MOSCOW (Reuters) – Low-cost airline Ryanair and other budget carriers are expected to start flying from Russia’s St Petersburg airport in 2020, the Russian Transport Ministry said.
The move is part of Russia’s plan to boost tourist flows to St Petersburg and will mean more competition for Russian air carriers, including national flag carrier Aeroflot.
The ministry said on Tuesday that Ryanair, EasyJet, WizzAir, Volotea, Air Baltic and Fly One had expressed interest in flights from St Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport, Russia’s fourth largest after Moscow’s three major hubs.
It said the companies had applied for flights from Pulkovo, coded LED by the International Air Transport Association, to 22 countries, including Britain, Germany and France.
Russia will introduce a so-called “Open Skies” regime for the companies for five years, the ministry said, allowing airlines to fly to St Petersburg without requiring the traditional bilateral inter-governmental agreements.
The move follows the introduction of a special electronic visa system for tourists visiting St Petersburg which nationals from 53 countries can take advantage of.
(Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov; Writing by Andrey Ostroukh,; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Ed Osmond)
The Dreamliner will open direct flights between Ulaanbaatar, Berlin, Paris and the West Coast of the U.S.
MIAT Mongolian Airlines (Mongolyn Irgenii Agaaryn Teever) will soon welcome the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to its fleet, as the airline looks to connect its home base in Ulaanbaatar with major European and North American cities beginning in 2021.
The 787-9 – the longest-range version of Boeing’s Dreamliner widebody airplane – will join MIAT’s fleet via lease from Air Lease Corporation.
“Our vision is to become a globally recognized Mongolian national flag carrier, and we are making a significant step forward by adding the first 787-9 Dreamliner to our fleet,” said Battur Davaakhuu, President and CEO, MIAT Mongolian Airlines. “The Mongolian Dreamliner will fly our passengers direct and in unmatched comfort to their dream destinations. Today is a proud day for MIAT and for all Mongolians.”
The Mongolian flag carrier joins other airlines in Asia – including Hainan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Vietnam Airlines – that operate long-distance routes using the super-efficient, long-range 787-9. The airplane can fly up to 7,635 nautical miles (14,140 km).
Los Angeles-based ALC purchased the airplane and is providing a long-term leasing agreement for its delivery to MIAT.
“ALC is honored to announce this significant lease placement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines and be the first to introduce the airline to the Dreamliner,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “We are proud to support the national carrier as it expands its fleet with the most technologically advanced aircraft to connect Mongolia with the rest of the world.”
Since the 787’s introduction in 2011, Boeing has booked over 1,400 orders from more than 80 customers. The company will now count MIAT as its newest Dreamliner operator.
“It will be wonderful to see the 787 Dreamliner in MIAT Mongolian Airlines’ livery flying in and out of Ulaanbaatar and connecting Mongolia with key destinations across Asia and Europe. The airline has continued to build on its proud aviation history by modernizing its fleet and operations. We are honored MIAT has selected the 787 and its superior fuel efficiency and range to profitably grow their international network,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing at Boeing. “We are delighted to partner with leading lessor ALC, which has a tremendous portfolio of 787 Dreamliners and other advanced jets, to open a new chapter in MIAT’s history.”
The 787 Dreamliner – the fastest-selling widebody jet in history – allows airlines to reduce fuel use and emissions by 20 to 25 percent and serve far-away destinations. The combination of unrivaled fuel efficiency and long range has helped airlines save more than 36 billion pounds of fuel and opened more than 235 nonstop routes.
MIAT is a leading national carrier dedicated to connecting Mongolia with the rest of the world by providing air transportation services of the highest quality, reliability and efficiency. Based in Ulaanbaatar, the airline currently operates a fleet of four Next-Generation 737s, one 737 MAX and two 767 airplanes.
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline and Interjet Airlines, one of the fastest growing airlines in North America, have announced an enhanced interline agreement, which is set to open new routes and destinations for passengers travelling between Mexico, the Gulf and Middle East and beyond.
With a single ticket, Emirates’ passengers can now seamlessly connect via Mexico City onto Interjet flights to Leon/Guanajuato, Culiacan, Cancun, Chihuahua, Guadalajara, Merida, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta, Tampico, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Tijuana and Villahermosa. Similarly, Interjet’s customers will be able to travel with great ease to Emirates’ destinations within the Middle East, Spain, South East Asia, the Far East and North Africa.
“We’re pleased to establish a partnership with Interjet Airlines, allowing Emirates passengers to benefit from increased choice, flexibility and ease of connection to different cities within Mexico and to regional international points beyond. This partnership further demonstrates our commitment to Mexico for the long run, as we continue to look at ways to build our operations in the market to best serve our customers,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer.
“While the interline agreement is only the start of our collaboration, we’re looking forward to explore more mutual opportunities and a wider scope of partnership in the near future,” he added.
Emirates’ partnership with Interjet started in April 2019 with a one-way Interline agreement, allowing passengers from Emirates’ 12 US gateways to travel to Mexico City on Interjet flights. With the expanded partnership agreement, Emirates’ passengers can now tap into Interjet’s strong domestic presence in Mexico and access 12 destinations beyond Mexico City. The enhanced agreement with Interjet Airlines also provides Emirates’ customers choice of over 15 regional international destinations beyond Mexico City.
“Since our initial interline agreement in April 2019, Interjet’s relationship with Emirates has truly been a success,” said Julio Gamero, Interjet’s Chief Commercial Officer. “This enhanced agreement, provides travelers from both airlines access to a broader network not only with more flight choices, but for Emirates customers, access to more of Mexico with our many domestic connections from Mexico City. When you combine this with seamless reservations, one-stop check-in with baggage checked to the final destination, more legroom between seats and Interjet’s outstanding on-board service, it’s easy to see why this agreement is a win-win for both airlines,” he added.
Starting 9 December 2019, Emirates will launch its new daily service from Dubai (DXB) to Mexico City International Airport (MEX), via the Spanish city of Barcelona (BCN). Effective XXX 2019, Interjet customers can start booking their trips through Emirates’ website, Online Travel Agencies (OTA’s) or travel agents, benefiting from the convenience of holding a single ticket with a single baggage policy.
ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — ExpressJet Airlines, a United Express carrier, began assigning pilots to its Embraer E175 aircraft base of operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, in advance of a January 1, 2020 open.
(PRNewsfoto/ExpressJet Airlines)
“Chicago’s size and central location makes it a highly desirable location for commuter pilots and locals alike,” said Scott Hall, Vice President of Flight Operations. “Opening the E175 crew base in Chicago is a natural outcome of ExpressJet’s growth trajectory.”
The E175 base will be in addition to ExpressJet’s existing ERJ145 pilot, flight attendant, and maintenance bases in Chicago. This is ExpressJet’s second E175 base, after the first base opened at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
About ExpressJet Airlines ExpressJet Airlines operates as United Express, on behalf of United Airlines (UAL), to serve more than 100 airports across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with over 3,300 weekly flights from bases in Chicago, Cleveland, Houstonand Newark. ExpressJet’s fleet includes more than 100 aircraft, including the Embraer ERJ145 and 25 new Embraer E175 aircraft. ExpressJet pilots enjoy top-tier pay and quality of life and can choose the Aviate career path to United Airlines. ExpressJet is a subsidiary of ManaAir, LLC. ManaAir is majority-owned by KAir Enterprises and minority-owned by United Airlines. For further information, contact 404-856-1199, corpcomm@expressjet.com.
New Passenger Information Management System will create a single technology information delivery platform for Link light rail vehicles, Sounder Commuter Rail trains and Tacoma Link light rail vehicles
Secure, scalable and flexible to meet future agency expansion needs for all transit modes
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Oct. 11, 2019) – The Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority – known as Sound Transit – will be streamlining its operations and improving the passenger experience via a new Passenger Information Management System (PIMS) being implemented by the ARINC rail solutions team at Collins Aerospace Systems, a business unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
PIMS will transform operations for Sound Transit’s Link light rail vehicles, Sounder Commuter Rail trains, and Tacoma Link light rail vehicles by integrating information services for all three transit modes into a single enterprise solution. Doing so will enable real-time data acquisition and processing to predict train arrival, which can provide passengers with reliable and accurate audio and visual message delivery on all rail cars and transit platforms. In addition, the solution will offer a Google Transit Feed to be used by Sound Transit to transmit messaging to the general public via the Internet. This open architecture-based solution provides the scalability and flexibility required for any future agency expansion needs across all transit modes.
Along with the strict and rigorous requirements for sustained operations, open integration and prediction/arrival train calculations, cybersecurity for the PIMS project and other critical digital systems is at the forefront for Sound Transit. The ARINC cybersecurity team will be performing security hardening and implementation services aligned with American Public Transportation Authority guidelines and best practices throughout every stage of the project from the design phase to system commissioning and throughout revenue service. Applying these tools and techniques will reduce vulnerabilities within the PIMS systems and applications on a continuous basis.
“As the current provider of Sound Transit’s train control system, we will leverage technology and provide new applications that build upon our current passenger information product suite to quickly design, integrate, secure and install the next generation PIMS solution,” said Frank Koren, director of Business Development within the Information Management Services division at Collins Aerospace. “Sound Transit has committed to significantly expand its transit services, which comes with the need to provide ongoing high-quality customer experiences. Our proven track record of developing cutting-edge customer information systems will help them ensure they do so for years to come.”
Collins Aerospace is providing Sound Transit with a Passenger Information Management System to help streamline its operations and improve the passenger experience.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump met on Thursday with the chief executives of major American airlines to discuss their accusations that subsidies by Qatar and United Arab Emirates are costing jobs in the United States.
The meeting between Trump and the CEOs of American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways Corp, FedEx Corp, and Atlas Air included Vice President Mike Pence, the White House said.
The meeting also included the CEO of state-owned Qatar Airways, Akbar al-Baker, who was also at the White House last week to tout its decision in June to buy five new Boeing 777 freighters.
The White House did not immediately provide details of the meeting.
Since 2015 the largest U.S. carriers – Delta Air Lines, American and United Airlines – have argued their Gulf rivals are being unfairly subsidized by their governments, distorting competition and costing U.S. jobs – something the Gulf carriers deny.
The Partnership for Open & Fair Skies, a group representing Delta, American, United and aviation unions, said it had a “productive meeting” with Trump.
“The president shares our concerns and instructed us to keep working with the U.S. Department of Transportation, which we plan to do,” Scott Reed, the group’s managing partner, said in a statement.
The CEOs of JetBlue, FedEx and Atlas Air have warned that restricting the rights of Qatar Airways could lead to retaliation against U.S. carriers and added, in an April letter, it could lead to “a rapid unravelling of hard-fought aviation rights around the world when other governments take similar action to shield their state-owned airlines from competition.”
Last week, the CEOs of Delta, United and American wrote a joint USA Today op-ed urging the White House to act “decisively to hold Qatar and the UAE accountable.” They suggested that failing to respond would “signal to other countries that they too are free to exploit American workers.”
In April, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the administration was scrutinizing Qatar Airways’ acquisition of a 49% stake in Air Italy, which has been flying to U.S. destinations since 2018 in a move seen by U.S. lawmakers as flouting a deal not to add new flights to the domestic market.
Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have said they were concerned that the deal with the Italian carrier contravened an understanding Qatar Airways reached with the United States in early 2018.
Qatar Airways acquired the 49% of Italian airline Meridiana in 2017, rebranded it Air Italy and transformed it into a carrier with five announced nonstop U.S. destinations from Milan.
The Qatari government said in 2018 it was unaware of any plans to launch flights from Qatar to U.S. destinations via stops in Europe known as “Fifth Freedom” flights.
(Reporting by Steve Holland and David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Jeff Mason; editing by Marguerita Choy, Tom Brown and Richard Chang)
New renderings showcase light-filled, environmentally sustainable concourse offering views of Citi Field and Flushing Bay.
New York favorites Birch Coffee, H&H Bagels and Juice Press among featured dining options from OTG.
Construction to date features 2,000 tons of steel, 50,000+ cubic yards of concrete, 40+ miles of piping, cabling and other infrastructure.
As summer begins, Delta teams are already looking ahead to the fall – and to celebrating the next major milestone in the airline’s history of investment in New York and at LaGuardia Airport.
The first of four concourses that will comprise Delta’s new state-of-the-art terminal at LGA is scheduled to open this fall, furthering the airline’s commitment to enhancing the New York customer experience from ground to air. The spacious 105,000-square-foot concourse will feature floor-to-ceiling views of Citi Field and Flushing Bay, gates that can accommodate a range of aircraft types, and dining options from favorite New York chefs and eateries.
“The historic infrastructure project underway at LaGuardia is a significant component of the more than $12 billion Delta is currently investing in airport redevelopment efforts around the country,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Our customers and employees are excited to see the LaGuardia of the future more fully come into view. Many thanks to everyone who has been working hard to launch an exciting new era for Delta in New York.”
“This new milestone in LaGuardia’s transformation brings us another step closer in converting the airport into a superb flight hub in line with New York standards,” said New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “Our collaboration with Delta in the development of this concourse and their new LaGuardia terminal is another demonstration of the effectives of public-private partnerships at work to modernize our state’s infrastructure.”
Delta operates more than 275 peak-day departures from its LGA hub and began construction of a $3.9 billion replacement of Terminals C and D in 2017, building on the airline’s extensive investment in New York airports over the past decade. When complete, the new terminal will feature 37 gates across four concourses connected by a centralized check-in lobby, security checkpoint, and baggage claim; dual taxiways that will help reduce hold outs and taxi times; a new, larger Delta Sky Club with a Sky Deck; larger gate areas and more concessions space; and more efficient airport roadways.
The large airport infrastructure project supports the significant investments Delta has also made in the skies to provide more consistency, comfort and convenience on flights to and from New York. The airline has added thousands more flights on new aircraft in the market and offers more seatback entertainment and more first class seats than any other airline out of New York City.
New dining options highlight star-powered chefs, favorite flavors of New York
Delta has again partnered with airport hospitality group OTG to bring chef-driven dining options and authentic local flavors to the new concourse. Chef Mark Iacono of Brooklyn’s Lucali consulted on Rossi Pizzeria, a Neapolitan-style pizza and calzone concept; and chefs Jess Shadbolt and Clare de Boer of King Restaurant in Soho consulted on Flatiron Tavern & Provisions, a contemporary tavern that will feature chops, burgers and fresh fish. OTG will also be introducing New York favorites Birch Coffee, H&H Bagels and Juice Press. To ensure dining offerings are relevant throughout the day, the H&H Bagels outpost – available in the morning – will transition to Rossi Pizzeria in the afternoon and evening. Each of the full-service concepts will place power outlets and USB ports at every seat, along with tablets allowing customers to track their flight, browse the web, play games, and order food, drinks and amenities.
“OTG is thrilled to have partnered on such an important project for Delta, its customers and employees, and really the city of New York,” said Rick Blatstein, OTG CEO. “The dining options we’re introducing at these dynamic concepts reflect the best of what’s available in our city, offering Delta’s LaGuardia customers the flavors we love and appreciate as New Yorkers.”
Meanwhile, Stellar Partners, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HMSHost, will design retail options for the new facility that provide a wide selection of travel essentials.
“We are very pleased to be part of Delta’s elevated and differentiated concessions program at LaGuardia Airport,” said Padraig Drennan, Stellar President & CEO. “This is truly a visionary program that will change the airport experience for New Yorkers and visitors to the city, and we could not be more excited to partner with Delta in making this vision a reality.”
Concourse construction, highlighted by unique and sustainable attributes, enters final phase
As final preparations continue for the opening of the new concourse, Delta teams recently installed passenger boarding bridges at the gates and energized the facility with permanent power. They’ve also been paving the aircraft ramp areas, testing building systems, and constructing the temporary pedestrian walkway that will connect the new concourse to Delta’s existing Terminal D. The security checkpoint in Terminal D will expand to support both concourses until the centralized check-in lobby opens in late 2021.
The new facility features a 12-megawatt Con Edison substation, which is integrated into the upper level of the concourse, providing power for the new terminal. Additionally, all major electrical and mechanical equipment is housed on the upper level to protect such systems from water damage in the event of a major storm. The concourse also features an ice-generation system that reduces electrical consumption at times of peak demand by creating ice at night, when energy demand is lower, and using it to cool the building during the day.
The opening of Delta’s first new gates represents another step forward in the comprehensive $8 billion redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport announced by Governor Cuomo in 2015. Under the governor’s plan, old facilities are being demolished only as new facilities are completed, enabling the airport – which services 30 million passengers each year – to remain fully operational as the multi-phased construction project continues. To date, Delta’s construction features 2,000 tons of steel, more than 50,000 cubic yards of concrete, and more than 40 miles of piping, cabling and other infrastructure.
Delta has invested more than $7 billion in airport projects since 2006, and along with its airport partners, will be involved in an additional $12 billion worth of facilities infrastructure projects in coming years, including improvements in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City and Seattle.
DUBAI
(Reuters) – State-owned Qatar Airways on Thursday dismissed concerns
its 49 percent stake in Air Italy breaches a 2018 aviation agreement
between the United States and Qatar, designed to address U.S. concerns
that Gulf airlines had an unfair competitive advantage.
The
U.S is “looking very closely” at the deal after Republicans and
Democrats said on Wednesday they were concerned it violated the
agreement.
Qatar
Airways bought a stake in Italian airline Meridiana in 2017, rebranded
it Air Italy and transformed it into a carrier with five announced
non-stop U.S. destinations from Milan.
Qatar
Airways said the stake was “fully compliant” with the 2018 U.S.-Qatar
Understandings, an additional pact that accompanied the U.S-Qatar Open
Skies agreement.
Since 2015 the largest U.S carriers – Delta Air Lines, American Airlines Group and United Airlines – have argued their Gulf rivals are being unfairly subsidized by their governments, distorting competition.
Gulf
airlines have always denied those accusations and last year separate
voluntary agreements were reached between the U.S. and Qatar, and the
U.S. and the United Arab Emirates to address the concerns. Measures
included the airlines not adding new flights to the U.S.
However,
Air Italy has been flying to New York and Miami since June last year
and was due to start serving San Francisco and Los Angeles from this
month and Chicago in May.
Qatar
Airways said in a statement its investment in Air Italy, which closed
in September 2017, preceded the 2018 agreement but complied with it.
It
said its investments in other airlines were not raised as a point of
concern during the discussions that led to the 2018 agreement and that
the deal does not mention or prohibit cross-border investments.
Qatar Airways also said it did not codeshare on Air Italy’s flights to the U.S. and has no plans to do so.
(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
A brand new ground transportation centre has opened at Nashville International Airport. The new complex is part of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s BNA Vision Project, a $1.2 billion expansion and renovation plan geared towards meeting the regions population growth and record-breaking passenger numbers.
The new facility came in under budget, and features a six-level, 2,200-space garage equipped with parking guidance and sensors that will direct drivers to open parking spots.
A covered walkway connects the parking garage to the terminal, and airport information displays are located at all five passenger elevators on the first level.
The first level of the garage has dedicated hubs for buses, limos, ride-sharing services, shuttles, and taxis.
JE Dunn Construction was the general contractor for the project, which includes car locating kiosks, electric-vehicle charging stations, and a fee-free tire-inflation unit.
ROME (Reuters) – Air Italy will start flying to Chicago next year, a move likely to revive a dispute between its minority shareholder Qatar Airways and U.S rivals trying to squeeze Gulf operators out of their domestic market.
Formerly known as Meridiana, Air Italy is the country’s second-largest airline, behind ailing Alitalia [CAITLA.UL], and state-owned Qatar Airways holds a 49 percent stake in it.
Air Italy will fly to Chicago three times a week from Milan Malpensa airport starting from May 14, 2019, Chief Operating Officer Rossen Dimitrov told Reuters.
Since 2015 the largest U.S carriers — Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), American Airlines Group (AAL.O) and United Airlines (UAL.N) — have argued their Gulf rivals are being unfairly subsidised by their governments, distorting competition.
Gulf airlines have always denied those accusations and in May the companies reached a voluntary agreement, saying they would not add new flights to the United States.
However, Air Italy has been flying to New York and Miami since June and will start serving San Francisco and Los Angeles from April 2019.
That has drawn criticism from an alliance of U.S.-based airlines grouped in the “Partnership for Open & Fair Skies”, that Qatar Airways is using Air Italy to offer additional flights between the U.S. and Europe, despite the agreement.
“Once again, Qatar is using Air Italy as a Trojan horse built from subsidized cash to avoid its commitments to the Trump administration and launch new … routes,” said Scott Reed, campaign manager for the Partnership for Open & Fair Skies.
In an emailed statement, Reed called on U.S. President Donald Trump to intercede on the behalf of U.S. airlines.
Dimitrov tried to dismiss any suggestion that Air Italy was acting improperly, noting that Qatar Airways was a minority shareholder.
“They do not dictate what we do and where we go. They do not manage us,” he said.
He added that he would be happy to work with the U.S airlines under code-share agreements, from which both sides would benefit, “rather than spending time and money fighting each other”.
The opening of the Chicago route next year is part of a wider plan, announced in May, in which the airline aims to grow its fleet and passenger numbers fourfold by 2022.
(Reporting by Giulia Segreti and Alberto Sisto; Editing by Keith Weir and Crispian Balmer)
