Category: Covid-19 (Page 5 of 34)

Small Ship Cruise Line Windstar Resumes Operations in Tahiti for Vaccinated Guests

July 17, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Seattle, Washington, July 16, 2021 – U.S. headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has resumed cruising this week in French Polynesia/the Islands of Tahiti with vaccinated guests + crew aboard the line’s 148-passenger Wind Spirit sailing ship. Half of the line’s six yacht fleet is now back in the water cruising.

To celebrate Wind Spirit’s return, the line has added free drinks to its already enticing bundled pricing.

Windstar offers a convenient Air + Hotel package from Los Angeles International Airport that includes the round trip Air Tahiti Nui flight from Los Angeles, pre-cruise accommodations and a post-cruise day room, ground transfers in Tahiti, and a seven, 10, or 11 night boutique cruise in French Polynesia. Now on cruise vacations including air and hotel booked during the promotional period ending July 30, 2021, guests also receive the promise of a free beverage package (with unlimited select spirits, wine, beer, cocktails, and minibar items), guaranteeing an extra Mai Tai or three beneath a palm tree. If guests don’t imbibe, they can alternately choose shipboard credit to put towards other experiences, like a relaxing onboard spa treatment or shore excursions such as SCUBA diving, reef snorkeling, or even harvesting Tahitian black pearls.

Windstar typically sails year-round from Tahiti, where cruises take place on Wind Spirit, a 148- guest motorized sailing yacht specifically designed for the region and capturing the South Pacific trade winds in its billowing sails. However, Windstar’s reimagined, new all-suite Star Breeze yacht carrying 312 guests will begin sailings in the region on September 19 and will remain on a limited engagement in Tahiti until March of 2022, giving guests a unique chance to sail on the larger, more amenity-intensive yacht in gracious ocean view 277 square feet suites. Windstar offers guests a complimentary private event on their Tahiti cruises: a private beach party and locally sourced feast on one of Bora Bora’s tiny motus, followed by a kinetic fire-dancing performance. It is available on all sailings/both yachts.

Windstar is returning to operations in a phased manner, with its fleet of six yachts debuting on various dates through November, while requiring vaccines of all passengers amongst a host of health and safety precautions including testing, social distancing, masks, and high-tech air filtration. On June 19, Windstar’s Wind Star yacht resumed revenue operations in Greece, and on July 10, Windstar’s Star Breeze began sailing in the Caribbean, both with vaccinated guests and crew.

Windstar has plans to resume sailing on the following yachts in 2021 with vaccinated guests + crew:

Wind Surf – August 8, 2021 – Mediterranean

Star Legend – September 4, 2021 – Northern Europe

Star Pride – November 3, 2021 – Caribbean

For more details on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com

Delta Air Lines Announces End of June Quarterly 2021 Financial Results

July 14, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

ATLANTA, July 14, 2021 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today reported financial results for the June quarter 2021 and provided its outlook for the September quarter 2021. Highlights of the June quarter 2021 results, including both GAAP and adjusted metrics, are on page six and are incorporated here.

June Quarter Financial Results

Adjusted pre-tax loss of $881 million excludes $1.5 billion of benefit related to the first and second payroll support program extensions (PSP2 and PSP3, respectively) and mark-to-market adjustments on our investments
Adjusted operating revenue of $6.3 billion, which excludes refinery sales, declined 49 percent on 39 percent lower sellable capacity (see Note A) versus June quarter 2019
Total operating expense, which includes $1.5 billion of benefit related to PSP2 and PSP3, decreased $4.1 billion relative to the June quarter 2019. Adjusted for the benefit related to the PSP programs and third-party refinery sales, total operating expense decreased $3.3 billion or 32 percent in the June quarter 2021 versus the comparable 2019 period
Generated $1.9 billion of operating cash flow, $1.5 billion of free cash flow and $195 million of free cash flow, adjusted in the June quarter
At the end of the June quarter, the company had $17.8 billion in liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and undrawn revolving credit facilities. The company had total debt and finance lease obligations of $29.1 billion with adjusted net debt of $18.3 billion

Click the link below to read the full release, including the reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures:

Delta Air Lines Announces June Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Cessna Citation Longitude Achieves EASA Certification

July 13, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Textron Aviation today announced its flagship Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet achieved certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), clearing the way for customer deliveries to begin in the region.

The Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet is designed, produced and delivered by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.

The largest jet in the Cessna Citation lineup, the Longitude was designed with business and return on investment at the forefront, with the lowest direct operating cost of any super-midsize jet. Capable of flying from Geneva to Dubai or Rome to New Delhi, the Longitude offers class-leading comfort, the quietest cabin in class, and advanced connectivity for those focused on staying productive in the air.

As a clean-sheet aircraft, the Longitude was designed with innovation front of mind, and a cabin experience shaped around customer input and a broad range of mission capabilities.

The Longitude is backed by Textron Aviation’s extensive global customer service network, providing customers with direct access to nearly 3,000 expert employees, including service representatives offering maintenance, inspections, parts, repairs, avionic upgrades, equipment installations, refurbishments and other specialized services.

Boeing Company Announces Second Quarter Deliveries

July 13, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today major program deliveries across its commercial and defense operations for the second quarter of 2021.

“We continue the work to deliver on our commitments to our commercial, defense, space and services customers, while positioning our business for a stable and strong recovery from the pandemic. In the second quarter, we made progress in safely returning the 737 MAX to service in more international markets and increasing the pace of 737 deliveries,” the company said.

As Boeing has previously shared, the company has been engaged in detailed discussions with the FAA on verification methodology for 787 fuselages, and conducting associated inspections and rework. In connection with these efforts, the company has identified additional rework that will be required on undelivered 787s. Based on our assessment of the time required to complete this work, Boeing is reprioritizing production resources for a few weeks to support the inspection and rework. As that work is performed, the 787 production rate will temporarily be lower than five per month and will gradually return to that rate. Boeing now expects to deliver fewer than half of the 787s currently in inventory this year.

“We will continue to take the necessary time to ensure Boeing airplanes meet the highest quality prior to delivery. Across the enterprise, our teams remain focused on safety and integrity as we drive stability, first-time quality and productivity in our operations,” the company added.

Major program deliveries during the second quarter were as follows:

Major Programs	2nd Quarter 2021	Year-to- Date 2021

Commercial Airplanes Programs
737	50		113
747	1		2
767	8		13
777	8		14
787	12		14
Total	79		156

Defense, Space & Security Programs
AH-64 Apache (New)	6		15
AH-64 Apache (Remanufactured)	16		31
CH-47 Chinook (New)	3		6
CH-47 Chinook (Renewed)	1		4
F-15 Models	5		8
F/A-18 Models	7		11
KC-46 Tanker	2		4
P-8 Models	3		6
Commercial and Civil Satellites	—		—
Military Satellites	—		—

Note: Delivery information is not considered final until quarterly financial results are issued.

QANTAS Announces Another New Queensland Route to the Whitsundays

July 11, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Queenslanders will have more travel options to the world-famous Whitsundays with QantasLink launching direct flights from Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) for the first time in seven years.

From 17 September 2021, QantasLink will operate up to seven weekly return flights between Proserpine and Brisbane with its 74-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft, adding more than 1000 seats on the route each week.

It follows the new routes QantasLink commenced from Brisbane to Albury and Cooma earlier this week. Between Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar, the Group has now launched more than 45 new routes since international borders closed, around half of which are into Queensland.

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said the new route would create stronger connections to the popular tourism destination.

Special fares on the new route are available from $109 one-way at qantas.com or through Travel Agents, until 10 July 2021, unless sold out prior.

The new Brisbane-Proserpine service will complement Jetstar flights to the Whitsunday Coast from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Qantas has recently extended its Fly Flexible policy, offering customers who book flights before 30 September 2021 with unlimited ‘fee free’ date changes when travelling before 28 February 2022. (A fare difference may apply).

Emirates Restarts Passenger Services to Mauritius as Island Nation Reopens

July 11, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Emirates has announced it will restart passenger services to Mauritius this summer with two weekly flights from 15 July, as the island-nation gradually re-opens its borders to international tourists. To serve market demand, the airline has also announced it will deploy its iconic Emirates A380 aircraft to Mauritius starting 1 August. Fully vaccinated travellers can enjoy a relaxing and safe getaway in a list of pre-approved COVID-19 safe resorts across the island.

Emirates’ flights to Mauritius will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays. Starting from 15 July, the route will be served utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and from 1 August, utilising the Emirates A380 aircraft. Emirates flight EK 701 will depart Dubai 2:35hrs and arrive in Mauritius at 9:10hrs local time. The return flight will operate on Fridays and Sundays. Emirates flight EK 704 will depart Mauritius at 23:10hrs and arrive in Dubai at 5:45hrs local time, the following day.

Emirates flights to Mauritius can be booked on emirates.com, via travel agents or Emirates Sales Office.

The Emirates A380 experience remains a favourite amongst travellers for its spacious and comfortable cabins and the airline will continue to expand its deployment in line with the gradual return in demand. Emirates currently operates the A380 to New York JFK, Los Angeles, Washington D.C, Toronto, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Frankfurt, Moscow, Amman, Cairo, and Guangzhou.

From white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and luscious landscapes – Mauritius remains one the most popular holiday destinations, attracting travellers across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Emirates passengers can also enjoy other Indian Ocean destinations, as the airline offers 28 weekly flights to Maldives and seven weekly flights to Seychelles.

Travellers can also book with Emirates Holidays and enjoy tailor-made packages at world-class hotels and resorts across the island. For more information, click here

Deutsche Post DHL Group Raises Guidance After Record Quarterly Earnings

July 7, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Bonn, Germany – Deutsche Post DHL Group (OTC: DPSGY), the world’s leading logistics company, has today released preliminary results for the second quarter of 2021. Simultaneously, the outlook for the current financial year and for 2023 has been raised. Furthermore, a one-time corona bonus¹ for approximately 550,000 employees worldwide has been decided. Preliminary operating profit (EBIT) for the second quarter has improved to record level with around EUR 2,075 million (Q2 2020: EUR 912 million) and has more than doubled compared to previous year. Against the backdrop of the excellent business performance, the Group has raised its EBIT outlook for 2021 to more than EUR 7.0 billion (so far: more than EUR 6.7 billion). The mid-term EBIT outlook for 2023 is now expected to be more than EUR 7.4 billion (so far: more than EUR 7.0 billion).

As an appreciation for their tireless efforts during the pandemic the Group has decided to grant again a corona bonus of EUR 300¹ to employees worldwide. This one-time payment is aimed at approximately 550,000 colleagues in all divisions and countries. Excluded are Executives. The corresponding expenses of around EUR 200 million will be booked in the third quarter 2021 and are already included in the updated earnings outlook for 2021.

All divisions significantly exceeded the previous year’s results. Network capacity utilization was constantly high in the second quarter 2021. B2C shipment volumes remained ahead of last year in all networks, while the recovery in the B2B businesses continued to gain momentum. At the same time the tight capacity situation both in Ocean and Air Freight markets remained unchanged.

Delta counts down to Croatia flight launch

June 29, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Delta is counting down to the start of its new service to Dubrovnik on Friday, July 2, offering U.S. travelers more opportunities to reclaim the joy of travel this summer in one of Europe’s most intriguing nations.

Croatia is the first new European country to which Delta will begin service since the start of the pandemic. Its customers are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to discover the country. The airline will operate four weekly nonstop services between Dubrovnik and New York-JFK, with departures on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flights are operated in conjunction with Delta’s European partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic.

Data from the World Travel and Tourism Council reports that tourism represents 25 percent of Croatia’s GDP. Pre-pandemic, the number of U.S. tourists to Croatia was on the rise, with more than 550,000 visitors in 2018 – a 23 percent increase over 2017, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, the Croatian Bureau of Statistics reported that 10 percent of all visitors to Dubrovnik came from the U.S. in 2019, which is the second-largest source market.

Customers flying from Croatia can connect at Delta’s JFK hub to more than 30 cities across the U.S. within four hours of arrival, enabling them to reach their final destination the same day. The service also provides cargo opportunities for freight forwarders to conveniently transport goods between the nations.

In line with local entry guidelines, all customers must show proof of full vaccination status, have a negative PCR test or proof of recent COVID-19 recovery before boarding in the U.S. While the U.S. is open to visitors from Croatia, Delta recommends that customers check entry requirements before travel. Details are available on the Delta Discover Map on delta.com. The airline continues to offer more flexibility than ever to plan and rebook tickets with an industry-leading travel credit extension for all tickets expiring in 2021 and all tickets purchased in 2021 through Dec. 31, 2022.

Emirates Boosts Operations in Jordan, Adds Second Daily A380 Service to Amman

June 20, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Emirates will be ramping up operations to Jordan during the summer with the introduction of second daily A380 flight during the months of July and August. The airline will operate the second daily flight from 15-20 July 2021, ahead of the Eid Al Adha period. Emirates will also operate double daily A380 services from 10-31 August. The move to boost capacity between Dubai and Amman during these periods was driven by high forecasted passenger demand. The double daily A380 services to Amman also demonstrate the airline’s commitment to adapting its operations to better serve customers.

Emirates will also increase flights between Dubai and Amman from 12 to 14 weekly, from 1 July.

From 15-20 July 2021, and from 10-31 August 2021, Emirates flights EK 905 and 906 will be operated with an Airbus A380 in a three class configuration, featuring 14 luxurious First Class suites, 76 lie flat Business Class seats and 420 generously pitched Economy Class seats. Passengers in all classes will enjoy over 4,500 channels of films, TV shows, music and games, with an impressive selection of Arabic content, through ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system. What’s more, First and Business Class passengers can enjoy the Emirates Onboard Lounge, where they can safely network and enjoy the signature Emirates experience.

Since it safely resumed tourism activity in July 2020, Dubai remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. The city is open for international business and leisure visitors. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences. It was one of the world’s first cities to obtain Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which endorses Dubai’s comprehensive and effective measures to ensure guest health and safety.

Emirates remains focused on taking various steps to ease travel and has been a leader in introducing initiatives in cooperation with health authorities and organisations to protect the health of customers and to ensure their safety. Emirates introduced measures on the ground throughout all touchpoints and onboard to provide its passengers with the highest safety and hygiene standards at every step of the journey. The airline has also recently introduced contactless technology to ease the customer journey through Dubai airport.

Qantas and Jetstar Meet Strong Domestic Demand with More Aircraft and Flights

June 20, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

The Qantas Group is preparing for continued growth in domestic travel demand, with additional aircraft to be made available for Qantas and Jetstar flying.

Additional E190’s for QantasLink

The national carrier today announced an expansion of its three-year deal with Alliance Airlines, which provides QantasLink with capacity using Alliance’s Embraer E190 regional jet aircraft and the flexibility to respond to changing market conditions.

The expanded agreement will see the airline increase its options under this deal from 14 jet aircraft to a total of 18. Of this, three are already flying with another five to enter service by October. The E190s will be painted in QantasLink livery and are part of Qantas growing its domestic capacity to at least 107 per cent of pre-COVID levels in FY22.

The first of the 94-seat E190 jets started flying on the QantasLink network last month. The jet’s five-hour range makes it well suited to linking regional centres with smaller capital cities. The introduction of E190s also frees up Qantas’ Boeing 737 aircraft to be redeployed across the domestic network, enabling the airline to launch a number of new routes and add frequencies on existing ones.

Canberra-Adelaide is the latest route to benefit from additional flights made possible by the E190, with frequencies to double from nine per week to 18 per week from mid-July.

Jetstar boosts its Australian-based A320 fleet

Demand for low-cost leisure travel remains strong due to closed international borders and structural changes in Australia’s aviation market. As a result, Jetstar’s Australian domestic network is set to grow to 120 per cent of its pre-COVID schedule in FY22.

To help meet the increased demand, three Airbus A320 aircraft will be temporarily redeployed from Jetstar Asia in Singapore while international travel in the region faces a slower recovery.

These aircraft join the six Airbus A320 aircraft on loan to Jetstar Airways from Jetstar Japan and up to five Boeing 787-8 aircraft set to operate domestically until international travel resumes.

Archives