Source: ICAO The ICAO Global Reporting Format (GRF) for assessing and reporting runway surface conditions, which became applicable worldwide today, will help mitigate the risk of runway excursions, which continues to be the most common form of aviation accident. The harmonization of the assessment and reporting of runway surface conditions will not only benefit runway safety, but also efficiency and sustainability, through a better planning of contaminant removal and the more effective use of de-icing and other treatments. "Early implementation by a number of pioneer States has confirmed the benefits and suitability of the GRF," declared ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar, noting that the operational experience gained during the upcoming winter, rainy, and monsoon seasons in various parts of [...]

Source: UNWTO “Going back to the old normal is not an option.” He also said tourism represents a risk-free investment opportunity and highlighted the need to invest in education and youth on the way to net zero. The UNWTO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and other tourism and travel stakeholders will officially launch the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26  on Thursday (4 November). The WTTC is also planning to launch the Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, to support the industry in combatting climate change, as part of the sector’s drive towards net zero by 2050. The initiative is being run in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme [...]

Source: ALTA The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) is pleased to welcome AvAir as its newest affiliate member. Arizona-based AvAir is a global leader in the aviation aftermarket, providing customized inventory solutions for airlines, OEMs, and MROs.  Recognized as a global leader, AvAir has been named “No. 1 Parts Supplier of the Year” by Airline Economics, and “Fastest Growing Companies in America” by Inc. 5000. AvAir offers solutions for customers and suppliers to buy, sell, exchange, loan, lease, or consign inventories with more than 26 million in-stock parts. The company is ISO 9001, AS9120, and ASA 100 certified, and adheres to the highest quality standards in all phases: purchasing, receiving, stocking, sales, and shipping. José Ricardo Botelho, [...]

Source: US FAA The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today proposed a regulation to require that flight attendants have a longer rest period between shifts. The proposed rule would increase the rest period to 10 consecutive hours when scheduled for a duty period of 14 hours or less. "The Biden-Harris Administration is proud to advance policies that protect and empower workers. This proposal will contribute to a safer, healthier workplace for flight attendants," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Flight attendants play a critical safety role in keeping passengers safe on every flight and especially in emergencies. This proposal helps reduce fatigue so they can perform this critical role,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. Currently, flight attendants are [...]

Source: ALPA The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement today after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin about the potential adverse effects that 5G signals could have on radio altimeters. “The FAA guidance provided in the bulletin is a step in the right direction to maintain flight safety once 5G signals begin broadcasting on December 5, 2021, and we thank the agency for taking that step. However, once transmissions begin, the FAA may have to impose additional restrictions on flight operations to maintain safety due to inadequate requirements on 5G that limit interference with radio altimeters. “We urge the Federal Communications Commission to bring mobile wireless representatives to the table with the [...]

Source: Transport Canada The Government of Canada is prioritizing the health and safety of all people in Canada by continuing to take a risk-based and measured approach to re-opening the border. Canada’s phased approach to easing border measures is informed by the available data and scientific evidence, including the vaccination rate of Canadians, and the improving epidemiological situation. The strict vaccine travel requirements that will be fully phased in by November 30, and the pan-Canadian proof of vaccination credential now available for travel, are creating opportunities for safe travel for vaccinated Canadians. As a next step in increasing travel opportunities, Transport Canada is easing the restriction on international flight arrivals. The department is expanding the scope of the existing Notice [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a moderate rebound in air travel in September 2021 compared to August’s performance. This was driven by recovery in domestic markets, in particular China, where some travel curbs were lifted following the COVID-19 outbreaks in August. International demand, meanwhile, slipped slightly compared to the previous month. Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are to September 2019, which followed a normal demand pattern.   Total demand for air travel in September 2021 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was down 53.4% compared to September 2019. This marked an uptick from August, when demand was 56.0% below [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released September 2021 data for global air cargo markets showing that demand continued to be well above pre-crisis levels and that capacity constraints persist. As comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons below are to September 2019 which followed a normal demand pattern. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), was up 9.1% compared to September 2019 (9.4% for international operations). Capacity remains constrained at 8.9% below pre-COVID-19 levels (September 2019) (-12% for international operations). Several factors impacting global air cargo demand should be noted: Supply chain disruptions and the resulting delivery delays have led to long supplier delivery [...]

Source: ICAO During its latest meeting, the 36 States of the ICAO Governing Council recognized the G20’s latest calls “to restart international travel in a safe and orderly manner,” and consistent with the work of ICAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other relevant international organizations. In the meeting, which was taking place as part of the Council’s ongoing 224th Session, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano drew special attention to how the G20 calls were very closely aligned with the recent Ministerial Declaration by ICAO Member States at its High-level Conference on COVID-19 (HLCC). “Whether with respect to its consideration of the primacy of national public health policies, or its focus on matters regarding testing, vaccination, and the need for [...]