United Airlines adds new nonstops to Africa, India and Hawaii

United Airlines today announced plans to expand its global route network with new nonstop service to Africa, India and Hawaii. With these new routes, United will offer more nonstop service to India and South Africa than any other U.S. carrier and remains the largest carrier between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii.

Starting this December, United will fly daily between Chicago and Delhi and, starting in spring 2021, United will become the only airline to operate between San Francisco and Bangalore, India and between Newark and Johannesburg. United will also introduce new service between Washington, D.C. (Dulles), and Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria in late spring of 2021.

In the summer of 2021, United will fly nonstops four times weekly between Chicago and Kona and between Newark and Maui. And starting this week, United, the airline offering more nonstop service to Israel than any other U.S. carrier, begins new nonstop service between Chicago and Tel Aviv, the only carrier to offer this service.

United’s newly announced international routes are subject to government approval and tickets will be available for purchase on united.com and the United app in the coming weeks.

Offering nonstop service to three new destinations in Africa

United will become the only U.S. carrier serving Accra nonstop from Washington, D.C. and the only airline to serve Lagos nonstop from Washington, D.C., with three weekly flights to each destination beginning in late spring 2021. The Washington metropolitan area has the second-largest population of Ghanaians in the United States, and Lagos is the largest Western African destination from the United States. Now, with 65 different U.S. cities connecting through Washington Dulles, United will offer convenient one-stop connections to Western Africa.

United already provides seasonal, three-times-weekly service between Newark and Cape Town. By adding new daily nonstop flights between Newark and Johannesburg in spring 2021, the airline will operate more flights to South Africa than any other U.S. carrier, and will offer the only roundtrip, nonstop service from the United States to Johannesburg by a U.S carrier. These routes also offer easy connections for customers traveling to South Africa from more than 50 U.S. cities.

New nonstops to India from two U.S. cities

United has served India with nonstop service for 15 years and now builds on its existing service to Delhi and Mumbai with two new routes. Beginning December 2020, United will introduce new nonstop service between Chicago (O’Hare) and New Delhi and, for the first time ever, United customers will be able to travel nonstop between San Francisco and Bangalore starting spring 2021. Chicago has the second highest population of Indian-Americans in the United States, and customers from more than 130 U.S. cities can connect on United through O’Hare International Airport. Service from San Francisco to Bangalore connects two international technology hubs, broadening United’s west coast service to India, which also includes San Francisco to New Delhi.

New nonstop service between Chicago and Tel Aviv

Beginning, Thursday, Sept. 10, United will start brand-new three-times-weekly nonstop service between Chicago (O’Hare) and Tel Aviv. In addition to Chicago, United currently operates nonstop service between Tel Aviv and its hubs in Newark and San Francisco and will resume service between Washington (Dulles) and Tel Aviv in October. The airline operates more nonstop service between the United States and Israel than any U.S. airline.

United expanding Hawaii service to the Midwest and East Coast

As customers look to resume leisure travel options, United will make it easier than ever to travel nonstop to Maui and Kona for the 2021 summer season. With the addition of new flights between both Newark and Maui and Chicago and Kona, United will provide customers in the Midwest and U.S. East Coast with even faster and more convenient service to the Hawaiian Islands than any other airline.

United’s New Flights

	Destination	UA Hub	Service	Season Start
Africa	Accra, Ghana	IAD	3x/week, 787-8	Spring 2021
	Lagos, Nigeria	IAD	3x/week, 787-8	Spring 2021
	Johannesburg, South Africa	EWR	Daily, 787-9	Spring 2021

India	Bangalore, India	SFO	Daily, 787-9	Spring 2021
India	New Delhi, India	ORD	Daily, 787-9	Winter 2020

Hawaii	Kahului, Maui	EWR	4x/week, 767-300ER	Summer 2021
Hawaii	Kona, Hawaii	ORD	4x/week, 787-8	Summer 2021

Security checkpoints in five Delta hubs feature new layer of protection with antimicrobial bins for travelers

Delta Air Lines is rolling out antimicrobial bins in partnership with TSA starting this week as part of the Delta CareStandard:

Latest way Delta and TSA are partnering to keep travelers safe at all steps of the journey
Innovative bins coming to automated screening lanes at Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia and New York-JFK this month

Beginning this week, antimicrobial technology in airport security checkpoints is making the airport experience at select Delta hubs even safer. Thanks to new security bins made of innovative antimicrobial material, travelers can rest assured that their belongings will remain clean and safe as they pass through security.

In partnership with the Transportation Security Administration, Delta is rolling out these antimicrobial bins to automated screening lanes in Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia and New York-JFK starting this week and continuing throughout the month. Delta will evaluate opportunities for expansion to other markets following the launch in these cities.

The new bins prevent the growth of a broad spectrum of bacteria through antimicrobial technology that is built into the bin and continuously minimizes the presence of microbes throughout the bin’s lifecycle. A sleek black color and indicators on bin handles will help customers know their belongings are safely traveling through the security checkpoint protected by this antimicrobial advancement.

This innovation in safety builds on the Delta CareStandard and is the latest advancement in Delta and TSA’s partnership to continue enhancing the customer experience, which has included launching the first biometric terminal and working together to speed up international security lines in Atlanta.

TSA also continues to adjust its security operations during the pandemic by implementing proactive and protective measures at security checkpoints to make the screening process safer — high-touch screening equipment and bins are cleaned hourly, and other surfaces are cleaned daily or as needed in airports nationwide.

Coronavirus testing at Frankfurt Airport

Lufthansa Group has made this announcement:

With the school start in Baden-Wuerttemberg the summer travel season ends in whole Germany. At the end of the summer, CENTOGENE and Lufthansa are taking a positive interim balance of the test centers at German airports. Since the end of June, the partners have been jointly enabling passengers departing from or arriving at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), as well as those from the region, to have access to fast, reliable tests for the SARS CoV-2 virus. This first “walk-in” coronavirus test center in Germany serves as a blueprint for a successful test concept and helps passengers entering Germany from high-risk countries.

In the summer of 2020, more than 150,000 passengers were tested at Frankfurt Airport using CENTOGENE’s highly sensitive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. On average, about one percent of the samples were positive during the last six weeks. Over 97 percent of the COVID-19 test results were digitally transmitted to passengers in August 2020 in less than 24 hours. Passengers who had registered for the test in advance only had to wait approx. 20 minutes before being tested. Most of them came from Spain, followed by the USA, Turkey and Croatia. In addition, almost 50,000 passengers were tested before departure, for example to travel to China or Dubai, where a negative test result is mandatory for entry. The general population from the region also used the test center. Since mid-August, another test center has also been in operation at Hamburg Airport.

Most recently, the testing capacity at the test center at Frankfurt has been expanded and the sampling area has been enlarged to provide a convenient option for travelers. The test center in Frankfurt now has a capacity of around 10,000 tests per day, which is more than sufficient even at times of high demand. On average, around 4,500 tests per day were carried out in the summer months of July and August. The CENTOGENE service complements the existing public laboratory capacities of the health care system and relieves them.

Lufthansa Group passengers can now also use the fast lane at the CENTOGENE test center at Frankfurt Airport and thus keep waiting times to a minimum. Special fast lanes are also available for Lufthansa Group status customers, business and first class travellers.

“It is correct that the testing strategy for travellers from high-risk countries will be maintained in September. Instead of abolishing the tests from October and dismantling the successfully established testing infrastructure at airports, the existing testing capacities should be further expanded and used even more extensively. The data obtained from the tests can make a significant contribution to reacting to the current infection situation with targeted and appropriate measures. The cooperation between Lufthansa and CENTOGENE, which is continuously expanding its capacities, serves as a benchmark for a successful test model here,” says Christina Foerster, Lufthansa Group Customer, IT & Corporate Responsibility Board Member.

Dr. Volkmar Weckesser, CIO CENTOGENE, emphasizes: “We firmly believe that broad-based testing is the key to preventing a further outbreak and supporting a new normal – especially where mobility is an essential contribution to the efficiency of our economy. This is why we have introduced efficient, digital workflows for COVID-19 testing at two of Germany’s largest airports. We are absolutely convinced that this decision is correct and will therefore continue to significantly increase our testing capacities. In this way, we can make an important contribution to the testing infrastructure – also for medical personnel or the population in the region. Above all, thanks to the latest technology and innovation, we are also working intensively on new, faster test methods.

Passengers can perform the test in a sample collection center in the immediate vicinity of the main terminal of Frankfurt Airport. All results are made available to passengers via a secure digital platform and linked to the flight ticket to ensure automated confirmation for travelers flying to countries with respective entry restrictions. In addition, passengers can choose an identity confirmation service that certifies authorities that the test results match the passengers’ identity.

Reuters: Boeing finds a new 787 Dreamliner production problem

From Reuters:

“Boeing Company warned on Tuesday of delays in deliveries of its 787 Dreamliner, as three separate production flaws over the past year hamper efforts to develop an alternative cash cow to its grounded 737 MAX.

In the latest issue, Boeing learned during fabrication of the 787 horizontal stabilizer that some components were clamped with greater force than specified, which could result in improper gap verification and shimming. Boeing identified the problem in February and announced it on Tuesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Tuesday it “is investigating manufacturing flaws affecting certain Boeing 787 jetliners. The agency continues to engage with Boeing.”

Finnair cuts flights for October – maintains critical connections for Finland

Finnair has made this announcement:

Finnair has updated its schedule for October. The demand for air travel in Finnair’s network has recovered slowly due to the development of the coronavirus pandemic and related travel restrictions, and hence the previously published traffic program cannot be implemented in full due to low demand. Finnair reduces flights from its traffic program and flies approximately 70–80 daily flights instead of the previously planned approximately two hundred flights.

Finnair communicates flight cancellations directly to affected customers and offers customers an alternative flight when possible. Customers can also opt for a full refund of the ticket, if the new flight offered is not suitable.

Finnair serves 42 destinations in October, but frequencies will be reduced on almost all routes. Route starts planned for October to destinations like Bergen, Barcelona, Madrid, St. Petersburg and Stuttgart will be postponed, as well as domestic destinations, Turku and Tampere. Long-haul flights continue to focus on Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, which are also important cargo destinations. A Nanjing route is operated during September and October. Finnair will also continue cargo-only flights to New York and Singapore.

Finnair continues to update its traffic program according to demand. In October 2019, Finnair flew about 350 flights a day and had more than 100 destinations in Europe, Asia and North America.

Reuters: Virgin Australia to cut a third of its Boeing 737 fleet under Bain ownership

From Reuters:

“Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd said on Wednesday it is returning a third of its fleet of Boeing Company 737 planes to lessors and financiers as part of a turnaround plan under new owner Bain Capital.

It has renegotiated financing terms for 56 of the 85 737s it held before it entered voluntary administration in April, a Virgin spokeswoman said, with the others to exit its fleet.

“Once demand returns, it remains our goal to grow our fleet to 75 Boeing 737 aircraft,” the spokeswoman said.”

Walter Braedt Segú Aerodrome in Peru opens with its first airline flight

Walter Braedt Segú Aerodrome – Máncora, Peru issued this statement:

September 5, 2020 marked the first official commercial flight of the national airline Wayraperú into the Walter Braedt Segú Aerodrome located in Máncora. This first flight which was into the air strip located just about 1.5 Miles (2 km) from Marina Coast Peru, a luxury residential condominium and nautical boating community located on the beach of Máncora and is the owner of the private airfield.

This marks the first inaugural commercial flight into the Walter Braedt Segú Aerodrome done by Wayraperú.

This is a grand milestone in the history of Máncora, now with the completion of the Walter Braedt Segu airfield, it can now facilitate inbound and outbound private, commercial and for-charter flights with a fully paved airstrip reaching 1,750 meters (5,741 feet). With this new level of travel, commercial flights can begin from the city of Lima, which is a large transportation hub in Peru and can also expand the direct travel access to the northern resort beaches such as Máncora, Los Órganos and Punta Sal, as well as other resorts just south of Tumbes and north of Piura.

Walter Braedt Segú Aerodrome located at Marina Coast Peru.

Marina Coast and the Walter Braedt Segú Airstrip caters to both Private and Commercial flights.

The Marina Coast project is overseen and managed by the Bertello Segu Group and Braedt Group, together carrying out the largest marine real estate development project that is unique to Peru and South America. Marina Coast which was chosen for its premium weather and location between two great marine currents – the Humboldt and Equatorial is a true destination for boating and fishing and will now accommodate both air and nautical travel at their 300 slip in-land marina, yacht club, condominium community and retail shopping.

Learn more at MarinaCoastPeru.com

Wayraperú is an airline based at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Perú, that operated between March and November 2006, then again since May 2018.

Etihad Airways keeps guests protected with global COVID-19 insurance

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is introducing COVID-19 global wellness insurance cover as part of Etihad Wellness, the airlines new health and hygiene programme.

Guests who are diagnosed with COVID-19 during their trip won’t have to worry about medical expenses or quarantine costs when they fly with Etihad.

Duncan Bureau, Senior Vice President Sales and Distribution, Etihad Airways, said: “The safety, health, and wellbeing of our guests and employees is our top priority, during and beyond the flight. The introduction of global COVID-19 insurance, in partnership with AXA, builds on stringent measures already in place as part of our Etihad Wellness programme, championed by our Wellness Ambassadors.

“This additional cover will not only instil confidence to travel but also reassure our guests that we are doing all we can to keep them safe and protected. As more countries start opening their borders, we are making it as easy as possible for our guests to plan their next trip, hassle free.”

All Etihad tickets regardless of date of booking, traveling between now and 31 December 2020 will include COVID-19 insurance. Guests with existing bookings don’t need to do anything – they are automatically enrolled into the programme. The insurance is valid worldwide for 31 days from the first day of travel.

Adelane Mecellem, Chief Executive Officer Asia, Middle-East, Turkey and Africa, AXA Partners, said: “At AXA, we are focused on improving the customer experience and wellness of individuals during these times. As such, we are proud to partner with one of the world’s leading airlines, Etihad Airways, and provide their extensive loyal travellers with new protection solutions when needed most.”

For new bookings, simply book your next flight on www.etihad.com, the mobile app, by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre in Abu Dhabi on +971 600 555 666 (UAE), or through your preferred travel agency – there are no forms to complete

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while you’re away from home, COVID-19 global wellness insurance will cover up to EUR150K of medical costs and up to EUR100 a day of quarantine costs in case of a positive diagnosis for 14 days.

Porter Airlines updates restart date to November 12

Porter Airlines has made this announcement:

Porter Airlines is updating its return-to-service date to November 12, from the previously-announced target of October 7.

The quarantine period for travellers entering or returning to Canada was recently extended. This, along with the continued closure of the Canada-U.S. border and Atlantic Canada travel bubble, are key factors in the decision to extend the restart date.

“Every one of our markets is affected by the Canadian government’s non-essential travel advisory and border closures,” said Michael Deluce, president and CEO, Porter Airlines. “We understand the impact this has on our passengers and our team members, and continue to make decisions based on how the situation evolves.”

Porter is waiving change and cancellation fees on all fares booked through November 12, including Porter Escapes vacation packages.

Porter temporarily suspended operations as of March 21, 2020 due to COVID-19.

Finnair’s traffic was down 85.8% in August

Finnair has reported its traffic in August:

The COVID-19 pandemic impact remained clearly visible in the August traffic figures, cargo demand still strong

In August, Finnair carried 193,000 passengers, which is 85.8% less than in the corresponding period of 2019 but 32.9% more than in July 2020.

The overall capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) decreased in August by 84.1% year-on-year. Finnair operated 116 daily flights (cargo-only included) on average which was 31.8% compared to August 2019. The differences between capacity figures are explained by the shorter operated flights on average and by smaller operated aircraft compared to August 2019. Finnair’s traffic measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) decreased by 92.4%. The Passenger Load Factor (PLF) decreased by 45.1% points to 41.7%. The COVID-19 impact, including the strict travel restrictions imposed by Finland, still affected all passenger traffic figures and was visible especially in the North Atlantic figures as there were no related scheduled flights in August.

The ASK decline in Asian traffic was 86.6%. The North Atlantic capacity decreased by 100.0%. In European traffic, the ASKs were down by 78.7%. The ASKs in domestic traffic decreased by 62.5%.

RPKs decreased in Asian traffic by 96.4%, in North Atlantic traffic by 100.0%, in European traffic by 86.4% and in domestic traffic by 64.6%.

The PLF was 24.3% in Asian traffic but it was supported by the cargo operations and very high cargo load factor. The PLF was 52.8% in European traffic and 62.8% in domestic traffic, whereas there was no PLF figure in North Atlantic traffic due to zero passenger flights in August.

Passenger numbers decreased in Asian traffic by 96.4%, in North Atlantic traffic by 100.0%, in European traffic by 84.9% and in domestic traffic by 69.5%.

Available scheduled cargo tonne kilometres decreased by 86.8% year-on-year and revenue scheduled cargo tonne kilometres decreased by 81.4%, both due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on scheduled flights. However, cargo related available tonne kilometres decreased by 78.4% and revenue tonne kilometres decreased by 70.5% and they included also the cargo-only flights mainly operated between Europe and Asia as well as Europe and North America. The total cargo tonnes were up by 13.7% from July 2020 mostly due to strong demand related to the scheduled cargo capacity. As a result, the cargo load factor was still clearly higher than in the corresponding period of 2019.

In August, 96.0% of all Finnair flights arrived on schedule (76.9%).