Source: United The Golden State Warriors and United Airlines announced today the launch of Franchise Fund, a program designed to support minority-owned Bay Area small businesses. For a video explaining Franchise Fund, click here. In collaboration with the Western Region Minority Supplier Diversity Council, the Warriors and United Airlines will select 25 minority-owned, Bay Area small businesses to join the initiative, which will offer resources to assist with business growth. The Warriors and United will cover all costs associated with the businesses receiving their Minority Business Enterprise designation, issued by the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council. All 25 businesses will also receive a stipend upon program completion and will have their businesses listed in a directory that is circulated to [...]

Source: Iberia DHL will handle Iberia Maintenance's internal logistics for spare parts and components and shipment of parts and materials with worldwide coverage The contract also includes the logistics of Iberia's IT and in-flight service warehouses Iberia Maintenance has also overhauled and repaired of the RB-211 engines used by DHL Air UK and Blue Dart B757s, subsidiaries of DHL DHL Supply Chain Iberia and Iberia Maintenance announce the signing of a contract through which DHL will manage the internal logistics of spare parts and components for Iberia Maintenance at its La Muñoza hub in Madrid and also at the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airports. In addition to this contract, DHL provides Iberia Maintenance with global distribution [...]

Source: United Airlines United Airlines today announced a commercial agreement with Denver-based aerospace company Boom Supersonic to add aircraft to its global fleet as well as a cooperative sustainability initiative – a move that facilitates a leap forward in returning supersonic speeds to aviation. Under the terms of the agreement, United will purchase 15 of Boom's 'Overture' airliners, once Overture meets United's demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft. The companies will work together on meeting those requirements before delivery. Once operational, Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, optimized to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is slated to roll out [...]

Source: American Airlines American Airlines raised nearly $1.5 million in support of the American Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ efforts to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic around the world, including Brazil, India and other countries in need of assistance to battle the devastating virus. The airline and more than 11,000 of its AAdvantage® members raised the full amount in less than one month. “We know the pandemic is not yet over. While we have made great strides in the United States, countries around the world are still struggling,” said Ron DeFeo, Senior Vice President of Global Engagement for American. “We are continually humbled by the generosity our customers have shown in joining us in the fight against COVID-19 on [...]

Source: SWISS The Aviation Research Center Switzerland conducted a study in 2020 to help promote the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in the Swiss aviation sector in line with the Swiss Federal Council’s climate policy objectives. SWISS was also involved in this study, and supports the resulting declaration and the actions that the aviation sector is taking to lower its carbon emissions. The Aviation Research Center Switzerland (ARCS) launched its ‘Road Map Sustainable Aviation’ project in 2020, teaming up with the Ecoplan company to study how an approach could be developed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Swiss aviation in line with the long-term climate strategy of the Swiss Federal Council.[1] The study has been accompanied by a working group drawn [...]

Source: Lufthansa - Starting on 1 June, Lufthansa will be welcoming guests to the First Class Lounge again. Further lounges to open gradually over the next few weeks As summer approaches, the desire to travel continues to grow: Declining infection rates and the easing of travel restrictions are making more people want to fly again. In response to the rising booking figures, Lufthansa is using this as an opportunity to reopen the Lufthansa First Class Lounge in Terminal 1 of Frankfurt Airport starting on 1 June. Relaxing while waiting for departure The lounge offers an exclusive and comfortable place to relax, while travelers are waiting for their departure. The range of products offered in the lounges have been adjusted to [...]

Source: WestJet WestJet welcomes the findings outlined by the Health Canada Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel in the Border Measures Report released today and thanks the panel for their efforts in bringing forward this report. "Over the past 15 months, WestJet has been requesting science-based travel guidance and this report represents a responsible path forward," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "These findings are evidence-based recommendations that are proportionate and reduce risks. We ask that the government immediately prepare a safe restart plan based on this report and current global policies. With vaccinations ramping up, Canadians need to know they can travel once again." Outlined in the report and demonstrated successfully by the Alberta Testing Pilot Program, YVR's Pre-Departure Testing Program [...]

Source: Air France Air France is increasing the number of long-haul services to its leisure destinations. Subject to the relaxation of travel restrictions, the airline now plans to operate up to 98 weekly flights this summer to the French Caribbean, Reunion Island, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Saint-Martin, the Dominican Republic and the Riviera Maya in Mexico. This summer, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana and Reunion Island will be linked to both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, providing connections to the entire Air France short, medium and long-haul network. Flight schedule – 2021 summer season: On departure from Paris-Orly: Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), Fort-de-France (Martinique), Saint-Denis de La Réunion: o Up to 14 weekly flights to each destination Cayenne (French Guiana): o Up to 7 [...]

Source: LATAM LATAM Airlines Group was recognized by the airline industry’s leading accreditation organization for COVID-19 safe travel, Skytrax, obtaining a 4-star rating. LATAM is  the only airline in South America to have ever achieved this category. Airline Star Ratings are recognized as a global benchmark around the world, and use a quality and consistent scale from 1-5 stars, based on the evaluation of product and service standards for both onboard and airport environments. Currently, 29 airlines in the world have been distinguished with this certification. The 4-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating recognizes strong airport hygiene and safety measures that include some elements of contactless technology, customer handling, and social distancing protocols for check-in, boarding, and arrival. The COVID-19 Safety [...]

Source: United Airlines United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) today announced that Edward "Ted" Philip will assume the role of non-executive chairman of the board of directors. Philip has served as a United board member since 2016, and as lead director since May 2020. Philip brings nearly three decades of corporate leadership across several industries. "Ted's storied career and leadership across the finance, technology and healthcare sectors have made him an invaluable member of the United board. His insights and financial expertise will be critical as we look ahead to United's 'return to new' and focus on becoming the global leader in aviation," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "I also want to express my gratitude to Oscar for his leadership and [...]