EASYJET URGES EU TO BREAK DOWN WALLS OF AVIATION PROTECTIONISM

2012-10-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Carolyn McCall, CEO of easyJet, today encouraged the EU to break down the remaining walls of protectionism in European aviation on slots and ground handling. Speaking at the European Aviation Club before an audience of MEPs, EU officials, academics and aviation industry representatives, she urged the EU to continue the liberalisation of… Read the full news article

EASA updates its Code of Conduct

2012-10-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has updated the Code of Conduct for its staff, including an overarching policy on the Prevention and Mitigation of Conflict of Interest. A similar policy is also being adopted by the Members of EASA’s Management Board. The objective of the Code of Conduct is to maintain… Read the full news article

CAA reveals millions more holidays protected as a result of ATOL reform

• 2.5m more protected sales than would have been in the scheme without ATOL reform • CAA now taking action against a number of businesses still not complying • Whistleblowing provision available for industry staff members 2012-10-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — The CAA has today confirmed that the introduction of ‘Flight-Plus’ has ensured that 2.5m more people… Read the full news article

Travel Industry Continues to Put Americans Back to Work

2012-10-10 — /travelprnews.com/ — Washington, D.C. – David Huether, senior vice president of economics and research at the U.S. Travel Association, provides analysis on today’s September 2012 Labor Department report: “The Labor Department reported today that the economy created 114,000 jobs in September while the unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent, the lowest level in 45… Read the full news article

GBTA Applauds TSA Pre✓™ Expansion Into Canada

Alexandria, VA,  2012-10-8 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)—the voice of the global business travel industry— applauds the decision by the Transportation Security Administration to include Canadian NEXUS members in the TSA PRE✓™ program.  “This is a significant benefit for Canadian business travelers and a significant milestone in the United States-Canada Beyond the Border Action… Read the full news article

WIZZ AIR LAUNCHES NEW CABIN BAGGAGE POLICY

NEW ₤9 FEE FOR LARGE CABIN BAG ASSURES MORE SPACE ON BOARD AND RESULTS IN ₤4.5 DISCOUNT ON WIZZ AIR FARES 2012-10-5 — /travelprnews.com/ — Wizz Air, the largest low-cost, low-fare airline connecting Western and Eastern Europe, today announced its new cabin baggage policy designed to eliminate the excessive number of bags carried onboard, overcrowding aircraft… Read the full news article

Protected Travel Services confirmed as ATOL franchise body

2012-10-4 — /travelprnews.com/ — The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is today pleased to announce that Protected Travel Services (PTS) has been confirmed as a franchise body under the ATOL financial protection scheme. The confirmation offers travel organisers an additional option for complying with the ATOL Regulations 2012, with businesses also able to operate under their… Read the full news article

InterCity West Coast franchise

2012-10-4 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Secretary of State for Transport has announced today, 3 October, that the InterCity West Coast franchise competition has been cancelled. A Virgin Rail Group spokesperson  said: “We welcome today’s frank announcement by the Secretary of State, acknowledging the flaws in the way the InterCity West Coast competition was assessed and… Read the full news article

EASA proposes new harmonised rules to avoid flight crew fatigue

2012-10-4 — /travelprnews.com/ — The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) today published its proposal to amend the current EU rules on flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements (FTL) for commercial air transport. Released in a final proposal known as an Opinion, the proposed rules contain more than 30 safety improvements compared to current requirements… Read the full news article

U.S. Travel Applauds Addition of Taiwan to U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Secretaries Clinton and Napolitano Meet with Travel Industry Leaders Washington, D.C. – 2012-10-2 — /travelprnews.com/ — The U.S. Travel Association today applauded an announcement by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano that Taiwan is being added to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Today’s announcement was made at the Travel and Tourism Conference, part of the State Department’s… Read the full news article

CAA welcomes new pilot flying hours

2012-10-1 — /travelprnews.com/ — The UK’s aviation safety regulator today welcomed new EU rules that will standardise working hours for European airline pilots. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the new rules will benefit UK passengers and will not compromise safety. The CAA said it was pleased that the EU’s final draft, published today, includes several… Read the full news article

UK pilots pass world’s first autogyro flight test course

2012-09-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Six UK pilots are the latest graduates of a unique course aimed at providing pilots with the skills required to flight test light aircraft. Run jointly by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Light Aircraft Association (LAA), the latest course offered dedicated training to enable experienced AutoGyro pilots to be… Read the full news article

ABTA Launches Checklist for Consumers on Financial Protection, including ATOL Certificates

2012-09-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — ABTA today launched a new checklist for consumers offering advice on what paperwork to look for when booking travel arrangements.  The checklist is intended to help consumers understand the impact of the changes brought in by the Government reforms to the ATOL scheme of financial protection, including the introduction of ATOL certificates… Read the full news article

Nebraska Tourism Strategic Plan complete

LINCOLN, NEB., 2012-09-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Nebraska Tourism Strategic Plan ordered by the Nebraska Legislature is complete and available for review. This legislation, introduced by Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala, called for a study of current conditions and issues facing Nebraska tourism, and a long-term strategy for growth. The statewide plan to grow the economic base of… Read the full news article

ABTA Submits Response to the Draft Aviation Policy Framework

As research reveals majority of MPs believe UK risks being left behind without a comprehensive aviation plan 2012-09-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — ABTA – the Travel Association today submitted its formal response to the Department for Transport (DfT) consultation on the Draft Aviation Policy Framework. The Draft Framework was published by the DfT in July 2012 and… Read the full news article

New charge for Radio Operators Certificate of Competence

2012-09-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — A charge of £35 will be levied on the Radio Operators Certificate of Competence (ROCC) from 1 October 2012, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said today. The CAA said the charge was necessary to cover administration costs. ROCC is a qualification designed to ensure the safe and effective operation of aeronautical… Read the full news article

Loews Hotels & Resorts Announces Coordinated Effort With U.S. Department Of Homeland Security

LOEWS HOTELS & RESORTS ANNOUNCES COORDINATED EFFORT WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY First hospitality brand to offer complimentary enrollment to Global Entry and TSA Pre™ NEW YORK, NY 2012-09-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Loews Hotels & Resorts Chairman Jonathan Tisch and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced a joint effort today to promote the Trusted Traveler… Read the full news article

U.S. Travel Commends Innovative Public-Private Program between Loews and DHS

Washington, D.C., 2012-09-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — The U.S. Travel Association today commended a joint effort between Loews Hotels & Resorts and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to promote the Trusted Traveler Network, which incorporates the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry and the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck programs. “Americans will see travel become more efficient thanks… Read the full news article

Massport Holds the Line on Logan Rates and Charges

Massport Holds the Line on Boston Logan Rates and Charges Free Silver Line Service to Continue through New Year BOSTON, 2012-09-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Massachusetts Port Authority Board today approved a series of rates and charges for airlines at Boston Logan International Airport.  The rates are in effect from Oct. 1, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013,… Read the full news article

Cathay Pacific statement on its restrictive carriage policy on sharks and shark-related products

2012-09-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — Cathay Pacific today reiterated that the decision to stop shipping unsustainably sourced sharks and shark-related products was made based on sustainable development considerations. The decision was made public two weeks ago. Under the airline’s new restrictive carriage policy, it will only accept shipments when shippers provide proof that the products to be… Read the full news article

OFFICIAL VALENCIA FUEL REPORT CONFIRMS RYANAIR EU OPS COMPLIANCE & SAFETY

JOINT GOVT STATEMENT CONFIRMS RYANAIR “ON A PAR WITH SAFEST EU AIRLINES” RYANAIR INVITES SPANISH GOVT TO INSPECT OPERATIONS 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Spain’s largest airline, today (20 Sept) released copies of the official IAA report* into the 3 Valencia fuel emergency procedures of 26 July last which confirm that all 3 Ryanair aircraft: 1…. Read the full news article

U.S. Travel Applauds White House Progress Report on National Travel and Tourism Strategy

Obama Administration Removing Barriers to Travel and Economic Growth Washington, D.C. 2012-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — The U.S. Travel Association today applauded the White House for achieving several milestones mandated by an Executive Order earlier this year. The achievements were announced in a progress report released by the Obama Administration earlier today. “Today’s progress report shows that important steps have been… Read the full news article

RYANAIR WELCOMES STATEMENT FROM IRISH & SPANISH GOVTS

AFFIRMS RYANAIR’S SAFETY STANDARDS ARE ON A PAR WITH SAFEST EU AIRLINES RYANAIR INVITES SPANISH TO INSPECT ITS OPERATIONS 2012-09-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Spain’s largest airline, welcomed today’s (18 Sept) joint statement from the Irish and Spanish Transport Ministries which affirms that Ryanair’s safety standards are on par with the safest airlines in Europe. Ryanair… Read the full news article

CAA issues first EASA pilot licences

2012-09-17 — /travelprnews.com/ — The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has begun issuing the new European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) pilot licences. The first licences, which will replace JAR and many older ‘national’ versions, were printed for the first time at the CAA’s Gatwick headquarters earlier today. The transition process to the new pan European… Read the full news article

FirstGroup response to Secretary of State comments

2012-09-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — A FirstGroup spokesman said: “We are pleased that the Secretary of State for Transport has confirmed that the Government intends to proceed with the award of the InterCity West Coast franchise to FirstGroup. Our focus is to ensure a smooth transition with continuity for staff and passengers alike. With that in mind,… Read the full news article

London 2012 airspace restrictions come to an end

2012-09-13 — /travelprnews.com/ — All airspace restrictions relating to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have now been lifted, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed today. The last restricted zone, shown as P114 on aviation charts, in place for the Paralympic Games, ended at midnight on Wednesday 12 September. Praising the role of the… Read the full news article

EASYJET APPEARS BEFORE THE NORTHERN IRELAND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TO GIVE EVIDENCE ON THE AIR TRANSPORT STRATEGY FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

2012-09-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — easyJet, Northern Ireland’s largest airline, today appeared before the House of Commons Northern Ireland affairs committee to give evidence on the air transport strategy for Northern Ireland and highlight easyJet’s long term commitment to serving the region. Speaking at today’s House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Paul Simmons, the airline’s UK… Read the full news article

GBTA Reveals Best and Worst Travel Taxes in Top 50 U.S. Destinations

Fifth Annual List Finds That Taxes Targeting Travel Services Increase Total Tax Burden by 57% Alexandria, VA, 2012-09-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Discriminatory travel taxes and fees enacted on travel-related services impose an average increased cost on visitors of 57% over general sales tax, according to new research released by the GBTA Foundation, the education and research… Read the full news article

JAL Cargo Fuel Surcharge for the Month of October 2012

TOKYO, 2012-09-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Japan Airlines (JAL) has applied to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to revise up its international cargo fuel surcharge for flights departing from Japan from October 2012. Since April 1, 2009, JAL started adjusting its cargo fuel surcharge levels on a monthly basis by using the one-month average… Read the full news article

U.S. Travel Commends House Passage of No-Hassle Flying Act of 2012

Washington, D.C., 2012-09-12 — /travelprnews.com/ — Legislation that will eliminate duplicative screening measures and ease burdens on the traveling public is one step closer to reality thanks to a vote in the House today. The “No-Hassle Flying Act of 2012” (H.R. 6028) sponsored by Rep. Joe Walsh (IL-8) received strong support, and the U.S. Travel Association… Read the full news article