Category - Transportation

First non-charter Nordic-Mexico flight launches in November

7 years ago

The Mexico Tourism Board announced the first direct nonstop flight from Helsinki to Puerto Vallarta between November 19, 2017 and March 18, 2018. The upcoming weekly service follows almost two years of close cooperation and partnership between Finnair and the Mexico Tourism Board. This falls in line with their new overall global vision and strategy to increase connectivity, expand into new markets and diversify their tourism product offerings to draw new travelers to Mexico and help continue to...

Must-take side trips from top study abroad destinations

7 years ago

Ah, the student life. Is there anything better than combining work and play by studying abroad? How about adding to the experience with more travel. Many of the top study abroad destinations are also good jumping off spots for exploring other fun, student-friendly locales. To help those studying far from home pack more travel into their adventure, the travel experts have pulled together their picks for getaways that are a short flight or train ride away from top spots for overseas studies. And...

FAA issues flight restrictions in and around Washington, DC for the Inauguration

7 years ago

The planned 2017 Presidential Inauguration Festivities in Washington, DC are scheduled for January 20, 2017. At the request of the Department of Homeland Security and as part of the airspace security measures for the event, the FAA will be modifying the Washington Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Washington Metropolitan Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) with additional flight restrictions between 0900 Local and 1900 Local on January 20th. Pursuant to 49 USC 40103(B), The Federal Aviation...

Southwest Airlines launches flights to San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, Mexico and Grand Cayman

7 years ago

Southwest Airlines today announced new flights throughout its previously published schedule that bring San Diego Customers the carrier’s 31st destination available through nonstop service, San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, Mexico, subject to requisite governmental approvals, beginning April 25, 2017, making San Diego International Airport its fourth gateway city in California to offer international service nonstop. Southwest® operates international flights between the Golden State and a total...

Condor and Thomas Cook Airlines expanding in North America

7 years ago

Mardiks Public Relations has been hired by Thomas Cook Group Airlines to launch new routes to Europe from the US for two of the company’s carriers, Condor Airlines and Thomas Cook Airlines. The agency has been tasked with developing and implementing a consumer and trade media outreach campaign in advance of the 2017 summer travel season. The campaign will center on Condor’s new routes to Frankfurt from San Diego, New Orleans and Pittsburgh and Munich routes from Las Vegas and Seattle. With...

BTS: Average domestic US air fare down 8.8 percent

7 years ago

The average domestic air fare decreased to $344 in the third quarter of 2016, down 8.8 percent from $377 in the third quarter of 2015, adjusted for inflation, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported today. BTS reports average fares based on domestic itinerary fares. Itinerary fares consist of round-trip fares, unless the customer does not purchase a return trip. In that case, the one-way fare is included. One-way trips accounted for 38 percent...

Milan Bergamo Airport smashes 11 million passengers record

7 years ago

Milan Bergamo Airport witnessed another year of robust growth throughout 2016, welcoming close to one million more passengers than the year before. Experiencing 7.2% passenger traffic growth, Milan Bergamo was Italy’s third busiest airport last year, handling over 11.1 million passengers – a new record for the gateway. Crediting the surge to the addition of 19 new routes throughout 2016, increased load factors on scheduled flights, as well as providing one of the best punctuality records...

American Airlines introduces new Basic Economy fare

7 years ago

American Airlines today announced it will begin selling Basic Economy fares in addition to the wide range of Main Cabin fares currently offered. These no-frills tickets provide a simple and affordable way to experience American’s network, and provide customers the option to pay for the services they want. Basic Economy fares will go on sale in February in 10 select markets, with the first flights occurring shortly thereafter and expansion to additional markets expected later this year. Not...

Eastern Airways expands services from Rodez in France

7 years ago

Eastern Airways is developing its route network in France by introducing new services in 2017 from Rodez to Italy’s fashion capital, the south coast of England/London and east-central France. Three new routes include summer services from Rodez Aveyron Airport to Milan and Southampton, as well as a year-round domestic service to Lyon. The British airline will base a second aircraft in Rodez and offer 3 flights a week operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to Lyon from Rodez, which...

Frankfurt Airport inaugurates second VIP lounge

7 years ago

Relaxation and total privacy in one of various luxury suites with marble bathrooms, a drink at a well-stocked bar, a cigar in a smoking lounge, or an invigorating game of table soccer before departure: all of these things, as well as many other deluxe amenities that match the standards of a five-star hotel, can now be enjoyed by guests in a newly designed VIP lounge at Frankfurt Airport. Today the new facility of VIP-Services was officially inaugurated in the B Transit zone in the presence of...

The Gambia: Tourists please leave now!

7 years ago

The Gambia tried hard for years to become an attractive travel and tourism destination. The destination exhibited at major trade show around the world and often it’s colorful stand design as a green destination won awards.Hundreds of British tourists are to be flown back from Gambia by Thomas Cook after the Foreign Office warned “the potential for military intervention and civil disturbance is high” in the west African nation. Now hundreds of British tourists are to be flown...

Aloft Hotels to debut in the Emerald Isle

7 years ago

Marriott International, Inc., today announced plans to launch its ever-popular Aloft Hotels brand in Ireland through a franchise agreement with Blackpitts Hospitality Limited. Slated to open in the spring of 2018, Aloft Dublin City will mark the tech-forward brand’s debut in the Irish capital, and will introduce an exciting accommodation option in Dublin’s historic ‘Liberties’ quarter. Aloft Dublin City will be operated by Dublin-based Pembroke Hospitality Limited, a...

United Airlines’ New Spirit in the sky set to take flight

7 years ago

Next month, a brand-new United Airlines plane will push back from the gate with a new name: “New Spirit of United.” This special aircraft is also the company’s first Boeing 777-300ER featuring the United Polaris all-aisle access, lie-flat seat. It represents a commitment to the future and the commencement of an exciting new chapter for the company as it builds the best airline in the world. “This aircraft symbolizes the new spirit, the energy and enthusiasm that I have...

MSC Cruises breaks ground on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

7 years ago

MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, today broke ground on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Located south of Bimini in The Bahamas, the island is set to become a natural paradise exclusive to MSC Cruises guests as of November 2018. The Right Honorable Perry Gladstone Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas joined Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, at the official...

United Airlines reports best full-year on-time performance in company history

7 years ago

United Airlines (UAL) today announced its fourth-quarter and full-year 2016 financial results. • Achieved best full-year on-time performance while reporting the lowest number of cancellations, delay minutes and mishandled bags in company history. • UAL reported full-year net income of $2.3 billion, diluted earnings per share of $6.85, pre-tax earnings of $3.8 billion and pre-tax margin of 10.4 percent. Excluding special items, UAL reported full-year net income of $2.9 billion, diluted earnings...

Turboprop replacement to help stabilize operations for Jambojet

7 years ago

Jambojet earlier today announced that they acquired a new Bombardier Q400NG from Abu Dhabi Aviation, due to replace a similar aircraft which has been flying for the airline for some time. Over the festive season, Jambojet had serious operational problems when one of their two Q400s went out of service and a replacement aircraft could not be procured in time. Flights to Lamu, Malindi, and Ukunda were the most affected, and passenger and tourism industry complaints then prompted an investigation...

Ethiopian in major expansion drive in 2017

7 years ago

Over the next six months, Ethiopian Airlines will add seven new destinations in what will make 2017 probably a record year of new cities served out of Addis Ababa. From the beginning of February to the end of June will Ethiopian launch new services to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Antananarivo (Madagascar), Conakry (Guinea), Oslo (Norway), Chengdu (China), Jakarta (Indonesia) and Singapore (Singapore). With the addition of these stations, Ethiopian will have service from Addis Ababa to 98...

FAA and Skypan International reach agreement on drone enforcement cases

7 years ago

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration today announced a comprehensive settlement agreement with SkyPan International, Inc., of Chicago. The agreement resolves enforcement cases that alleged the company operated unmanned aircraft (UAS) in congested airspace over New York City and Chicago, and violated airspace regulations and aircraft operating rules. Under the terms of the agreement, SkyPan will pay a $200,000 civil penalty. The company also agrees to pay an...

Emirates changes Dubai luxury lounges access policy

7 years ago

Emirates is opening up its lounges at its Dubai hub to lower-tier frequent flyer members. Emirates had previously restricted access to these lounges to higher-tier frequent flier members and business or first class travelers. In an email sent out to Skywards frequent flier members, passengers with Blue-tier status, the lowest of Skywards membership categories, can pay $100 (Dh367) to access the airline’s Dubai business lounge and $200 for the first class lounge. Other changes to the lounge...

Spanish travel to the Far East is set to take-off

7 years ago

International outbound flights from Spain were up by 2.7% last year, and the biggest increase was in departures to Asia Pacific countries, a trend that looks like continuing into 2017, according to the travel intelligence analyst ForwardKeys. Passengers to Asia Pacific destinations were up by 15.7% on the previous year, many countries seeing double-digit growth: China up 13%; Japan 16%; India 17% and Vietnam 32%. Much of the increase can be attributed to certain airlines dramatically increasing...

US DOT: Flight cancellations, mishandled baggage rate at all-time low

7 years ago

The reporting carriers canceled 0.29 percent of their scheduled domestic flights in November 2016, the lowest for any of the 263 months with comparable records beginning in January 1995, and below the previous low of 0.33 percent in September 2016, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) released today. The reporting carriers canceled 1.0 percent of their flights in both November 2015 and October 2016. In addition, the U.S. carriers reporting mishandled baggage data posted a...

UNWTO and JICA team up to promote sustainable tourism

7 years ago

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at providing a framework for joint action in the area of sustainable tourism. The agreement, undersigned by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, and JICA Executive Senior Vice President, Kazuhiko Koshikawa, opens important opportunities of collaboration as JICA is one of the largest global donors in terms of international cooperation for development in...

The Meetings Show opens applications for its hosted buyer program

7 years ago

Applications for The Meetings Show hosted buyer program are now open. The show will take place from 13-15 June at Olympia London and is now in its fifth edition. Buyers wishing to be part of the program should visit the website, to check qualification criteria before completing their application. Following a successful show in 2016, where UK hosted buyer numbers increased by 11% as part of an overall 2% increase, 2017 will once again deliver a program designed to allow qualified buyers to...

UNWTO: Sustained growth in international tourism despite challenges

7 years ago

Demand for international tourism remained robust in 2016 despite challenges. International tourist arrivals grew by 3.9% to reach a total of 1,235 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Some 46 million more tourists (overnight visitors) traveled internationally last year compared to 2015. 2016 was the seventh consecutive year of sustained growth following the 2009 global economic and financial crisis. A comparable sequence of uninterrupted solid growth has not been...

Guangzhou Port Group extends its office network into Europe

7 years ago

After the successful launch of the partnership with Guangzhou Port America LLC one year ago, Guangzhou Port Group is extending its network of offices into Europe with the partnership of Guangzhou Port (Europe) B.V. Johannes Nanninga, CEO of Guangzhou Port (Europe) B.V. comments that the portfolio of Guangzhou Port group in the Pearl River Delta with deep sea Port of Nansha in the West Pearl River Delta in particular offers very effective and competitive solutions to optimize for Suppliers and...

Couples-only, clothing-optional adventure: Desire sets sail from Barcelona to Rome

7 years ago

Original Group, the leading expert of adult hospitality, has just announced Desire’s second itinerary aboard one of the top luxury cruise lines. The charter operation will set sail along the Mediterranean Sea in April 2018, departing from Barcelona and culminating in Rome. The luxury ship’s itinerary is a heart-racing romp through four sensational countries. The adventure begins in Barcelona and takes Desire’s guests to spectacular ports of call – Sete and Marseilles in...

Embraer signs order with Wideroe for up to 15 E2 aircraft

7 years ago

Embraer has signed a contract with Widerøe, the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, for up to 15 E2 family jets. The contract consists of three firm orders for the E190-E2 and purchase rights for 12 further E2 family aircraft. This flexible mix of purchase rights for E175-E2, E190-E2, and E195-E2 will give Widerøe the ability to grow their fleet with a family of aircraft from 80 to 130+ seats, to right size capacity to meet market requirements. The order has a potential list price value of...

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 named Best Luxury Cruise Ship

7 years ago

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 was named “Best Luxury Cruise Ship” in the 2016 Travel Weekly’s Readers Choice Awards. Winners are selected from two rounds of voting during which all readers are invited to choose the suppliers who have lead the way in products and service during the year. “We are deeply grateful to the readers of Travel Weekly for awarding Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 as ‘best luxury ship’,” said Josh Leibowitz, senior vice president, Cunard...

Vietjet expands its Taiwan network

7 years ago

Vietjet has launched its 5th route to Taiwan at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport – Vietnam, connecting Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) with Taichung (Taiwan). This marks a significant milestone for Vietjet as it is now the airline with the most routes between Vietnam and Taiwan. The new service is poised to meet the increasing travel demand of individuals, tourists and businessmen looking to boost regional trade and integration. In celebration of the debut flight, all passengers onboard the...

Crashed ACT Airlines B747 operated by McCargo was leased by Turkish Airlines

7 years ago

ACT Airlines issued this statement: “Respectfully announced to the public, ACT Airlines is deeply saddened to report that an accident happened during the flight from HongKong to Bishkek by Boeing 747-400 TC-MCL registered cargo aircraft at 01:20 Z. The cause of the accident is unknown at this time and further details will be provided as they become available. Yours sincerely, ACT AIRLINES” ACT Airlines, a.k.a. ACT Havayollari, operating as MyCargo Airlines, is a Turkish cargo...