Virgin Atlantic is launching new direct services to Austin, the capital of the Lonestar state of Texas and the airline’s first new route to the US since 2015.
The four times a week service will launch on 25 May 2022 and will operate on the airline’s 787-9 aircraft boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.
Austin is the fourth most populated city in the state with 7.7million passengers travelling through the airport in 2019. The city is known as the “live music capital of the world” and is famed for its art and foodie scene as well as a wide range of outdoors activities.
Austin is also known as a growing tech hub with businesses such as Apple, Tesla, Facebook, IBM and Oracle all opening up bases, giving the city the nickname “Silicon Hills”. This booming region is a key focus for Virgin Atlantic and its expanded joint venture partners, with Delta Air Lines offering connections from Austin to 10 US cities, Seattle, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Detroit, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Raleigh Durham, JFK. KLM also looks forward to launching three-times weekly services from Amsterdam to Austin on 28t March 2022 offering even more choice for customers both side of the Atlantic to connect between the US and Europe.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic commented:
We are incredibly excited to launch this new service to Austin, Texas. With an impressive food, arts and music scene, we know it’s a destination our customers will love to explore.
The US has been our heartland for more than 37 years since our first flight to New York City in 1984. Since US borders opened to UK travellers on 8 November, it feels extra special to be launching new flying, especially to the fantastic city of Austin.
There are so many synergies between Virgin Atlantic and the city of Austin. We love their philosophy and desire to celebrate local brands, businesses and communities and we cannot wait to welcome customers, both existing and new onboard, flying them safely to explore this fabulously quirky city.
Jacqueline Yaft , CEO, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport commented:
We are thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic to Austin and Central Texas. This exciting new partnership helps meet our goals of continued recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and furthers our commitment to being the Gateway of Central Texas for both leisure and business travelers alike.
As Virgin Atlantic recovers from the pandemic, the airline continues to work towards its vision of becoming the most loved travel company. With new Caribbean services to St Vincent and the Grenadines, Bahamas and St Lucia as well as new flying from Edinburgh to Barbados launching tin 2021, the airline is focussed on serving the destinations we know our customers love to visit. Later this year, Virgin Atlantic will be the first UK airline to receive the A330neo aircraft which not only boasts a step change to its Upper Class Suite and social space for customers but will help transform the fleet into one of the quietest and most fuel efficient in the sky.
Flights are on sale from Wednesday 12 January.
To help customers book with confidence, Virgin Atlantic has extended its policy of unlimited free date and flight changes for new bookings, giving further flexibility to customers to support future travel plans. The updated flexible booking policy enables Virgin Atlantic customers making a new holiday or flight-only booking for travel up to 31 December 2022, to make as many changes as necessary to their travel dates, origin or destination, with the change fees waived, as well as one free name change.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Aer-Lingus-2.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-01-12 09:00:432022-01-12 18:28:41Virgin Atlantic launches new services to Austin, Texas
Virgin Atlantic is supporting the World Health Organization Foundation’s Go Give One campaign through onboard donations this December.
The campaign funds Covid-19 vaccines for middle and lower-income countries to help close the global vaccine equity gap.
As the impact of Covid-19 continues globally, the campaign calls on everyone, everywhere to play their part in helping to offer much needed vaccines to the world. Created by the WHO Foundation, the money raised goes to an international financing mechanism called Gavi COVAX Advanced Market Commitment (AMC), which buys COVID-19 vaccines, prioritising those who need them the most in countries that cannot afford them. The campaign is asking individuals to donate £4, which is the cost of a single vaccine, with the aim to get 50 million people across the world to take part.
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said:
We know that en masse vaccine programmes work, thanks to the success we’ve seen in developed nations around the world, but unless we support lower-income countries in accessing these vaccines, we will not beat this global threat.
By supporting the WHO Foundation in raising funds for the Go Give One campaign through our onboard donations this month, our teams and customers can play a part in helping to close the gap.
The WHO Foundation and Virgin Atlantic are grateful for every contribution. It costs just £4 to buy a vaccine, meaning even the smallest donations can go a long way.
Successful vaccination programmes are the route out of the pandemic and we must all play our part in combatting this virus; together we can do our bit to offer vaccines to the world and beat Covid
Anil Soni, Chief Executive Officer, WHO Foundation said:
Getting vaccines to people who need them most is vital to help end the pandemic. We are delighted to have Virgin Atlantic support vaccine equity through the Go Give One campaign with onboard donations and the additional donation through the Foundation. The travel industry has been stepping up through our coalition efforts. Only by working together can we close the gap and ensure vaccines for everyone, everywhere.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Go-Give-One.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2021-12-13 08:00:582021-12-11 21:20:57Virgin Atlantic supports World Health Organization Foundation's ‘Go Give One’ campaign through onboard donations
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic made history today, when their first flights of the day took part in a fully-synchronised joint take-off from London’s Heathrow Airport.
British Airways Flight BA001 – a flight number previously reserved for Concorde – left Heathrow at 08:30 this morning, 8 November, in a first-ever synchronised take-off with Virgin Atlantic flight VS3.
The spectacular double take-off were the airlines’ first flights to the United States since the restrictions on UK and EU passengers were first imposed in March 2020.
British Airways flight BA001 and Virgin Atlantic VS3 performed a synchronised joint take-off from London’s Heathrow Airport this morning
The first British Airways flight to the United States since the lifting on that country’s restrictions used sustainable aviation fuel.
The British Airways A350 flight was directly powered by a 35% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) provided by bp and made from used cooking oil. The airline claims it is believed to be the first commercial transatlantic flight ever to be operated with such a significant level of the fuel blended with traditional jet fuel.
In September, British Airways announced a collaboration with bp to source sustainable aviation fuel in respect of all flights between London, Glasgow and Edinburgh during the UK COP26 conference. British Airways’ parent company International Airlines Group recently committed to operating 10% of its flights using SAF by 2030.
Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive thanked the UK government and the Biden administration for their work to remove the barriers to transatlantic travel
The lifting of US restrictions after more than 600 days means that fully vaccinated Britons are now able to travel freely between the two countries – something that has not happened since 16 March 2020.
The changes have enabled British Airways to re-start direct services to 17 US destinations. The airline is set to extend its services to 23 US airports this winter, with up to 246 flights a week. Flights to New York will increase from five to eight per day in December. There will also be double-daily services to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, Dallas, Miami and Toronto, as well as daily services to Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle, Atlanta, Denver, Houston and Vancouver.
UK Ambassador to the United States, Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, said:
Today is an incredibly exciting and meaningful day for the UK-US relationship. We can all once again travel to each other’s countries to visit families, take holidays, and conduct transatlantic business. I am absolutely thrilled that safe and sustainable travel can fully resume between the UK and the United States.
Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive said:
Today is a time for celebration, not rivalry. Together with British Airways we are delighted to mark today’s important milestone, which finally allows consumers and businesses to book travel with confidence. The US has been our heartland for more than 37 years and we are simply not Virgin without the Atlantic. We’ve been steadily ramping up flying to destinations including Boston, New York, Orlando, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and we can’t wait to fly our customers safely to their favourite US cities to reconnect with loved ones and colleagues.
As the UK forges its recovery from the pandemic, the reopening of the transatlantic corridor and the lifting of Presidential Order 212F acknowledges the great progress both nations have made in rolling out successful vaccine programmes. The UK will now be able to strengthen ties with our most important economic partner, the US, through boosting trade and tourism. We are thankful to Prime Minister Johnson and the UK Government, the Biden administration and our industry partners for their support in removing these barriers and allowing free travel between our countries to resume.
Secretary of State, Grant Shapps said
Thanks to the work of industry and the US-UK Experts Working Group, these vitally important flight routes will help boost the economy, protect and create British jobs and through the work of the Jet Zero Council help to build back greener.
Virgin Atlantic has announced the reopening of its Clubhouse at New York JFK airport from 19 July.
Upper Class customers, Flying Club Gold members as well as Delta’s Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members, can once again enjoy access to the airline’s flagship North America lounge enjoying a complimentary a la carte menu featuring five-star dining, tapas dishes and afternoon tea plus a wide selection of cocktails, wine and soft drinks.
Customers visiting in the morning can choose from a selection of breakfast favourites including eggs benedict, avocado on toast and a full English breakfast and for those visiting later in the day, the chicken tikka masala and the famous vegan Beyond Burger are on offer, washed down by a selection of beverages including the iconic Virgin Redhead cocktail.
The Clubhouse experience has been tailored to ensure the safety of customers. Customers will be encouraged to remain in their seated areas and enjoy table service from the Clubhouse team.
In addition, Virgin Atlantic has announced a new partnership with Plaza Premium Group which will now be responsible for the day to day running of the JFK Clubhouse under the guidance of the Virgin Atlantic team. Virgin Atlantic will also work with Plaza Premium for the Clubhouses in Boston, San Francisco, Washington and Johannesburg once they reopen as travel restrictions around the world start to relax.
Whilst customers will continue to enjoy the Clubhouse experience, the award-winning Plaza Premium group will bring a wealth of experience to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse offering. The Group has won more than 60 accolades in the last five years, including “World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge” for four consecutive years from 2016 to 2019 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards.
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer commented,
We’re delighted to welcome customers back to our Clubhouse at New York JFK offering the signature Virgin Atlantic experience we know they have missed over the past 18 months. With the friendly faces of our Clubhouse team, enhanced health and safety measures at every touchpoint and our innovative food and beverage offering, we will ensure our customers fly safe and fly well.
We look forward to expanding our partnership with Plaza Premium Group to our Clubhouses in North America and South Africa. Our shared values of top-notch hospitality, the most hospitable teams in the industry, a pioneering mindset and dedication to innovation will ensure our customers enjoy every moment of their journey as travel restrictions begin to relax and demand for global travel returns fast.
Bora Isbulan, Chief Commercial Officer, Plaza Premium Group told us,
Plaza Premium Group is delighted to be collaborating with Virgin Atlantic, one of the world’s most innovative and respected airline brand, in offering seamless services in their Clubhouses. With 22 years of experience in creating exquisite, award-winning airport moments, the PPG team look forward to serving Virgin Atlantic passengers a memorable and deliver each of these signature lounge experiences to life. This unique partnership sees two global travel brands offering the brand’s unique perspectives on airport hospitality, design and service that leaves an imprint with each visit. We are here with aligned mission and goals, joining hands to offer an elevated airport journey in supporting the return of travel. We are looking forward to working with like-minded partners to bring a brand new lounge experience and provide world-class lounge experience in welcoming global travellers.
Virgin Atlantic and Plaza Premium Lounge have also agreed on the co-development of lounges in other key hubs within the airline’s network.
Virgin Atlantic has announced a partnership with Vertical Aerospace to launch ‘sustainable, zero emissions’ air travel in the UK.
The partnership includes an option for Virgin Atlantic to purchase up to 150 eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and exploration of a UK Joint Venture with Vertical Aerospace, to deliver a Virgin Atlantic branded short haul eVTOL network.
Vertical Aerospace unveiled the VA-X4 in 2020
The fully-electric VA-X4 is a zero emissions, near silent aircraft with a range of over 100 miles. It will carry four passengers in addition to a pilot. The VA-X4 has four tilting advanced rotors at the front and stowable rotors at the rear, capable of speeds over 200mph, and is set to revolutionise urban mobility and electrify air travel, with certification to the same safety standards as commercial airliners.
IVirgin Atlantic and Vertical Aerospace will be working together to explore a Joint Venture to deliver next generation eVTOL passenger operations in the UK, combining the world-class knowledge and expertise of both partners. Vertical Aerospace and Virgin Atlantic will seek to establish short haul, electric aircraft connectivity between UK cities and airport hubs starting with London Heathrow, Manchester and London Gatwick.
The airline’s goal is to enable sustainable, price competitive, regional connectivity across the first and last 100 miles of the customer journey.
For example, reducing the 56-mile journey from Cambridge to London Heathrow to just 22 minutes, in comparison to a 1 hour 30 drive by road.
With 37 towns and cities with populations over 100,000 within 100 miles of London Heathrow Airport, the VA-X4 offers huge potential to support zero emissions short haul transfers for 7.7 million customers outside of London, for flights to and from the UK’s main hub airport.
A full-scale prototype of the VA-X4 is currently in production and the first test flight is planned for later this year.
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic said:
With innovation and sustainability leadership firmly in our DNA, we are excited to be partnering with Vertical Aerospace to pioneer sustainable and zero emissions air travel in the UK. We pride ourselves on building enduring strategic partnerships and are thrilled to be working alongside Vertical in its mission to bring eVTOL travel to the UK.
Our partnership includes an option for Virgin Atlantic to acquire up to 150 eVTOL VA-X4 aircraft, combining the design, engineering and manufacturing expertise of Vertical with the award-winning customer experience and operational excellence of Virgin Atlantic.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical CEO and Founder, said:
This is the most exciting time in aviation for almost a century; electrification will transform flying in the 21st century in the same way the jet engine did 70 years ago. By bringing together two entrepreneurial organisations who share the same passion for innovation and best in class partnerships, we can revolutionise urban mobility in the UK and electrify air travel.
We look forward to working closely with Virgin Atlantic and completely changing how people think about flying through the skies.
Commercial operations of the VA-X4 are planned for 2024 following European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) certification.
As launch partner in the UK, Virgin Atlantic has the option to order between 50 and 150 aircraft. This is not yet a committed order and with aircraft development still under way, the final order value is yet to be confirmed.
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Virgin Atlantic has taken a big step forward in securing its future, by launching a court-backed process as part of a solvent recapitalisation of the airline and holiday business, with a “Restructuring Plan” that once approved and implemented, will keep Virgin Atlantic flying.
The Restructuring Plan is based on a five-year business plan, and with the support of shareholders Virgin Group and Delta, new private investors and existing creditors, it paves the way for the airline to rebuild its balance sheet and return to profitability from 2022.
The airline claims the recapitalisation will deliver a refinancing package worth c.£1.2bn over the next 18 months in addition to the self-help measures already taken, including cost savings of c.£280m per year and c.£880m re-phasing and financing of aircraft deliveries over the next five years.
Global aviation was one of the first industries impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and will be one of the last to recover fully.
Virgin Atlantic took a number of actions to mitigate losses:
Virgin Atlantic’s shareholders, investors and creditors have worked together to deliver the company’s “Restructuring Plan”
In March, the Leadership Team took voluntary pay cuts
Since April, more than 80% of the workforce has benefitted from the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, supporting efforts to preserve cash and minimise costs. In Q2, flying fell by 98% and in the second half of 2020, capacity is expected to reduce by at least 60% compared to 2019, with pre-crisis levels of flying unlikely to return until 2023. With the suspension of passenger flying in April, the airline delivered an unparalleled network of cargo-only flying, operating more than 1400 cargo flights in April, May and June.
In May the decision was taken to close operations at London Gatwick and cut global staff numbers by c.400.
Having closed its London Gatwick base, while retaining a slot portfolio at the airport to protect opportunities for future growth, leisure flying is now consolidated at London Heathrow and Manchester.
By 2022, Virgin Atlantic will fly the same number of sectors as 2019 despite its smaller scale, demonstrating productivity and efficiency improvements.
The airline will operate a streamlined fleet of 37 twin engine aircraft following the retirement of seven 747s and four A332s by Q1 2022, with rescheduled delivery of outstanding A350s and A339s.
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic commented:
Few could have predicted the scale of the Covid-19 crisis we have witnessed and undoubtedly, the last six months have been the toughest we have faced in our 36-year history. We have taken painful measures, but we have accomplished what many thought impossible. The solvent recapitalisation of Virgin Atlantic will ensure that we can continue to provide vital connectivity and competition to consumers and businesses in Britain and beyond. We greatly appreciate the support of our shareholders, creditors and new private investors and together, we will ensure that Virgin Atlantic can emerge a sustainably profitable airline, with a healthy balance sheet.
Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management said:
The recapitalisation of Virgin Atlantic is very good news. Virgin Atlantic’s routes offer great options for business travellers, with a network that includes the United States and South Africa. Restrictions are in place for these destinations, but, as soon as they are lifted and business travel can re-commence, it will be great to have Virgin Atlantic as a trusted, viable alternative.
If you’re planning business travel to any destination on Virgin Atlantic’s route network, contact your GTM Account Manager.
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Industry leaders call for coronavirus measures to re-start business travel.
Clive Wratten of the BTA and Heathrow's John Holland-Kaye have set out demands to ensure passenger confidence and safety on international flights. https://t.co/FUCu7sG3jhpic.twitter.com/C8hNYpN6ET
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 18, 2020
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 14, 2020
Dubai-based airline Flydubai is taking bookings on its website from 5 June, after announcing that it had suspended passenger operations until June 4 as part of the precautionary measures implemented in response to Covid-19. https://t.co/yu4pken2lR via @BTUK#BusinessTravelpic.twitter.com/tjFVej7ywO
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 14, 2020
Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to cut jobs. KLM mandates face masks. Finland opens borders. IATA oppose the blocking of middle seats, favouring face masks. Eurowings asked passengers for new ideas. Qatar increases operations. Hong Kong Airport introduces full body disinfection booths.
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 7, 2020
Eurowings has launched the ‘Ideas Get Wings’ challenge, encouraging the public to submit ideas for products, ground processes or digital customer service innovations for travel in the post-coronavirus era. https://t.co/zVioM8Nv29 via @BTUK#BusinessTravelpic.twitter.com/sLMG0fkNyP
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 6, 2020
IATA has said there is no evidence that blocking the use of middle seats on aircraft will help to limit the spread of coronavirus and is instead backing the use of masks to protect passengers and crew during flights. https://t.co/gEXqxJPD6o via @BTNEurope#BusinessTravelpic.twitter.com/DVbaXWnfxX
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 6, 2020
The Finnish government has announced it will begin allowing traffic across Schengen internal borders for those travelling for work or other essential journeys from 14 May as part of its plan to reopen parts of the country.https://t.co/bGybGFxIfD via @BTNEurope#BusinessTravelpic.twitter.com/D42hjpUjvB
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 6, 2020
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 5, 2020
UPDATE: 4 MAY 08:00
Travel providers continue to make plans and adjustments in the on-going fight against the pandemic. Airports are sharing plans and results, hotel groups are enhancing their product and offerings, while airlines and rail companies continue to update their arrangements.
IAG carriers Iberia and Vueling access over €1 billion in state-backed loans, while, elsewhere in the group, British Airways franchise Comair is not expected to fly before October.
And, finally, on this day in 2018, Heathrow Airport celebrated “Star Wars Day” with an announcement of several new destinations, from Tatooine to the Death Star…
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) May 4, 2020
UPDATE: 28 APRIL 10:00
Airlines have announced further suspensions and arranged further repatriation flights; the UK government is discussing passenger quarantine; Gatwick issues a gloomy prediction; while The Londoner’s opening is postponed.
IATA announce the end of cheap travel and predict the UK will see 140m fewer flights; airlines continue to suspend services; airlines mandate use of masks and PPE; while airlines and hotel groups offer further concessions to customers.
Global Travel Management continues to publish regular tweets, every day, to update followers on all aspects of business travel, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. You can follow GTM’s Twitter account here – @GlobalTravelMgth– meanwhile, here are some recent tweets:
— Global Travel Management (@GlobalTravelMgt) April 21, 2020
UPDATE: 17 APRIL 17:00
Airlines have taken further actions amid warnings of revenues diminishing significantly, while another rail company is seeking government help and a U.S. airline has taken an innovative approach to reducing onboard touchpoints.
easyJet expects to report first half losses in the range of £360 million to £380 million, with around half of this figure as a result of over-hedging on fuel and FX.
Cathay Pacific is allowing its customers to make unlimited changes to new tickets, at no extra cost for all new tickets purchased before 30 June this year.
UPDATE: 13 APRIL 18:00
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is taking full advantage of the aircraft downtime as a result of the coronavirus pandemic to conduct an extensive maintenance and cabin refresh programme.
UPDATE: 12 APRIL 15:00
Air Asia and Air France KLM have been reported in the news this weekend:
Air France KLM is reported to have announced internally that the company is losing €25 million per day.
UPDATE: 11 APRIL 10:00
Brussels Airlines has released footage of the process of storing their fleet of aircraft, now grounded at Brussels Airport. Each A330 takes about 400 man hours to store and the airline’s Maintenance and Engineering teams meticulously follow Airbus’ instructions to ensure they’re properly and appropriately parked up. Thirty employees are now working, full-time performing weekly inspections and turning the aircraft wheels every day to ensure even wearing, despite the weight of the aircraft.
Airlines continue to reduce services and make other savings, while Stansted has opened a testing centre and repatriation flights are planned for stranded travellers in India.
As airlines reduce their schedules further, Airbus has reacted by cutting planned production. Meanwhile, Marriott Bonvoy joins the increasing number of travel providers taking decisions to protect and extend earned status.
Airlines have been told to give prompt refunds, more airlines reduce flight schedules and extend policies, rescue flights from India commence, one UK airport bucks the European trend and robots are deployed to help with cleaning…
The US Transportation Department has announced that both US and foreign airlines must give a “prompt” refund to passengers for flights to, within, or from the US that have been cancelled due to Covid-19.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has announced the first round of rescue flights from India this week.
Hong Kong International Airport has deployed robots to clean public areas.
UPDATE: 4 APRIL 12:00
Airlines and hotel companies continue to make changes to their schedules and services in reaction to decreased demand in the light of the coronavirus outbreak.
Accor pledges to pay for employee Covid-19 medical bills.
Delta will make temporary changes to its food and beverage services on board all long-haul international flights starting from April to “lessen physical touch points on board”.
Emirates will commence flights from Dubai to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels and Zurich from 6 April.
Airports Council International has issued a gloomy prediction for the length of the air travel crisis, but airlines, car hire companies and even museums have released better news.
Airports Council International has warned that it may take until the end of 2021 before traffic levels reach pre-coronavirus levels.
Qatar Airways has announced the steps it is taking to limit the spread of Covid-19.
The British Museum, the Louvre, the Van Gogh Museum, the Vatican Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Rijksmuseum and the Musée d’Orsay are offering free virtual tours.
UPDATE: 2 APRIL 11:45
Airlines continue to announce changes, cuts and suspensions as they continue to battle the effect of the coronavirus outbreak.
American Airlines has produced a dramatically-reduced schedule for April.
British, Chinese, Philippine and Singapore airlines adjust schedules, including routes to and from London, while the Indian Government launches an online resource for stranded foreign nationals and Virgin Australia donates toilet paper to charity:
British Airways appears to be suspending flights from Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney in early April, according to Business Traveller.
Virgin Atlantic has reduced its schedules to three routes from Heathrow – Hong Kong, Los Angeles and JFK.
South Korea to impose 14-day quarantine for all arrivals from tomorrow but the cabinet in India has announced there are no plans to extend the country’s lockdown.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has announced it will spend £75m repatriating Britons currently abroad.
Taiwan‘s Health Minister has announced the country’s airlines will be required to wear full protective gear during flights, starting tomorrow.
The London Heliport, the capital’s only CAA-licensed helipad, is to close with immediate effect.
But, yet again, there are some, small pieces of good news:
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said the UK government will help facilitate rescue flights for the thousands of British travellers trying to get home from abroad.
Accor says that members of its ALL (Accor Live Limitless) loyalty programme will receive a boost in status nights and points to help them retain status.
Former Manchester United footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs will open two hotels to NHS staff free of charge.
UPDATE: 19 MARCH 09:00
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued an Exceptional Travel Advisory Notice. The FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel
As the Covid-19 outbreak continues, more travel suppliers have released information about their short-term plans.
In Venice, the city’s canals are reported to have cleared up for the first time in many years due to the drop in visitors.
After a week of lockdown… The canals in Venice are all clear and full of fishes. Kinda gives you the idea what will happen to Earth without Humans! pic.twitter.com/FVc7N8vmty
Low-cost carrier Jet 2 has suspended all flights to Spain.
Low-cost carrier Norwegianhas announced it will ground 40% of its long-haul fleet.
SAS has announced it will temporarily halt “most of its traffic” from today.
However, some airlines have made more positive announcements:
Cathay Pacific is adding flights to London and to the US ahead of the Easter break.
Lufthansa Group’s airlines have said they will continue operating some flights to the US despite President Donald Trump’s restrictions on non-citizens entering the country from 26 European countries.
Vietnam Airlines has reversed its decision to suspend flights from London, Paris and Frankfurt.
Further to the announcement that the United States has extended its travel ban (see below), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice for the United States, as follows:
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the USA, due to restrictions put in place by the US government with effect from 03:59 GMT 17 March in response to the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19)
UPDATE: 14 MARCH 17:00
President Trump and Vice President Pence have extended the United States Schengen-area travel ban to include the United Kingdom and Repulic of Ireland. Please see thisbreaking news story.
UPDATE: 13 MARCH 15:00
The travel industry continues to react to the coronavirus outbreak. An increaesing number of airlines are suspending services reflecting reduced demand, while several new travel restrictions have been put in place.
The following airlines have recently announced suspensions of service:
Thailand has suspended granting of visas on arrival to nationals of Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu.
The United States has imposed a temporary travel ban for travellers from 26 European countries.
Vietnam has suspended visa-free travel for people from the UK, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
UPDATE: 10 MARCH 12:00
Rail companies and airlines have announced further suspensions of services, fee waivers and details of cleaning and disinfection regimes. These include:
Cathay Pacific suspends Japan service – All Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Tokyo Haneda are suspended until 28 March.
Emirates announces enhanced cleaning and disinfection and fee waivers – Emirates has announced enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures on all aircraft from Dubai and a newly-introduced waiver policy for all booked tickets issued until 31 March 2020.
Lufthansa Group plans 50% flight reductions – Lufthansa Group has announced a plan to reduce its number of flights across the group by 50% and to examine the extent to which its entire A380 fleet can be temporarily decommissioned.
Qantas cuts international flights and grounds eight A380s – The Qantas Group has announced cuts to its international network which will see a 23% reduction in capacity until mid-September.
UPDATE: 6 MARCH 12:00
More airlines have announced cancellations, schedule changes and restrictions due to the on-going Covid-19 outbreak. These include:
Aeroflot suspends flights to Hong KongAeroflot will temporarily suspend flights from Moscow to Hong Kong amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus.
American Airlines suspends flights to SeoulAmerican has suspended its daily operation between Seoul Incheon Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
British Airways to waive flight change feesBritish Airways has announced it will waive flight change fees for customers who book until 16 March.
Delta suspends JFK-MilanDelta Air Lines has suspended its daily route between New York JFK and Milan Malpensa amid global concern over the spread of the coronavirus. The service is set to resume on 1 May. Delta’s daily flights from JFK and Atlanta to Rome remain unaffected.
Delta cuts Japan flightsDelta Air Lines will reduce its weekly flying schedule to Japan until 30 April and suspend its summer seasonal service between Seattle and Osaka this year.
Delta waives change fees for bookings in MarchDelta Air Lines will waive change fees for all flights booked between 1 March and 31 March to any destinations the airline serves.
Finnair announces China cancellations and more frequency reductionsFinnair will cancel all flights to mainland China (Guangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai and Xi’an) until 30 April 30. Daily flights to Seoul will be suspended from 9 March to 16 April. Throughout April it will fly to Hong Kong once daily rather than twice daily. It will also reduce its Osaka route from 12 to 10 weekly frequencies from 29 March to 24 October.
Finnair suspends all flights between Helsinki and MilanFinnair flights between Helsinki and Milan will be suspended between 9 March and 7 April, following an updated travel advisory from the Finnish Foreign Ministry on travel to Milan.
KLM cancels flights to Hong Kong and extends China flight suspensionsKLM has adjusted its flights to mainland China and Hong Kong. KLM has suspended its services to Beijing and Shanghai until 28 March and to Chengdu, Hangzhou and Xiamen until 3 May. KLM is also offering flights to Hong Kong every other day instead of daily flights until 3 May.
Lufthansa Group airlines to suspend flights to Israel The Lufthansa Group has announced that all flights to Israel will be suspended from 8 March until 28 March due to an Israeli government travel ban.
Norwegian cuts transatlantic servicesNorwegian says it will cancel a total of 22 long-haul flights between 28 March and 5 May. Affected routes include London-New York (where the three daily departures will be reduced to two on some days), and services from Rome to Los Angeles, Boston and New York.
Vietnam Airlines suspends all South Korea flightsVietnam Airlines said it will temporarily suspend all flights between Vietnam and South Korea starting 5 March.
Virgin Atlantic waives flight change fees for March bookingsVirgin Atlantic has announced it will not charge passengers a fee for changing flights for travel booked from Wednesday 4 March until Tuesday 31 March.
UPDATE: 2 MARCH 12:00
Several airlines have announced updates and changes due to the on-going Covid-19 outbreak. Here is a summary of some of the latest announcements:
British Airways reduces flights to Italy, Seoul and SingaporeBritish Airways is “merging” a number of flights to Italy, Singapore and Seoul, as it reacts to a fall in demand called by coronavirus.
American Airlines suspends flights to MilanAmerican Airlines has announced it is suspending flights to and from Milan, Italy from both New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA) from March until 25 April 2020.
Korean Air cuts international flightsKorean Air has suspended and reduced flights to a number of international destinations due to the outbreak in South Korea.
Delta to cut flights to Seoul until end of AprilDelta is temporarily reducing flights it operates between the US and Seoul Incheon Airport.
Juneyao Airlines to delay the launch of three Europe routes Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines will delay the launch of three new transcontinental routes from Shanghai to Dublin, Manchester and Reykjavik, all with a stop in Helsinki, which it initially planned to launch in late March this year.
Lufthansa Group to cut short-haul operations by “up to 25 per cent”Lufthansa Group says it will cut its short-haul operations in the coming weeks, “As a result of the current situation caused by the accelerated spread of the coronavirus”.
easyJet to halt recruitment and offer unpaid leaveeasyJet said that it had seen “a significant softening of demand and load factors into and out of our Northern Italian bases”, as well “slower demand across our other European markets”. The airline said that as a result it would be cancelling “some flights, particularly those into and out of Italy, while continuing to monitor the situation and adapting our flying programme to support demand”.
UPDATE: 26 FEBRUARY 14:01
The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) has provided updated general advice for foreign travel and how individuals can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 outbreak and specific advice for those travelling to category one locations (Wuhan city and Hubei Province (China); Iran; Daegu or Cheongdo (South Korea); and any Italian town under containment measures) or category two locations (Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, north Italy, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Myanmar, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam).
The Department for Health and Social Care and Public Health England have published the latest public advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19) here and will update this page with the latest situation in the UK at 14:00 every day, until further notice.
UPDATE: 7 FEBRUARY 13:30
Virgin Atlantic has issued the following advice:
Due to the ongoing situation with the Coronavirus the following Governments have made the decision to restrict entry for foreign visitors who have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau).
Customers due to travel to:
Antigua or Barbuda who have been to China (excluding
Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 28 days, will not be allowed to travel
Antiguan nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however will be subject to quarantine for 14 days on
arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 28 days
Montego
Bay Jamaica who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Jamaican nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however will be subject to quarantine for 14 days on
arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days
Tel Aviv Israel
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Israeli nationals are exempt from
the
restriction however may be subject to quarantine on arrival if they
have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14
days
Mumbai, Delhi India
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Indian nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however may be subject to quarantine on arrival if they
have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14
days
St. Lucia
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
St Lucia nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however will be subject to quarantine for 14 days on
arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days
Grenada
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Grenada nationals are exempt
from
the restriction however will be subject to quarantine for 14 days on
arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days
Trinidad and Tobago
who have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
in the last 14 days, will not be allowed to travel
Trinidad and Tobago nationals are exempt from the restriction however may be subject to quarantine on arrival if they have travelled to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14 days.
Contact your GTM Account Manager for details of any refunds due on flights booked.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office continues to offer the following advice:
1. The FCO advise against all travel to Hubei Province due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak.
2. The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao). The British Consulates-General in Wuhan and Chongqing are currently closed. If you’re in China and able to leave, you should do so. The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be at heightened risk.
3. The Chinese government continues to impose further restrictions on movement within China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. These restrictions include the closure of some provincial highways and inter-city high speed rail, tight control on entry and exit to villages and townships across the country, and restrictions on movement within some provinces, cities and municipalities including Chongqing, Zhejiang and Anhui. Some airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have announced a suspension of flights to and from mainland China. Other commercial airlines are still operating, but it may become harder to access departure options over the coming weeks.
4. A number of countries have announced restrictions on entry by travellers from China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Given the fast-changing situation, you should check the latest FCO travel advice (including entry requirements) for your destination and anywhere you are transiting through, and check with your airline before you travel.
UPDATE: 30 JANUARY 16:10
British Airways has issued a customer update confirming the planned end date of their current cancellations, in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The airline confirms that Shanghai and Beijing flights will be cancelled for all dates up to and including 29 February 2020. Flights to Hong Kong are unaffected.
British Airways issued a customer statement on 30 January, providing confirmation of the dates during which flights to mainland China will be cancelled.
UPDATE: 29 JANUARY 14:30
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued the following, additional information for travellers to China:
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to Hubei Province due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak. If you’re in this area and able to leave, you should do so.
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao). The Chinese government continue to impose further restrictions on movement within China in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Some airlines, including British Airways, have suspended flights to and from mainland China. Other commercial airlines are still operating, but it may become harder over the coming weeks for those who wish to leave China to do so. If you feel that you may want to leave China soon, you should consider making plans to do so before any further restrictions may be imposed.
Due to increasing travel restrictions and difficulty accessing medical assistance, the FCO is working to make an option available for British nationals to leave Hubei Province. This may happen quickly and with short notice. If you’re a British national in Hubei Province and need assistance, contact our 24/7 number +86 (0) 10 8529 6600 or the FCO in London on (+44) (0)207 008 1500. If you have registered your desire to leave, you will be contacted once arrangements are confirmed.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued update travel advice:
We are working to make available an option for British nationals to leave Hubei province. If you are a British national in Hubei Province and require assistance, please contact:
· our 24/7 number +86 (0) 10 8529 6600 · or the FCO (+44) (0)207 008 1500
We continue to monitor developments closely and are in close touch with the Chinese authorities. The safety and security of British nationals is always our primary concern.
Following media reports of an outbreak of a new virus, we have compiled a number of resources that provide the latest advice for business travellers.
About Wuhan novel coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some causing less-severe disease, such as the common cold, and others causing more severe disease such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses.
The source of the Wuhan novel coronavirus (WN-CoV) outbreak has yet to be determined. Preliminary investigations identified environmental samples positive for WN-CoV in Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan City.
Although evidence is still emerging, information to date indicates human-to-human transmission is occurring.
Enhanced monitoring has been put in place from all direct flights from Wuhan to the UK. The enhanced monitoring package includes a number of measures that will help to provide advice to travellers if they feel unwell.
Dr Nick Phin, Deputy Director, National Infection Service, Public Health England, said:
This is a new and rapidly evolving situation where information on cases and the virus is being gathered and assessed daily. Based on the available evidence, the current risk to the UK is considered low. We are working with the WHO and other international partners, have issued advice to the NHS and are keeping the situation under constant review.
The risk to visitors to Wuhan is moderate reflecting an increase in the number of cases being identified in China and evidence that the virus has limited spread from person to person. If you are travelling to the area, you should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms. Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK. They should phone ahead before attending any health services and mention their recent travel to the city.
A Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesperson said:
In light of the latest medical information, including reports of some person-to-person transmission, and the Chinese authorities’ own advice, we are now advising against all but essential travel to Wuhan.
The safety and security of British nationals is always our primary concern, and we advise British nationals travelling to China to remain vigilant and check our travel advice on gov.uk.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coronoavirus-3.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2020-05-22 16:45:182020-06-11 12:43:10Coronavirus - a guide to the latest travel news and medical advice
Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Group have combined to rescue British airline Flybe with a cash offer for the entire share capital of the airline.
Flybe will continue to serve passengers across the UK and Ireland, but it has been announced that the airline will be re-branded to Virgin Atlantic.
Ultimately, this will mean GTM customers will be able to book flights that link regions in the UK and Ireland to Virgin Atlantic’s extensive long-haul network through improved connectivity at London’s Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester Airport.
For schedules, availability fares and to book on Flybe or Virgin Atlantic, please contact your GTM Travel Consultant.
From 14th September 2016 all Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines flights from London Heathrow will arrive and depart from Terminal 3 (T3).
Delta will transfer its Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Philadelphia flights from Terminal 4 to join its services to New York-JFK, Boston and Seattle that already operate from Terminal 3. In total, Delta will operate 11 daily flights to eight US cities nonstop from Terminal 3.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1372084951000-VA-Delta-Aircraft-1306241043_4_3.jpg401534Paulhttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngPaul2016-09-12 14:28:092016-09-12 14:28:09Virgin & Delta to co-locate at Heathrow T3.
Virgin Atlantic passengers can now benefit from the airline’s ever closer ties with its Transatlantic partner Delta Airlines.
Virgin’s Premium Economy passengers will now enjoy Delta Comfort+ when connecting to an onward US domestic flight. This will be an automatic enhancement at the time of booking.
Delta Comfort+ offers lots of benefits like more legroom, premium meal service, access to Sky Priority® boarding and dedicated overhead bin space.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/VS-logo-2.png159316Paulhttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngPaul2016-05-16 09:08:512016-05-16 09:08:51Virgin / Delta Offer Extra Comfort.
