Tag: recovery (Page 4 of 5)

Amtrak Receives $63 Million from FRA for Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Improvements

May 29, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

State of Good Repair grant financing will help fund projects in New Jersey and Maryland

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded two Northeast Corridor (NEC) grants to Amtrak as part of its $302.6 million in the State of Good Repair grants to help repair and rehabilitate railroad infrastructure and other assets across the country for 12 projects in nine states. Totaling more than $63 million, the two grants will help fund the Portal North Bridge Project and the Winans to Bridge Improvement project.

“Improving infrastructure in this country is vital to strengthening the economy and providing a safer, more reliable travel experience as we look towards recovery,” said Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn. “We thank the FRA, and our state and NEC partners for their invaluable support in awarding us these grants.”

A total of $55.1 million of the State of Good Repair grant issued by the Federal Railroad Administration was awarded towards the Portal North Bridge Project to replace the century old two-track swing bridge in Kearny, New Jersey with a fixed span. Serving as a critical link for intercity and commuter customers traveling to or from New York City, the current bridge was used by 450 daily trains with passengers making more than 200,000 daily trips on Amtrak’s intercity and New Jersey Transit’s commuter rail services in 2019.

The new bridge is designed as a 2.44-mile modern fixed structure that will eliminate the failures associated with aging infrastructure that causes delays across the NEC. A higher clearance (more than 50 feet above the Hackensack River), will eliminate the need for the bridge to open, allowing for faster operating speeds (from 60 to 90 mph), improved performance and greater reliability for an upgraded customer experience. Early construction of the new bridge began in Fall 2017 and was completed on time and on budget. NJ TRANSIT is seeking a Core Capacity grant from the Federal Transit Administration that would allow major construction to begin as soon as next year.

The Portal North Bridge Project is a key component of the Gateway Program and is identified as a regional priority in the NEC Commission’s five‐year capital plan.

Additionally, as part of a separate project, Amtrak, in partnership with Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA), is also slated to receive $8 million to rehabilitate and upgrade a five‐mile section of track that is part of the Amtrak‐owned NEC mainline near Baltimore.

The project will restore Track A to 90 mph speeds, up from 60 mph, to shorten trip times, improve ride quality, and provide operational flexibility. The work will include upgrades from Winans to Bridge interlockings, replacing timber ties with concrete, installing heavier rail and laying new ballast. Bridge interlocking is located at the north end of West Baltimore Station and Winans is at the south end of Halethorpe Station. These upgrades will enable high‐speed operations on all four tracks on this segment.

The project will also enable service to be maintained while tracks are taken out of service to allow support for construction elements of the B&P Tunnel Replacement project. This work is included in the Northeast Corridor Commission’s five‐year capital plan as a regional priority. To learn more about these and other critical infrastructure projects Amtrak is working on, visit nec.amtrak.com/readytobuild/.

Other grant awards include Amtrak shared joint applications with Connecticut DOT for the WALK Bridge Replacement in Norwalk, Connecticut and Substation 41 Reconstruction in Kearny, NJ as led by NJ TRANSIT as well as other NEC related projects in New York and Pennsylvania. In addition, grants were awarded to various projects in California, Illinois, Michigan and North Carolina that provide benefits to Amtrak and its Long Distance and/or State-Supported customers.

Wynn Las Vegas Announces June 4 Reopening Date

May 28, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Five-Star Resort Returns With Full Array of Luxury Amenities and Industry-Leading Health & Safety Plan

LAS VEGAS, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Wynn Las Vegas (Nasdaq: WYNN) announced today a reopening date of Thursday, June 4, under phase two of the Nevada United: Roadmap to Recovery plan from Governor Steve Sisolak. As the largest five-star resort in the world, Wynn Las Vegas plans to offer guests a complete Las Vegas experience by opening every amenity and outlet available. Both hotel towers and the casino as well as all restaurants will reopen on June 4, followed by the resort’s newest restaurant, Elio, later in the month. Every effort has been made to present Wynn’s complete luxury experience and provide guests with the peace of mind needed to enjoy a fun and relaxing return.

In preparation, the Company has created a comprehensive new Health & Safety Plan that is now considered the gold standard in the hospitality industry.

“We are ready to provide our guests with a full Las Vegas experience with a collection of luxury amenities and unmatched service,” said Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox. “At the same time, our extensive Health & Safety Plan, validated by the nation’s leading public health experts, will enable a safe environment for our guests. The entire Wynn team is looking forward to welcoming our guests back.”

Wynn will reopen withthe full Las Vegas experience guests expect and deserve, with everything conveniently and safely available under one roof, allowing for the perfect getaway. From lounging by pristine pools to lively late-night betting – and most everything in between – the very best of Wynn’s renowned glamour, excitement, and luxury will be available, including:

Both Wynn and Encore hotel towers
Two 24-hour casinos with a variety of table games and slots as well as the Race & Sports Book
The resort’s full portfolio of fine-dining restaurants, lounges, and casual eateries, several with outdoor seating on open verandas and patios
Expansive resort pools with private cabanas
Wynn’s 18-hole championship golf course
Nightly entertainment at the Lake of Dreams
Three retail esplanades
Full-service beauty salons, barber shop, spa treatments and fitness centers

In addition, several thoughtful new measures in social distancing, touchless technologies, and cleaning protocols have been incorporated throughout the resort in a clear and transparent effort to protect the well-being of all guests. Most notable among the enhancements are:

Non-invasive thermal temperature checks and face coverings provided at all entrances
Automatic hand sanitizer stations, UV Technology, and electrostatic sprayers will be utilized throughout the resort
Sealed guest rooms after meticulous sanitization by Wynn’s professional housekeeping staff
Amenity kits including sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, and face coverings in each guest room
Dedicated team of cleaning professionals sanitizing public guest areas 24 hours a day

Wynn employees are required to wear face coverings at all times, and most importantly, have all been tested for COVID-19 before returning to work.

The Wynn Resorts Health & Safety Plan was created in consultation with leading public health medical professionals from Georgetown and Johns Hopkins Universities in addition to recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the Gaming Control Board (GCB). The full plan can be viewed on www.wynnlasvegas.com.

EasyJet Says Can Ride Out 9 Month Shutdown and Slow Recovery

April 18, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

FILE PHOTO: EasyJet planes parked at Luton airport after the airline grounded its entire fleet

LONDON (Reuters) – EasyJet can survive a nine-month shutdown thanks to its measures to contend with the coronavirus crisis and is planning for a slow recovery, the British airline said on Thursday.

As airlines worldwide battle for survival after lockdowns and travel bans brought the sector to a virtual standstill, EasyJet announced a new fleet plan to manage its emergence from the enforced hibernation.

The UK-based company said it will start to shrink its fleet and the number of planes it operates will not reach pre-crisis levels until 2022, signalling that it does not expect a quick recovery for the industry.

“We’ve been able to adapt ourselves to reduced demand for the next couple of years, then have the flexibility to increase as demand picks up again,” Chief Executive Johan Lundgren told reporters.

The industry is split on how quickly the sector can recover. Lufthansa, plane manufacturers and airline body IATA have warned that it will be a slow process. EasyJet’s bigger low-cost rival Ryanair, meanwhile, has predicted a swift rebound in traffic.

Lundgren said that, while he does not expect the grounding of easyJet’s fleet to last nine months, the company would remain cash-positive even if that were the case and could survive for longer than that by seeking additional funding.

Among the steps it is taking, easyJet is in talks over the sale and leaseback of some planes to leasing companies, with expected proceeds of up to 550 million pounds ($687 million).

“Overall, the company has presented a very credible response to the crisis,” said Goodbody analyst Mark Simpson.

In addition to the deferral of new orders and non-renewal of leases, easyJet said it now plans to sell six aircraft.

The airline, however, has faced calls from its founder and biggest shareholder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, to terminate its 4.5 billion pound order with Airbus for 107 new jets.

He escalated his row with management on Thursday, issuing a statement saying he planned to call for the removal of Lundgren as well as chairman John Barton at forthcoming meetings. He said Lundgren should not send money to Airbus for planes while running an “aircraft parking lot”.

CASH PILE

Through various funding initiatives, easyJet expects to generate total additional liquidity of about 1.85 billion to 1.95 billion pounds, leading to a notional cash balance of about 3.3 billion pounds.

Given the level of continued market uncertainty, the company said it is not possible to provide guidance for the remainder of the 2020 financial year.

However, it said winter bookings are well ahead of those at the same stage last year, with Lundgren adding that he expects there to be pent-up demand for holidays as people emerge from lockdown.

But travel restrictions are likely to ease slowly and easyJet will have to be flexible, the CEO said. “I don’t think this is going to be a case of let’s just open everything up,” he added.

Measures under consideration include disinfecting aircraft and steps to ensure social distancing on planes.

“We will clearly look to have the middle seat empty as we start,” Lundgren said. “I think that is actually what the customers would like to see.”

EasyJet shares were up 2.2% at 616 pence at 1207 GMT, having lost more than 50% year to date.

($1 = 0.8007 pounds)

(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Kate Holton and David Goodman)

Boeing Statement on Passage of CARES Act

March 26, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

We thank the Administration, especially the President and Secretary Mnuchin, as well as the Senate for working together to take swift bipartisan action to support the American economy, including the 2.5 million jobs and 17,000 suppliers that Boeing, the aerospace industry and the U.S. rely on to maintain our world leadership in commercial, defense and services. The bill’s access to public and private liquidity, including loans and loan guarantees, is critical for airlines, airports, suppliers, and manufacturers to bridge to recovery.

Boeing’s top priority is to protect our workforce and support our extensive supply chain, and the CARES Act will help provide adequate measures to help address the pandemic. We have also taken a number of measures for affordability and liquidity as we navigate the challenges our industry currently faces, including forgoing pay for our CEO and board chairman, suspending our dividend until further notice, and extending our existing pause of any share repurchasing until further notice.

We appreciate the House taking swift action to support the American people.

Qantas Shares Near $2 After Morning Drama

March 19, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Qantas Group shares came perilously close to dropping below $2 on the day the airline announced it was suspending two-thirds of its staff.

Shares plummeted from $2.53 on Wednesday to a low of $2.03 before making a partial recovery to close out the day on $2.14. In December, stocks in Qantas were selling for $7.46.

Virgin Australia had a difficult day itself, with shares closing down 12 per cent to just $0.059.

Earlier in the day, Qantas Group dramatically said it was cancelling all international flights from late March and “standing down” 20,000 employees.

Click the link below to read the full story!

https://australianaviation.com.au/2020/03/qantas-shares-near-2-after-morning-drama/

American Airlines Donates $100,000 to Support Australian Bush Fire Recovery

January 28, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Airline partners with G’Day USA for Red Cross relief efforts

FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines donated $100,000 to help Australia recover from devastating bush fires that have burned more than 27 million acres to date. The donation, which was made through the Australian diplomacy program G’Day USA, will benefit the Australia chapter of the Red Cross.

“We are all affected by the heartbreaking images of the wildfires in Australia,” said American Airlines President Robert Isom. “American is proud to do what we can to assist in the recovery.”

This year, G’Day USA brought awareness and raised funds to assist with the Australian bush fires. The event is typically a celebratory dinner that honors the special relationship between Australia and the United States.

American also activated the airline’s disaster response fundraising platform, where customers and team members can assist those in need. From now through Jan. 31, AAdvantage® members can earn 10 miles for every dollar donated to the Red Cross with a minimum $25 donation.

“One of the best things Americans can do to support our friends in Australia is keep their travel plans and make new ones,” Isom said. “The Australian economy relies on its tourism business and nearly all the popular sites in Australia are unaffected by the fires.”

You can make your donation to the Australian bush fire recovery efforts by visiting the Red Cross website.

*** BE SURE TO SELECT – “AUSTRALIA BRUSHFIRES” BELOW THE – “I WANT TO SUPPORT” QUERY TO ENSURE YOUR DONATION REACHES TO CORRECT RECIPIENT!!! ***

SpaceX Dragon Resupply Mission (CRS-19) Splashdown

January 10, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Packed with about 3,800 pounds of cargo and science, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft departed the International Space Station on Tuesday, January 7. A parachute-assisted splashdown in the Pacific Ocean occurred that morning just west of Baja California. A recovery team then secured Dragon on a boat for the return trip to the Port of Los Angeles, wrapping up SpaceX’s 19th resupply mission to the space station.

Filled with approximately 5,700 pounds of supplies and payloads, Dragon launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on December 5, 2019 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and arrived at the space station on December 8. The Dragon spacecraft supporting the CRS-19 mission previously supported the CRS-4 mission in September 2014 and the CRS-11 mission in June 2017. Dragon is the only spacecraft currently flying that is capable of returning significant amounts of cargo to Earth.

Sydney Light Rail Commences Revenue Service

December 15, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Light Rail returns to the heart of Sydney

Alstom congratulates Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), on the opening of the CBD and South East Light Rail project and the start of revenue service, returning Light Rail back down Sydney’s George St for the first time in more than 60 years.

Alstom, as part of the ALTRAC Light Rail consortium[1], has been responsible for the integrated light rail system that included the design, delivery and commissioning of 60 Citadis X05 Light Rail Vehicles (LRV), power supply equipment including APS – the wire-free ground-based power supply (over two kilometres), the energy recovery substations – HESOP, signalling, communications, depot equipment and 19 years of maintenance.

The new 12km network has been delivered under a turnkey PPP model that will provide the commuters of Sydney with frequent, reliable, high capacity services running from Circular Quay in the city’s CBD to Central Station, then south east to Randwick. Each LRV has a capacity of 450 passengers – the equivalent of nine standard buses and will move up to 13,500 commuters per hour (6,750 in each direction) during peak times once fully operational. Normal tram services will operate seven days a week between 5am and 1am.

As part of the contract, the consortium has also taken over the operations and maintenance of the existing Inner West Light rail (IWLR) that connects Sydney’s inner west with the Pyrmont peninsula, Darling Harbour and the southern CBD. Alstom is also responsible for the maintenance of the existing system which includes 12 CAF Light Rail Vehicles.

“Alstom is extremely proud to be a part of this iconic project” said Mark Coxon, Managing Director for Alstom in Australia & New Zealand, “This new Light Rail system will transform Sydney and provide a step change in the city’s public transport capability and reliability while protecting the aesthetic appeal of the CBD and improving sustainability of the overall transport network”

[1] Made up of Alstom, Transdev, Acciona and Capella

Alstom Avelia AGV Reaches 100 Million Kilometres Milestone in Italy

December 8, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Alstom’s fleet of 25 Avelia AGV very-high-speed trains operating in Italy has travelled a total of more than 100 million kilometres since entering service in April 2012, owned and operated under the service name Italo by Italo-Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, the first private high-speed operator in Europe.

Italo, with its fleet composed of Avelia AGVs and Avelia Pendolinos, covers the entire national area served by high speed line, connecting a total of 25 Italian cities and 30 railway stations with 116 daily services.

“We are immensely proud that our trains have covered such a distance and transported so many passengers since beginning service. Add to that the Avelia Pendolino trains more recently delivered to NTV, and we have proof of the importance of high-speed rail services and Alstom’s unique ability to accompany its customers in the domain,” said Laurent Jarsalé, Vice-President of Alstom’s Mainlines Platform.

The Avelia AGV trains themselves run at speeds of 300km/h with the highest level of safety and comfort, thanks to an articulated architecture designed for very high speeds. The eleven-car configuration results in trains that are over 200 metres in length.

Passenger experience is at the centre of the Avelia AGV design. The train offers 100 mm of additional interior body width compared to conventional non-articulated very-high-speed trains and a bright interior thanks to the largest windows on the very high speed market. Passengers experience quiet and smooth travelling conditions – a result of bogies being placed between the cars.

The train also boasts long-term operational and financial benefits for the operator. This includes 15 to 30% less energy consumption compared to conventional non-articulated very-high-speed trains thanks to its lightweight, aerodynamic design and braking energy recovery. Maintenance costs are also up to 10% lower than non-articulated trains. The Avelia AGV is fully adaptable to operating needs: flexible configurations from 7 to 14 cars, and trainsets designed like a hollow tube that can be effortlessly fitted and refitted according to changing passenger requirements throughout the train’s 30-year lifespan.

Frontier Airlines Welcomes Wellington the Black-Footed Ferret to its Fleet

November 10, 2019 / WIL BALDWIN

Low-fare carrier, Frontier Airlines, today, introduces the newest aircraft tail to its fleet, Wellington the Black-Footed Ferret. The addition of the Airbus A320neo aircraft, Wellington, grows Frontier’s fleet to 95 Airbus aircraft. The tail’s namesake calls attention to the town in Larimer County, Colorado and the local recovery efforts for one of the most endangered species in North America.

“We’re excited to welcome Wellington the Black-Footed Ferret to our fleet,” Barry Biffle, President and CEO of Frontier Airlines said. “The animals on the tails of our aircraft are part of Frontier’s DNA and Wellington is a special addition to the fleet because of its connection to Colorado and its endangerment. As America’s Greenest Airline, we feel a great responsibility to support the efforts of the National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them.”

“It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come together on our journey to bring this species back from the brink of extinction,” said Noreen Walsh, Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “This success is due in large part to the strength of our partnerships with states, local communities, tribes, ranching families, and now, Frontier Airlines.”

“On behalf of the town of Wellington I would like to say thank you to Frontier Airlines for choosing Wellington the Black-Footed Ferret as the animal on the tail of its newest aircraft”, Mayor of Wellington, Troy Hamman said. “It’s an honor for me as the town mayor of Wellington to help represent our black-footed ferret and an awesome airline such as Frontier.”

Black-footed ferrets are the only ferret native to North America. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center, along with many partners, coordinates efforts to recover the species and monitor overall population health.

Frontier Airlines has partnered with the conservation center to support their efforts and call attention to endangered species. To learn more about the center and about black-footed ferrets, visit www.blackfootedferret.org.

Frontier operates 95 A320 family aircraft and has the largest A320neo fleet in the U.S., delivering the highest level of noise reduction and fuel-efficiency, compared to previous models. The use of these aircraft, Frontier’s seating configuration, weight-saving tactics and baggage process have all contributed to the airline’s average of 39% fuel savings compared to other U.S. airlines (fuel savings is based on Frontier Airlines 2018 fuel consumption per seat-mile compared to the weighted average of major U.S. airlines).

With over 150 new Airbus planes on order, Frontier will continue to grow to deliver on the mission of providing affordable travel across America. Frontier’s young fleet also ensures that the company keeps fares low and that customers will enjoy a pleasant and reliable experience flying with the airline.

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