Air Tunilik receives $5 million to support and improve air service north of the 49th parallel in Canada

The Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx, is pleased to announce the allocation of $5 million of financial assistance to Air Tunilik in order to support its expansion project, which will ensure better air services for tourists wishing to visit northern Québec.

The Minister made the announcement today, accompanied by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region, Jonatan Julien, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Tunilik, Simon Contant. On the same occasion, the two Ministers announced $8 million of support for the creation of an incubator-accelerator, which will have the objective of stimulating tourism projects north of the 49^th parallel.

The Air Tunilik project involves the acquisition of several assets of Location Air Saguenay, which is no longer in service since 2019, to maintain tourism aviation activities and increase traffic in the Nord-du-Québec and Côte-Nord regions. It will contribute to structuring the tourism offering by ensuring tourist transportation to the attractions of these regions.

The financial assistance is granted under the Programme d’appui au développement des attraits touristiques (PADAT), managed by Investissement Québec. More specifically, an amount of $2 million is allocated in the form of a grant and $3 million in the form of a loan. The total cost of the project is valued at over $10 million.

Passenger travel in South America is hampered by border closures, air cargo surges

Surging cases of COVID-19 in South America is forcing governments to restrict between borders which is affecting air travel.

Chile has closed its borders for the month of April.

Bolivia has closed its border Brazil.

Peru had an Easter lockdown.

While passenger air travel remains low in South America, while air cargo is surging.

Previously LATAM Airlines Group announced a significant expansion of its cargo operations with the conversion of up to eight Boeing 767-300ER aircraft into Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) in the next three years. This represents a freighter capacity growth of up to 80%. This plan seeks to increase the service options and leverage the synergies of operating a single type of aircraft.

The plan is divided in two gradual stages. The first phase is based on four confirmed conversion slots with Boeing with re-deliveries between 2021 and 2022. Upon completion of that phase, LATAM’s cargo operators’ fleet would reach a total of 15 Boeing 767-300ER freighters. The second phase includes four conversion options with Boeing that would allow aircraft to be added between 2022 and 2023. If all options are executed LATAM would operate a total of 19 767-300ER freighters.

“Despite the deep crisis the industry is enduring due to the pandemic, we maintain our commitment to support the region’s exporters and importers by providing them with more and better options to carry their cargo to their destinations. As a result, we growth plan have been accelerated with conversion of up to eight Boeing 767-300ERs in the next 30 months. This investment, together with the significant cost efficiencies that we have generated during the Chapter 11 process, puts us closer to achieving our aspiration of being the best alternative for cargo customers,” said Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.

Andrés Bianchi, LATAM Cargo’s CEO, highlighted the advantages of the Boeing 767-300ER freighter. “Combining the passenger belly operations of LATAM Airlines Group with 15 to 19 Boeing 767-300ER freighters efficiently strengthens our customer value proposition. These conversions will enable the cargo affiliates to grow in key segments such the Colombian flower market or imports to Brazil. It also allows our affiliates to expand their network in domestic markets where e-commerce is rapidly generating an increase in air cargo traffic. Growing with Boeing 767-300CFs freighters is extremely efficient as it is the optimal aircraft for all these undertakings and we can take advantage of the benefit of operating a single fleet type.”

Throughout 2020, LATAM Cargo played an active and vital role in ensuring essential supplies reached Latin American countries, especially in places with extreme and difficult-to-access areas like in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. LATAM also worked to safeguard the supply from the import and export sectors in South America, even increasing their shipment frequencies by more than 40% in some markets. To achieve these results, LATAM operated passenger planes for the exclusive transport of cargo.

In addition, during the pandemic, LATAM landed for the first time in China, searching for medical supplies for South America, ultimately making more than 80 flights to the Asian continent. LATAM currently continues to make trips to Europe and China to transport COVID-19 vaccines into the region, and the LATAM Group’s Solidarity Plane Program has made its resources available for the free transport of vaccines in domestic markets.

IATA: Negative passenger demand trend continues in February

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that passenger traffic fell in February 2021, both compared to pre-COVID levels (February 2019) and compared to the immediate month prior (January 2021).

Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to February 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.

Total demand for air travel in February 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 74.7% compared to February 2019. That was worse than the 72.2% decline recorded in January 2021 versus two years ago.
International passenger demand in February was 88.7% below February 2019, a further drop from the 85.7% year-to-year decline recorded in January and the worst growth outcome since July 2020. Performance in all regions worsened compared to January 2021.
Total domestic demand was down 51.0% versus pre-crisis (February 2019) levels. In January it was down 47.8% on the 2019 period. This largely was owing to weakness in China travel, driven by government requests that citizens stay at home during the Lunar New Year travel period.

“February showed no indication of a recovery in demand for international air travel. In fact, most indicators went in the wrong direction as travel restrictions tightened in the face of continuing concerns over new coronavirus variants. An important exception was the Australian domestic market. A relaxation of restrictions on domestic flying resulted in significantly more travel. This tells us that people have not lost their desire travel. They will fly, provided they can do so without facing quarantine measures,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

FEBRUARY 2021 (% VS FEB 2019)	WORLD SHARE1	RPK	ASK	PLF (%-PT)²	PLF (LEVEL)³
Total Market	100.0%	-74.7%	-63.1%	-25.3%	55.4%
Africa	1.9%	-66.1%	-53.6%	-19.0%	51.6%
Asia Pacific	38.6%	-74.9%	-64.8%	-23.8%	59.1%
Europe	23.6%	-82.8%	-75.0%	-25.4%	56.3%
Latin America	5.7%	-62.4%	-55.1%	-13.3%	68.3%
Middle East	7.4%	-81.7%	-66.8%	-32.5%	39.8%
North America	22.7%	-66.1%	-48.1%	-27.9%	52.7%

1) % of industry RPKs in 2020 2) Change in load factor vs. the same month in 2019 3) Load Factor Level

International Passenger Markets

Asia-Pacific airlines’ February traffic was down 95.2% compared to February 2019, little changed from the 94.8% decline registered for January 2021 compared to January 2019. The region continued to suffer from the steepest traffic declines for an eighth consecutive month. Capacity was down 87.5% and the load factor sank 50.0 percentage points to 31.1%, the lowest among regions.

European carriers recorded an 89.0% decline in traffic in February versus February 2019, substantially worse than the 83.4% decline in January compared to the same month in 2019. Capacity sank 80.5% and load factor fell by 36.0 percentage points to 46.4%.

Middle Eastern airlines saw demand fall 83.1% in February compared to February 2019, worsened from an 82.1% demand drop in January, versus the same month in 2019. Capacity fell 68.6%, and load factor declined 33.4 percentage points to 39.0%.

North American carriers’ February traffic sank 83.1% compared to the 2019 period, a deterioration from a 79.2% decline in January year to year. Capacity sagged 63.9%, and load factor dropped 41.9 percentage points to 36.7%.

Latin American airlines experienced an 83.5% demand drop in February, compared to the same month in 2019, markedly worse than the 78.5% decline in January 2019. February capacity was 75.4% down compared to February 2019 and load factor dropped 26.7 percentage points to 54.6%, highest among the regions for a fifth consecutive month.

African airlines’ traffic dropped 68.0% in February versus February two years ago, which was a setback compared to a 66.1% decline recorded in January compared to January 2019. February capacity contracted 54.6% versus February 2019, and load factor fell 20.5 percentage points to 49.1%.

Domestic Passenger Markets

FEBRUARY 2021 (%VS FEB 2019)	WORLD SHARE1	RPK	ASK	PLF (%-PT)²	PLF (LEVEL)³
Domestic	54.3%	-51.04%	-37.1%	-18.3%	64.3%
Dom. Australia	0.7%	-60.5%	-59.4%	-2.1%	75.8%
Dom. Brazil	1.6%	-34.9%	-30.3%	-5.4%	77.0%
Dom. China P.R.	19.9%	-51.2%	-34.7%	-22.2%	65.5%
Dom India	2.1%	-30.8%	-17.5%	-14.4%	74.9%
Dom. Japan	1.4%	-72.8%	-59.4%	-23.7%	48.1%
Dom. Russian Fed.	3.4%	2.9%	-5.4%	6.7%	83.4%
Dom. US	16.6%	-56.1%	-38.3%	-23.5%	58.0%

1) % of industry RPKs in 2020 2) Change in load factor vs. the same month in 2019 3) Load Factor Level

Australia’s domestic traffic was down 60.5% in February compared to February 2019, dramatically improved compared to the 77.3% decline in January over 2019. Some state border restrictions were eased in early February.

US domestic traffic declined 56.1% in February versus the same month in 2019, improved from the 58.4% decline in January compared to two years ago. The improvement was driven by falling rates of contagion and accelerating vaccinations.

The Bottom Line

“The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently stated that vaccinated individuals can travel safely. That is good news. We have also recently seen Oxera-Edge Health research highlighting the efficacy of fast, accurate and affordable rapid tests for COVID-19. These developments should reassure governments that there are ways to efficiently manage the risks of COVID-19 without relying on demand-killing quarantine measures and/or expensive and time-consuming PCR testing,” said Walsh.

“Two key components for an efficient restart of travel need to be urgently progressed. The first is the development of global standards for digital COVID-19 test and/or vaccination certificates. The second is government agreement to accept certificates digitally. Our experiences to date already demonstrate that paper-based systems are not a sustainable option. They are vulnerable to fraud. And, even with the limited amount of flying today, the check-in process needs pre-COVID-19 staffing levels just to handle the paperwork.
Paper processes will not be sustainable when travel ramps up. The IATA Travel Pass app was developed precisely in anticipation of this need to manage health credentials digitally. Its first full implementation trial is focused on Singapore, where the government has already announced that it will accept health certificates through the app. This will be an essential consideration for all governments when they are ready to relink their economies with the world through air travel,” said Walsh.

Alaska Airlines announces new plans to open Lounge at San Francisco International Airport by summer 2021

Alaska Airlines made this announcement:

Alaska Airlines guests will have the opportunity to relax in the new Alaska Lounge at San Francisco International Airport by late summer, as the airline announces updated plans for Bay Area travelers. Under this new plan, Alaska will move into the former American Airlines Admirals Club space in Terminal 2, enabling the airline to open a new lounge just as guests start to return to travel.

The announcement comes as Alaska Airlines continues to expand its presence in the Bay Area. Alaska now operates more than 80 daily flights out of the Bay Area (including SFO, San Jose and Oakland) and has more than 1,700 Bay Area-based employees. In June, Alaska will begin service to Anchorage and Bozeman, Montana, from SFO. Other recent service announcements include:

Recently resumed service to Honolulu and Maui from SFO as of April 4
Resumed service to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta from SJC in early April
New service to Missoula, Mont., from SJC starting in May

When completed, this new lounge will be the second-largest of the Alaska Lounges at just under 10,000 sq. ft., behind Alaska’s flagship lounge in Seattle’s North Satellite Terminal. This space is also centrally located in Terminal 2, with easy access to additional dining and shopping options for guests. The Alaska Lounge at SFO joins seven other lounge locations in the Alaska Airlines portfolio, in Seattle; Portland, Oregon; Los Angeles; New York – JFK; and Anchorage.

The Lounge will include an espresso bar staffed by a trained barista, a full bar featuring complimentary local craft brews, West Coast wines and spirits and a wide selection of guest favorites like made-to-order pancakes, steel-cut oatmeal, fresh salads and hearty soups.

When it opens, Alaska expects the Lounge to create 30 jobs in the Bay Area. More details and timing will be announced over the coming months.

New Alaska Lounge membership pricing

In October 2021, Alaska Airlines will update its Lounge membership structure to give members more options and flexibility. Starting this fall, Alaska will offer two tiers for Lounge memberships: Alaska Lounge and Alaska Lounge Plus. With the standard Alaska Lounge membership, members will receive access to all Alaska Lounges they know and love when flying on any airline. With the optional addition of a Lounge Plus membership, members will also receive access to an extended network of partner airline lounges across the country when flying Alaska – including all American Airlines Admirals Clubs. Pricing will also be updated as follows, remaining as one of the best values for lounge membership in the industry:

Alaska Lounge membership: $450 annually ($350 for Alaska Airlines MVP, MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75k members)
Alaska Lounge Plus membership: $600 annually ($500 for Alaska Airlines MVP, MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75k members)
New Lounge membership enrollments and renewals made before Alaska’s two-tier structure goes into effect in October will be grandfathered into an Alaska Lounge Plus membership for the year.

Belavia takes delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8

Belavia Belarusian Airlines (Minsk) on April 7 took delivery of their first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8, registered as EW-528PA (msn 43344, ln 7602).

ALC issued this statement:

Air Lease Corporation announced the delivery of one new Boeing 737-8 aircraft on long-term lease to Belavia Belarusian Airlines. Featuring CFM LEAP-1B engines, this is the first of five new Boeing 737-8s confirmed to deliver to Belavia from ALC’s order book with Boeing.

Joe Walker reporting from Seattle

Top Copyright Photo: Joe G. Walker.

The aircraft left Boeing Field (BFI) in Seattle bound for Keflavik (KEF) as

flight”BRU 2026″.

The airline mentioned the new arrival on social media:

Soon from the windows of the new aircraft you will be able to see Minsk, but for now we will show you the beautiful views of Seattle during the test flight of the new Boeing 737-8.

Our team checked everything: the integrity of the design, the performance of systems and engines, all of the avionics.

In other news, the airline starting on April 11, is resuming regular flights from Minsk to Nizhniy Novgorod and from April 13 – to Kazan.

The departure from Minsk to Nizhniy Novgorod is planned to be performed on Sundays at 00:25 with arrival in Nizhniy Novgorod at 02:20. The return flight will be performed from Nizhniy Novgorod at 03:30 with arrival in Minsk at 05:50.

The flights to Kazan will be performed on Tuesdays with departure from Minsk at 23:50 and with arrival to Kazan at 02:10. The return flight from Kazan will be performed on Wednesdays at 03:40 with arrival to Minsk at 06:00.

Belavia aircraft photo gallery:

Belavia aircraft slide show:

Irkut MS-21-300 successfully completes certification test program in natural icing conditions

PJSC Irkut Corporation (part of United Aircraft Corporation of Rostec) has successfully completed certification tests of the MS-21-300 airliner (above) under natural icing conditions. The aircraft attained normal performance even when covered with 8 cm thick layer of ice. This fully complies with Russian and European aviation standards: according to certification rules, performance characteristics must be maintained with a layer of ice 7.6 cm thick.

Top Photo: Denis Fedorko.

The plane made 14 test flights lasting between 3 to 5 hours over the coast of the White Sea, the Pechora Bay of the Barents Sea, south of Novaya Zemlya, as well as in the region of the Subpolar Urals. The plane returned today from the Arkhangelsk airport to the Ramenskoye airfield in Zhukovsky.

The spring conditions in White and Barents Seas create multilayered clouds, constant precipitation and sharp changes in pressure that cause constant icing hazards on aircraft. The main danger caused by ice is the distortion of the delicate shape of the wing and other surfaces of the aircraft, as a result of which its flight performance can significantly deteriorate.

MS-21-300 test flights from Arkhangelsk Airport were organized in several stages. During the first stage, the aircraft crew used meteorological service data to search for clouds that would cause icing comparable to the conditions for the aircraft certification. When flying in these clouds, the crew used special instruments to monitor the formation of ice on the surfaces of the aircraft. Upon reaching the required ice thickness, the plane flew to a given altitude, at which its behavior under natural icing conditions could be observed. The thickness of the ice layer increased from flight to flight.

In addition to the stability and controllability of the aircraft, the operation of the anti-icing systems of the MS-21-300 aircraft was also tested. According to the current regulations, the tests also have to confirm the ability of the aircraft to continue flying even when the anti-icing system is inoperative. Several separate aircraft systems were tested under these conditions, in particular, external lighting equipment, radio communication equipment and landing gear.

The flights were performed by the Irkut Corporation crew consisting of test pilot Vasily Sevastyanov, test navigator Sergei Kudryashov, test engineers Nikolai Fonurin and Alexander Popov. The crew also included Nikolai Grigoriev, a pilot working with the certification process of the State Research Institute of Civil Aviation.

MC-21 is a perspective commercial aircraft with a capacity of 150 to 211 passengers. Irkut Corporation (a UAC company) is creating the plane within a wide international cooperation • First aircraft for flight and strength tests are in production at the plant in the Irkutsk city • An extensive program of aerodynamic, strength and endurance test confirm design solutions • An extensive upgrading program of Russian enterprises resulted with radically new technological environment • A system of technical and financial customers support is developed • The total number of orders for MC-21-300 and MC-21-200 aircraft is 273–175 of them are firm orders.

Video:

UPS to purchase up to 150 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft

UPS through its UPS Flight Forward plans to purchase electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. UPS made this announcement:

Through its UPS Flight Forward subsidiary the company plans to purchase electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Beta Technologies (BETA) as part of its innovation-driven strategy to identify new ways to help small businesses with sustainable solutions.

With the capability to take off and land directly on UPS property, eVTOL aircraft are perfect for moving smaller loads that would otherwise fly to and from airports on small feeder aircraft or take even longer by ground.

UPS Flight Forward is scheduled to take delivery of its first ten BETA eVTOL aircraft beginning in 2024, with the option to purchase up to 150. The vehicle has a 1,400-pound cargo capacity, a range of 250 miles and zero operating emissions.

UPS has reserved BETA’s recharging station for safe and rapid charging of the aircraft in under one hour to facilitate faster cargo loading and unloading. The charging station also offers the aircraft’s batteries a second life. After the batteries’ first lifecycle in the aircraft is over, they can be fitted to the charging station to recharge the aircraft’s onboard batteries as well as UPS’s fleet of electric ground vehicles.

UPS has more than 12,000 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles deployed worldwide, and is committed to purchase up to 10,000 electric vehicles from Arrival.

Check out these photos of the aircraft in action.

Note: Images are artist renderings and don’t show the actual aircraft in use.

Video:

Ethiopian Airlines builds success on Airbus A350 “Preighter”

Airbus has made this announcement:

The East African airline has continued to fly and create new business since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the A350-900 is part of this success.

Some 60 percent of the world’s fleet was grounded in 2020 due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on air transport, as aviation industry estimates show. The impact of the pandemic took a noticeable effect from March 2020 when the number of flights dropped significantly, as a direct consequence of the collapse in passenger demand.

Most companies booked massive financial losses, making 2020 the worst year in the aviation industry financially speaking. Interestingly, Ethiopian Airlines was among those which remained “cash positive” during this period.

Cargo boost to operations

March 2020 is precisely the month when Ethiopian started to operate its first cargo-only service on a passenger aircraft. The Addis Ababa-based carrier made the crucial decision to temporarily convert part of its fleet to carry cargo rather than passengers. Since then, the company has boosted its capacity on cargo operations.

This remarkable agility at all levels of the company enabled Ethiopian to meet the cargo demand which was increasing at that time. Its “preighters” – passenger aircraft carrying cargo in the cabin – transported tonnes of masks and medical products, as well as industrial products and goods such as mobile phones, IT equipment, and clothing.

In a recent communication, the company indicated it had “operated 5,645 cargo flights on the cabin of passenger aircraft and transported more than 121,750 tonnes of cargo across its vast global network. The flights added an immense value to the total of 33,182 flights and 735,869 tonnes of cargo transported during the period from March 25, 2020 to March 25,2021”.

All Ethiopian A350-900 kept flying

Not surprisingly, Ethiopian used its entire A350-900 fleet for cargo operations. Seven out of its 16 extra-wide body aircraft have been converted to freighters by removing all economy seats. The other nine are used either for passengers or for cargo loaded on the economy seats. As a result, all Ethiopian A350-900 have kept flying during the period.

The East African carrier has fully benefited from the extraordinary capability of the Airbus aircraft to fly with an operational reliability of 99.5 percent. Incorporating advances in flight controls, systems, and wing design, the A350-900 is a truly state-of-the-art aircraft. These developments have a genuine impact in terms of operations, maintenance and efficiency, meaning that the aircraft reduces its fuel burn significantly – generating savings and reducing its environmental impact. The aircraft has the lowest cost per seat of its category.

A350 navigates the storm

Reaching high in terms of efficiency and reliability, the A350 also turns out to be highly versatile. “The cabin layout of the A350 is based on the concept of “simplicity by design” where efficiency of space on board the aircraft is a key factor”, says Mikail Houari, President Airbus Africa Middle East. “The 221-inch cross-section, the straight sidewalls from floor to ceiling, the unequaled height of the ceiling and the reduced tapering offer an unequaled space to load parcels. Designed at the origin to improve the comfort of the passengers, the fully flat, horizontal floor and the recessed rails are particularly practical when the aircraft is in cargo configuration”.

For all these reasons, the A350-900 has been instrumental in the airline’s strategy to navigate the storm. “Let me express my admiration for Ethiopian Airlines’ remarkable achievement during this unprecedented pandemic. Let me also voice my pride to see the A350 playing a critical role in this success”, concludes Mikail.

A350 Delivery To Ethiopian Airlines Humanitarian Loading

Avelo Airlines announces 11 routes from Hollywood Burbank Airport

Avelo Airlines (formerly Xtra Airways) has made this announcement:

America’s first new mainline airline in nearly 15 years — Avelo Airlines — premiered today at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) with travel-inspiring routes and bag-packing low fares. Introductory one-way fares start at $19 on all routes.

The airline will start operations with three 189-seat Boeing 737-800s.

(Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo)

Avelo will offer everyday low fares coupled with a smooth and convenient travel experience, flying non-stop unserved routes between BUR and 11 destinations across the Western U.S. Flights are open for booking at aveloair.com starting today at 8 a.m. PDT / 11 a.m. EDT, taking flight starting April 28, 2021 with current availability through Sept. 15, 2021.

Promoting the advantages of using BUR versus LAX:

Avelo has selected Hollywood Burbank Airport as its first base. BUR’s convenience to Greater Los Angeles, Customer-friendly compact size and lower costs were all important considerations. In fact, Fodor’s Travel named BUR the “Best U.S. Airport” in 2019.

Whether Customers are departing or arriving, BUR promises a refreshingly hassle-free experience. BUR offers seamless curbside pickup and drop-off, smaller crowds, shorter walking distances from curb to gate, unrivaled speed for plane-to-carousel bag delivery, and shorter TSA security lines. Customers will be at their gate in a flash while also saving on parking and ground transportation traveling to and from the airport.

Route Map:

Avelo will initially serve a collection of beautiful and relaxing destinations that are currently unserved from BUR. Avelo’s inaugural routes focus on outdoor recreation, national parks, and coastal and mountain terrain – as well as providing air service for an increasing population of remote workers:

Arcata / Eureka, CA (ACV), Victorian charm in the heart of California’s Redwood Coast
Bend / Redmond, OR (RDM), where the snow-capped Cascades surround the high desert
Bozeman, MT (BZN), the onramp to Big Sky Country and Yellowstone National Park
Eugene, OR (EUG), where the Willamette Valley begins
Grand Junction, CO (GJT), where the Colorado River meets dramatic red rock landscapes
Medford, OR (MFR), a launchpad to the Rogue Valley and Oregon’s wine country
Pasco, WA (PSC), 300 days of sun in the heart of Washington’s wine country
Phoenix / Mesa, AZ (AZA), a stress-free airport alternative to a year-round desert oasis
Odgen, UT (OGD), a convenient Salt Lake City alternative to Utah’s famed mountains
Redding, CA (RDD), 600 square miles of state and national parks beckon the adventure seeker
Santa Rosa, CA (STS), the gateway to California’s wine country

Pay Less. Travel More
The airline will initially operate single-class, fuel-efficient 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft – offering a more comfortable experience than the regional aircraft often utilized by the airports Avelo serves. Avelo’s surprisingly low everyday fares include no change fees or call center fees for Customers who choose to make reservations by phone.

Avelo also offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options at industry-low prices that give Customers the flexibility to pay for what they value:

First Checked Bag: $10
Carry-On Overhead Bag: $35
Priority Boarding: $10
Pet in the Cabin: $95
Seating Options: Customers may choose from several seating options. Avelo’s 189-seat 737-800 aircraft will offer 129 standard slimline 29-inch pitch seats. Pre-reserved window and aisle seating starts at $5. Avelo aircraft will also feature 60 seats with 31 to 38 inches of pitch. These seats start at $18.

Fly with Confidence
Avelo takes every precaution to protect Customer health at the airport and during their flight. Avelo airplanes are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Tray tables, galleys, lavatories and all other touch surfaces are sanitized every evening with Calla 1452 (hospital-grade) disinfectant. In addition to disinfecting and cleaning daily, Avelo treats the entire airplane regularly with an advanced antimicrobial protectant that kills viruses, germs and bacteria on all surfaces. This Zoono treatment forms a colorless, odorless protective shield and is safe to human contact.

Additionally, the cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes by the Boeing 737’s top-down air filtration and ventilation system. The system directs air flow from the ceiling to the bottom of the seat — not front to back — and greatly reduces particle movement throughout the cabin. All Avelo airplanes operate with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that remove 99.9% of air particles, including viruses like the coronavirus, in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

All Customers will receive a convenience package containing a hand sanitizer, as well as a bottled water and small snack.

Federal law requires everyone — including Avelo Customers and Crewmembers — to wear a face mask at the airport and on the aircraft (unless eating or drinking). Avelo also encourages social distancing best practices whenever possible.

Flight Routes and Pricing

Route to/from BUR	First flight	Weekly frequency	$19 fare available for flights operating at least thru*
Santa Rosa, CA (STS)	4/28/21	Daily	5/27/21
Pasco, WA (PSC)	4/29/21	3x	5/27/21
Bozeman, MT (BZN)	4/30/21	4x	5/28/21
Phoenix/Mesa, AZ (AZA)	5/3/21	Daily	6/2/21
Ogden, UT (OGD)	5/4/21	6x	6/3/21
Grand Junction, CO (GJT)	5/9/21	4x	6/7/21
Medford, OR (MFR)	5/9/21	4x	6/8/21
Eugene, OR (EUG)	5/12/21	4x	6/11/21
Bend/Redmond, OR (RDM)	5/13/21	3x	6/12/21
Arcata/Eureka, CA (ACV)	5/19/21	4x	6/18/21
Redding, CA (RDD)	5/20/21	3x	6/19/21

* $19 fares may be unavailable or less available over Memorial Day weekend, May 28-31, 2021. $19 is a one-way fare only – additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other modestly-priced optional services apply.

Waltzing Matilda to launch new airline, Connect Airlines, to serve Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport

Waltzing Matilda Aviation (WMA) will be launching Connect Airlines, a new airline starting operations in October 2021, connecting Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport with airports in the Northeast and Midwest United States.

Using the Canadian built Q400 turboprop aircraft, Connect Airlines will offer a premium service for day-tripping business travelers direct into Toronto’s downtown island Billy Bishop Airport (below).

Subject to regulatory approvals, the airline will provide a valuable alternative to business travelers as they start to fly between the United States and Canada again.

Connect Airlines will be the launch airline for IBS Software’s “Airline-in-a-box” set of solutions, enabling them to manage the airline on a single integrated platform, with a simultaneous and seamless implementation and integrated sources of data. The solution includes:

iFly Res, a next generation, customer-centric passenger service solution; the first NDC natively compliant solution in the market, with advanced ancillary management capabilities,
iFlight Lite, an integrated end-to-end fleet and crew operations platform to enable the airline to run efficiently from the beginning,
iFlight MRO, a maintenance and engineering software solution that provides the foundation to implement best-in-class business process to control overall maintenance costs.
IBS Software will also build and host Connect’s website and mobile app, using the latest technology to support personalization and serve the needs of the connected business traveler