Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced passenger data for September 2022 showing that the recovery in air travel continues to be strong. Total traffic in September 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 57.0% compared to September 2021. Globally, traffic is now at 73.8% of September 2019 levels. Domestic traffic for September 2022 was up 6.9% compared to the year-ago period. Total September 2022 domestic traffic was at 81% of the September 2019 level. International traffic climbed 122.2% versus September 2021. September 2022 international RPKs reached 69.9% of September 2019 levels. All markets reported strong growth, led by Asia-Pacific. “Even with economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the demand for air transport continues to recover ground. The outlier is still [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for September 2022 global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand softened. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), fell 10.6% compared to September 2021 (-10.6% also for international operations), but continued to track at near pre-pandemic levels (-3.6%). Capacity was 2.4% above September 2021 (+5.0% for international operations) but still 7.4% below September 2019 levels (-8.1% for international operations). Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: Following contractions across major economies, the global Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for new export orders also contracted (for a third month in a row) to its lowest level in two years. Latest global goods trade figures showed a 5.2% expansion [...]

Source: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) The TSA PreCheck® current enrollment provider, IDEMIA, has reduced the enrollment and in-person renewal fee from $85 to $78. The cost to renew online is still $70. If approved, enrollees get a five-year membership with the program. TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program offering expedited security screening at the airport, connecting low-risk travelers with security tailored to their TSA PreCheck status and a better air travel experience. To apply for TSA PreCheck, individuals provide biometric and biographic information that Transportation Security Administration uses to conduct a security threat assessment. "For individuals and families with plans to fly this holiday season, now is the time to enroll or renew in TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck offers significant [...]

Source: National Air and Space Museum  Gift Supports Newly Reopened “Destination Moon” Gallery The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has received $1 million from the Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation in support of the new “Destination Moon” exhibition. The gift will contribute to the safe preservation and display of the F-1 rocket engine. The redesign of the exhibition is part of the museum’s ongoing transformation of all its galleries in the flagship building in Washington, D.C.; “Destination Moon” reopened Oct. 14. “The Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation’s generous contribution is critical to successfully completing and opening ‘Destination Moon,’” said Michael Neufeld, senior curator at the National Air and Space Museum. “In its new configuration and display, the F-1 engine is sure to be [...]

Source: ICAO Further to the Resolution of the ICAO Assembly and the determination of the ICAO Council concerning the incident involving Ryanair Flight FR4978 in Belarus airspace on 23 May 2021, UN Security Council members Albania, France, United Kingdom, and United States called for a briefing of the Security Council on “the forced landing of the Ryanair flight by Belarus.” ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano delivered this briefing in the Security Council chamber on 31 October 2022, within the framework of its meeting on “Threats to International Peace and Security.” In his remarks, the ICAO Council President highlighted that following the forced landing, the ICAO Council had requested the ICAO Secretariat to prepare a report that would present the available facts and [...]

Source: IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the results of its 2022 Global Passenger Survey (GPS), showing that travelers top concerns for travel in the post-COVID crisis period are focused on simplification and convenience. “Travel during COVID-19 was complex, cumbersome and time consuming due to government-imposed travel requirements. Post-pandemic, passengers want improved convenience throughout their trip. Digitalization and use of biometrics to speed up the travel journey is the key,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security. Planning and Booking Passengers want convenience when they plan their travel and when choosing where to depart from. Their preference is to fly from an airport close to home, have all booking options and services available [...]

Source: ALTA Air passenger demand is highly elastic, especially for tourism (which today represents more than 80% of regional travelers). Any variation in the fare to be paid reflects immediately and directly in the number of travelers. Therefore, what may seem like a few additional pesos in the final fare paid by users can tip the scales so that they switch from the safest and most efficient means of transportation to ground alternatives or opt for another destination where the airfare is more economical.   "Airfare is the great gateway to countries. Thinking systemically, it all starts with the search for tickets. If the cost is higher than other destinations, the passenger might decide not to travel or choose another place. [...]

Fuente: ACI-LAC Plaza Premium Group, an industry pioneer and leader in providing airport hospitality services and facilities, has joined the ACI-LAC World Business Partner network. Plaza Premium Group (PPG) was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Hong Kong. The Group introduced the first pay-per-use airport lounge concept in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur airports. Since then, the PPG expanded to include other airport hospitality segments: airport terminal hotels Aerotel; airport meets & greet services ALLWAYS, and a range of airport dining concepts. Currently, PPG is in more than 250 locations in over 70 international airports around the world. The Group had also developed a mobile app called Smart Traveller which is a global airport membership programme for air travelers [...]

Source: Department of Transportation The U.S. Department of Transportation today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of August for on-time performance, consumer complaints received, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. There was a 6.0% increase in air travel service complaints from July to August, and complaints are more than 320% above pre-pandemic levels. The previous report from July showed a 16.5% increase from June to July, and complaints were more than 260% above pre-pandemic levels. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. DOT remains committed to ensuring airline passengers are treated fairly and is concerned about recent flight cancellations and [...]