Qantas calls to make vaccination mandatory for airlines workers
Qantas has urged all states to make COVID vaccines mandatory for all Australian aviation workers.
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British Airways offers a new fast bag-drop before check-in
British Airways has teamed up with AirPortr to create new convenient fast bag drop areas before heading to the departure’s concourse at British Airways’ London flagship Terminal 5 at…
Singapore’s Scoot seeks Europe fifth freedoms rights
To put it simply, fifth freedom routes are cool. They are one-of-a-kind and unusual. I think the coolest thing about the world is how small and interconnected it is.
Lockdowns are once Again Posing a threat to Australia’s Airlines
Greater Sydney's lockdown has been extended until at least the 28 of August, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed.
US Airlines say COVID-19 variants aren’t hurting bookings
Rising concern about the fast-spreading delta variant of COVID-19 is creating turbulence for the stocks of big travel companies.
Man with coronavirus uses disguise to fly
A man infected with coronavirus snuck onto an Indonesian domestic flight this past Sunday.
Phuket Complex Sandbox visa process
Phuket, Thailand’s most popular island destination, welcomed international visitors for the first time in 15 months as the country cautiously reopens to some fully vaccinated visitors.
Australia’s Whitehaven Beach ranked second in global Top 50
The world's top-50 beaches have been named for 2021, with an Australian gem nabbing the prestigious runner-up spot.
United flight evacuated after teen AirDropped photo of air gun
A teen caused a United Airlines flight to be evacuated after he AirDropped an image of a gun to other passengers.
UK border officers to stop routine COVID checks
U.K. border officers have been directed to stop routinely checking whether travellers from many countries have tested negative for COVID-19, British media reported Wednesday, citing leaked…
International travel largely on hold despite an uptick in May
Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of COVID-19 variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the recovery of international travel.
The end of the domestic bliss for Australia
The resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Australia's domestic air travel market reflects a growing trend of Covid-19 challenges in Asia-Pacific, with no easy solutions.
U.S. to require airlines to refund passengers for delayed bags
The U.S. Department of Transportation is moving to require airlines to refund fees to passengers for checked bags if the luggage is significantly delayed to the destination, according to a…
US warns against travel to UK as COVID-19 spike continues
US citizens have been warned against travel to the UK over spiralling coronavirus cases.
REX reduces services due to lockdowns
Rex has announced that it will suspend or “significantly reduce” services impacted by state border closures and lockdowns.
New Zealand bursts Australia travel bubble
For at least eight weeks, there will be no quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and any Australian state.
Jeff Bezos successful Blue Origin space flight
The Amazon founder Jeff Bezos hailed “the best day ever” after completing his pioneering foray into space on Tuesday with three crewmates, among them his brother Mark.
Doha overtakes Dubai
ForwardKeys, which has the world’s freshest and most comprehensive flight booking data, reveals that in the first half of 2021, Doha seized and consolidated a lead over Dubai.
Qantas staff brace for possible job losses
Qantas employees have been warned that ongoing COVID-19 border closures across Australia may force the airline to lay off workers.
Sydney lockdown could last until September
Experts have warned Sydneysiders to brace for another two months of lockdown restrictions because authorities waited too long to go hard.
Americans struggle to get their passports renewed
Americans are finally taking their long-awaited vacations, a surprising number of them are realising that they must renew their passports before they can travel abroad.
Successor to bankrupt Alitalia under attack by low-cost airlines
The successor to bankrupt Italian flag-carrier Alitalia faces an uphill battle to establish itself after low-cost rivals took advantage of the pandemic and a long restructuring process to…
American Airlines suspends fights to Australia
American Airlines is pulling out of Australia after the federal government again cut the cap on air arrivals into the country.
AstraZeneca-vaccinated Aussie may face hurdle to travel to Europe
Australians vaccinated with the AstraZeneca jab face potential problems visiting Europe, thanks to a quirk in the European Union's vaccine approval process.
British Airways facing crew shortage due to rising infection rate
British Airways is facing a cabin crew shortage as the airline adds more flights to reopened holiday destinations just as increasing numbers of crew are being ordered to self-isolate.
Oman Air flies two routes with fully vaccinated crew
Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, operated two regularly scheduled passenger flights with fully vaccinated crews to two separate domestic destinations in the Sultanate…
Gulf Air operates 80% of pre-pandemic destinations
Gulf Air begins the summer season with 80% of its pre-pandemic destinations as it continues to resume operations and restore services to cities of its original 2019 destination network.
US Airlines have enough passengers, but not enough crew
There are a whole lot of people travelling these days in the U.S. Airports are packed, flights are packed. And the speedy return of domestic travel has many airlines scrambling to bring back…
Farewell Alitalia: ITA cleared for take-off
The new airline being created to replace the long financially ailing Alitalia will take off on Oct. 15 with its first flights, the Italian Economy Ministry announced Thursday.
World Best Airlines 2021 announced
AirlineRatings.com, the world’s only safety, product and COVID rating website has announced Qatar Airways as its Airline of the Year for 2021.
Malaysia Airlines retiring Airbus 380 fleet and looking for buyer
The pandemic has caused the acceleration of Airbus A380 retirements. Air France, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, and Thai Airways have retired (or plan to retire) their A380 fleets, while Qatar…
Delta Air Lines returns to profit in second quarter
Delta Air Lines has reported a $652 million profit for the three months to June.
United Airlines to buy 100 19 seat electric planes
United Airlines announced on Tuesday that it will purchase 100 19-seat ES-19 electric planes from Swedish start-up Heart Aerospace, as the US carrier considers battery-powered aircraft for…
Airlines are increasingly becoming targets for cyber attacks
According to a Eurocontrol report, there has been a significant increase in cyber-attacks against various segments of the aviation industry over the last year.
World’s top 20 Covid-19 compliant airlines
Airlineratings.com, the world’s only safety, product, and COVID-19 rating agency has named its Top Twenty airlines for COVID-19 compliance.
Abu Dhabi cancels contract on gigantic billion dollar new airport
The oil-rich Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi is said to have cancelled a nearly $3 billion contract for a long-delayed new airport terminal that was to be dominated by Etihad Airways.
Australia will soon trial home quarantine
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a home quarantine trial in South Australia for fully vaccinated travellers, which he said could pave the way for Australians to be allowed to leave…
Pax feared for lives during American Airlines security incident
Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight to Miami experienced a bizarre security incident on Thursday night with passengers admitting they were scared for their lives after an…
Woman gets duct-taped to seat after trying to open door in-flight
Flight attendants onboard an American Airlines flight are facing criticism for their unusual method of dealing with an unruly passenger after a video emerged of them duct-taping a woman to…
The US borders will remain closed to most international traveller
According to a White House official who spoke to Reuters, the United States will not ease international travel restrictions anytime soon.
IATA chief Willie Walsh talks about airline industry’s prospects
As COVID-19 grounded international travel, commercial airlines knew they would have a turbulent time ahead, and as restrictions continue, the situation is still up in the air.
Qatar Airways joins IATA’s turbulence aware platform
Qatar Airways and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Qatar Airways will become the first airline in the Middle East to join the IATA Turbulence Aware platform.…
Hawaiian plea to airlines: Please don’t bring so many people here
As mainlanders return in droves, Maui officials are making an unusual request of airlines: Please don't bring so many people to our island.
United CEO voices optimism on future of travel
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, appearing on national television this Sunday morning on CBS’ ‘Face The Nation,’ voiced optimism over everything from the return of business travel to the…
Velocity Frequent Flyer member on track to fly to space
The dream of flying to space is one giant leap closer to reality for Velocity Frequent Flyer member, Scott Copeland from Melbourne.
Richard Branson wins billionaires’ space race
Billionaire Richard Branson managed to be first after all.
Airlines are slowly recovering: Which countries are bouncing back
Floats were leaving the aircraft storage facilities to spend months at the warm, dry desert sunshine.
Australia-Singapore travel bubble delayed
Australia’s travel bubble with Singapore has been delayed until the end of 2021, the Federal Tourism Minister confirmed on Sunday.
Australia’s vaccine passport could be on phones by December
Covid-19 vaccines could be administered at your local Bunnings under a suggestion raised at talks between the federal government and business leaders.
Travel demand showed ‘marginal improvements’ in May 2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that both international and domestic travel demand showed marginal improvements in May-2021.
Is Garuda Indonesia on the brink of bankruptcy?
COVID-19 has battered Indonesian flag carrier Garuda’s revenue and sent earnings plunging, causing trading of the airline’s shares to be halted recently after a bond default.
Singapore Airlines set for regional dominance as rivals pull back
Singapore Airlines has, with aid from the state investor, been in a position of dominance over its South-East Asian competitors as they decrease and restructure with USD16 billion (SGD 21.6…
United Airlines to add bluetooth to in-flight entertainment
As part of United Airlines' “United Next” upgrade, the company is adding oft-requested support for Bluetooth headphones.
Phuket opens for vaccinated tourist whilst cases soar in Thailand
Most of Phuket's income is linked to tourism, and it was lost when Thailand tightened its borders and enforced strict rules.
Virgin Australia joins the campaign to accelerate vaccinations
Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka joined other business leaders at the Operation COVID Shield National Business Partnership Forum meeting.
Air NZ dust off long-haul routes suspended at start of pandemic
Air New Zealand is bringing back long-haul routes it suspended in early 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and is increasing frequencies on the few long-haul services it has been…
Qatar Airways trials vaccine verification via IATA Travel Pass
Qatar Airways is the first airline to begin trialling Covid-19 vaccine authentication through the IATA Travel Pass mobile app, as the airline seeks to provide a more contactless, secure and…
Plans for new Saudi airline to takes aim at Emirates and Qatar
Saudi Arabia plans to target international transit passenger traffic with its new national airline, going head-to-head with Gulf giants Emirates and Qatar Airways and opening a new front in…
Brits to spend more on holidays after the pandemic
While 50% of Brits have been saving more since the pandemic, two-fifths (41%) of Brits are planning to spend more on their holidays once international travel resumes, according to the new…
Johnson announces plan for reopening in England from 19 July
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that people in England will no longer be legally required to wear a face-covering and that all Covid-19 social distancing rules will be…
Airline caps will bump 18,000 Australians off flights home
According to airlines, 18,000 Australians will be bumped from flights back home in the next six weeks as a result of the Australian cabinet's decision to cut the number of international…
Struggling Norwegian paid managers $3.5 million in bonuses
Norwegian Air has awarded $3.5 million in management bonuses just as the carrier emerged from bankruptcy protection and restructuring.
Caught trying to board an Emirates flight with fake boarding pass
A 25-year-old Frenchman was found guilty of attempting to board an Emirates flight to Dubai without a ticket by using a forged boarding pass to fool airport security.
Flight prices to Australia soar ahead of new arrival caps
Airlines were already struggling to operate long-haul flights to Australia with 50-60 passengers onboard; with the reduced caps beginning in mid-July, they will have no choice but to raise…
Qantas boss Alan Joyce plan to reopen Australian borders by 2022
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce is among many business leaders who have responded to the national cabinet’s four-phase pathway out of the pandemic announced on Friday to resume international travel…
Bali delays tourism reopening again
The Indonesian government will not open Bali to foreign tourists until Covid-19 cases have decreased significantly, according to the country's tourism minister in an interview.
Trans-Tasman travel bubble partially reopens with three states
With the partial reopening of the travel bubble, Australians from three states and the ACT can now travel to New Zealand without being quarantined.
PM Scott Morrison unveils four phases reopening plan
Fully vaccinated Australians would be allowed to spend only seven days in-home quarantine under a pilot programme.
NYC launches extensive recovery campaign
NYC & Company has launched the first phase of “It’s Time for New York City,” the largest-ever, multi-phased global tourism marketing and advertising campaign from the body.
Flying car completes 35-minute flight between Slovakian airports
A flying car has completed its first inter-city flight in Slovakia, a milestone its creators claim is “turning science fiction into reality”.
UK ftart-up flypop’s CEO promises GBP99 flights to India
According to a report on Simply Flying, UK start-up airline flypop is eagerly planning its launch later this year.
Emirates And Etihad prepare for summer travel surge
Emirate’s airline is preparing for a summer travel surge over the next two weekends, despite growing concern over the delta coronavirus variant responsible for more than a third of…
The airline making money off grounded Boeing 737 MAX jets
Low-cost Airlines have a simple formula for success: fill as many seats as possible, fly as many hours as possible, and maintain a young fleet.
Singapore’s bold innovative plan to live with COVID and reopen
A nation known well to Australians is pushing out the pandemic with controversy. No quarantine, testing and no daily data.
Queensland deputy premier questions integrity of border closure
Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles yesterday publicly questioned why at least 30,000 foreigners have been allowed to fly into Australia during the pandemic, before calling for an…
Rex to lease two more B737 for further network expansion
Rex has announced plans to secure two additional Boeing 737NG (Next Generation) aircraft through a new lease agreement with a lessor.
United places massive order to buy 270 jets
United Airlines is overhauling its fleet with the biggest jetliner order in company history and an ambitious upgrade for its aircraft cabins, bolstering a push to appeal to more travellers…
Airlines can recover by recognising the most valuable resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the aviation industry.
Qantas expected to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever
While COVID has proven to be fatal for many of its competitors, Qantas is poised to soar even further.
Lufthansa will replace the phrase “ladies and gentlemen”
The Lufthansa Group will replace expressions like “ladies and gentleman” during onboard announcements in favour of gender-neutral greetings the airline confirmed on Wednesday.
Qatar Airways introduces new business class suite
Qatar Airways will launch its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft, featuring its eagerly awaited new Business Class Suite, on several key routes to Europe and Asia, it started…
Korean Air wins Air Transport World Airline of the Year Award
Korean Air has been announced the winner of one of the most prestigious honours in the aviation industry: Air Transport World’s (ATW) 2021 Airline of the Year.
Why so many people are fighting on airplanes
The number of people fighting in aircraft – attacking each other, abusing crew members orally and physically, and generally causing a scene – is higher than ever.
How the travel industry is working to restore demand
The travel and tourism industry must "provide the answers" in the recovery from COVID-19, but its fragmented approach still threatens to undermine progress.
Countries eager to reopen to travel as pandemic recedes
Whilst Australia with its low vaccination rate is not in a hurry to open the international borders, around the globe, countries are taking different approaches for re-opening to travel after…
Cathay Pacific tells crew to get vaccinated or risk their job
Cathay Pacific told pilots and flight attendants on Thursday that their employment with the airline would be reviewed and could be terminated if they have not had a COVID-19 vaccine by…
Man jumps from moving plane after trying to breach cockpit
A man jumped from a moving plane at Los Angeles International Airport Friday night after an unsuccessful attempt to access the flight’s cockpit.
Virgin Galactic receives FAA approval for commercial space trips
Virgin Galactic has made history, becoming the first space liner to be certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to carry passengers on its spaceplanes.
Cathay Pacific forecasts reduced monthly cash burn in second half
Cathay Pacific expects to reduce its cash burn to less than HK$1 billion (AU$169 million) a month in the second half of the year, its chief financial officer said.
Warning for five interstate Virgin flights
Passengers on five different flights between three states are being forced into isolation after a Virgin Australia cabin crew member tested positive to Covid-19.
US airline reclaims title as world’s largest airline
American Airlines has taken the pandemic as an opportunity to re-emerge as the world's largest airline, a title it has traded back and forth with competitors during the last few years as…
Airline sector poised for change post-COVID-19 pandemic
As they look beyond the pandemic, airlines need to grapple with five new realities—and devise strategies to adapt.
IATA warns testing costs may deter travellers
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on governments to ensure that high costs for Covid-19 testing do not put travel out of reach for individuals and families.
Sydney flights cancelled as states impose border restrictions
Sydney Airport was a ghost town yesterday morning as more than 90 flights arriving in the city have been cancelled today.
Flight attendant berates passengers who made job a ‘living hell’
At one point, a 22-year-old male passenger calls a female flight attendant "a fat gorilla" and hurls a vulgarity at her.
Airline industry is bouncing back particularly in the US
The news seems to be good for US airlines. After the negative impact due to the coronavirus pandemic, the airline industry steadily begins to recover.
IATA warns of potential airport chaos over vaccine passport
IATA has warned of potential airport chaos unless governments move quickly to adopt digital processes to manage travel health credentials (COVID-19 testing and vaccine certificates) and…
As capacity war continues, Jetstar starts Brisbane–Perth service
Jetstar will compete with rival Virgin and Qantas and launch five return services between Brisbane and Perth in time for the summer season.
American Airlines cancels flights due to shortage of staff
American Airlines cancelled more than 200 flights over the weekend due to staffing shortages and expects to cut more daily through July.
Delta CEO expects corporate travel back to pre-pandemic by July
The CEO of Delta Airlines Ed Bastian revealed that domestic travel could see a full recovery by end of the northern summer.
IATA Economics’ shows differences of the operating conditions
Over the last months, the recovery of air passenger demand has been mainly driven by domestic markets that have mostly remained unaffected by travel restrictions.
Garuda Indonesia negotiates with lessors to return 50 aircrafts
Garuda Indonesia has shed more light on its operating circumstances, including on the skeletal fleet it is operating amid the coronavirus pandemic, as well as measures taken to cut costs.
Next bubble likely to be Singapore…
Scott Morrison met with Singapore's Lee Hsien Loong to discuss the travel bubble on his way to the G7 summit.
Airline Alliances urge universal travel standards
To facilitate the safe restart of international travel and restore the value contributed by travel and tourism to the world’s economy, the three global airline alliances oneworld, SkyTeam…
Cathay Pacific will close its Australian flight crew base
Cathay Pacific has confirmed it will close its Australian base in July. This follows news the Hong Kong-based airline will shut its Canada base.
Qantas Club drops joining fee and offers status credits
Qantas is waiving the $99 Qantas Club joining fee, reducing annual renewal fees and putting up to 100 status credits on the table in an 'end of financial year' promotion for its Qantas Club…
Air New Zealand to establish crew base in Brisbane
Air New Zealand has extended its agreement with the Australian Government to operate flights between Norfolk Island and Australia from 30 August 2021 until the end of August 2023.
Travel between the US and UK moves closer to a comeback
After more than a year of stringent travel restrictions between the U.S. and the U.K., President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have agreed to work toward reopening transatlantic…
Proposed travel bubble will revive international student sector
A proposed travel bubble between Australia and Singapore will revive the international student industry.
Rex revises forecast to full-year loss
Rex said on Wednesday (9 June) that it is now forecasting a full-year loss of A$15 million due to ongoing lockdowns in various parts of Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
AirAsia has grounded 90% of fleet amid COVID-19 surge in Malaysia
AirAsia Group has grounded around 90% of its fleet of more than 200 planes across Asia due to the resurgence of COVID-19 outbreaks, an executive at its Malaysia unit said on Wednesday.
Airline CEOs unite to urge reopening of transatlantic routes
The CEOs of every airline that flies transatlantic passenger services between the UK and the USA have joined forces with Heathrow Airport and other travel industry CEOs in urging both…
Pilots in India seek payment for colleagues who died of Covid
Now, the country’s pilots, especially those working for Air India, the debt-ridden airline controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, are asking for better compensation for the…
Western Sydney airport unveils final terminal design
Sustainability and energy efficiency are at the core of the airport as CEO Simon Hickey reveals details of the $5.3 billion project.
Qantas creates ‘whacker’ to scare reptiles away from parked A380s
Qantas has developed a piece of technology dubbed a “wheel whacker” to help stop snakes and scorpions boarding planes it has parked due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air Canada’s senior executives return 2020 bonuses
Last Sunday, Air Canada said chief executive officer Michael Rousseau and the company’s current executive vice-presidents 'have chosen to voluntarily return their 2020 bonuses and share…
Heathrow Airport reopens terminal 3 for red list arrivals
London’s Heathrow Airport has reopened Terminal 3 as a dedicated facility for all arrivals from red list countries into the UK.
Vietnam faces Covid surge, tightens entry restrictions
Vietnam, which is coping with its worst outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, announced new restrictions for its largest city on Sunday, a day after its health minister said a “very…
NSW’s AUD50m bid to make project sunrise a Sydney-only venture
The NSW government secretly offered $50 million to Qantas in exchange for the business making Project Sunrise a Sydney exclusive for five years and retaining its base in the state.
US airlines are getting ready to re-hire again
In the US the fast and well organised vaccination campaign is starting to show the airlines and travel industry are returning to normal and the two words being repeated at most of the…
Airbus CEO expects business travel to recover
Airbus Chief Executive Guillaume Faury expects business air travel eventually to return to close to pre-pandemic levels and airlines are devoting the same space to business class seats as…
Europe’s vaccine “Green Pass”: How does it work?
Part of the world has started to reopen, the COVID-19 vaccine will be a new entry requirement for some destinations and travel providers.
Heathrow showcases sustainable aviation fuel
Heathrow has incorporated sustainable aviation fuel into its operations ahead of the G7 Summit.
Alitalia newco to launch ops early 3Q21, plans asset tenders
ITA – Italia Trasporto Aereo, the newco Alitalia, must commence flight operations this summer, by June or July, Italy’s minister of economic development, Giancarlo Giorgetti, told the…
Airlines loyalty programs as lifelines
Some US carriers have seen their loyalty programs in a new light as collateral to raise billions in loans.
United requires all new hires to be vaccinated
United Airlines has announced it will require all new external hires to prove they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Etihad might already need to give its crew the booster shot
The world’s first COVID-19 vaccinated airline might already need to give its pilots and flight attendants booster shots.
Airlines will be forced to aim at long and thin routes
A trend among airlines of phasing out four-engine widebody aircraft in favour of smaller, more fuel-efficient two-engine aircraft, including even narrow bodies, has accelerated.
Why there are so many unruly passengers on planes
The FAA usually sees 100 – 150 cases of bad inflight behaviour filed with them each year.
MSC set to launch giant new cruise ship
MSC Cruises is preparing to launch the massive new vessel it has on order for delivery in late 2022, MSC World Europa would be 22 decks high, four decks higher than the current size leader…
Passenger boards wrong flight and takes 3000km detour
When Gemma Cargin boarded the EasyJet plane in Manchester, UK, she decided to have a quick nap. After all, it was only a short 40-minute flight to Belfast where her mother was waiting to…
On your next overseas flight, you may wait 8 hours at the airport
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is pushing for countries to adopt standardized digital COVID-19 screening processes at their airports.
COVID-vaccinated Australians could be allowed to travel soon
A pilot program for immunised people to leave and return under relaxed restrictions could begin soon, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt tells colleagues.
Thinking to travel? What to expect with the current situation
For those considering a return to travel, here is what to expect in the COVID travel era. To be blunt a lot has changed.
Airlines are working to customise prices for each customer
Airlines are evaluating a possibility and aim for a quicker recovery from the devastation the pandemic has caused. Based on your purchase, travel, and customer history you will get a…
One year of free Qantas flights and more as vaccination incentive
Qantas has announced that it will offer 10 'mega prizes' of a year of free flights for Australians who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of 2021.
United targets mid-July to get back to pre-Covid activities
United Airlines sees big for the coming northern summer and is adding 400 flights to its July schedule and increasing services to now available European destinations with the aim to offer…
Lufthansa orders 10 brand-new Airbus and Boeing wide-body jets
Lufthansa has announced that it will order ten brand-new wide-body jets to support its long-haul network, five Airbus A350-900 and five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Airlines will require staff to be vaccinated or face consequences
Brisbane-based Alliance Airlines is making COVID-19 vaccinations compulsory for all employees.
Scott Morrison says pacific travel bubble is “a real possibility”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has hinted at expanding the trans-Tasman travel bubble to include other Pacific Islands after touching down in New Zealand for talks with his NZ counterpart…
Korean Air receives ‘5-Star COVID Safety Rating’ from Skytrax
Korean Air has been certified as a 5-star COVID-safe airline by Skytrax, becoming one of a few global airlines to achieve the recognition for COVID-19 safety standards.
All you need to know on a Fiji and Pacific Islands travel bubble
For over a year, we have heard whispers and rumours that Australia could potentially open up a travel bubble with neighbouring countries like New Zealand, Singapore, Fiji and the rest of the…
Qantas CEO makes a bold prediction as domestic demand soars
Qantas says while the COVID-19 lockdown in Victoria will affect its business, it's still seeing strong demand in other parts of the nation.
Travel numbers rise in the US as Americans go on holiday
Americans going on holidays in near-record numbers at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, as their eagerness to break free from coronavirus confinement overcame higher prices for flights,…
Emirates planning to increase capacity to 70% by year-end
Emirates has so far recovered 120 passenger destinations, despite continued Covid restrictions.
Singapore Airlines posts its first loss in 48 years
The year that airline business was decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore Airlines, reported a record full-year net loss of SGD 4.27 billion (USD 3.21 billion).
Qantas ponders free flights and points as vaccination incentive
Qantas is considering giving free flight vouchers or frequent flyer points to people who have had Covid-19 shots, joining a growing list of businesses offering vaccination incentives to…
Flight attendant in the US loses two teeth in attack by passenger
US authorities have charged a 28-year-old woman with felony battery after an attack on a Southwest Airlines plane in which a flight attendant lost two teeth and suffered other injuries to…
Virgin Velocity and 7-Eleven announce loyalty partnership
More than 10 million Velocity Frequent Flyer members will now earn Velocity Points whenever they shop for fuel, food, coffee, and convenience items at 7-Eleven from today.
Qantas passengers get sky-high view of Supermoon eclipse
From staying up all night to camping out on rooftops, people go to extreme lengths to catch a glimpse of a supermoon, particularly when it comes with a total lunar eclipse.
Qantas and Virgin cancel flights in and out of Melbourne
Dozens of flights to and from Melbourne today have been cancelled following a rise in COVID-19 case numbers.
Emirates wins record 8th consecutive “Best Airline Worldwide”
Emirates has been voted ‘Best Airline Worldwide’ for the eighth consecutive time by the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2021.
Vaccinated frequent flyers could win free flights for a year
United Airlines loyalty program members will have the chance to enter the airline’s ‘Your Shot to Fly’ sweepstakes by uploading their vaccination records.
Qantas adds seven new routes and puts Dreamliner on domestic
Qantas has announced a further expansion of its ever-growing domestic network. The Australian airline confirmed start dates for seven new domestic routes.
Airline travel in the U.S. numbers closer to 2019
It’s no longer valid to compare current daily airline travel numbers to what happened on the exact date a year ago when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its most merciless.
British Airways may has the key to unlock the travel world
Once international travel resumes, mandatory Covid-19 testing will be required to enter some countries even if you have been vaccinated.
Expect airlines and cruise lines to require proof of vaccination
In the absence of federally mandated vaccine passports, Dr Anthony Fauci expects multiple U.S businesses to impose their own requirements for customers to show proof of vaccination to…
Thailand targets medical tourism
Thailand is attempting extremely hard to reboot tourism however so far it hasn’t quite worked, particularly with the recent rise in Covid-19 transmission.
Qantas and Singapore Airlines diverging fortunes show disparities
Qantas and Singapore Airlines are travelling in opposite directions when it comes to the coronavirus crisis, with the former emerging strongly thanks to its buoyant home market and the…
Qantas plans to have six A380s flying again in 2023
Qantas has highlighted future plans that include the return of six Airbus A380 into operation by the end of 2023 as demand for outbound and inbound grows back to pre-Covid levels.
“Some people may die,” Virgin Australia boss’ insensitive words
Virgin Australia is still battling a PR nightmare after Jayne Hrdlicka the airline CEO made a speech at the Queensland University of Technology using the controversial statement “some people…
Qantas CEO calls for international borders reopening this year
Qantas boss Alan Joyce says Australia's vaccine rollout feels like it's moving slower than it should and higher rates of take-up may allow borders to open by the end of the year.
Qantas reveals wage freeze and more job losses
Qantas has announced it will introduce a two-year wage freeze on all new enterprise agreements across the Qantas Group, as it seeks to reduce its annual costs by AUD1 billion by FY23.
Millions must get COVID jab before borders can open
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian says about five million people in the state need to be fully vaccinated before borders open, amid growing pressure to set a timeline.
Creditors of Thai Airways approve reorganization plan
Thai Airways creditors give the airline one more chance to re-organise its business and return to profitability.
After the Covid blow, Virgin expands its flight schedule
Virgin will be running 700 extra flights across Australia by October, including on five new routes focused on the country's north.
Qantas announces USD1.5 billion loss
In a trading update on Thursday morning, Qantas revealed that it was preparing to see an annual loss of more than AUD2 billion (USD1.5 billion) in the 2021 financial year, following its…
United Airlines considered designating cabins for vaccinated pax
United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby says the airline actively considered introducing a separate cabin on its planes where only vaccinated passengers would be allowed to sit.
Heathrow could dedicate an entire terminal for ‘red list’ arrival
Heathrow Airport is said to be in talks with the British government to transform an entire terminal into a specialist facility that will only handle passengers arriving from COVID-19…
Heathrow boss ‘concerned’ border force won’t cope with reopening
Heathrow's chief executive has said he is "deeply concerned" the UK's Border Force will not be able to cope with additional COVID checks if all foreign travel resumed on 17 May.
Bad behaviour on planes drawing bigger fines in the US
US regulators are imposing big fines on passengers who behave badly and flout rules, including refusing to wear masks on board.
Demand for charter services remains strong
Air charter demand will remain “consistently strong this year” despite Covid-19, according to ACC Aviation, a leading aviation consultancy firm.
Thailand government “not obliged to save THAI”
There is no commitment to a state bailout in Thai Airways International debt rehabilitation plan, according to a source close to people conducting the process.
UK traffic-light system for international travel and how it works
What do the green, amber, and red lists mean for travellers, and which countries are designated green?
AU government under pressure to reopen international border
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is under growing pressure to outline a plan to gradually reopen the international borders. The pressure is starting to ramp up from governments, health experts…
Qantas supermoon ‘flight to nowhere’ breaks record sell out
Tickets for the trip sold out in two and a half minutes, and a waitlist was created following the sell-out but has since been closed, Qantas wrote.
The Australasian hotel industries greatest challenge – skilled manpower
Adelaide SkyCity recently hosted the 12th AHICE (Australasian Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition) with leading industry experts at the most prestigious hotel conference in…
Vaccinated travellers won’t be allowed to fly due to blood-clot
Last week rumours that vaccinated people will be barred from flying because of blood-clot fears were circulating on social media.
Thailand air travel is estimated to drop by 38% in 2021
Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) has lowered its estimates of total domestic and international air travel in 2021 to 323,093 flights, a 38% reduction from its 518,790 flights…
Singapore – heading to another lockdown?
With the rise in new COVID-19 clusters in Singapore, the island nation might be heading back into another round of lockdown to control the spread of the virus.
Virgin Australia updates short-haul international network
After the federal budget released last week and the shifting projection of the opening of the international border, Virgin Australia also announced changes to its short-haul international.
Will it be a hot summer for U.S. airlines?
Now the U.S. airline executives believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us. But is it really?
Airline revival hopes blighted by slow recovery
It says something about the depth of the airline industry’s troubles that even an extra $9 billion in losses this year would leave the industry significantly healthier than in 2020.
Singapore Airlines boosts revenue with plane deal
Singapore has been keen to reopen its borders to help bolster an economy that fell into recession in 2020.
COVID-19 outbreak closes Changi Airport to public
Changi Airport in Singapore will cut public access to all its terminals and the Jewel shopping centre following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases there.
IATA data suggests air travel bouncing back
New data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) suggests that while air travel numbers are still down, they are bouncing back.
Japanese airlines eye low-cost to drive post-pandemic growth
Japan's two major airlines are positioning themselves to take advantage of any upturn with a punt on low-cost services.
Qantas delays resumption of international flights
Qantas has pushed back the restart date for most of its international network after the federal budget revealed Australia's border will likely remain shut until the middle of next year.
Qantas launches supermoon scenic flight
Qantas will hold a one-off flight giving passengers the best view of this month’s rare supermoon and full lunar eclipse combo.
Qantas CEO warns Australia could become a ‘hermit state’
Qantas boss Alan Joyce has conceded the airline may not be able to restart international flights again by October as he had hoped but warned Australia risks becoming a “hermit state” if its…
A woman assaults flight attendant as did not pick up her trash
A passenger onboard an American Airlines flight from Miami to New York JFK had to be restrained and was arrested on arrival on Sunday after allegedly attacking and assaulting a flight…
Flights and holidays cost surge in UK to countries on green list
Under the latest traffic light scheme, the UK government confirmed a ‘green list' of quarantine-free travel destinations on Friday.
Australia’s border will remain shut until at least 2022
Australia's border will stay shut until at least 2022, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says.
Thailand, 47% of hotels expected to close in the next three months
According to a recent survey of Thailand's hotel industry, nearly half of all hotels could close in under three months.
Seychelles tightens restrictions as coronavirus cases surge
Seychelles has temporarily placed limits on social gatherings following a spike in the number of coronavirus cases on the islands.
Australia could soon be featured on UK’s ‘Green List’
Australia and New Zealand are lining up for a slot on the UK's so-called 'Green List' for approval travel as part of a plan to gradually reopen the UK's borders, according to the head of…
New Zealand reinstates COVID-19 travel bubble with NSW
Following the detection of two COVID-19 cases in Sydney last Thursday, New Zealand decided to temporarily suspend quarantine-free travel.
Qantas to launch new routes and increase flights in Adelaide
Adelaide will be the home base of five Embraer E190 aircraft as Qantas continues to boost domestic flights in response to growing leisure and corporate travel demand.
Etihad Airways ‘no plans’ to restrict travel vaccinated pax
Etihad Airways has no plans to restrict travel to only those who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
ACCC seeks to block Qantas, Japan Airlines alliance
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has decided against a proposed joint business agreement between Qantas and Japan Airlines, saying the alliance "breaches…
