Qatar Airways pays out big in refunds: Qatar Airways has paid out over US$1.2 billion in refunds to almost 600,000 passengers since March, which it says demonstrates its commitment to honouring its obligations to passengers who need to change their plans due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel. In the context of unprecedented numbers of refund requests as airlines and passengers navigate entry restrictions imposed by countries around the world to limit the spread of COVID-19, Qatar Airways has worked to process almost all refunds requested since March 2020 (96 percent). The airline is now processing all new refunds back to the original form of payment in less than 30 days. Additionally, the airline introduced an flexible booking policy that has proven extremely popular with passengers. Qatar Airways tickets are now valid for two years from the date of issuance. Passengers can also choose to change their travel date or destination free of charge as often as they need, change their origin to another city within the same country or any other destination on the airline’s network within a 5,000 mile radius of the original, exchange their ticket for a future travel voucher worth 110 percent of the original ticket value, or swap their tickets for Qmiles in some cases. Over one-third (36 percent) of Qatar Airways passengers selected one of these options over a refund.
Air New Zealand clarifies safety precautions for staff: Air New Zealand says it is committed to playing its role in protecting New Zealand and the country’s fight against COVID-19. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran has spoken with Health Minister Chris Hipkins and outlined the precautions the airline is taking. Air New Zealand has worked closely with Ministry of Health officials in implementing the measures in place. High, medium or low risk destinations are set by the Ministry of Health and this risk matrix is reviewed regularly. Measures include: Crew wear masks and gloves when interacting with passengers; Crew wear full PPE when dealing with unwell passengers; For medium risk layovers, including Narita, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Air crew wear masks and gloves when moving through the terminal; Air crew use private crew transport to hotels, not mixing with other passengers; Air crew isolate in hotels, limiting trips outside to 1hr per 24-hour period; Air crew are not allowed to use the hotel gym or pool while on layover; Air crew are not allowed to meet with other crew while on layover. For high risk layovers – San Francisco and Los Angeles: Air crew wear masks and gloves when moving through the terminal; Air crew use private crew transport to hotels, not mixing with other passengers; Air crew isolate in hotels for duration of layover; Air crew are not allowed to use the hotel gym or pool while on layover; Air crew are not allowed to meet with other crew while on layover; All food must be delivered to rooms; On return home, air crew must isolate for 48 hours, complete a COVID-19 test, then isolate until test results are known.
EASA chooses DART Aerospace to conduct new helicopter float system research: DART Aerospace has been chosen by EASA to conduct safety research for new helicopter float system designs. The European Commission delegated 1,475,000 euros from its Horizon 2020 funds for DART Aerospace to research potential float designs mounted higher on the helicopter than the current skid and lower fuselage float designs used around the world. The primary objective of the project is to increase offshore helicopter safety by identifying if technical and economically feasible solutions are possible to reduce instances of aircraft capsizing, which can flood the cabin and lead to fatalities. EASA will use the results of the research to inform potential future regulation. The three-year project will include research into four areas: configuration and location of the system, deployment methods, heat resistance as related to location near engines and exhaust systems, and aerodynamic impacts. DART will work closely with OEMs throughout the process, including OEM engineers on design and execution concepts. Design and manufacturing will take place at DART’s Vista, Calif., facility. Aerodynamic testing will be done in collaboration with European aerospace institutions.
INFORM releases tech tools to deal with COVID-19: INFORM, a provider of advanced optimisation solutions for airlines, airports and ground handlers, has released a series of tools to support companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. INFORM offers fully software-based solutions designed to quickly identify workers potentially affected by the pandemic. The solutions work with INFORM GroundStar product, GS RealTime. Companies can extend their GS RealTime functionality to enable contact tracing by adding INFORM’s new GS BIS Contact Tracer web application and/or GS BIS Contact Tracing report. By using GS RealTime’s historical staff allocation data, it is possible to determine which staff worked with whom, in which team, at what times, and in which locations. Equipped with this data, the GS BIS contact tracer’s functionality can visualize an infected person’s history of contacts. This can be displayed as an on-demand report using the GS BIS Report solution, or in a standalone web application, both to facilitate the implementation of a staff quarantine plan. By partnering with SafeDrivePod, INFORM can also provide companies with an independent Bluetooth-based solution to be distributed to each staff member. The devices are small, maintenance-free and can be clipped on to an ID lanyard, a shirt or other piece of clothing near the front of the body. Each time two devices come into proximity of each other, they exchange their anonymous IDs and record them. Each device stores these exchanges for a pre-defined period.
Kerry Logistics ranked No. 1 from Asia: Kerry Logistics Network announced that Kerry Apex, its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, was the number one non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) from Asia to the US from January through July 2020, supported by a well-positioned team in Southeast Asia to capture the export volume shift from China to Asia. Kerry Apex was the third largest NVOCC in terms of volume from Asia to the US in 2019. In the first seven months of 2020, Kerry Apex outperformed the market by recording a 6 percent growth in volume against the market trend of a 7 percent contraction in the same period. Kerry Apex shot to the top spot through capturing the volume shift from China to Southeast Asia by a strong regional team perfectly situated to handle the volume surge, earning additional origin-controlled shipments and winning new customers, on top of the increased demand from existing customers who restocked their inventory. Kerry Apex was also able to build on its long standing relationships with ocean-carrier partners who helped it to secure the space needed to move its customers’ freight from Asia to the US. Kerry Apex’s achievement was made possible by the tremendous support from within Kerry Logistics’ global network both in origin and destination.
CTT puts A320 OEM project on hold: CTT SYSTEMS, a maker of aircraft humidity control systems, has put on hold development of its Anti-Fuselage-Condensation system for line-fit on the Airbus A320 family. CTT was notified by Airbus that the DAGS (Dry Air Generation System) Moisture Control System has been removed from the options baseline on the A321XLR aircraft. This follows Airbus’ recent decision to opt only for passive means for condensation reduction for this aircraft type. CTT regrets the decision and engages to obtain that Airbus remains committed and resumes DAGS development, while reserving its rights. The DAGS Moisture Control System was planned to be developed and certified for use on the A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. As Airbus updated A321XLR baseline requirements, opting only for passive condensation reduction means, DAGS was removed from the A321XLR options baseline. This has caused Airbus to request CTT to discontinue the DAGS development. “I am concerned about this situation but will continue to engage with Airbus to agree a constructive way forward.”, says Torbjörn Johansson, CEO CTT Systems AB. “I am convinced that our Anti-Fuselage-Condensation technology is requested by many A320 customers.”
AirAsia resumes KL-Singapore flights: AirAsia has resumed its Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flights, allowing cross-border travel for essential and official travellers following both countries’ announcement on the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) scheme. AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said “both countries have taken relentless efforts and strict discipline in containing the spread of COVID-19, and the RGL is a first step towards reviving the economy, especially for those who have essential travel needs between both countries. We look forward to seeing more ‘travel bubbles’ and ‘green lanes’ formed between countries with low infection rates or active cases, and proven pandemic curbing systems to facilitate the need for air travel. At the same time, we urge all guests to adhere to the required regulations and follow the safety measures for a safe flying journey.” AirAsia will continue to review the suitability of introducing more frequencies between the two countries. AirAsia reminded guests of travel requirements set by both countries under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) scheme. All inbound and outbound travellers for essential business and official travel between Malaysia and Singapore via the RGL are required to check their eligibility and travel requirements before their scheduled departure. AirAsia advises guests that all necessary travel documentation must be obtained before proceeding to the airport for your flight. AirAsia will facilitate a smooth journey for guests on essential travel by checking for complete documentation before boarding.
Etihad expands air-rail partnership with Accesraul in Europe: Etihad Airways has announced the expansion of its partnership with AccesRail, the world’s leading provider of air-rail intermodal solutions. The partnership allows Etihad to use AccesRail’s expertise to enable its customers to book train and coach tickets in Europe in conjunction with their air fare using the airline’s online booking platform, or through their travel agency. Etihad’s guests can connect to and from their international flights to rail routes operated by major European railway companies using the airline’s ‘EY’ code, including an expanded network of seven rail routes on Germany’s Deutsche Bahn from Frankfurt Main Airport. The partnership with AccesRail has also been extended to the United Kingdom to include 16 destinations westbound from London Heathrow on Great Western Railway, and subject to final government approval, to 28 cities across Italy on the country’s primary rail operator, Trenitalia. The expansion will also see additional inter-city coach services in the United Kingdom operated by National Express to 28 major British towns and cities from London Heathrow, and five from Manchester Airport. Etihad Airways has operated a similar agreement with France’s SNCF, providing codeshare services to 20 destinations on the French domestic rail network from the airline’s Paris gateway.
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