Iberia converts first Airbus A330 into a freighter to adapt to market

Iberia has made this announcement:

In November, the airline will operate until four weekly return Madrid-Los Angeles flights

The conversion has been made by Iberia MRO

The first Airbus A330 airliner that Iberia has converted into freighter has arrived in Los Angeles from Madrid. Until four weekly cargo flights between the two cities have been scheduled for this month.

In the early months of the Covid’19 pandemic, Iberia’s flight operations were almost exclusively confined to repatriation flights and flights carrying emergency medical supplies. This experience prepared Iberia to adapt to the new market situation and seize this opportunity.

Iberia’s sales chief María Jesús López Solás said “We’re expecting an increase in air freight demand in coming months and this in an opportunity we should try to seize. Under today’s circumstances we must adapt better than ever to market demands, and this operation will help diversify our income streams while keeping our staff active.”

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), will service these flights. At the start of the pandemic IAG Cargo were quick to develop tailored solutions for its customers cargo needs, including cargo-only flying on passenger aircraft and establishing a new charter team. With a wide network, IAG Cargo offers its services on more than 500 aircraft, to more than 350 destinations.

Retrofit by Iberia MRO

This first Airbus A330-300 converted into freighter was already undergoing an inspection in Iberia’s Madrid maintenance hangar in La Muñoza, where all Economy, Premium Economy seats and crew rest were removed along with separation panels. Carpeting was reinstalled with lights indicating the 33 cargo positions. Cargo will be held in place with netting fastened to floor rails where the seats were anchored. This configuration yields additional carrying capacity of up to 105 m3 or 18,000 kg. of cargo.

This conversion of the cabin has been carried out by Iberia MRO, which boasts long experience in aircraft retrofit operations and altering cabin configurations. They have followed Airbus guidelines and the cabin conversion has been approved by Spanish Air Safety Agency, AESA.

COVID-19 continues to heavily impact Norwegian’s traffic figures

Norwegian Air Shuttle issued this report:

Norwegian’s traffic figures for October are heavily influenced by lower demand caused by continued travel restrictions across Europe, with several new red zones.

In October, 319,477 customers flew with Norwegian, a decrease of 90 percent compared to the same period last year. The capacity (ASK) this month was down 93 percent, while the total passenger traffic (RPK) decreased by 96 percent. The load factor was 55.3 percent, down 32 percentage points.

Jacob Schram, CEO of Norwegian said: “The pandemic continues to have a negative impact on our business throughout the autumn as travel restrictions remain and new ones are imposed across large parts of Europe. As this pandemic will continue to affect travel for several more months, we will continue to adapt our route network in line with changing demand.”

The company operated 99.3 percent of its scheduled flights in October, whereof 95.6 percent departed on time.

Norwegian Air (UK) aircraft photo gallery:

Hi Fly to phase out its single Airbus A380

Hi Fly is planning the phase out of it’s Airbus A380 at the end of the lease term later this year, following almost three years of successful operations worldwide. The decision to not extend the initial agreed lease period came as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, that drastically reduced the demand for very large aircraft.

Hi Fly belongs to the very exclusive club of only 15 airlines to ever operate the A380, the largest and most advanced aircraft of all times. This aircraft was a testimony to how far human being can go in developing something so extraordinary.

Above all, the iconic 9H-MIP “Save the Coral Reefs” was inspiring, and carried this responsible message to hundreds of millions of people in the four corners of the world.

The Airbus A380 will be replaced in the Hi Fly fleet by additional Airbus A330’s, a smaller and more adequate aircraft for current market conditions.

A380 Tribute

If our A380 has touched you as it has touched us, for all the work and raising awareness all over the world… If you have seen it, if it was part of your history somehow, please show us your love.

Send us your tribute message to a380tribute@hifly.aeroand share your 9H-MIP memories with stories, photos, collage, artwork, paint-stained hands… the sky is literally the limit!

All messages will be showcased on the A380 mural (at our Headquarters in Lisbon) until the last day of this iconic aircraft at Hi Fly service, then they will be placed inside a box and fly onboard 9H-MIP on its final lap with us.

Hi Fly aircraft photo gallery:

Finnair offers complimentary coronavirus insurance cover

Finnair is offering complimentary COVID-19 insurance cover for customers departing from Finland for the first time.

Finnair Corona Cover, which launches today, provides extra protection and security for customers for all existing and new bookings, for travel departures between November 3, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

The new insurance cover comes complimentary with all Finnair tickets booked through Finnair sales channels – including Finnair.com, the Finnair mobile app or via the airline’s customer service – for international travel originating from Finland, ensuring extra peace of mind for the airline’s customers.

It means any customer who falls ill with coronavirus in their destination can claim for any coronavirus-related medical and quarantine expenses incurred in their destination. The cover supplements travellers’ own travel insurance.

Tiina Tissari, Finnair Vice President, Customer Experience and Products, said: “It is important that Finnair customers feel they can travel safely as we recognise that travelling during the pandemic comes with new kinds of concerns and challenges.

“To meet the needs of our customers during the COVID-19 outbreak, Finnair has introduced its complimentary Finnair Corona Cover.

“Now Finnair customers can enjoy the peace of mind and additional security which comes from Finnair Corona Cover, including cover for medical and quarantine expenses should those insured with us become sick with coronavirus while travelling.”

Finnair Corona Cover includes the following expenses for customers in their destination:

COVID-19 related medical expenses and medical repatriation up to €50,000, e.g. for a hospital stay or doctor visits

The price of a coronavirus test, if the result is positive
Additional quarantine costs, resulting from falling ill with coronavirus, up to €100 for a maximum of 14 days, which could cover additional overnight accommodation
A new return flight back to Finland, if the original flight is missed due to illness related to coronavirus.

The cover is valid in all foreign destinations, with no excess fees.

As well as including Finnair Corona Cover with all Finnair tickets booked from Finland, the cover is included also in Aurinkomatkat package trips and Finnair Holidays bookings, when the destination is outside Finland.

Customers are advised to always contact Finnair’s insurance partner for a consultation and approval for any medical or other expenses, before using local services. Expenses will be settled directly with local service providers, provided each customer first contacts and is given approval from the insurance partner. This prevents customers from having to pay for the services themselves or carry any risk for the costs.

The service is provided to Finnair customers, 24/7, with English-speaking customer service agents on hand to provide assistance.

Dutch airline pilots association VNV signs commitment clause

The Dutch Airline Pilots Association VNV joined seven other unions today in agreeing to contribute to KLM’s cost-reduction efforts by signing a “commitment clause”. The airline and the eight trade unions have thus satisfied a key requirement, clearing the way for the Minister of Finance to assess whether KLM now meets the Dutch government’s demands.

KLM is in the midst of the worst crisis in its 101-year history, with the COVID-19 pandemic eroding its strong performance of recent years. The EUR 3.4 billion loan package, consisting of a government loan and guarantees on bank loans, is crucial to securing the future of the airline and its network for the Netherlands. KLM is very grateful to the Dutch government for its support and willingness to provide financing at this time.

The Dutch Government has made its loan package contingent on certain conditions, one being that all KLM employees must agree to surrender certain employment conditions for the duration of the loan (expected until 2025). KLM has spent the past few months hammering out the details of this austerity programme with the trade unions for cockpit, ground and cabin personnel, in line with the required structure and percentages.

The outcomes of these negotiations have been formalised in outline collective labour agreements and incorporated as such into the restructuring plan that KLM submitted to the Dutch Government on October 1, 2020. The outline agreements define the austerity measures that will apply until early 2022 (for cockpit crews) and late 2022 (for ground and cabin personnel). It was especially important to specify the contribution that all KLM employees would be making towards the airline’s cost-reduction efforts over the entire loan period.

To meet this demand without having to re-enter negotiations, a “commitment clause” was inserted into the agreements between KLM and the trade unions. Unions CNV, De Unie, NVLT, VNC and VKP signed the clause on October 31, 2020, with FNV Luchtvaart and FNV Cabine doing so on November 2, 2020.

Today, November 3, 2020, the Dutch Airline Pilots Association VNV also signed the commitment clause. KLM and the eight trade unions have therefore satisfied a key requirement, clearing the way for the Minister of Finance to assess whether the airline now meets the Dutch government’s demands.

“Now that all eight trade unions have signed the commitment clause, we have taken an important step. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March this year, we have asked a lot of all our employees, but for a common purpose: to steer KLM through this crisis. These unprecedented times call for unprecedented and unusual actions. The far-reaching measures we must take and the accompanying processes and procedures are new and complex for KLM and the trade unions.

The past few days have been incredibly tense for everyone. The company has been under enormous pressure, its reputation has suffered and there have been internal divisions. In the end, however, KLM and the trade unions got through it together, and that’s really what it’s all about. We can now look forward and outward, rebuild our route network for our customers and continue to connect the world with and via the Netherlands. Together, we will honour the trust that the Dutch government has placed in us.”

KLM CEO Pieter Elbers

KLM: FNV Cabine and FNV Luchtvaart have signed the airline’s “commitment clause”

KLM confirms that the unions FNV Cabine (cabin personnel) and FNV Luchtvaart (ground personnel) have signed the airline’s “commitment clause”, thereby agreeing to join all KLM employees in surrendering employment conditions in accordance with the Ministry of Finance’s requirements (the precise details being up to KLM and the trade unions). The clause will be inserted into the agreements between KLM and the unions.

This brings KLM one step closer to obtaining the government loan and guarantees on bank loans totalling EUR 3.4 billion. The loan package is crucial to securing the future of KLM and its network for the Netherlands. Trade unions CNV, De Unie, NVLT, VNC and VKP have already signed the commitment clause. The Dutch Airline Pilots Association VNV has not yet signed.

Air Malta announces a ‘minimum guaranteed flight schedule’ to at least 15 destinations with 82 weekly flights

Air Malta has today launched its Winter 20/21 flight schedule covering 21 destinations with 156 flights a week. The Airline gave a commitment that it will operate at least 50% of this schedule whilst continuing to waive rebooking fees if customers wish to change their booked flights for any reason.

To guarantee peace of mind and ensure reliability during these uncertain and testing times, Air Malta announced a ‘minimum guaranteed flight schedule’ to at least 15 destinations with 82 weekly flights.

“In view of the constant change in scenario, the Winter 20/21 Flight Schedule will be done differently this year to give peace of mind for the client that might remain stranded due to cancellation of flight. Through the Business Guaranteed will ensure the operation of a network defined on the passengers and cargo movements in any case when legally possible. During the winter schedule there will be 156 flights a week, 50% of which are business guaranteed. This will guarantee access to major airport hubs irrespective of any cancellations”, explained Minister Schembri.

Minister Schembri launched also Air Malta’s Flexibility Guaranteed stamp through which the airline will give additional booking flexibility for clients to benefit from an improved customer experience through the upgrades implemented in the online portal. “Air Malta is also working to ensure that through more operational efficiency it would be able to offer more competitive fares some starting from €29 this winter”, said Schembri.

Minister Schembri said that recent times have clearly shown, now more than ever, the importance for a small country like Malta to have its own national airline, which ultimately, despite the circumstances, ensured connectivity with the rest of the world.

“The global Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted travel in unprecedented ways. Rightfully, airlines around the world reduced capacity to match the dramatic decrease in demand. This added another layer of complexity for Island states like Malta that depend on air travel for their

This winter Air Malta will operate to: Amsterdam*, Berlin*, Brussels*, Catania*, Dusseldorf*, Frankfurt*, Hamburg, Lisbon, London Heathrow*, Lyon, Madrid (new), Milan Linate*, Munich*, Moscow*, Palermo, Paris Charles De Gaulle*, Paris Orly*, Prague, Rome*, Vienna* and Zurich*. (* – guaranteed routes). Moscow is still subject to safe travel corridors being declared by both countries’ governments.

Air Malta aircraft photo gallery:

WestJet welcomes start of Alberta-based quarantine trial

WestJet welcomed WS1511 from Los Angeles (LAX) to Calgary International Airport (YYC) as the first of its international flights eligible to participate in a new Government of Alberta testing pilot program. The program is trialing a reduced quarantine period in Alberta, while protecting Canadians from COVID-19.

“The start of this unique trial is a significant first step in giving peace of mind to those who need to travel and were apprehensive due to the rigorous quarantine requirements and testing restrictions,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “This pilot is the health and science-based approach that WestJet and our industry has been seeking. We encourage our guests to adhere to all of the health guidelines in place as part of this program.”

Eligible participants include Canadians and permanent residents arriving at Calgary International Airport on non-stop international flights who will remain in the Province of Alberta for a minimum of 14-days or exempt travellers who will remain for less than 14-days. Participants will be able to access the testing pilot, if determined eligible and opting-in when clearing customs. Testing wait times may vary based on the volume of international arrivals. For eligible travellers, quarantine will only be required until a negative test result is received, potentially reducing the quarantine from 14-days to as few as two. Details can be found here: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/covid-testing

American Airlines expands preflight testing program to more destinations

American Airlines is expanding its current preflight testing program to additional destinations, further opening the world for customers who want to travel. The airline will now offer preflight testing options to more destinations than any other U.S. carrier.

In November, preflight testing will be available for all American flights to Belize, Grenada, St. Lucia and the Hawaiian Islands.

“Our initial preflight testing has performed remarkably well, including terrific customer feedback about the ease and availability of testing options,” said Robert Isom, President of American Airlines. “This next phase is an invigorating step forward in American’s relentless pursuit of reopening international travel and driving industry recovery while delivering a safe and positive travel experience.”

The Caribbean and Latin America

Starting Nov. 16, American will expand its partnership with LetsGetChecked, a convenient at-home testing option that includes observation by a medical professional via virtual visit, to offer at-home PCR testing to customers traveling to Belize (BZE), Grenada (GND) and St. Lucia (UVF). Results can be expected in 48 hours on average.

Testing requirements for each country currently include:

Belize: Travelers 6 years old and up must complete PCR testing within 72 hours of departure.
Grenada: Testing must be completed within 7 days prior to departure.
St. Lucia: Travelers 5 years and older must complete testing within 7 days of departure. Customers cannot board flights to St. Lucia without presenting a negative test result. Pre-arrival registration is mandatory; customers should visit stlucia.org for the latest information on travel restrictions and quarantine requirements.

American is currently operating service to BZE, GND and UVF from its Miami (MIA) hub and later this month will also launch service to UVF from Chicago (ORD). In December, the carrier will increase its flying to all three markets with service from BZE to MIA, Charlotte (CLT) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW); from GND to MIA and CLT; and from UVF to MIA, CLT, ORD and Philadelphia (PHL).

Hawaii expansion

After launching a series of testing options to open travel to Hawaii in October, American is also expanding its partnership with LetsGetChecked for customers traveling to the Aloha State.

Beginning today, customers traveling to Hawaii from ORD, Los Angeles (LAX) and Phoenix (PHX) can now use LetsGetChecked. Results can be expected in 48 hours on average, and testing must be completed within 72 hours of the final leg of departure. As of this announcement, travelers who present a negative test upon arrival will be exempt from the state’s 14-day quarantine^*.

Visit aa.com to learn more about the preflight COVID-19 options available to customers.

Air Canada Rouge returns to the skies

The departure of Air Canada flight AC1810 from Toronto to Cancun today (November 2, 2020) marked the return of Air Canada Rouge to the skies.

“Air Canada Rouge remains an important part of our overall strategy in rebuilding Air Canada’s global network. As leisure traffic resumes, we will progressively add Air Canada Rouge to select North American leisure markets from Eastern Canada,” said Mark Galardo, Vice President, Network Planning and Alliances at Air Canada.

Air Canada Rouge flights are operated with narrow-body Airbus aircraft featuring a choice of Premium Rouge and Economy services. Customers travelling in the Premium Rouge cabin will be offered a complimentary, pre-packaged meal curated by celebrated Montreal chef Antonio Parkwith complimentary bar and beverage service. All customers onboard Rouge flights will have access to complementary in-flight entertainment that is streamed right to their personal smartphone or device of choice without the requirement to download an app. Premium Rouge customers will also be offered the complimentary use of sanitized iPads containing entertainment content.

All flights are operated using the Air Canada CleanCare+ suite of biosafety measures. Customers can collect and redeem Aeroplan points through Canada’s leading loyalty program when travelling and eligible customers have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits.