Ryanair announced additional daily frequencies on its five main Ireland-UK routes

INTENSIFIED COMPETITION WITH AER LINGUS INCREASES AGAIN TO BENEFIT OF UK CONSUMERS WHILE UKCC INVENTS COMPETITION “CONCERN” FAIRYTALES 2013-08-01 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, the UK’s largest airline, today (31 July) announced that it would add additional daily frequencies from October on its five main Ireland-UK routes in a direct response to similar flight increases recently announced… Read the full press release

UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) released its final report on UPS Flight 6 Crash On September 3, 2010

MEMPHIS, Tenn., 2013-07-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — On September 3, 2010, our industry lost two fellow aviators when UPS Flight 6 crashed near Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Yesterday, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) released its final report concerning the investigation into this fatal crash. The GCAA, while not pinpointing the origin of the fateful… Read the full press release

Japan Tourism officials in Thailand to discuss tourism cooperation between Thailand and Japan

Bangkok, 2013-07-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — Mr. Norifumi Ide, Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency, Mr. Kazuhiro Ito, Executive Director, JNTO Bangkok Office and their team members paid a courtesy call on Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand, to discuss tourism cooperation between Thailand and Japan. Mr. Suraphon said, “I was pleased to learn about… Read the full press release

In its annual report The UK’s Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee welcomes the changes brought in through ATOL Reform

2013-07-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee (ATIPAC) has praised the impact of last year’s changes to the ATOL scheme, calling the ATOL Certificate a potential “game changer”. However, the Committee is calling for further action to bring total financial protection for consumers. In its annual report, published today, the Committee welcomes… Read the full press release

The U.S. Travel Association applauded U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Bill Requiring Visa Videoconferencing Pilot Program

Legislation Will Increase International Travel While Maintaining Stringent Security Requirements Washington, D.C., 2013-07-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — The U.S. Travel Association today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operation and Related Programs for approving a fiscal year 2014 spending measure that will make it easier for international travelers to apply for a visa to… Read the full press release

Wizz Air calls on Walloon Government to abandon plans to tax passengers using Brussels Charleroi Airport

2013-07-25 — /travelprnews.com/ — Wizz Air, flying to Brussels Charleroi Airport since 2004, called on the Walloon Government to abandon plans for a new travel tax on passengers using Charleroi Airport. Wizz Air offers 7 routes to Brussels Charleroi, and carried, to date, 2.7 million passengers through the airport. Today the airline warned that further… Read the full press release

London Gatwick submitted robust and compelling proposal to the Airports Commission for second runway positioned to the south of the current site

Expansion at Gatwick will meet London’s and the UK’s connectivity needs for a generation, boost choice and enhance competition Expansion at Gatwick will cost between £5 and £9 billion – a fraction of the cost of expansion at Heathrow. A second runway can be open in 2025 Noise impacts will be substantially lower than for… Read the full press release

Macau Government Tourist Office hosts explanatory discussion over the implementation of the “Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China”

2013-07-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — In preparation for the implementation of the “Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China”, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) invited a policy expert from China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) to give explanation sessions to the related governmental departments and travel trade partners and clarify the key points of the law, including… Read the full press release

UK Civil Aviation Authority reminds holidaymakers to pack their ATOL certificate before travelling abroad this summer

2013-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — With schools set to close for summer this week and thousands of families heading abroad for their holidays, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is reminding holidaymakers to pack their ATOL certificate to make sure they’re covered if something happens to their travel company. Families booking ATOL protected air holidays are covered… Read the full press release

The UK Civil Aviation Authority informed flying schools alternatives to fitted screens used in cockpits during instrument flight tests are now allowed

2013-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today informed Approved Training Organisations (ATO) that fitted screens used in cockpits during instrument flight tests are no longer the sole method that may be used to restrict a pilot’s vision. The change of policy will only affect flight tests for the initial issue of… Read the full press release

U.S. Travel Association CEO Roger Dow comments on TSA’s new TSA Pre™ Enrollment Options at Washington Dulles and Indianapolis International Airports

Washington, D.C., 2013-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today released the following statement applauding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for its announcement of a new program at Washington Dulles and Indianapolis International Airports to allow Americans to enroll directly in Pre™, TSA’s trusted traveler program for domestic air… Read the full press release

Ryanair calls on UK Government’s Airports Commission to resolve the 30 year old runway shortage in South East of England

2013-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, the UK’s only ultra low cost carrier (ULCC) today (18 July) made a submission to the UK Government’s Airports Commission, calling on Sir Howard Davies and his team to resolve the 30 year old runway shortage in the South East of England by recommending that each of the 3 main London… Read the full press release

Airport Authority Hong Kong gets Town Planning Board approval for the ‘Interim Golf Course (9-hole) with Ancillary Clubhouse Facilities’

HONG KONG, 2013-07-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — As an interim arrangement amid the undergoing study by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) on the future development of the North Commercial District, the AA earlier made an application for renewal of planning approval for the “Interim Golf Course (9-hole) with Ancillary Clubhouse Facilities” on a temporary basis. The Town… Read the full press release

AAAE Gov President Todd Hauptli called on Congress to End Ancillary Fee Loophole, Eliminate Airport AMT Penalty

Alexandria, VA, 2013-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — In a letter to leaders of congressional tax-writing committees, AAAE Gov President Todd Hauptli today called on lawmakers to close the current tax loophole that allows U.S. air carriers to avoid paying federal excise taxes on the billions of dollars in annual revenues collected on baggage fees and other ancillary… Read the full press release

ALPA president Capt. Lee Moak called on Congress to Support U.S. Aviation Industry and Prohibit Funding for Abu Dhabi Preclearance Facility

WASHINGTON, 2013-07-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), today urged Congress to support the U.S. aviation industry and prohibit funding for a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facility at the Abu Dhabi International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In testimony to the U.S. House… Read the full press release

Airport Authority Hong Kong to host exhibition and public forum sessions on Environmental Impact Assessment for planned three-runway system project

HONG KONG, 2013-07-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) today announced that it will host a four-day exhibition and two public forum sessions on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the planned three-runway system project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), to be held from 1 to 4 August 2013 at the Hong Kong… Read the full press release

Auckland Airport applauds Wellington Airports reconsideration of its future airport prices

2013-07-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — Auckland Airport welcomes the announcement from Wellington Airport that it will review its charges in consultation with its airline customers.  Wellington Airport’s decision follows a report on its pricing from the New Zealand Commerce Commission that its charges were too high. Adrian Littlewood, Auckland Airport’s Chief Executive says, “It’s great to see… Read the full press release

Philippine Airlines issues statement on the European Union ban lift on PAL

2013-07-15 — /travelprnews.com/ — The lifting by the European Union of the ban on Philippine Airlines (PAL) to fly to Europe is another testimony to PAL’s reputation as a safe airline. Credit goes to the Philippine government for all its efforts and hard work in successfully addressing this significant concern hounding our aviation industry for years…. Read the full press release

UK Civil Aviation Authority warns British holidaymakers to look past the price when booking late breaks

2013-07-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — British families looking to get some summer sun have been warned to look past the price before they book, or risk losing their hard-earned holiday. With the school holidays approaching, many families will be looking to take advantage of cheap travel deals by booking a late summer break. But with research showing… Read the full press release

IATA calls for urgent policy attention to infrastructure and taxation issues to ensure aviation connectivity in Australia

Sydney, 2013-07-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for urgent policy attention to infrastructure and taxation issues to ensure the continued development of aviation connectivity in Australia. “Aviation has always played a key role in Australia. It binds the continent together and connects the island to its major trading partners.  Combined… Read the full press release

U.S. Travel Association Commends U.S. Senate for approving Immigration Bill which recognizes the importance of travel

Landmark Legislation Will Deliver Increased Economic Opportunity and Jobs to Communities Across America by Encouraging More Travel To and Within the United States 2013-07-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Washington, D.C. – Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today released the following statement commending the U.S. Senate for approving S. 744, the Border Security, Economic… Read the full press release

The UK Civil Aviation Authority announced check flights for CofA and permit renewals no longer mandatory

2013-07-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that it will no longer be a requirement to routinely carry out a check flight to qualify for the renewal of an expiring National Certificate of Airworthiness; annual EASA Permit to Fly; National Airworthiness Review Certificate; or Certificate of Validity. However, a check flight… Read the full press release

Ryanair statement on UK Competition Commission timetable extension for its investigation into Ryanair’s minority stake in Aer Lingus

2013-07-01 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC), today (26th June) noted that the UK Competition Commission has extended the timetable for its investigation into Ryanair’s 6 ½ year old minority shareholding in Aer Lingus from 11th July to 5th September, an extension of 8 weeks. Ryanair believes this extension has been caused by the UKCC’s… Read the full press release

The UK Civil Aviation Authority opened public consultations on the implementation of the Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA)

2013-06-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today launched a consultation on its proposals for the implementation of the Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA). The consultation period runs from 25 June 2013 to 28 August 2013. Full details of the consultation, including how to submit comment on the CAA’s proposals, can… Read the full press release

UNWTO welcomes Azerbaijan´s implementation of new e-visa system aimed to attract more international tourists

Madrid, 2013-06-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — UNWTO welcomes Azerbaijan´s implementation of a new e-visa system streamlining visa applications into an electronic format, aimed to attract more international tourists into the country. The electronic visa system, operational since March 2013, was administered upon the decree of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to facilitate visa procedures for foreigners… Read the full press release

U.S. Travel Association urges U.S. senators to approve S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act

Washington, D.C., 2013-06-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — The U.S. Travel Association today urged U.S. senators to approve S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. As part of an historic opportunity to enact meaningful immigration reform, the legislation includes significant measures to improve the visa process and facilitation of air travelers coming to the United… Read the full press release

London Gatwick submitted its revised offer to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on new deal for the airport between 2014 and 2021

Contracts & Commitments will provide a better outcome in terms of the quality of airport facilities, service levels and price than regulation could ever achieve Gatwick puts forward an improved offer for airlines and passengers with a price of RPI+ 1.5% over seven years Gatwick believes the pace of change at the airport should continue… Read the full press release

Asian tourism businesses have pledged to adhere to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics

Madrid/Seoul, 2013-06-13 — /travelprnews.com/ — Some of Asia’s most prominent tourism businesses have signed the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, committing to implement the ethical provisions of the Code in their policies, plans and business operations. The signing took place at the first Regional Conference on Tourism Partnerships on Future Tourism for Asia and the… Read the full press release

AH&LA: Seasonal workers crucial to economic viability of hotels, resorts

LODGING INDUSTRY TO EMPHASIZE VALUE OF H-2B PROGRAM AT HOUSE HEARING 2013-06-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Sarah Diment, owner of The Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit, Maine, and a member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), will testify this afternoon at a hearing of the House of Representatives Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and… Read the full press release

IATA welcomes European Commission proposals to strengthen the legislative basis for the Single European Sky

Geneva, 2013-06-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed European Commission (EC) proposals to strengthen the legislative basis for the Single European Sky (SES). The EC proposals are in response to the failure of European states to make progress towards the SES and its important goals: an improvement in safety by a factor… Read the full press release