Source: US DOT The average U.S. domestic air fare declined in the first quarter of 2021 to $260, down 1.2% from the inflation-adjusted fare of $264 in the fourth quarter of 2020. The first quarter fare of $260 was up 5.0% from the lowest inflation adjusted fare of $248 in the third quarter of 2020.   Adjusted for inflation (constant 2021 dollars) the average 1Q 2021 air fare was: Down 24.0% from 1Q 2020 ($343) Down 1.2% from 4Q 2020 ($264) Down 34.7% from 1Q 2016 ($398)   Air fares declined as passenger demand decreased. U.S. airlines reported 33.4 million originating passengers in the first quarter 2021, down from 60.8 million passengers a year earlier.           [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the reliance on taxation as the solution for cutting aviation emissions in the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ proposal is counter-productive to the goal of sustainable aviation. EU policy needs to support practical emission reduction measures such as incentives for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and modernization of air traffic management. “Aviation is committed to decarbonization as a global industry. We don’t need persuading, or punitive measures like taxes to motivate change. In fact, taxes siphon money from the industry that could support emissions’ reducing investments in fleet renewal and clean technologies. To reduce emissions, we need governments to implement a constructive policy framework that, most immediately, focuses on production incentives for [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on states to follow new guidance on travel from the World Health Organization (WHO). The guidance recommends a “risk-based approach” to implementing measures related to COVID-19 and international travel. It will be presented to the WHO COVID-19 International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Thursday 15 July. Specifically, WHO recommended that governments:   Do not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a mandatory condition for entry or exit Remove measures such as testing and/or quarantine requirements for travelers who are fully vaccinated or have had a confirmed previous COVID-19 infection within the past six months Ensure alternative pathways for unvaccinated individuals through testing so that they are able to travel internationally. The [...]

Source: US DOT U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Buttigieg today announced the appointment of two new members and the reappointment of two current members of the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC). In addition, Secretary Buttigieg announced that Attorney General Maura Healey – an advocate with a track record of protecting consumers from corporate abuses ­– will act as the new Chair of the ACPAC. The Secretary also announced the creation of the new Anti-Discrimination Subcommittee of the ACPAC. The Department is committed to ensuring airline passengers are treated fairly. This news follows on an announcement made last week that the Department has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require airlines to refund fees for checked bags that are significantly delayed and for ancillary services, when consumers pay for them but they [...]

Source: US DOT U.S. airlines employed 709,554 workers in May 2021, 3,050 more than in April 2021 (706,504) and 45,541 fewer than in March 2020 (755,095). The May industry numbers consist of 598,580 full-time and 110,974 part-time workers. From the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 through May 2021, the largest passenger airlines dropped 55,920 employees: United Airlines, -22,830; Delta Air Lines, -21,647; and American Airlines, -11,443. During that time, major cargo airlines added 25,554 employees with Federal Express adding 24,540.   Regulations require airlines to report employment numbers to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics for employees who worked or received pay for any part of the pay period(s) ending nearest the 15th day of the month. Numbers include [...]