Saudia and Gulf Air hold talks to enhance partnership

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, and Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, recently held talks to discuss their close commercial relationships and explore ways to build on the ties by establishing a codeshare agreement.

Being the first two airlines that started operations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Saudia and Gulf Air will cooperate to expand their footprints regionally and internationally by sharing their codes and offering guests the signature warmth of Arabian hospitality.

The codeshare will further enhance seamless travel options for passengers of Saudia and Gulf Air, providing wider choices of domestic destinations in Saudi Arabia and other international destinations across each airline’s network.

Saudia will place its ‘SV’ code on Gulf Air flights from Bahrain to Riyadh, Jeddah, Tbilisi, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Baku, and Multan. On the other hand, the agreement will see Gulf Air place its ‘GF’ code on SAUDIA flights from Riyadh and Jeddah to Bahrain, Abha, Jizan, Yanbu, Aljouf, Ha’il, as well as Tunis–Carthage airports. These codeshare operations will commence from the upcoming summer schedule of 2021.

Saudia’s Al Fursan frequent flyer members traveling with Gulf Air on these routes will be eligible to earn and redeem miles for flights operated by either carrier on their codeshare routes. Similarly, Gulf Air’s Falconflyer members will be able to earn and redeem miles when flying on SAUDIA.

Top Copyright Photo: Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner HZ-ARD (msn 41547) (Year of Arabia Calligraphy 2021) CDG (Manuel Negrerie). Image: 953535.

Saudia aircraft slide show:

Finnair to fly to over 60 destinations in summer 2021 – flights to be added as travel gradually opens

Finnair is preparing to grow its flight schedule this summer with a focus on leisure destinations, as the vaccine roll-out is expected to enable the reopening of travel in many countries.

In June, Finnair will resume flights to destinations like Reykjavik, Bodø, Nice, Lisbon and Vilnius. Additional frequencies will also be added to Greek islands such as Rhodes, Chania and Santorini, as well as to Mallorca, Malaga and Alicante in Spain. Finnair’s summer destinations in Italy include Rome, Milan and Venice.

In North America, the vaccine roll-out has progressed well, and Finnair will restart flights to Chicago and Los Angeles in mid-June and increase frequencies on the New York route to up to three flights per week. The restart of these flights is still subject to the development of US travel guidelines.

Travel guidelines are likely to change in many countries during the summer. To facilitate travel planning, Finnair will introduce a new AI-powered solution for customers to explore available destinations and keep up with the latest travel restrictions in different countries. Through the new tool on Finnair.com, customers can plan their travels and prepare for their journey easily using an interactive map. The solution is produced by Smartvel, a technology company specializing in destination content solutions for the travel industry.

Flexibility and peace of mind for summer travel plans

To offer customers peace of mind for making travel plans, Finnair has a flexible ticket change policy for all bookings made by 31 August 2021. This means that customers can make changes to their travel dates regardless of their ticket type.

Finnair Corona Cover has been extended and will now be included in bookings made up until 30 June 2021. The cover is offered at no additional cost with all flight tickets for trips departing on or before 31 August 2021 and which do not exceed 31 days, providing they have been purchased via the Finnair website or mobile app. This cover is available for customers travelling abroad from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain or Ireland. Finnair Corona Cover is designed to supplement other travel insurance you may have and provides extra cover in case you test positive for COVID-19 while at your destination. The cover is provided by AIG Europe S.A. and by its Switzerland branch for Switzerland. Terms and conditions apply.

Finnair will continue its other safe travel measures and reviews them on a regular basis. For example, using a mask is still required for all customers and crew at the airport and onboard flights. Finnair encourages customers to arrive at the airport in good time before their flight, as travel document checks currently take more time than normal.

In line with the recommendation from the Finnish health authority, Finnair requires customers traveling to Finland to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate or proof of a previous COVID-19 infection. As of May 11, Finnair also accepts a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. There is no requirement for travelers aged between 12-15 to present a certificate.

Finnair summer 2021 destinations

Finland	Europe	Asia	North America
Ivalo	Alicante	Bangkok	Chicago
Kittilä	Amsterdam	Hong Kong	Los Angeles
Kuopio	Berlin	Seoul	New York
Kuusamo	Bodø	Shanghai
Oulu	Bryssel	Singapore
Rovaniemi	Budapest	Tokyo
Tampere	Chania
Turku	Copenhagen
Vaasa	Dublin
	Dubrovnik
	Düsseldorf
	Edinburgh
	Frankfurt
	Funchal
	Gazipasa
	Gdansk
	Göteborg
	Hamburg
	Heraklion
	Krakow
	Lisbon
	London
	Málaga
	Manchester
	Milan
	Moscow
	Munich
	Nice
	Oslo
	Palma de Mallorca
	Paris
	Prague
	Reykjavik
	Rhodes
	Riga
	Rome
	Split
	St. Petersburg
	Stockholm
	Tallinn
	Tel Aviv
	Venice
	Vilnius
	Visby
	Vienna
	Warsaw
	Zürich

Top Copyright Photo: Finnair Airbus A320-214 OH-LXD (msn 1588) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 930756.

Finnair aircraft slide show:

ETF Airways prepares to take delivery of its first aircraft

ETF Airways (Dubrovnik) is a new airline in Croatia.

The new airline is preparing to take livery of its first Boeing 737-800 (ex-MALEV and S7 Airlines 737-8Q8 registered as 9A-ABC, msn 30667, ex OE-ISA and VP-BDH), leased from AerCap.

The aircraft has now been painted in Shannon, Ireland.

ETF will specialize in charter flights as well as ACMI and wet lease services.

JAL Group reduces its domestic network between April 29 – May 31, steps-up its antiviral strategy

The JAL Group has announced further reductions on its domestic network between April 29 and May 31, as the carrier is expecting a slight decline in travel demand in response to the number of COVID-19 cases reported in Japan. In accordance with the conditions of carriage, customers affected by the cancelations will be re-accommodated on an alternative flight.

The JAL Group has implemented key measures to provide our customers with a safe and secure travel experience, including an optional COVID-19 fee-based test for those with valid domestic reservations. To date, the carrier has received more than 16,000 applications to conduct pre-travel testing for COVID-19. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but would like to ask for our customer’s understanding during this unprecedented time.

21APR21 - Press Memo Domestic Reductions Summary Chart.png

Note – Figures Include JAL Group Operated Flights (JAL, J-AIR, JAC, HAC, JTA, RAC)
Select routes may be operated by a different aircraft configuration and customers may receive a new seat assignment. Also, First Class/Class J may not be offered when a change in aircraft configuration occurs.

In other news, Japan Airlines is applies sustained antiviral and antibacterial coating to safeguard customers throughout the travel experience:

Summary

-Aircraft are disinfected during the night, but to further enhance hygiene precautionary measures, a SIAA* certified antiviral and antibacterial coating will be applied inside the aircraft to ensure the well-being of our valued customers when they travel on a JAL operated flight.
-Antiviral and Antibacterial coatings will be applied at every customer touchpoint, including the airport counter, check-in equipment and all lounges located in Japan.
* SIAA Society of International sustain growth for Antimicrobial Articles

Since the beginning of the global pandemic, the JAL Group has proactively implemented key measures against COVID-19 to provide our customers with a safe and secure travel experience. Today, the carrier strengthened its commitment by introducing an industry leading antiviral and antibacterial coating inside the aircraft cabin.

Inside the Aircraft

The SIAA certified coating will be applied to surfaces inside the aircraft, which will effectively inactivate most viruses within the cabin. Locations include the lavatory, seats, armrests, overhead bins, interior walls and various locations that customers may come in contact with during a flight. The coating agent has been proven to reduce viral levels in a safe manner, as certified by the SIAA. Aircraft that have been applied with the coating will display the SIAA certification near the entrance of the aircraft. The coating process will start in April 2021 and is expected to be completed by July 2021. (Japan Air Commuter and Hokkaido Air System will be completed by year-end)

At the Airport

Back in November 2020, JAL began applying the antiviral and antibacterial coating at domestic airport check-in counters, automated baggage check-in machines, check-in kiosks, boarding gate counters, and on airstairs and will gradually expand the program at airports nationwide. Antiviral and antibacterial coatings have also been applied to airport security areas, wheelchairs, and baby strollers.

thumbnail_Touchless Kiosk Side 23APR21.jpg

Other Safety Initiatives

Since March 15, the carrier is offering an optional COVID-19 fee-based testing service, and has received more than 17,000 applications to conduct the test prior to boarding a Japan domestic flight. In addition, the carrier introduced touchless check-in kiosks at Haneda Airport in March 2021 and has since installed the kiosks at Sapporo, Osaka (Itami), Fukuoka, Okinawa and Hiroshima airport.

JAL has been awarded the highest levels of COVID-19 safety certifications from two leading international airline advisory organizations, in recognition for its enhanced JAL FlySafe measures at the airport and on board. JAL is the first airline in Asia to simultaneously achieve the highest level 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating from SKYTRAX, and the highest Diamond Certification from APEX Health Safety powered by Simpliflying.

Top Copyright Photo: JAL-Japan Airlines Boeing 737-846 WL JA317J (msn 35346) NRT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 943473.

JAL aircraft slide show:

Delta to resume service to Athens with daily flights from New York-JFK and Atlanta

Delta Air Lines has made this announcement:

Delta will be the first airline to resume service to Athens after Greece opens with no quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers or those with a negative PCR test
Daily New York-JFK service returns May 28
New daily Atlanta service launches July 2

Delta Air Lines will be the first airline to resume service to Athens International Airport (ATH) from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) starting May 28.

Additionally, Delta will launch new daily nonstop service to ATH on July 2 from its global headquarters and biggest hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Customers will have significant connection opportunities to ATL from 143 cities across the country. Delta last operated the route in 2011.

Couple drinking and enjoying the view of the Acropolis at sunset. Athens, Greece |

Delta’s service to Athens marks one of the first destinations in Europe that will reopen to travelers from the U.S., providing greater opportunity to more safely stimulate the local economy amid global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Delta will also resume and expand its flights to Reykjavík, Iceland for vaccinated travelers, with new service from Boston and returning service from JFK and Minneapolis/St. Paul starting next month.

Both ATL and JFK routes will operate on the 293-seat Airbus A330 equipped with Wi-Fi and featuring Delta One full-flat beds, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service.

Flights will be operated in conjunction with partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic.

This summer, Delta will operate approximately 4,000 daily flights to more than 200 domestic and more than 50 international destinations.

Top Copyright Photo: Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-941 N408DX (msn 1962) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 952646.

Delta aircraft slide show (Airbus):

Ethiopian becomes the first African airline to trial the IATA Travel Pass

Ethiopian Airlines Group has become the first African airline to conduct trial of IATA Travel Pass, a digital travel mobile app to enhance efficiency in testing or vaccine verifications.

As travel restarts, travelers need accurate COVID-19-related information like testing and vaccine requirements which vary among countries. The IATA Travel Pass initiative helps verify the authenticity of test information presented by travelers which is essential for ensuring the safety of passengers while complying with entry requirements of countries.

Lideta Airport, which was the former main air hub for Ethiopian until its closure in 1960 following the growth & expansion of the Airline, Led to the opening of a new Bole International Airport. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/GKctd6ZFKU

— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) April 15, 2021

The trial will be conducted on flights out of Addis Ababa to Washington DC and Toronto as well as on flights out of London and Toronto to Addis Ababa, effective 25 April 2021. Ethiopian has gone digital in all of its operations to avoid physical contact and combat the spread of the pandemic and now, embarks on this initiative which will allow passengers to relish unparalleled flight experience.

The Travel Pass will help create a digital passport, receive test and vaccination certificates and verify that they are sufficient for their route, and share testing or vaccination certificates with airlines and authorities to facilitate travel. The digital travel app will also avoid fraudulent documentation and make air travel more convenient.

Top Copyright Photo: Ethiopian Airlines Airbus A350-941 ET-AWP (msn 375) YYZ (TMK Photography). Imager: 949621.

Ethiopian Airlines aircraft slide show:

Can Mango Airlines avoid a May closure?

Mango Airlines, the low-fare subsidiary of South African Airways, is also facing a cash crunch like its parent.

The government had approved a rescue package of parent SAA but the details of further payments to its subsidiaries has not yet been worked out. Payments are now being promised for June.

The lessors of its 14 Boeing 186-seat 737-800s are demanding immediate payment of overdue lease payments by the end of April or the fleet will be grounded on May 1, 2021.

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) William Ndlovu sent this memo to employees:

“This means that Mango will not be able to operate from May 15, 2021, due to no aircraft being available for operations. It has been proposed that we must be put into business rescue (bankruptcy) until July 2021. Our flights will be grounded until such a time where we receive funding, or complete the business rescue process.”

Can Mango Airlines survive?

Mango flies between South Africa’s major airports and offers air services between the following cities:

Johannesburg (OR Tambo International) and Cape Town
Lanseria (Johannesburg) and Cape Town
Johannesburg and Durban
Lanseria (Johannesburg) and Durban
Cape Town and Durban
Bloemfontein and Cape Town
Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth
Johannesburg and George

For all those who love island living, Mango also operates flights between Johannesburg and Zanzibar.

Route Map:

Top Copyright Photo: Mango (South African Airways) Boeing 737-8BG WL ZS-SJL (msn 32356) JNB (Ton Jochems). Image: 953540.

Mango aircraft slide show:

Green Africa Airways finally takes delivery of its first aircraft

Green Africa Airways has taken delivery of its first aircraft, an ATR 72-600, which will be registered as 5N-GAD. The airliner is leased from ACIA Aero Leasing. Two more are expected to arrive shortly after being painted (below).

5N-GAD arrived at Lagos on April 23, 2021 to a tradItional water cannon salute (below).

The new airline will use the aircraft in its AOC process prior to launching operations.

Austrian Airlines welcomes initiatives to restore travel normality

Austrian Airlines issued this statement:

• Soon end of mandatory quarantine is cornerstone for freedom of travel
• AUA summer flight schedule focuses on European holiday destinations
• CCO Trestl: “Rapid introduction of the Green Passport as a prerequisite for summer travel”

As State Secretary Magnus Brunner also emphasized in his press conference, corona-related entry restrictions are still slowing down air travel in Europe and worldwide. Austrian Airlines therefore welcomes the federal government’s initiatives to make summer travel more normal. “The rapid introduction of the Green Passport is a prerequisite for a return to more freedom of travel in the summer and will send a clear signal in this direction,” said CCO Michael Trestl. “Above all, the associated elimination of mandatory quarantine upon re-entry is essential to make summer travel easier for passengers.”

Since the Green Passport will initially be limited to the EU level in the sense of a uniform travel certificate, Austrian Airlines is increasingly focusing on Mediterranean destinations, especially in Greece and Spain, with its 2021 summer flight schedule. “By the beginning of summer at the latest, passengers should be able to travel flexibly and quarantine-free to the beach and back. As soon as there is a corresponding solution for international travel, we expect growth and catch-up effects there as well,” says Trestl.

Austrian Airlines is currently also offering more flexibility for passengers with its fee-free rebooking service. If a booking is made and a ticket issued by 31 May, the rebooking fee is waived, regardless of the fare booked. Even after the end of May, another fee-free rebooking is still possible.

On the Austrian Airlines website, passengers can find information on the topics of traveling in times of Corona, the obligation to wear a mask, country-specific travel regulations or flexible rebooking arrangements. The information is supplemented on an ongoing basis.

In other news, from October 24, 2021, Austrian Airlines will be taking off twice a week for Cancun in sunny Mexico. The last flight to this vacation destination was in 2006.

Top Copyright Photo: Austrian Airlines Airbus A319-112 OE-LDD (msn 2416) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 953411.

Austrian Airlines aircraft slide show:

IAG to power 10% of its flights with sustainable fuel by 2030

International Airlines Group (IAG) has become the first European airline group to commit to powering 10 percent of its flights with sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.

The Group will purchase one million tons of sustainable jet fuel per year enabling it to cut its annual emissions by two million tonnes by 2030. This equates to removing one million cars from Europe’s roads each year.

In addition, IAG will become the first airline group worldwide to extend its net zero commitment to its supply chain. The Group will be working with its suppliers to enable them to commit to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 for the products and services they provide to IAG.

With the right policy in place in the next ten years up to 14 plants could be built across the UK, creating 6,500 jobs and saving 3.6 million tonnes of CO2 per annum. Sustainable jet fuel produces at least 70 percent less carbon emissions than fossil fuel.

IAG is investing US$400 million in the development of sustainable aviation fuel in the next 20 years. The Group is partnering with sustainable aviation fuel developers, LanzaJet and Velocys. This includes Europe’s first household waste-to-jet fuel plant in the UK which will start operations in 2025. British Airways will also purchase sustainable jet fuel from LanzaJet’s US plant to power some of its flights from late 2022.

IAG was the first airline group worldwide to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and is one of the 10 global companies recognized by the UN for their ambitious carbon targets.

The Group is investing in tech innovator ZeroAvia to speed up the development of hydrogen-electric powered aircraft. This type of technology has the potential to enable IAG airlines to reach zero emissions on short-haul routes by 2050.