Tag: citizens (Page 1 of 2)

Australia Back on Tourist Map as International Visitors Return

February 21, 2022 / WIL BALDWIN

Qantas flights from eight overseas destinations are touching down in Australia today, bringing the first international tourists in almost two years and an eagerly anticipated boost for the country’s tourism industry.

The Qantas Group will fly more than 14,000 passengers into Australia this week as quarantine and border barriers for international tourists come down.

QF12 from Los Angeles was the first to land at 6.20am and flights from other international destinations including Vancouver, Singapore and London will arrive into Sydney throughout the day. Jetstar’s first unrestricted international flight JQ18 will touch down in Melbourne from Phuket at 10.05am and QF70 from Delhi to Melbourne will arrive at 1.35pm.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said bookings had been strong since the Australian Government announced the country was opening to international visitors, and today’s arrivals will be the first of many.

Qantas restarted its international network for Australian citizens and visa holders on 1 November 2021, with a number of routes coming online since then. Sydney to Dallas recommenced flying on 16 February, and flights to other destinations are scheduled to relaunch in coming weeks including:

Melbourne to Honolulu (Jetstar) – From 1 March
Sydney to Honolulu (Jetstar) – From 3 March
Melbourne to Denpasar (Jetstar) – From 14 March
Sydney to Denpasar (Jetstar) – From 15 March
Brisbane to Singapore – From 27 March
Sydney to Manila – From 27 March
Sydney to Denpasar – From 28 March
Darwin to Dili – From 30 March
Brisbane to Los Angeles – From 1 April

Lockheed Martin to Deliver Sweden World’s Most Advanced Air Defense Missile

May 11, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Lockheed Martin successfully delivered Sweden’s first Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors in April, providing the country with the world’s most advanced air defense missile that uses Hit-to-Kill technology to defend against incoming threats.

U.S. and Swedish officials formalized an agreement for Sweden to purchase PAC-3 MSE interceptors and related support equipment in August 2018.

The PAC-3 MSE’s revolutionary two-pulse solid rocket motor provides increased performance in both altitude and range while employing the same proven Hit-to-Kill technology that the PAC-3 CRI missile uniquely brings to the Patriot system.

Amtrak and California Recognize Lodi Cop Who Saved Man

September 29, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

The Amtrak Police Department (APD) presented a Lodi, California Police Officer with the prestigious “Life Saving Medal” for her swift and heroic actions that saved a man’s life within seconds of being hit by an oncoming freight train. The Officer, a 14-year veteran of the force, was honored at the Lodi Police Station during an award ceremony on Monday hosted by APD and California Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit railroad safety education organization.

On Aug.12, the Officer spotted a man in a wheelchair stuck on the railroad tracks near Lodi Avenue. As the crossing gates activated and were coming down, she got out of her patrol car and ran to assist. After unsuccessfully attempting to free the wheelchair, with only seconds to spare, she physically pulled the man out of the chair and the two fell backwards just a few feet away from the oncoming 250-ton freight train locomotive. The 66-year-old man is recovering from serious injuries to both of his legs as a result of the incident.

“This incident had the makings of a double tragedy had it not been for the extraordinary courage and quick actions of the Officer,” said Amtrak Police Chief Sam Dotson. “The citizens of Lodi are very fortunate to have a public servant like this on duty in their community. The ‘Life Saving Medal’ recognizes her bravery in saving a fellow human being without hesitation for her own safety.”

During the ceremony, Lodi Police Chief Sierra Brucia called his officer a true hero.

Presenting the “Life Saving Medal” was Captain Douglas Calcagno from the Amtrak Police Department’s Western Division. Awards were also presented to the Officer by Steve Walker a California Operation Lifesaver Board member, and Eric Walker and Joe Petito with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in California.

The ceremony closed out Rail Safety Week 2020, observed in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Emirates Announces Repatriation Flights to Casablanca

September 7, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

To help stranded Moroccans around the globe get home, Emirates plans to operate two flights between Dubai and Casablanca on 8 and 9 September. Customers can also connect to these flights in Dubai from Emirates’ current network of 84 destinations across the Middle East and GCC, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas.

Emirates flight EK9953 on 8 and 9 September will depart Dubai at 1000hrs, arriving in Casablanca at 1530hrs. The return flight, EK9954 will depart Casablanca at 1730hrs, arriving Dubai at 0350hrs the next day.

Flights can be booked on emirates.com, through travel agents, Emirates’ sales offices and contact centre. Passengers must meet all the entry requirements to Morocco to be allowed to board the flights.

Flights from Dubai to Casablanca

Passengers who will be able to board must be Moroccan citizens, or foreign nationals holding Moroccan residency, or foreign nationals traveling to Morocco for business (holding a permit from the Moroccan Embassy in the UAE) in addition to diplomatic staff connecting from Dubai to Morocco.

Emirates customers entering Morocco must complete a PCR test (within 48 hours of travel) and a Serology test for Covid-19, with printed results to present on request at check-in and to the local authorities on arrival.

Customers must also complete the passengers’ health form before departure at http://www.onda.ma/en/I-am-passenger/Traveller-Guide/Public-health-passenger-form. The form must be printed and presented upon arrival.

In addition, foreigners who do not require a visa to Morocco can be accepted if they provide a confirmed hotel booking.

Flights from Casablanca to DubaiThese flights will be available for passengers eligible to enter or transit through the UAE.

Ensuring the safety of travellers, visitors, and the community, COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.

Warsaw the 25th European City to Return to Emirates Network

August 17, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Emirates will resume passenger flights to Warsaw from 4 September starting with twice-a-week services, and increasing to three-a-week from 7 October.

The resumption of flights to Warsaw will expand Emirates’ current network to 75 cities in September, offering travellers in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific convenient connections via Dubai to the Polish capital.

The airline has been gradually restoring its network connectivity, working closely with international and local authorities to responsibly resume passenger operations to meet travel demand, while always prioritising the health and safety of its customers, crew and communities.

On the Dubai-Warsaw route, Emirates will deploy its spacious, wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offering seats in First, Business and Economy class. Flight EK179 to Warsaw will depart Dubai at 08:10hrs on Fridays and Sundays, and the return flight EK180 will depart Warsaw at 15:00hrs. An additional flight service on Wednesdays, will be added to the route from 7 October.

Customers can book flights on emirates.com or via travel agents.

Customers can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for international business and leisure visitors. Ensuring the safety of travellers, visitors, and the community, COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.

Emirates to Resume A380 Service to Toronto, Ontario, Canada

August 10, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Emirates has announced it will resume its A380 operations to Toronto starting 16 August, taking its A380 network to six cities.
The airline continues to gradually expand the deployment of its double-decker aircraft in line with market demand and operational approvals.

The iconic Emirates A380 will begin serving travellers on flights to Toronto starting 16 August. The airline has so far resumed A380 operations to Amsterdam, Cairo, Paris, London Heathrow and Guangzhou (8 August) – taking its A380 network to six cities. The Emirates A380 experience remains a favourite amongst travellers for its spacious and comfortable cabins and the airline will continue to gradually expand its deployment in line with market demand and operational approvals.

Customers can fly the Emirates A380 from Dubai to Toronto five times a week. Flights can be booked on emirates.com or via travel agents. Emirates flight EK 241 will depart Dubai at 9:10 and arrive in Toronto at 15:05 local time. The return flight, EK 242 will depart Toronto at 21:45 and arrive in Dubai at 18:30 local time, the following day.

With safety as a priority, Emirates is gradually expanding its passenger services to 70 cities in August, returning to over 50% of its pre-pandemic destination network. Passengers travelling between the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific can enjoy safe and convenient connections via Dubai. Customers from Emirates’ network can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for international business and leisure visitors.

COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.

Free, global cover for COVID-19 related costs: Customers can now travel with confidence, as Emirates has committed to cover COVID-19 related medical expenses, free of cost, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel while they are away from home. This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until 31 October 2020 (first flight to be completed on or before 31 October 2020), and is valid for 31 days from the moment they fly the first sector of their journey. This means Emirates customers can continue to benefit from the added assurance of this cover, even if they travel onwards to another city after arriving at their Emirates destination. For more details: http://www.emirates.com/COVID19assistance

Emirates resumes flights to Kuwait City and Lisbon

August 4, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Expanding its network to 70 destinations

Emirates has announced it will resume passenger services to Kuwait City (5 August) and Lisbon (16 August). This will take Emirates’ passenger network to 70 destinations in August, over 50% of its pre-pandemic destination network, as the airline gradually resumes operations with the safety of its customers, crew and communities as its top priority.

Flights from Dubai to Kuwait City will operate as a daily service and flights from Dubai to Lisbon will operate three times a week. The flights will be operated with the Emirates Boeing 777-300ER and can be booked on emirates.com or via travel agents.

Passengers travelling between the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific can enjoy safe and convenient connections via Dubai. Customers from Emirates’ network can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for international business and leisure visitors.

Air New Zealand Assists with Repatriation Services to and from Fiji

June 13, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Air New Zealand has begun services to and from Nadi, Fiji to assist the Fijian government in repatriating its citizens.

Flight NZ952 took off from Auckland just after 11.00 this morning with Fijian passport holders on board, bound for Nadi, Fiji. The flight arrived in Fiji just after 2.00 pm, local time. A return service is also expected to repatriate New Zealanders who have been in Fiji since Covid-19 travel bans were implemented.

The repatriation flights to Fiji are being carried out in accordance with the Travel Advice issued by the Government of Fiji. On arrival in Fiji, all passengers are required to enter a government-designated quarantine facility for 14 days and will then be required to complete a further 14 days home isolation.

Air New Zealand’s Country Manager Fiji, Zeena Sahib says the airline is very happy to be supporting the Government of Fiji with the safe return of Fijians to their home country.

“There are a number of Fijian passport holders who have been in New Zealand for an extended period of time due to COVID-19 related border restrictions. Air New Zealand is very pleased to be assisting the Fijian government with ensuring their safe return home.”

Customers who wish to travel to Fiji, and who meet border restrictions for entry, are advised to contact Air New Zealand at groups@airnz.co.nz to arrange travel.

Customers already booked on an Air New Zealand flight to Fiji who do not meet entry requirements are encouraged to visit the Covid-19 FAQs section of the Air New Zealand website where they will automatically be able to put their flights into credit.

EU Clears 7 Billion Euros in State Aid for Air France-KLM

May 4, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union’s competition watchdog on Monday approved French state aid worth 7 billion euros ($7.66 billion) for Air France <AF.PA>, saying the support would provide cash to soften the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic.

Airlines across Europe have sought state rescues as coronavirus lockdowns have forced them to ground their fleets for more than a month, with no end in sight.

“This 7 billion euro French guarantee and shareholder loan will provide Air France with the liquidity that it urgently needs to withstand the impact of the coronavirus outbreak,” the EU’s top competition official Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

The European Commission noted the importance of Air France, with more than 300 planes, to the French economy and the role it has played in repatriating stranded citizens and transporting medical supplies.

The Commission said in its statement that the support will take the form of a state guarantee on loans and a subordinated shareholder loan to the company by the French state.

The French and Dutch governments each hold close to 14% of the Air France-KLM group, which was created by the 2004 merger between the two national carriers.

(Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska and Robin Emmott, editing by Ed Osmond and Barbara Lewis)

FILE PHOTO: Air France airplanes on the tarmac at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy-en-France

Emirates to Operate Limited Passenger Flights in May

May 4, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

Emirates is set to operate limited passenger services to Frankfurt (02, 04, 06, 09, 11, 13 May), London Heathrow (03, 05, 07, 10, 12, 14 May), Manila (3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 16 May), Sao Paulo (3 May), and Shanghai (2 May). The one-way special flights will facilitate travel for residents and visitors wishing to return home.

Those who wish to travel to Shanghai must contact the embassy or consulate of the People’s Republic of China in the UAE. For all other flights, passengers can book directly on emirates.com or via their travel agent.

Only citizens of the destination countries, and those who meet the entry requirements of the destination will be allowed to board. Customers will be required to follow all health and safety measures required by the UAE authorities and the country of destination.

Similar to other repatriation flights that Emirates has operated thus far, for health and safety reasons, the airline will offer a modified inflight service that reduces contact, and the risk of infection. Magazines and print reading material will not be available. Meals on-board will be served in hygienic prepacked meal boxes, offering customers sandwiches, beverages, snacks, and desserts. A selection of hot snacks will also be served on long-haul flights.

Emirates’ Lounge and Chauffeur Drive services will be temporarily unavailable during this period and in-flight Wi-Fi service is available for purchase only. On board Emirates’ flights, seats are pre-allocated where possible with vacant seats placed between individual passengers or family groups in observance of physical distancing protocols. More information is available on emirates.com.

Cabin baggage will not be accepted on these flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin will be limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. All other items have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance.

Passengers are required to apply social distancing guidelines during their journey and wear their own masks when at the airport and on board the aircraft. Travellers should arrive at Dubai International airport Terminal 3 for check-in, three hours before departure. Emirates’ check-in counters will only process passengers holding confirmed bookings to the above destinations.

All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.

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