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Asky Airlines starts Accra-LoméJohannesburg flights today
BY DOMINICK ANDOH & ISAAC SETUGAH
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an African carrier, Asky Airlines, on Thursday November 19, resumed its Accra- LoméJohannesburg flights. With just one hour connecting time, the daily service makes ASKY the main airline connecting West Africa with the South Africa capital, Johannesburg post-COVID-19 lockdown.
Country Manager of Asky Airlines, Mr. Worlanyo Afadzinu, told AviationGhana that: “We used to operate via LAGOS and Douala or Libreville to Johannesburg but with the new schedule, the flight is direct for Lomé to Johannesburg thereby reducing the travel time for passengers from other part of Central Africa and West
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Qatar to hire more Ghanaians for future growth Qatar Airways says it will engage more Ghanaians in the future as part of its expansion plans when the airline industry fully recovers from the impact of the current pandemic. Hendrik Du Preez, the Doha-based airline’s Vice President for Africa, in an interview with AviationGhana said: “Qatar Airways is a truly global airline. PAGE 03
THE BOSS’ INTERVIEW Interview with Mr. Worlanyo Afadzinu, Country Manager of Asky Airlines PAGE 05
Africa, particularly Accra. Johannesburg – South Africa will have seamless connection to ASKY’s vast network covering all of West and Central Africa markets with daily non-stop flights from Lomé.” The flight departs Accra’s Kotoka International Airport at 10:40am arriving at Lomé’s Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport at 11 :45am. The Lomé-Johannesburg flight also departs Lomé at 12 :45pm, arriving in Johannesburg at 19 :50pm. The airline has introduced affordable fares to drive demand. Fares from Accra to Johannesburg starts from US$383 with all taxes inclusive. Passengers travelling on Asky between now and December 31 will also enjoy 3 pieces luggage with each piece weighing 23KG in economy and 32KG in business. “What this means is that, passengers are allowed a total of 69KG in Economy Class and 96KG in Business Class. Aside this huge baggage allowance, passengers are also allowed to purchase extra bag at reduced rate,” Mr. Afadzinu said. Asky operates B737-700 and B737-800 and these Aircrafts would be operating to Johannesburg.
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FAA clears Boeing 737 Max for return to service The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rescinded the order halting commercial operation of the Boeing 737 Max. The move will allow airlines that are under the jurisdiction of the regulator to take the steps necessary to resume service. Boeing will also be able to begin making deliveries. The aircraft type has been grounded since March last year after fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people. Over the past 20 months, FAA employees have worked to identify and address the safety issues that played a role in the loss of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a statement from the body said. Throughout the process, the FAA said it has cooperated closely with foreign counterparts on every aspect of the return to service. “We will never forget the lives lost in the two tragic accidents that led to the decision to suspend operations,” said David Calhoun, chief executive officer Boeing. “These events and the lessons we have learned as a result have reshaped our company and further focused our attention on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.”
Throughout the past year and a half, Boeing has worked closely with airlines, providing them with detailed recommendations regarding longterm storage and ensuring their input was part of the effort to safely return the airplanes to service. An airworthiness directive issued by the FAA spells out the requirements that must be met before United Statesbased carriers can resume service. Changes include installing software enhancements, completing wire separation modifications, conducting pilot training and accomplishing thorough de-preservation activities that will ensure the airplanes are ready for service. “The FAA’s directive is an important milestone,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We will continue to work with regulators around the world and our customers to return the airplane back into service worldwide.” Full FAA Statement on Boeing 737 Max Return to Service FAA Administrator Steve Dickson today signed an order (PDF) that paves the way for the Boeing 737 MAX to return to commercial service. Administrator Dickson’s
Asky Airlines starts Accra-LoméJohannesburg flights today ASKY is a commercial company under private law and is managed by experienced African aviation professionals, with Ethiopian airlines as its strategic partner. Its focus is to develop a strong intra-Africa network
that fosters regional development, tourism, economic growth and regional integration as a major economic catalyst within the continent with its long-term goal of a sustainable business focused on profitability.
action followed a comprehensive and methodical safety review process (PDF) that took 20 months to complete. During that time, FAA employees worked diligently to identify and address the safety issues that played a role in the tragic loss of 346 lives aboard Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. Throughout our transparent process, we cooperated closely with our foreign counterparts on every aspect of the return to service. Additionally, Administrator Dickson personally took the recommended pilot training and piloted the Boeing 737 MAX, so he could experience the handling of the aircraft firsthand. In addition to rescinding the order that grounded the aircraft, the FAA today published an Airworthiness Directive (PDF) specifying design changes that must be made before the aircraft returns to service, issued a Continued Airworthiness Notification to the International Community (CANIC) (PDF), and published the MAX training requirements. (PDF) These actions do not allow the MAX to return immediately to the skies. The FAA must approve 737 MAX pilot training program revisions for each U.S. airline operating the MAX
and will retain its authority to issue airworthiness certificates and export certificates of airworthiness for all new 737 MAX aircraft manufactured since the FAA issued the grounding order. Furthermore, airlines that have parked their MAX aircraft must take required maintenance steps to prepare them to fly again. The design and certification of this aircraft included an unprecedented level of collaborative and independent reviews by aviation authorities around the world. Those regulators have indicated that Boeing’s design changes, together with the changes to crew procedures and training enhancements, will give them the confidence to validate the aircraft as safe to fly in their respective countries and regions. Following the return to service, the FAA will continue to work closely with our foreign civil aviation partners to evaluate any potential additional enhancements for the aircraft. The agency also will conduct the same rigorous, continued operational safety oversight of the MAX that we provide for the entire U.S. commercial fleet.
ROUTE WATCH Accra-Paris-Accra Airline
cost
Air France
US$842
Turkish
US$735
Ethiopian
US$676
EgyptAir
US$788
TEL: 055 257 1241 / 055 515 5585
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Qatar to hire more Ghanaians for future growth Our multicultural workforce is one of our key strengths with employees from more than 160 nationalities. “Our diverse cabin crew includes more than 30 African nationalities, including many Ghanaians. With our ambitious expansion plan, we shall definitely continue hiring staff globally including from Ghana.” Qatar Airways started operating four weekly flights from the Kotoka International Airports on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. The entry of the Doha-based airline offers passengers more travelling options in a market where demand has been dampened by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and where airlines are gradually resuming operations with reduced frequencies.
Passengers travelling to the Middle East, Far East and South East Asian countries are expected to benefit from competitive fares – given the anticipated competition between Qatar, Emirates and Addis Abababased Ethiopian Airlines. Meanwhile, Ghana-based regional and domestic carrier Africa World Airlines (AWA) has struck a deal with Qatar that will open up new destinations in the West Africa subregion for Qatar Airways passengers. The one-way interline agreement will allow Qatar customers to connect onto regional and domestic routes serviced by AWA such as Lagos, Abuja, Abidjan, Freetown, Monrovia, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale.
Qatar Airways Finalizes Codeshare Agreement With Air Canada Qatar Airways is pleased to announce it has finalised a codeshare agreement with Air Canada applicable for travel between Doha and Toronto. Sales have started with the first codeshare flight to operate from 15 December 2020. The agreement reinforces Qatar Airways’ long-term commitment to Canadian passengers, and to boosting Canada’s global connectivity to support the recovery of tourism and trade. Qatar Airways’ passengers can now enjoy seamless, one-stop connections to and from Toronto via the Best Airport in the Middle East, Hamad International Airport. Air Canada passengers will benefit from being able to book travel on Qatar Airways’ flights between Toronto and Doha and onwards to more than 75 destinations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to secure this strategic codeshare agreement with Air Canada to provide our travellers with a seamless
journey to and from Toronto with excellence in state-of-the-art and sustainable aircraft, safety, comfort and onboard service. The agreement will increase choices for thousands of passengers and allows for smooth connectivity to a significant number of new destinations – particularly throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East. By harnessing our complementary strengths, this agreement will also provide benefits to aid the recovery of international travel.” Qatar Airways began flying to Canada in June 2011 with three weekly flights to Montreal that expanded to four weekly in December 2018. The airline has worked closely with the Government of Canada and its embassies around the world throughout the pandemic, temporarily operating three weekly services to Toronto in addition to charter flights to Vancouver to help bring more than 40,000 passengers home to Canada. Qatar Airways’ strategic investment in a variety of fuel-efficient, twinengine aircraft, including the
largest fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft, has enabled it to continue flying throughout this crisis and perfectly positions it to lead the sustainable recovery of international travel. The airline recently took delivery of three new state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total A350 fleet to 52 with an average age of just 2.6 years. Due to COVID-19’s impact on travel demand, the airline has grounded its fleet of Airbus A380s as it is not environmentally justifiable to operate such a large, four-engine aircraft in the current market. Qatar Airways has also recently launched a new programme that enables passengers to voluntarily offset the carbon emissions associated with their journey at the point of booking. By the end of the IATA Winter Season, Qatar Airways plans to rebuild its network to 126 destinations including 20 in Africa, 11 in the Americas, 42 in Asia-Pacific, 38 in Europe and 15 in the Middle East. Many cities will be served with a strong schedule with daily or more frequencies.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. The Qsuite seat layout is a 1-2-1 configuration, providing passengers with the most spacious, fully private, comfortable and social distanced Business Class product in the sky. It is the only airline to have been awarded the coveted ‘Skytrax Airline of the Year’ title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times. Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline. Canada’s flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2019 served over 51 million customers. Ranked as a high-quality Four-Star airline by Skytrax, Air Canada was also awarded the 2019 Best Airline in North America. (Source: Qatar Airways)
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The Boss’ Interview
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omé-based ASKY Airlines on Thursday, November 19, 2020 resumes its daily nonstop service between Accra and Johannesburg via Lomé. Given the troubles of South African Airways, the service becomes the main means of travelling between West Africa and the South Africa capital in this global pandemic. AviationGhana’s Dominick Andoh speaks with Mr. Worlanyo Afadzinu, Country Manager of Asky Airlines about the resumption of this service and matters arising. AviationGhana: We are in the middle of a pandemic, why restart that route now instead of restarting all old routes and increasing frequencies on operational ones? ASKY: ASKY have restarted flights to all of its destinations with a full network coverage. The latest being Banjul, Gambia. Johannesburg is not a new Service. Asky have been operating to Johannesburg for over a year before the outbreak of Covid-19 which caused the shutdown of the Airline Industry. We are resuming the operations to Johannesburg with some adjustment to the schedule to provide the convenience and satisfaction that our customers required. We used to operate via LAGOS and Douala or Libreville to Johannesburg but with the new schedule, the flight is direct for Lome to Johannesburg thereby reducing the travel time for passengers from other part of Central Africa and West Africa, particularly Accra. Johannesburg – South Africa will have seamless connection to ASKY’s vast network covering all of West and Central Africa markets with daily nonstop flights from Lomé AviationGhana: The pandemic has greatly impacted South Africa’s economy. What’s your analysis of the SA and Lomé/ Accra aviation markets? ASKY: Many economies are being rebuilt following the negative effect of COVID-19 and Air transportation is major catalyst in the growth of many economies. The importance and benefits of air transport to the economies of Africa is clearly acknowledged in the Declaration on the sustainable development of air transport in Africa adopted in Antananarivo in 2015 and I quote: ‘Air transport is a catalyst for economic growth. Air transport connects African States to regional and global markets which enhance travel and tourism, and the movement of goods and other vital business activities. It represents an essential lifeline for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Increased connectivity provides African countries with quick and efficient access to destinations throughout the continent and worldwide markets. Air transport and tourism are deeply interconnected drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. Today, over half of all international tourists arrive at their destination by air. Africa has been one of the fastestgrowing tourism regions of the last decade. This trend is indicative of how aviation is helping to expand tourism and vice versa, and how this can foster sustainable economic development and integration on the African continent.” With our Hub operations in Lome, we connect passengers from over 20 countries to South Africa. This operation is to open up the Air space and reconnect the continent which automatically will generate the needed traffic. There is an increased demand on the route which needs to be satisfied by creating the right product, just as Asky is doing. This flight also creates the opportunity and opens up the US market to South Africa through our Codeshare flights from Lome to NEWARK and NEW YORK with Ethiopian Airlines. This means that passengers from Johannesburg can fly directly to Lome on Asky and connect Ethiopian Airlines seamlessly to NEWARK or NEW YORK. AviationGhana: Based on your assessment, is the route viable? Any projections to share? ASKY: Considering our excellent connections to/from the United States, Central and West Africa, this is definitely a viable route to operate. AviationGhana: What equipment would be used for this service? ASKY: Asky operates B737-700 and B737-800 and these Aircrafts would be operating to Johannesburg. AviationGhana: Should passengers expect any introductory offers? ASKY: Yes, we have introduced affordable fares to drive demand. Fares from Accra to Johannesburg starts from $383 with all Taxes inclusive. Passengers travelling on Asky between now and 31 December will also enjoy 3 pieces luggage with a piece weighing 23KG in economy and 32KG in business. What this means is that, passengers are allowed a total of 69KG in ECONOMY CLASS and 96KG in BUSINESS CLASS. Aside this huge baggage allowance, passengers are also allowed to purchase extra bag at reduced rate. AviationGhana: Was the absence of SAA a key factor in your decision to start this route? ASKY: The absence of SAA is not a factor in the decision to operate to Johannesburg. We started our Johannesburg flights even at the time
SAA was fully operational. The absence of SAA instead influenced the repackaging of our Johannesburg service. This led to the introduction of nonstop flights from Lome. AviationGhana: For passengers connecting the flight from Accra, what are the scheduled departure and arrival times? ASKY: For passengers connecting from Accra, this is the most convenient flight and the shortest route to Johannesburg. Passengers from Accra have very short connecting time in Lome. Passengers can travel any day as the flights operate daily. AviationGhana: Is PCR test required for passengers transiting through Lomé? ASKY: PCR test is required for all Passengers travelling to Johannesburg. The same test results is valid for your connection in Lome AviationGhana: Does SA require a PCR test be taken at the point of departure before reaching her shores? ASKY: Negative (PCR) COVID-19 test at most 72 hours from the date of sample.
AviationGhana: comments?
Any
other
ASKY: We have introduced very attractive sales incentives for all categories of Travel Agents, Brokers and Tour operators. Aside the sales incentives, travel agents are offered various levels of sales commission. Passengers check in their bags in Accra and pick up in Johannesburg. ASKY is a commercial company under private law and is managed by experienced African aviation professionals, with Ethiopian airlines as its strategic partner. ASKY currently operates a fleet of nine aircraft: three (3) Boeing 737-800s, five (5) Boeing 737700s and one (1) Dash Q-400, serving twenty-four (24) cities in twenty-one (21) countries within Africa. ASKY’s focus is to develop a strong intra-Africa network that fosters regional development, tourism, economic growth and regional integration as a major economic catalyst within the continent with its long-term goal of a sustainable business focused on profitability.
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Delta the only U.S. airline to block middle seats, limit onboard capacity through March 30, 2021 Delta will continue delivering on its industry-leading commitment to provide more space for customers as the only U.S. airline blocking middle seats for flights departing now through March 30, 2021. As more medical experts agree on the safety of air travel thanks to the multiple layers of protection provided under the Delta CareStandard, blocking seats into spring 2021 provides added confidence and reassurance for customers booking future travel plans. “Several independent studies have validated the effectiveness of the Delta CareStandard’s multi-layered protection, like advanced ventilation and an extensive cleaning regimen, which together significantly reduce the risk of flight-related transmission,” said Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer. “However, we recognize some customers are still learning to live with this virus and desire extra space for their peace of mind. We are listening and will always take the appropriate steps to ensure our customers have complete confidence in their travel with us.” The health and safety of our customers and employees remains our top priority. The Delta CareStandard encompasses more than 100 protective measures, such as sanitizing every flight, a comprehensive employee COVID testing program, and the use of industrial-grade HEPA filters that extract more than 99.99% of particles, including viruses.
Taking the Stress Out of Flying Delta is making it easier to plan and book your next trip. Delta launched a new interactive map on delta.com that gives customers the power to search, view and clickto-book their desired destination all in one place, giving full control and a better understanding of current travel restrictions and what to expect upon arrival. The data is curated from government agencies and the International Air Transport Association to provide
US airline CEOs renew request for more aid in letter to Congress The chief executives of the largest U.S. airlines made a fresh plea for Congress to pass a new round of federal payroll aid this year to meet the logistical challenges of distributing a COVID-19 vaccine, according to a letter to Congressional leaders sent on Wednesday. The chief executives of the largest U.S. airlines made a fresh plea for
Congress to pass a new round of federal payroll aid this year to meet the logistical challenges of distributing a COVID-19 vaccine, according to a letter to Congressional leaders sent on Wednesday. The letter, seen by Reuters, was sent by the main industry lobby Airlines for America and signed by the heads of the top seven U.S. airlines.
detailed insight into quarantine and testing requirements, travel forms and paperwork, local health information, local COVID-19 guidelines, and links to necessary forms and applications needed prior to travel. In addition to a new trip planning tool, we’re offering greater flexibility if you ever need to change your plans, including: 1.No change fees for a U.S. domestic ticket or domestic award ticket, excluding Basic Economy fares. 2.No change fees for all domestic and
international tickets purchased through Dec. 31, 2020, even if scheduled to travel next year. 3.Extending the use of travel credits through December 2022 for travel originally scheduled to depart before March 31, 2021 (if the ticket was purchased before April 17, 2020). 4.For a comprehensive overview of how we’re delivering on flexibility, superior cleanliness, more space and safer service.
France to keep supporting Air FranceKLM if needed: Government The French government will continue to support airline company Air France-KLM if necessary, government spokesman Gabriel Attal said on Wednesday (Nov 18). Attal, holding a news conference after a cabinet meeting, was asked about a report that Air France-KLM was discussing plans to raise another €6 billion (US$7.1 billion) from its two government shareholders and other investors.
The company received €10.4 billion in state-backed bailouts from France and the Netherlands earlier this year to help it cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. “The state has always strongly supported Air France since the beginning of the crisis”, Attal said, adding the company had ongoing talks with France’s finance ministry. (Reuters)
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Lufthansa launches Star Alliance biometrics at Munich and Frankfurt airports Lufthansa Group will be the first to launch Star Alliance’s biometric service at Frankfurt and Munich airports, ensuring a contactless travel experience for passengers in light of Covid-19. Star Alliance Biometrics allows customers to use facial recognition technology to pass through security and boarding gates in a touchless manner, provided that they have opted-in to share biometric data. As a founding member of Star Alliance, Lufthansa group airlines will be the first to use the biometric system, with Lufthansa and Swiss implementing it on selected flights this month at Frankfurt/ Main Airport (FRA) and Munich Airport (MUC). Members of the Miles and More frequent flyer programme can already enrol in Star Alliance Biometrics via a link within the Lufthansa app. Customers are asked to take a selfie, verify their identity with their passport and opt-in to the airlines and airports where they want to use the service. Once enrolled, the facial recognition technology will match the customer’s live image to the boarding pass information and biometric profile, allowing the customer to pass through the touchpoints of any participating airport that has the biometrics in place. Customers only need to register once,
and are advised that they do not have to remove a face mask, as the identification process works for passengers wearing face coverings. The eGates equipped with biometrics are clearly signed with the Star Alliance Biometrics logo above the gate as well as with floor markings. Star Alliance has stated that the “range of process points will be gradually expanded – for example to baggage drop-off and business lounges” in the near future. Lufthansa Group has stated that “personal data, such as photo and other identification details, are encrypted and safely stored within the platform”, and customers can delete their biometric profile at any time. Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Star Alliance, commented on the launch: “We are exceedingly proud to have founding member Lufthansa as the first airline to implement the Star Alliance Biometrics solution in both of its Frankfurt and Munich Airport hubs. This is a customer-centric solution that furthers our credentials in innovation, particularly its multi-airline and multiairport capability. Whilst it offers a seamless customer travel experience, it is also a critical development that addresses the expectation of customers for a more touchless and hygienically safer experience. Star Alliance
Biometrics is a key part of our strategy to be the most digitally advanced global airline alliance.” Christina Foerster, Member of the Board, Customer, IT & Corporate Responsibility at Lufthansa Group, added: “The topic of biometrics will become increasingly important when travelling in the future. Especially during the pandemic, such touchless processes at the airport are a big plus. In the Lufthansa Group, biometric technology and solutions will increasingly ensure simplified and more efficient processes at airports, thereby significantly improving the travel experience of our
passengers. “I am very pleased that with Star Alliance Biometrics we will be able to offer interested frequent flyers biometric security checkpoint access and boarding via facial recognition at our Frankfurt and Munich hubs as from November. This is an important milestone for us.” This news comes after Lufthansa’s first Covid-free flight last week between Munich and Hamburg, following the launch of its new testing programme. Emirates also recently launched a ‘biometric path’ at Dubai International airport, reducing human interaction at check-in and immigration.
Together Again: Physical Distancing on the Decline Earlier this year, stringent lockdowns and uncertainty about the severity and transmission of COVID-19 led to the widespread adoption of physical distancing measures across the world. However, as COVID-19 outbreaks began to ebb and lockdowns eased over the summer, measures tracking mobility, such as Google Community Mobility Reports, showed that adherence to keeping our distance from others began to relax. Our ongoing research finds that these increases in mobility were indeed matched by a significant decline in self-reported compliance for a range of recommended COVID-19 behaviors across many advanced and emerging economies. Looking at data through September, this gradual decline in compliance with recommended COVID-19 behaviors appears to have followed on the heels of governments relaxing restrictive lockdowns earlier in the summer, including allowing shops, restaurants, and other businesses in the service sector to re-open. Lower compliance may have also reflected a mix of fatigue and complacency with
COVID-19 restrictions, especially since a disproportionate share of the decline was reported among younger people and other lower-risk groups. However, the evidence shows that many people were seeking to balance the behaviors recommended to slow the spread of the virus with the need to return to work, care for family members, and maintain social contacts. We see this reflected in different trends across self-reported behaviors. For example, we find that, on average, more people reported attending small social gatherings in September and fewer worked from home compared to March and April. This was accompanied by significantly higher rates of reported mask wearing, particularly in countries where mask wearing in public was initially not common. Interestingly, there are significant differences in compliance with recommended COVID-19 behaviors across demographic groups. For example, women consistently reported higher adoption of physical distancing than men, even accounting for their employment status, household size, and
number of children. This is consistent with findings that women are more risk averse than men. So too did older people and other at-risk groups. People who trust their government’s response to COVID-19 were also more likely to adopt the recommended behaviors. Trust in the government response appears to have declined in several
countries, especially in those that had more severe COVID-19 outbreaks. This combination of eroding trust and lower compliance is likely to create challenges in the months ahead, as many countries face the possibility—and in some cases already the reality—of new COVID-19 outbreaks. (Source: blogs.imf.org)
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Peter Gerber is Brussels Airlines new CEO Dieter Vranckx, who joined Brussels Airlines in May 2018 as CFO and Deputy CEO and who has been acting as CEO of the Belgian airline since January 2020, will move within the Lufthansa Group to head the Zurich based Lufthansa Group network airline SWISS as of January 1st 2021. Peter Gerber will succeed Dieter Vranckx as CEO of Brussels Airlines. Subject to the pending resolution of the Board of Directors of SN Airholding, Gerber, who is currently Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG, will move to Belgium as of 1 March 2021. Next to heading the Belgian airline, he will also assume the newly created function of Lufthansa Group Chief Representative for European Affairs in Brussels. “Together with the other members of the Lufthansa Group Executive Board, I wish to thank Dieter for his exemplary commitment in guiding Brussels Airlines through rough times. The Belgian airline is on the right path towards a financially healthy future”, explains Christina Foerster, Member of the Lufthansa Group Executive Board Customer, IT & Corporate Responsibility. “With Peter Gerber, a very experienced airliner and CEO takes
over from Dieter Vranckx. Together with Nina Öwerdieck, CFO of Brussels Airlines and Edi Wolfensberger, COO of the Belgian airline, Peter will continue with the implementation of the company’s turnaround plan “Reboot Plus” and build a strong, lean and competitive Brussels Airlines that can withstand future headwinds. On top of his CEO mandate, Peter will represent the interests of the entire Group at European level”, adds Christina Foerster. “In the last months, Brussels Airlines has reached important milestones within its turnaround plan ‘Reboot Plus’. At the end of this year, we will have accomplished more than 90% of our restructuring. Being already today more efficient and leaner than in the past helps us to manage the current unprecedented crisis”, explains Dieter Vranckx, CEO of Brussels Airlines. “Together with a very professional and committed staff, Peter Gerber and my colleagues of the Extended Management Board, will make sure that Brussels Airlines gets out of the crisis stronger than before”, adds Dieter Vranckx. “Brussels Airlines has many assets and together with the Brussels Airlines
management and all 3,500 employees I am looking forward to build on the company’s strengths while increasing our competitiveness and making our way of working future proof”, says Peter Gerber, future CEO of Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa Group Chief Representative for European Affairs in Brussels. Born in 1964 in the German town of Gieβen (Hessen), Peter Gerber studied law and business management in Gieβen and Hagen. He also completed a Senior Executive Programme at Columbia University in New York. It’s in 1992 that Gerber joined Lufthansa. During his career he held various management positions. In
June 2009 he was appointed to the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG, responsible for Finance and Human Resources. In June 2012, Gerber changed to the Executive Board of Lufthansa Passage Airlines, where he was heading the Human Resources, IT & Services divisions. Peter Gerber has been Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG since May 2014. In addition to this role, Gerber holds mandate at different companies and associations, such as a seat on the Supervisory Board of Fraport AG and the position as Chairman of the IATA Cargo Advisory Council. (Source: Brussels Airlines)
ICAO’s SG hints at possible boost for Africa Speaking at a special online event organized by the African Union (AU) to commemorate the Yamoussoukro Decision, ICAO Secretary General, Dr. Fang Liu declared that the recovery of African air services should be encouraged through further liberalization and intra-regional resilience, aided by ICAO’s COVID-19 response resources. “Prior to the onset of the pandemic, African aviation was poised to become one of the fastest growing air transport markets in the world. The overall sector supported some seven million jobs, and generated over 72 billion dollars each year in gross domestic product (GDP) on this continent,” Dr. Liu said. “To help restore these significant and positive benefits to African prosperity, current priorities should focus on the establishment of effective contingency policies and regulations.” The Secretary General highlighted the work of the ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Taskforce (CART), and its aviation response and recover “Take-Off Guidelines” which were fully endorsed by the AU Commission High Level Task Force on the Restart and Recovery of Aviation in Africa earlier this year. Reflecting the rapid progression of science and understanding, Dr. Liu highlighted that new CART Phase II revisions were endorsed by the ICAO
Council earlier this week. Drawing reference to the event’s focus, and the significance of the Yamoussoukro Decision and improved intra-regional and international liberalization, Dr. Liu emphasized that “ICAO traffic data is revealing that regions which feature higher levels of intra-regional traffic are recovering more quickly. We are seeing this playing out now in the Asia-Pacific, and it goes without saying that the more comprehensive realization of the Yamoussoukro Decision, notably through increased participation by African States in the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM), will accelerate these dynamics here.” This SAATM is a flagship project of
the African Union Agenda 2063, and is designed to advance the liberalization of air transport and act as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda. It seeks to ensure that aviation can fulfil its potential in connecting Africa by promoting improved socioeconomic integration and enhanced tourism and trade. “I would encourage African countries’ proactive pursuit of Public Health Corridors and other near-term travel bubble solutions, as these can also increase public confidence in air travel when prudently and effectively established,” the Secretary General remarked. “ICAO has provided extensive information to States on how to
establish these corridors, and important advice for countries on how to promote the mutual recognition of public health measures through bilateral and multilateral agreements.” Stressing that Africa’s commitments to a Single African Sky “connect this continent and assure the growth and prosperity of its countries and communities,” Dr. Liu highlighted the significance of the Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) between ICAO and AFCAC, which will be formalized in the near future. This agreement sets out provisions of the Institutional Support Project financed by the African Development Fund (ADF), and will help accelerate SAATM implementation by providing targeted and measurable assistance to applicable States. Concluding her remarks, the Secretary General expressed her confidence in the future of aviation in Africa. The AU virtual event address was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Togo, Her Excellency Victoire Tomegah Dogbe. Also in attendance were the Commissioner of Infrastructure, Energy and Transport, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid; and the leadership of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), and ACI Africa. (Source: ICAO)
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Which hotels are offering Covid-19 tests? BY HANNAH BRANDLER
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ountries are increasingly demanding proof of a negative Covid-19 test for international arrivals. To make your life easier (and less expensive), some hotels are teaming up with biotech companies to offer packages which include a test. Here, we round up the offers available at properties around the world. Arora Group: ‘Test and Rest’ Where? The Arora Group is offering Covid-19 tests to guests staying at the Sofitel London Heathrow at Terminal 5, and plans to roll this out to its other airport hotels. How does it work? The package includes an overnight stay, breakfast, and a self-administered PCR Covid-19 test. The group has partnered with Halo to provide the testing system. Guests will be asked to download the Halo app on arrival and scan their test kit before spitting into a tube and returning it to the kit. The sample will then be sent to Halo’s lab at Imperial College, London, with results and a certificate provided on the app the following morning. Provided they do not test positive, guests will then be able to immediately fly to destinations that accept the test. The group states that it “cannot guarantee certification will be accepted by every border authority in every state” as it is a self-administered saliva test. How much does it cost? The package at the Sofitel property starts at £179 per room, inclusive of VAT, accommodation and one test (weekend room-only rate – £199 mid-week) – additional tests can be added to the package at £60 inclusive of VAT per person. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai How does it work? The hotel is doing something slightly different to the other listed hotels, reimbursing Covid-19 test costs for guests staying five nights or more until April 30, 2021. The resort is allowing guests to claim back the cost of their mandatory departure PCR test (for travel to Dubai) with credit that can be redeemed in the resort. To qualify, guests will have to present proof of purchase of their departure PCR test from any registered private clinic, medical centre or private hospital upon check-in to the hotel. The resort is also offering in-house PCR test services “at a preferred price” for guests who are required to present a test upon departure from Dubai to their destination.
How much does it cost? The resort will reimburse the full cost of the tests for two guests up to AED 700 each (approximately £145). The credit can be redeemed on food and beverages, spa treatments, or marine and waterpark experiences. Note that free tests taken in the country of origin do not qualify for the in-resort credit. Guests have to show proof of a valid payment invoice to claim the credit. Rocco Forte Hotels: ‘Fit to Travel’ Where? The hotel group has partnered with Blue Horizon to offer pre-departure testing in the UK for guests staying at its hotels in Italy. Testing is also available on arrival at Verdura Resort in Sicily, and Hotel de la Ville and Hotel de Russie in Rome, with results available within 48 hours. How does it work? The ‘Fit To Travel’ service is entirely bookable online, and Blue Horizon will arrange for selftest kits to be couriered to and from people’s homes. The courier will then deliver the sample to the laboratory and a test certificate will be sent directly to the customer’s email address in the form of a PDF attachment within 72 hours of travel.
How much does it cost? Travellers from the UK who have booked a stay at one of the group’s hotels will receive an exclusive discount code, meaning they will only have to pay £129 for a test (rather than £169). Room Mate Hotels Where?The group is offering free Covid-19 antigen tests to guests staying at four of its hotels in Spain: Room Mate Oscar in Madrid; Room Mate Anna in Barcelona; Room Mate Valeria in Malaga; and Room Mate Leo in Granada. The group plans to roll this out to all hotels in the chain. How does it work?The hotel has partnered with health company Quironprevention to carry out antigen rapid tests on guests during check-in, with results available within approximately 15 minutes. A professional nurse performs the test every day from 1300-2200 (including weekends and holidays) in areas reserved for testing, and guests can take a test once every three nights during their stay. Guests can also be tested at Quiron centres if these timings do not suit. If the test comes back positive, the guest will be offered a room for their
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isolation at the best available rate. How much does it cost? It’s free! The Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport: ‘Test, Rest and Fly’ How does it work? The hotel has partnered with Vida Care to perform PCR tests for passengers travelling through the airport, with results available within 24 hours (36 hours on weekends). The package includes an overnight stay, breakfast and a PCR test taken on the grounds of Carlton Dublin Airport. How much does it cost? The package costs €249 per person Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) How does it work? The Dubai hotel has partnered with Burjeel Hospital to offer guests Covid-19 tests. Trained medical professionals will conduct the test in the guest’s hotel room at a prearranged time, with results available in less than 24 hours. How much does it cost? The test costs AED 250 (approximately £52). (Credit:BT)
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