s to complement its fleet modernization.

British Airways reaches NDC distribution agreement with Travelport

British Airways made this announcement:

Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotels worldwide, and International Airlines Group (IAG) today announced a distribution agreement to enable modern travel retailing – by bringing New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from British Airways and sister airlines Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Vueling to Travelport-connected travel agencies around the world.

By channelling its NDC content through the next-generation Travelport+ platform, British Airways will be able to offer travel retailers a wider range of content – including Additional Price Points and an expanded selection of ancillary products – while taking advantage of modern digital retailing tools such as intelligent storefronts to merchandize them effectively.

Travelport and IAG are progressing well on the technical solution for NDC distribution and will continue to add features and functionality ahead of NDC content being rolled out.

Avianca emerges from Chapter 11

Avianca announced on December 1, 2021 that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring process and emerged from Chapter 11 as a more efficient and financially stronger airline, with significantly reduced debt and over $1 billion of liquidity.

After advancing through the Chapter 11 process in 18 months, Avianca has revamped its business model to be significantly more efficient, reaffirming its commitment to providing reliable and on-time service, combining a value proposition that includes the best attributes of low-cost airlines, while retaining key differentiators that allow it to be the most convenient travel alternative for millions of passengers in Latin America and the world.

Looking ahead, Avianca will continue to strengthen its value proposition, adjusting its products and services to the needs of its customers:

Competitive Prices: Affordable prices are more important now than ever. The Company will provide more competitive pricing and allow customers to personalize their fare packages and pay for the services and flexibility they need.
One of the strongest networks in Latin America: Over the next three years, Avianca expects to nearly double its network, expanding to nearly 200 routes in Latin America and the world. The majority of the new routes will be point-to-point, providing greater convenience to its customers. The network will be served by a fleet of more than 130 aircraft by the end of 2025 with reconfigured, lighter-weight new-generation seats, which will allow Avianca to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations and contribute to airport decongestion while increasing its efficiency.
More seats and more comfort: Avianca is committed to investing more than US$200 million in the next year renewing its seats, including three new types – Premium, Plus and Economy – of its A320 fleet in order to provide greater comfort, operate more efficiently, and offer more competitive prices.
Boeing 787 for long-haul flights: The airline will continue to fly the Dreamliner, an exceptional aircraft that given its capabilities, features, efficiency, and comfort is the best solution for the Company and customers.
Avianca Cargo, a strategic business: The Company’s Cargo business will continue with significant growth potential, maintaining its leadership in Colombia and continuing to expand in other strategic markets, providing more and better solutions to the customers.
The best loyalty program in the region and VIP lounges: With the LifeMiles frequent flyer program, Avianca customers will be able to continue earning and using miles across the airline’s network and with its coalition partners. Likewise, passengers will continue to enjoy the Company’s VIP Lounges as they have done when flying with Avianca.
Star Alliance Member: The company will continue to be supported by Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, which provides its customers with connectivity to 1.300 airports around the world.
Enhanced Services: Avianca has strengthened its online customer service and digital channels for passengers to manage trips more easily. Over the next 12 months, the company plans to further revamp these channels and its apps to continue to improve and make it easier for passengers to manage their travel. Punctuality has been and will continue to be a key priority; according to data from Cirium, Avianca is one of the leading Latin American airlines in on-time performance for 2021.

Roberto Kriete, Chairman of the Board, stated: “We are very proud of the work that the Avianca team has done that has led the company to emerge from Chapter 11 on schedule as a financially stronger organization. While we are on the right path to recovery, we must remain cautious with the progress of the pandemic that has not yet ended and must stay focused on executing our new business plan. I have all the confidence that with the support of our investors, all those who believed in us and with the current leadership, this company will continue to grow while connecting Latin America.”

As per the approved plan of reorganization, the new shareholders will invest in Avianca Group International Limited, a new holding company, which will be domiciled in the United Kingdom and will consolidate the group’s investments in all of its subsidiaries (including Aerovias del Continente Americano, its Colombian subsidiary, and TACA International, its Central American operation). The prior holding company, Avianca Holdings was domiciled in Panama.

Seabury Securities LLC served as investment banker and financial advisor to Avianca, and Milbank LLP served as legal advisor.

Top Copyright Photo: Avianca (Colombia) Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner N781AV (msn 37503) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 955996.

Avianca aircraft slide show:

Avianca aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet announces schedule for new service between London Heathrow and Calgary

WestJet today announced route details for its new non-stop service to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), from the airline’s largest, global hub, Calgary International Airport. The new route provides access to London’s largest airport with close and rapid access to important destinations in London. Flights between the two global hubs are set to operate four-times weekly, beginning March 26, 2022.

Details of WestJet’s service between Calgary and Heathrow:

Route	Frequency	Start Date
Calgary – Heathrow	Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday	March 26 – October 28, 2022
Heathrow – Calgary	Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday	March 27 – October 29, 2022

As confidence in business and leisure travel continues to rise, WestJet’s newest route will operate this spring on the airline’s 787 Dreamliner. WestJet’s 787 service features the airline’s Business Cabin including lie-flat pods, dining on demand and elevated Premium and Economy Cabin options.

With the addition of Heathrow to WestJet’s network this spring, WestJet will connect Calgary to 77 nonstop destinations throughout the year. WestJet will also continue to offer non-stop flights between Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax to London, Gatwick.

Allegiant Air and Viva Aerobus announce an alliance agreement

Allegiant Chairman and CEO Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr. and Viva Aerobus Chief Executive Officer Juan Carlos Zuazua, photographed at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The airlines today announced plans for a fully-integrated Commercial Alliance Agreement, designed to dramatically expand options for nonstop leisure air travel between the United States and Mexico, while lowering fares to make travel more accessible and affordable for residents of both nations. (Photo: Henri Sagalow)

Allegiant Air and Viva Aerobus today announced plans for a fully-integrated Commercial Alliance Agreement, designed to dramatically expand options for nonstop leisure air travel between the United States and Mexico, while lowering fares to make travel more accessible and affordable for residents of both nations. The alliance is not only the first such venture for Las Vegas-based Allegiant and Viva Aerobus, but is also first-of-its-kind in the airline industry between two ultra low cost carriers (ULCCs).

Allegiant and Viva Aerobus have submitted a joint application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requesting approval of and antitrust immunity for the alliance. Allegiant will also make an equity investment of $50 million in Viva Aerobus, and Allegiant Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr. is expected to join the Viva Aerobus Board of Directors. The transactions are also subject to clearance by the Mexican Federal Economic Competition Commission.

Combining the unique product offerings, networks and market experience of two of the world’s fastest-growing ULCCs, the alliance will achieve important public benefits that neither Allegiant nor Viva Aerobus could provide independently.

The only U.S.-based airline focused entirely on leisure travel, Allegiant currently offers nonstop service to more than 130 cities across the country. It does not currently serve Mexico. Monterrey-based Viva Aerobus offers extensive intra-Mexico service, as well as nonstop flights from Mexico to key destinations in the U.S. and Latin America. The Alliance Agreement will afford Allegiant the opportunity to broaden its travel offerings to include new world-class vacation destinations such as Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. At the same time, Viva Aerobus will have access to Allegiant’s distribution network and point-of-sale process, growing its U.S. customer base.

The alliance will also enable Viva Aerobus to add routes in the United States – particularly underserved or untapped-to-Mexico markets where Allegiant has a significant presence such as Las Vegas and several cities in Florida — very popular destinations for Mexican tourists.

A fully-integrated and immunized alliance will afford Allegiant and Viva Aerobus coordination across all areas of airline operations – including code-sharing, scheduling, marketing, information systems and loyalty programs, providing seamless access and benefits for customers of both airlines.

The alliance is anticipated to add new transborder routes and nonstop competition where currently only connecting service is available. More than 250 new potential route opportunities have been identified as part of the DOT application, though specific routes targeted for service will be announced at a later date, following the application’s approval.

Allegiant and Viva Aerobus currently expect to offer flights under the alliance beginning in the first quarter of 2023, pending governmental approval of the application. Per national requirements, Allegiant and Viva Aerobus will in parallel file for alliance approval with regulatory authorities in Mexico, including with the Mexican Federal Economic Competition Commission.

Barclays, Goldman Sachs and White & Case acted as financial and legal advisors for Viva Aerobus. WilmerHale and Garofalo Goerlich Hainbach, PC, acted as legal advisors for Allegiant.