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IATA: Airline travel recovery slows

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TTR WEEKLY
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GENEVA, 14 March 2022: Air travel recovery slowed in both domestic and international categories during January 2022 when compared with December 2021, the International Air Transport Association reported blaming it on travel restrictions following the emergence of the Omicron variant last November.

Total demand for air travel in January 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) was up 82.3% compared to January 2021. However, it was down 4.9% compared to the previous month (December 2021) on a seasonally adjusted basis.

January domestic air travel was up 41.5% compared to the year-ago period but fell 7.2% compared to December 2021 on a seasonally adjusted basis.

International RPKs rose 165.6% versus January 2021 but fell by 2.2% month-on-month between December 2021 and January 2022 on a seasonally adjusted basis.

“The recovery in air travel continued in January, despite hitting a speed bump called Omicron. Strengthened border controls did not stop the spread of the variant. But where population immunity was strong, the public health systems were not overwhelmed. Many governments are now adjusting Covid-19 policies to align with those for other endemic viruses. This includes lifting travel restrictions that have had such a devastating impact on lives, economies and the freedom to travel,” said IATA’s director-general Willie Walsh.

International Passenger Markets

January 2022 (% year-on-year)

World share1

RPK

ASK

PLF (%-pt)2

PLF (level)3

Total Market

100.0%

82.3%

51.8%

10.8%

64.5%

Africa

1.9%

21.3%

10.6%

5.5%

62.3%

Asia Pacific

27.5%

19.4%

15.7%

1.8%

57.6%

Europe

24.9%

161.4%

106.7%

14.3%

68.2%

Latin America

6.5%

80.5%

59.2%

9.2%

78.2%

Middle East

6.5%

128.1%

64.8%

16.4%

59.1%

North America

32.7%

109.7%

59.0%

16.0%

66.3%

1% of industry RPKs in 2021   2year-on-year change in load factor   3Load Factor Level

  • European carriers’ January international traffic rose 225.1% versus January 2021, which was up slightly compared to a 223.3% increase in December 2021 versus the same month in 2020. Capacity rose 129.9%, and load factor climbed 19.4 percentage points to 66.4%.
  • Asia-Pacific airlines saw their January international traffic climb 124.4% compared to January 2021, down significantly from the 138.5% gain registered in December 2021 versus December 2020. Capacity rose 54.4%, and the load factor was up 14.7 percentage points to 47.0%, still the lowest among regions.
  • Middle Eastern airlines had a 145.0% demand rise in January compared to January 2021, well down compared to the 178.2% increase in December 2021 versus the same month in 2020. January capacity rose 71.7% versus the year-ago period, and load factor climbed 17.5 percentage points to 58.6%.
  • North American carriers experienced a 148.8% traffic rise in January versus the 2021 period, significantly decreased versus the 185.4% rise in December 2021 compared to December 2020. Capacity rose 78.0%, and load factor climbed 17.0 percentage points to 59.9%.
  • Latin American airlines saw a 157.0% rise in January traffic, compared to the same month in 2021, an upturn over the 150.8% rise in December 2021 compared to December 2020. January capacity rose 91.2%, and the load factor increased 19.4 percentage points to 75.7%, which easily was the highest load factor among the regions for the 16th consecutive month.
  • African airlines’ traffic rose 17.9% in January 2022 versus a year ago, a slowdown compared to the 26.3% year-over-year increase recorded in December 2021. January 2022 capacity was up 6.3%, and load factor climbed 6.0 percentage points to 60.5%.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

January figures do not include any impact from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began at the end of February. The resulting sanctions and airspace closures are expected to have a negative impact on travel, primarily among neighbouring countries.

  • The Ukraine market accounted for 3.3% of European passenger traffic and 0.8% of global traffic in 2021.
  • The Russian international market represented 5.7% of European traffic (excluding the Russian domestic market) and 1.3% of global traffic in 2021.
  • Airspace closures have led to rerouting or cancellations of flights on some routes, mostly in Europe-Asia but also in the Asia-North America market. This impact is mitigated owing to greatly diminished flight activity since borders in Asia were largely closed owing to COVID-19. In 2021, RPKs flown between Asia-North America and Asia-Europe accounted for 3.0%, and 4.5%, respectively, of global international RPKs.

In addition to these disruptions, the sudden spike in fuel prices is putting pressure on airline costs. “When we made our most recent industry financial forecast last autumn, we expected the airline industry to lose USD11.6 billion in 2022 with jet fuel at USD78/barrel and fuel accounting for 20% of costs. As of 4 March, jet fuel is trading at over USD140/barrel. Absorbing such a massive hit on costs, just as the industry is struggling to cut losses as it emerges from the two-year Covid-19 crisis, is a huge challenge. If the jet fuel price stays that high, then over time, it is reasonable to expect that it will be reflected in airline yields,” said Walsh.

The Bottom Line

“The past few weeks have seen a dramatic shift by many governments around the world to ease or remove Covid-19-related travel restrictions and requirements as the disease enters its endemic phase. It’s vital that this process continue and even accelerate to more quickly restore damaged global supply chains and enable people to resume their lives. One step to encourage a return to normality is to remove mask mandates for air travel. It makes no sense to continue to require masks on commercial aircraft when they are no longer being required in shopping malls, theatres or offices. Aircraft are equipped with highly sophisticated hospital quality filtration systems and have much higher airflow and air exchange rates than most other indoor environments where mask mandates already have been removed,” said Walsh.

(Source: IATA)

Jetstar Asia resumes Perth services

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 March 2022: After more than four years, Jetstar Asia resumed its Singapore to Perth flights last Friday.

Perth becomes the third Australian destination in the airline’s network following the relaunch of flights from Singapore to Darwin and Melbourne.

Jetstar Asia flight 3K133 departs Singapore’s Changi Airport at 1605 and arrives in Perth at 2130. The return flight 3K134, a designated Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) service, departs at 2230, arriving back in Singapore at 0350. The airline operates four weekly services to the Western Australian capital.

Jetstar Asia’s CEO Bara Pasupathi noted that before the pandemic, Singapore made up one of the largest source markets for visitors to Perth and now quarantine-free travel was back on the menu, they expected the route to be as popular as ever.

“With family ties, education and business interests, not to mention the incredible places to visit in Western Australia from Fremantle, Rottnest Island and Monkey Mia to the stunning Margaret River region, we know this destination is high of people’s list of places to visit,” Pasupathi said.

“While we have operated a handful of services over the past two years to support business needs in Perth, Jetstar Asia is very excited to officially add Perth back into our schedule.

“We know our customers are eager to reunite with friends and families, as well as enjoy the incredible beaches, vineyards and natural wonders WA has to offer, so I’m sure they will welcome Jetstar Asia’s low fares as well as the recent easing of quarantine requirements and the move from PCR tests to ART.

“And in return, we can’t wait to welcome Western Australians back to the Lion City while providing them access to services operated by Jetstar’s global network of codeshare and interline partners, as well as Jetstar Asia’s Southeast Asian network.”

To celebrate the restart of the Singapore – Perth service, Jetstar Asia offers one-way fares to Perth starting from SGD185.

Centara presents a regional expansion strategy

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 14 March 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has revealed its recent business performance, expansion plans and strategic direction for the future, including multiple new hotels, fresh destinations and new brand concepts.

This exciting era of growth will help the group reach its long-term goal of becoming a top 100 global hotel operator within five years – a vision that will see it reach a total of 200 hotels and resorts by 2026, up from 88 properties at present and with approximately half of that growth coming from destinations outside of its native Thailand.

Centara has just confirmed that it achieved total revenues of almost THB 1.09 billion (USD 33 million) in Q4 2021, an increase of 54% year-on-year, despite the continued impact of the pandemic. The growth is expected to gain more momentum in 2022 with the acceleration of the global travel and hospitality recovery, which will be supported by the further relaxing of travel restrictions into Thailand, and is buoyed by the resilience and strong performance of Centara’s key international destinations such as the Middle East and the Maldives.

Centara will open eight new hotels & resorts in 2022, including Centara Hotel Korat

It’s not just Centara’s existing portfolio that will enjoy the continued tourism rebound in 2022, as the group has announced its intention to open eight new hotels and resorts this year, comprising 1,066 keys. These properties will span Thailand, with openings in Bangkok, Korat and Ubon, and international destinations including Laos, Oman and Qatar.

The group also revealed a core component of its growth strategy would involve collaboration with a strong development partner, specifically to launch new projects within Thailand, under both existing and new brands, and commencing this year. The luxurious Centara Reserve concept, which was launched in December 2021 with the debut of Centara Reserve Samui, will be enhanced with additional property in Krabi, and the group is also considering projects in up-and-coming Thai markets such as Koh Lanta and Cha-Am. Centara is also exploring a new opportunity in the Medical Wellness segment with an established operator from Europe, and Koh Tao and Samui are the potential locations under discussion.

Internationally, Centara has been given the green light to develop two new upscale resorts in the Maldives, following successful Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for three idyllic islands in the Indian Ocean. These resorts are slated to open in 2024 and 2025, doubling Centara’s presence in the Maldives to four properties. In Japan, a landmark high-rise hotel is currently under construction in Osaka, a joint venture between Centara, Taisei Corporation and Kanden Realty & Development, which will start welcoming guests in mid-2023, and in Vietnam, COSI Phu Yen Hotel is scheduled to open in 2023, marking this cutting-edge, affordable lifestyle concept’s first location outside Thailand.

Centara’s international growth focus will be centred on Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, Japan, China, and the Middle East primarily, including Saudi Arabia, following the recent normalisation of the country’s diplomatic relations with Thailand. The group is also considering options in Europe.

Centara will evolve its business strategy to focus on emerging trends and market dynamics in the coming years. Within Thailand, the group is seeing rising demand for more experiential travel as well as “workations”, as guests escape the office and work remotely for a few days or longer, especially in beach destinations. It also foresees a strong rebound in international long-haul and leisure business in Thailand due to the country’s reopening strategy and vaccination programme, but was quick to reiterate that it feels the remaining restrictions need to be removed imminently for the required potential to be reached.

At an operational level, Centara will continue to invest in the latest technology following the recent overhaul of its technology architecture. The group has recently revamped its entire website, booking, property management and reservation platforms and is currently concluding the rollout of its industry-leading Customer Relationship Management solution, all of which will serve to drive greater distribution, guest management, a seamless guest experience across all touchpoints and a superior and highly personalised guest experience. The group is also focusing on talent development through effective staff training programmes and is further emphasising its focus on sustainable solutions, with a target of reducing energy and water usage by 20% within 10 years and certifying 100% of its portfolio with respected environmental accreditation bodies by 2025.

“As the world emerges from the global pandemic and travel restrictions start to ease, we are highly optimistic that the hospitality industry will rebound rapidly. Despite the challenges of the last two years, Centara can reflect on its performance with pride. Now, as we enter 2022, we are delighted to reveal our expansion strategy for the months and years ahead. With multiple new hotels and resorts set to open in many dynamic markets, both in Thailand and overseas, including innovative brands, this is an exciting time for our company as we strive to become a top 100 global hotel operator,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat.

To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

(Your Stories: Centara Hotels and Resorts)

Hotelbeds halts Russia bookings

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PALMA, Spain, 14 March 2022: Hotelbeds has cancelled all bookings to Russia and Belarus for an initial three months and is waiving all cancellation fees.

Hotelbeds CEO Nicolas Huss made the statement on Friday as companies worldwide boycott or withdraw their business operations in Russia.

“As the situation in Ukraine becomes more devastating by the day, our thoughts first and foremost are with our employees, their families and friends, and with all our partners in Ukraine and beyond who are affected by this devastating conflict.

“From a business perspective, it is becoming increasingly complex to operate in the region, and so today (Friday), we have announced that we are ceasing all commercial activities in Russia and Belarus with immediate effect.

“We are continuing to provide as much support as we can to them, as well as to the humanitarian efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross – ICRC.

“The human tragedy that is unfolding in Ukraine is impossible to imagine for most of us, and so we join everyone in appealing for a swift and peaceful end to this conflict.”

Hotelbeds is one of the world’s leading bed banks with a portfolio of over 180,000 hotel properties that gain access to a network of more than 60,000 B2B travel buyers such as tour operators, retail travel agents, airline websites, and loyalty schemes in over 140 source markets worldwide. 

In addition to accommodation, Hotelbeds is also the world’s largest B2B seller of travel ancillaries, offering 25,000 transfer routes and 18,000 activities, as well as attractions, tickets and car hire.

The company’s headquarters are in Palma, Spain.

(Source: Hotelbeds)

Norwegian Cruise Line serves up Prima Class

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 March 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), reveals additional details regarding its elevated culinary and beverage offerings for its highly-anticipated Prima Class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

The first two of six vessels within this cutting-edge class will push the boundaries of traditional cruise cuisine with nine new dining and beverage venues, including Metropolitan Bar, NCL’s first sustainably focused bar. The Cruise Line also announced its first three-level atrium, the Penrose Atrium, in addition to major F&B updates, including the launch of its revamped main dining menu set to roll out on Norwegian Prima, the enhancement to Norwegian’s guest-favourite culinary staples Le Bistro, Cagney’s Steakhouse and the Food Republic, as well as NCL’s coveted Observation Lounge. 

“We’ve been innovators in the food and beverage space for more than three decades, becoming the first cruise line to offer speciality dining and the first to introduce our ‘Freestyle Cruising’ concept that allows our guests to vacation their way by giving them a choice to decide when and where they dine,” said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. “Our latest food and beverage offerings take our Norwegian Prima food and beverage experience to another level, one that travels well beyond the guest expectation to provide elevated gastronomical experiences featuring a sophisticated design, masterful mixology and cuisine that delivers full-throttle flavour.”

Sustainably Focused and Handcrafted Libations 

The Metropolitan Bar will premiere under NCL’s Sail and Sustain program featuring responsibly crafted zero-waste cocktails prepared with surplus ingredients while offering a fully sustainable spirits menu and biodynamic wines. Working with “The Drinks Business” Green Awards 2020 recipient Gerard Bertrand, NCL’s Metropolitan Bar will showcase more than 20 biodynamic wines produced using organic farming methods such as employing compost as fertiliser and avoiding most pesticides. Norwegian once again partnered with James Beard Award-nominee and Bar-Lab founder, Gabe Orta, to pair elevated libation with sustainably focused practices. The Metropolitan Bar’s signature sustainably made cocktail, the “Primadonna”, takes a play on an Old Fashioned, crafted using surplus banana peels with Flor De Cana rum that is produced with 100% renewable energy. Norwegian collaborated with Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana to introduce and produce responsibly sourced botanical gins specifically for NCL and made using 100% recyclable glass and wood for the bottle’s design. Other new bar and lounge options on Norwegian Prima and Viva include The Belvedere Bar, a contemporary cocktail lounge featuring crafted cocktails with a modern, fresh take on classic drinks.

The Prima Class Penrose Atrium  

Designed by Miami-based Studio Dado to evoke the sense of wonder felt by the ocean’s earliest explorers, NCL’s first three-story, glass-walled PenroseAtrium spanning Decks six, seven and eight will be one of the focal points on Norwegian Prima and Viva. The grand space will vaunt futuristic architecture, including a large-scale chandelier custom built by the renowned Czech lighting design firm Lasvit. The installation was inspired by constellations and featured moving light fixtures weighing more than 7,300 pounds (3,311 kgs). Lining the Penrose Atrium will be a three-deck-high light feature that will convey the feeling of the sun rising on the horizon and surround a three-level wall art piece that will resemble a topographic map.

Retail spaces and high-end luxury shops will also be located throughout the Penrose Atrium’s three levels, including NCL’s newest Starbucks Coffee. Penrose will also be home to the decanter-inspired Whiskey Bar offering guests a curated selection of drinks and the Prima Casino and The Penrose Bar featuring video poker machines.

Elevated Eateries

Meant to take guests on a global culinary journey, the seven new dining venues onboard Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva will take first-time and returning travellers on an epicurean adventure featuring tantalising fare matched with thoughtfully curated design. Making its debut on Norwegian Prima, the all-new Mediterranean seafood speciality restaurant Palomar, set in a relaxing atmosphere, features high-end Mediterranean cuisine made with simple yet sophisticated ingredients. Hasuki, NCL’s new elevated take on the traditional “hibachi-style”, will boast an intimate space featuring design elements that invite guests into the artisanship of Japanese influence through minimalist decor, handcrafted pottery and featured Japanese artwork. NCL’s new contemporary sushi house Nama will offer guests elevated sushi dishes prepared by master chefs who will create upscale sushi and sashimi masterpieces. The venue is set among a whimsical Japanese backdrop inspired by the restaurant’s menu items, including a marble sushi bar reflective of the marbling in the high-quality sashimi and subtle orange ambient lightning representing the colour of masago (fish roe).

Main Dining Modernisation

Located in the aft of the ship, guests will be able to take in stunning 270-degree views overlooking the stern, and sample mouthwatering menu items in the elevated new main dining room at Hudson’s or opt for upscale cuisine set in comfortable yet refined surroundings at The Commodore Room. Both locations will boast a revamped extensive fixed menu that offers guests more variety to sample global dishes, from Spanish Paella and Italian mussels prepared in white wine sauce to fully vegetarian options such as mushroom risotto and cauliflower piccata. In addition to offering travellers consistent, high-quality dishes, the new menu will also boast a build-your-own-pasta section where guests can request a tailormade Italian classic pasta dish by selecting their choice of pasta, sauce, and topping, providing more than 24 meal combinations. The menu will also include a “Specialties” section where cruisers can select a dish from one of the ship’s speciality dining eateries. The revamped menu will debut on Norwegian Prima and will roll out to the rest of NCL’s 17-ship fleet through 2023. 

The Surfside Café and Surfside Grill located on Deck 17 will feature a diverse menu, with casual self-serve dining and items prepared “a la minute” upon guest request. 

Returning Favourites

In addition to unveiling new dining, lounge and public spaces, Norwegian Prima and Viva will also feature enhanced speciality guest-favourite eateries. NCL’s signature steakhouse, Cagney’s Steakhouse, will boast a refreshed design featuring new décor celebrating the 20th-century modernist architecture of Chicago. Capturing the French flair of the Palace of Mirrors in Versailles, the embellished Le Bistro French speciality restaurant will showcase fine French fare and sophisticated décor boasting three floor-to-ceiling chandeliers and coffered ceilings. Food Republic, the Asian-fusion speciality venue, also returns on the first two Prima Class vessels with elevated décor, a larger restaurant space and stunning views. The popular Observation Lounge, a multi-use refuge with different areas designated for lounging and socialising, will be back on Norwegian Prima and Viva on Deck 17 with a cosier, homey ambience featuring alcoves separated by elegant screens and partitions. Designed to let the outside in with expansive views, the enhanced Observation Lounge will offer telescopes for guests to better see ports of call upon arrival. The Humidor Cigar Lounge will continue to serve as NCL’s premiere cigar shop and cigar lounge.

Previously revealed food and beverage venues on Norwegian Prima and Viva included NCL’s first-ever food hall Indulge Food Hall featuring 11 different eateries, Onda by Scarpetta, Los Lobos, The Local Bar & Grill, Vibe Beach Club, Waves Pool Bar, and the Prima Speedway Bar. Both ships will feature a total variety of 35 dining and lounge options for guests. 

For more information about the Company’s award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call NCL Hong Kong on +852 2165 6000 / Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com.

(Your Stories: NCL)

Registration live for ATM 2022

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 11 March 2022: Registration is now live and free to attend the Arabian Travel Mart due to take place 9 to 12 May 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Following more than two years of lockdowns travel restrictions that postponed trade events, ATM will reunite buyers, exhibitors and travel trade professionals from all over the world for four days of networking and business sourcing.

Last month the Arabian Travel Mart team released details of a commissioned report undertaken by STR, a data and hotel analytic specialist. The report, compiled at the end of 2021, showed hotel development in prime GCC tourism destinations growing at six times the global average.

It highlighted massive hotel development plans in Makkah, Doha, Riyadh, Medina, Muscat and Dubai despite the pandemic headwinds that the global hospitality industry must contend with over the past two years.

Makkah and Doha are both expanding their hotel room inventory by 76%, followed by Riyadh, Medina and Muscat with 66%, 60% and 59% growth respectively.

The trend in hotel expansion indicates ATM 2022 organisers can expect a significant presence at the show’s live event with hotel participants from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and UAE.  

In Dubai, rooms growth stands at 26%, which is still extraordinary, considering its existing base and following years of continuous hotel development – it is still more than double the global average.

Arabian Travel Market Exhibition Director ME Danielle Curtis said, “With the global average sitting at 12%, we are witnessing multiple GCC destinations growing at six times those rates.”

“These figures coupled with the ongoing relaxation in travel restrictions will undoubtedly encourage travel professionals throughout the Middle East and further afield. As such, we are expecting a substantial increase in the number of participants at the ATM live event this year, especially Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the UAE,” she added.

Dubai’s Expo 2020 in Dubai will close on 31 March. The mega event has been the catalyst for accelerated hotel room growth in the UAE, with almost 50,000 rooms still to open across the Emirates. Following closely behind is Doha, with final preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022 now being put in place. Doha is on track to deliver 23,000 hotel rooms pre-and post-World Cup 2022, adding to the country’s burgeoning hotel property portfolio.

Discovery Princess sets sail to LA

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SINGAPORE, 11 March 2022: Discovery Princess delivered 28 January at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, stopped by Singapore for supplies before sailing across the Pacific Ocean to the Port of Los Angeles, where she will embark on her maiden voyage 27 March.

Discovery Princess will join eight other ships that have resumed service for Princess Cruises.

In conjunction with International Women’s Day, Princess Cruises also recently celebrated and honoured the Discovery Princess Madrina – Hotel General Manager Terri Cybuliak – currently serving onboard Sky Princess, leading a team of 1,200 crew members within the hotel department.

Her main role is to ensure exceptional guest experience from entertainment to food and beverage, housekeeping and guest services.

Terri first joined Princess in 1998 as a junior assistant purser on the original Crown Princess. As hotel general manager, she helped launch Majestic Princess in China and was heavily engaged in the planning of that ship. With Sky Princess, she became the first female hotel general manager at Princess to launch a new build from a shipyard.

“Terri embodies the Princess Cruises spirit and culture of being a team player, forging strong relationships, learning from her colleagues and mentoring her team to perform at their highest level,” said Princess Cruises president John Padgett. “With gratitude, we proudly honour Terri as the Madrina of our new Discovery Princess, recognizing all of her incredible contributions over her 24-year career with Princess.”

“I am honoured to be the Madrina of Discovery Princess. This is a culmination of not only my achievements but also those who have supported me and influenced the leader I’ve become,” said Discovery Princess Madrina, Terri Cybuliak. “Princess has afforded me the opportunity to travel the world, and I am forever grateful for these experiences.”

Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal-Class ship

The 3,660-guest Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal-Class newbuild and shares all of the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess and Royal Princess.

With an array of innovative new experiences, guests will enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary and indulge the senses with world-class dining options. Plus, Princess live entertainment presents mesmerizing Broadway-style production shows that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theater, including the newest show, Spotlight Bar. Discovery Princess uses the latest technologies to reduce fuel consumption, treat wastewater, and support our environmental compliance efforts.

In addition, Discovery Princess is the newest ship to join the fleet offering Princess MedallionClass Vacations which begins with the Medallion™ wearable, a quarter-sized device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favourite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favourite movies and shows.

Discovery Princess is now making make her way to the Port of Los Angeles to sail on a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages from 27 March to 24 April 2022. She will then head up the Pacific coast to begin a season of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle, making her the newest ship sailing in the Alaska region.

More information about Discovery Princess can be found at https://www.princess.com/ships-and-experience/ships/xp-discovery-princess/

UNWTO delays decision on Russia’s membership

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MADRID, 11 March 2022: UNWTO is taking its time deciding whether to suspend the Russian Federation’s membership after some members called for a decision last week.

The UNWTO Executive Council deliberated the pros and cons at Tuesday’s extraordinary council meeting and decided to pass the buck to an extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly to rule on the Russian Federation’s membership suspension.

The council’s Tuesday meeting responded to petitions by Colombia, Guatemala, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia and Ukraine calling for the suspension of the Russian Federation from membership of UNWTO.

UNWTO’s membership includes 160 member states, six associate members and over 500 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. The 160 member states hold the core voting rights.

In a press statement on 9 March, the UNWTO promised the “first-ever Extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly will convene in the coming days.”

The request to oust Russia from UNWTO ranks is a first for the usually placid and anodyne tourism body following demands for action filed by several UNWTO members to the Executive Council.

“War is never a solution! Not now, and not ever. But it is evident that not everybody is committed to this ideal,” said UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili.

 He added: “For this reason, UNWTO  must be loud and clear: If you are a member, then you commit to our rules. And you must embrace our values. So, when members go against our goals, there must be consequences.”

He said aggression against Ukraine was inconsistent with the United Nations Charter and contravened the fundamental aim of the UNWTO as enshrined in Article 3 of its statutes, which states the “promotion and development of tourism with a view to contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights”, as the fundamental principles of the organisation.

UNWTO said it stands fully behind the resolution of the UN General Assembly and the vote of the UN Human Rights Council. The sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders must be upheld, and the call of the United Nations for peaceful resolution of the conflict must be followed.

Last week, the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution demanding that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders”. The UNGA reaffirmed the paramount importance of the UN Charter in the promotion of law among nations. 

Also, last week, the UN Human Rights Council condemned the actions of the Russian Federation “in the strongest possible terms”. Its members voted in favour of establishing a special commission to investigate alleged human rights violations, including possible war crimes in Ukraine.

UNWTO closed its statement confirming the final decision to suspend Russia’s membership in the global tourism organisation was in the hands of the UNWTO General Assembly, not the Executive Council.

“In accordance with its statutes, the UNWTO General Assembly alone has the sovereign responsibility to decide on the suspension of membership of any member state, if it found that the member persists in a policy contrary to the fundamental aims of the organisation, as enshrined in Article 3 of its statutes.”

Emirates celebrates women in aviation

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DUBAI, UAE, 11 March 2022: The story of Bayan Al Turabi, Emirates Flight Training Academy’s first international cadet pilot to graduate, is one that celebrates women in aviation and highlights the importance of female role models.

Bayan’s inspirational journey as a cadet at the Emirates Flight Training Academy is a story of determination and success and a testament to a dream come true celebrated on International Women’s Day 8 March.

Watch here as Bayan shares her personal story and credits her sister (also a certified pilot) for giving her the confidence to look at a career in aviation.

Growing up in Bahrain, Bayan lived in a house located between the airport and the sea, and that’s when her love story with travel and aviation began. Bayan’s family encouraged her and her siblings to aspire for and achieve whatever they set their hearts on, telling them nothing is impossible.

When asked about why she decided to become a pilot, Bayan had this sentimental story to share: “From a very young age, I had an extreme urge of wanting to explore the world. Since I had never met a female pilot growing up, considering an aviation career was never an option for me. Until I witnessed my sister fly a plane as a pilot for the first time, hearing her voice through the PA presented a new potential to combine my passion for travel with an established career in flying. Seeing her earn her stripes along the way inspired and encouraged me to follow in her footsteps.”

“I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage more young women to consider aviation as their career too, or at least let them know that they can reach for their dreams and blue skies if they set their hearts and minds on it.”

On training at the Emirates Flight Training Academy and what made it unique, Bayan said: “The training programme at EFTA is different, as we don’t only train on single-engine piston aircraft, but also on jet aircraft, which is something not found in most pilot training academies. In addition to the six fully-motioned simulators, which provide you with a realistic experience of flying an actual plane, the EFTA instructors also give us tremendous support as they guide us through our training, shape our skills, and prepare us as up-and-coming Captains in the long run. I have also developed lifelong friendships with my cadet colleagues, extending beyond the walls of the academy.”

Emirates Flight Training Academy vice president Capt Abdulla Al Hammadi said this about Bayan and the Academy’s efforts in the world of pilot training.

“EFTA is committed to providing opportunities for all the ambitious and enthusiastic youth to become pilots. Our academy offers a world-leading training programme for commercial pilots, which is delivered by experienced instructors who come from all over the world. It’s not only about our advanced training methods and technologies but also our inclusive learning environment that’s open and accepting of all qualified candidates.

“EFTA is proud that our first international student to graduate is a very competent young female aviator. Bayan is smart, ambitious and diligent. I believe she has a promising future and lots of potentials to contribute to the aviation industry. The reality is that the world is facing a worldwide shortage of pilots, and here at EFTA, it is our goal to contribute to the global aviation industry by grooming future generations of accomplished and ambitious pilots from the UAE to the world.”

About Emirates Flight Training Academy

Located in Dubai South, the Emirates Flight Training Academy was launched by Emirates in 2017 to qualify UAE nationals and international students to become pilots. The academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies and a modern fleet of 27 training aircraft (Cirrus SR22 G6 single-engine piston aircraft and Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jet aircraft) to train cadets with no previous knowledge of flying.

Cadets are trained using simulators, single and multi-engine aircraft, and are provided with theoretical knowledge of the aviation industry to facilitate their transition into the airline business. The Emirates Flight Training Academy underscores Emirates’ commitment as a global leader in aviation to train and mentor pilots and meet the future talent requirements of the aviation industry.

The Emirates Flight Training Academy offers more than just an extensive training programme. Its state-of-the-art facility, which is equal to 200 football fields, also provides students with incredible amenities. With 36 modern ground classrooms, an independent Air Traffic Control Tower, and a dedicated 1,800 m long runway, cadet pilots can learn, train and fly successfully without having to leave the academy’s premises.

For more information, visit: www.emiratesflighttrainingacademy.com

Ukraine crisis revives fuel surcharges

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SEPANG, Malaysia, 11 March 2022: AirAsia Malaysia reintroducing fuel surcharges starting 8 March for all its domestic and international flights.

The reintroduction of the fuel surcharge by AirAsia is to offset the escalating jet fuel prices, which have now exceeded USD120 per barrel and still climbing.

AirAsia stopped charging fuel surcharges in 2015. The airline has instead been absorbing the oil price increase over the years, while other carriers were already adjusting fares and increasing fuel and admin charges to counter rising operating costs as early as 2018.

AirAsia Malaysia Fuel Surcharge rates effective 8 March 2022

The fuel surcharges are applicable for new flight bookings made on and after 8 March 2022. All bookings made before 8 March 2022 will not be affected.

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said: “Airlines the world over are affected by the rising oil prices and the continuous upward spiral caused by the situation in Eastern Europe and other external factors have made it imperative for us to reintroduce the fuel surcharge, despite our best efforts to resist it for as long as we could.

“Since we last abolished fuel surcharges in 2015 when the global fuel price was as low as USD48 a barrel, we have faced numerous occasions when the fluctuations have caused other airlines to start imposing surcharges. However, at AirAsia, we have been absorbing past increases in oil prices to continue to provide the best value to our guests. Unfortunately, the current situation where the oil price has shot up more than 160% than what it was in 2015 has made it no longer sustainable.”

AirAsia has twice removed its fuel surcharge in the past. It first introduced a fuel surcharge in 2005 and abolished it in 2008, and later reintroduced it in 2011. In 2015 the jet fuel price was at its high of USD78 per barrel, but AirAsia decided to immediately remove the fuel surcharge as soon as the price went down to around USD48 per barrel that year.

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