ZIPAIR Tokyo launches new Tokyo-Vancouver route starting March 13, 2024, expanding its transpacific network. Tickets on sale from today.

ZIPAIR Tokyo is set to broaden its presence in the transpacific aviation market with the introduction of a new route connecting Tokyo Narita to Vancouver International Airport, commencing on March 13, 2024. This addition marks ZIPAIR Tokyo’s fourth transpacific destination, joining existing routes to Los Angeles, San José Mineta, and San Francisco International Airport. Ticket bookings and sales are slated to start today at 12:00 Japan Standard Time.

Flight Details

• Flight Timetable
• Representative Airfares
• Note: The fares listed are for single journeys per person.
• Additional costs include airport fees, various charges, and taxes.
• Each ticket allows up to 7kg of hand luggage.
• Extra charges are applicable for added services like checked luggage, on-board meals, and more.
• The airline does not add a fuel surcharge.

Additional Service Options

Service Bundles

• Fare Categories (‘ZIP Full-Flat Value’, ‘Standard Value’, ‘U6 Standard Value’)
• Booking: Possible through ZIPAIR’s Official Website or via the Customer Service Center
• Booking Deadline: 90 minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure
• Changes to Date: Not allowed
• Refunds: Not allowed
• A ticketing fee per person, per segment, is charged for bookings made through the Customer Service Center.
• Reservations for children aged 2-6 must be made 24 hours before the flight. For infants (0-1 years), bookings need to be completed 48 hours in advance.

Up to nine new airlines are preparing to launch in 2024. It is because Thailand’s tourism industry is likely to boom.

The Thai government has set a target of 40 million foreign tourists in 2024. It is a substantial increase from the 27 million who came in 2023.

The country’s tourism industry is nearly recovered from the plunge that COVID-19 pandemic had caused.

Therefore, the government is pointing to an easing of travel restrictions and the re-opening of international borders.

The nine new airlines are:

1. Asian Aerospace Service

2. Siam Seaplane

3. Really Cool Air

4. Avanti Air Sarter

5. Landarch Airlines

6. Bangkok Helicopter Services

7. Pattaya Airways

8. Asia Atlantic Airlines

9. P80 air

Though some will focus on regional and domestic routes or have limited passenger seating, these nine new airlines are expected to add capacity to the Thai aviation market and to help boost tourism.

Some of the new airlines may also operate international flights.

The government is providing financial assistance to help get the airlines get off the ground as it expects the new entries to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

In 2023, some 100 million passengers passed through the airports.

The Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) estimates that fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 to September 2024), will see at least 130 million individual passengers passing through the current six airports under the supervision of the agency.

This would signify a near return of passengers to historic levels in 2019, before the Covid emergency.

That expectation aligns with that of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), which also anticipates that 2024 will see a recovery in the aviation industry, and a resurgence of passenges to nearly pre-COVID conditions.

Projections suggest an estimated total of 162 million passengers, comprising around 88.62 million international passengers and approximately 74.05 million domestic passengers.

However, despite the continuing growth in Thailand’s aviation industry, it remains short of meeting the increased demand.

In its position as the governing body overseeing and promoting the operations of civilian aviation businesses, AOT has been expediting approvals and licensing processes to enable airlines to swiftly acquire additional aircraft.

Simultaneously, regulatory adjustments are being considered to make it easier for airlines to acquire additional aircraft to meet the growing passenger demand.

Etihad Airways launches daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Kerala, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, expanding its network to 10 Indian cities.

At the onset of 2024, Etihad Airways, the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates, proudly launched two groundbreaking routes. Starting on the first day of the new year, the airline began operating daily services directly from Abu Dhabi to both Kozhikode (CCJ) and Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) in India’s Kerala region.

This expansion marks a significant milestone for Etihad, as it now connects to 10 different Indian cities, highlighting its dedication to facilitating seamless travel between the Subcontinent and its extensive international network.

Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, commented on this development: “Our newly established direct routes from India to Abu Dhabi offer our customers the convenience of reaching our expanding network without needing to pass through major Indian hub airports. Additionally, our Abu Dhabi hub provides smooth and efficient connections to various global destinations, including four daily flights to London, and locations across the GCC, Europe, and North America. This also presents an opportunity for our travelers to enjoy a memorable stopover in Abu Dhabi.”

The new routes enhance the accessibility to Kerala’s enchanting landscapes and beaches, fostering increased tourism to this scenic area. They also ofperplexcityfer streamlined travel options for professionals visiting the region’s growing commercial centers.

In 2023, Etihad resumed flights to Kolkata, a crucial connection for Eastern India with the rest of the world. The airline has also upped the frequency of its popular Mumbai and Delhi flights from two to four daily services.

For 2024, Etihad has announced several new routes, including flights to Boston, USA starting on March 31, Nairobi, Kenya beginning May 1, and an exciting summer schedule featuring a first-time non-stop service to Nice, France, and direct flights to the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini.

The detailed flight schedules for the new services to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram are as follows, highlighting departure and arrival times, frequency, and operational dates.

I apologize for the oversight. Here is the revised schedule in a tabulated format:

Etihad Airways Flight Schedule for New Services (2024)

1. Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Kozhikode (CCJ)

• Flight Number: EY 0248
• Dates: 1-Jan-24 to 30-Mar-24 / 31-Mar-24 to 26-Oct-24
• Frequency: Daily
• Departure Time (AUH): 14:40 (till 30-Mar) / 14:20 (from 31-Mar)
• Arrival Time (CCJ): 19:55 (till 30-Mar) / 19:50 (from 31-Mar)

1. Kozhikode (CCJ) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)

• Flight Number: EY 0249
• Dates: 1-Jan-24 to 30-Mar-24 / 31-Mar-24 to 26-Oct-24
• Frequency: Daily
• Departure Time (CCJ): 21:30 (till 30-Mar) / 21:40 (from 31-Mar)
• Arrival Time (AUH): 0:05+1 (next day)

1. Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Thiruvananthapuram (TRV)

• Flight Number: EY 0292
• Dates: 1-Jan-24 to 30-Mar-24 / 31-Mar-24 to 26-Oct-24
• Frequency: Daily
• Departure Time (AUH): 3:20 (till 30-Mar) / 2:55 (from 31-Mar)
• Arrival Time (TRV): 9:00 (till 30-Mar) / 8:45 (from 31-Mar)

1. Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)

• Flight Number: EY 0293
• Dates: 1-Jan-24 to 30-Mar-24 / 31-Mar-24 to 26-Oct-24
• Frequency: Daily
• Departure Time (TRV): 10:05 (till 30-Mar) / 9:50 (from 31-Mar)
• Arrival Time (AUH): 12:55 (till 30-Mar) / 12:30 (from 31-Mar)

This schedule reflects the newly introduced daily flights by Etihad Airways, offering direct connections between Abu Dhabi and two key destinations in Kerala, India.

In 2023, Baku Airport soared with record 5.7M passengers, top Skytrax awards, expanded routes, and innovative passenger experiences.

In 2023, Baku Airport marked a year of significant accomplishments, setting a new benchmark in innovation, infrastructural enhancements, and broadening its flight network. As of December 30, 2023, the airport proudly served over 5.7 million passengers, a historic peak in its operational history.

Recognition came in the form of prestigious accolades at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023. Heydar Aliyev International Airport emerged victorious in two categories: “Best Regional Airport in Central Asia/CIS” and, for the second consecutive year, “Best Airport Staff in Central Asia and CIS.”

On the expansion front, the airport broadened its horizons by adding new and exciting destinations. This expansion was supported through fresh partnerships with airlines like China Southern, AirBaltic, Flyadeal, Air Cairo, and Iraqi Airways, alongside increased flight frequencies with existing partners such as WizzAir, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and LOT. Newcomers including WizzAir Malta, IndiGo, Georgian Wings, and Aegean Airlines joined the roster, enabling connections to 68 global cities via 38 different airlines.

Enhancing the passenger journey was a key focus in 2023. The airport introduced several innovations to elevate service quality and efficiency while offering a contemporary, comfortable environment. Notably, an advanced vehicular entry and exit system was implemented, featuring diverse parking payment methods. Additionally, specialized lanes were designated for smooth passenger drop-offs and pick-ups. The “Airport Express” public transport service now operates to Heydar Aliyev International Airport at 30-minute intervals until 01:00.

A notable technological advancement was the implementation of the Travel Document Authorization System (TDAS). This system streamlines pre-flight procedures, reduces waiting times, and bolsters security measures at the airport.

In conclusion, Baku Airport solidified its position as a premier aviation hub in the region in 2023, continually striving to deliver exceptional service and comfort to its passengers.

Italy’s flag carrier, ITA Airways, is about to commence direct flights between Rome and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.

The service will be beginning on August 1, 2024.

This announcement is in keeping with the airline’s ongoing expansion of its route network, extending into 2024.

Three-weekly flights

ITA Airways is already laying out its summer schedule as we embark on the new year.

The Italian carrier is set to launch a new route connecting Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) with three weekly flights.

Initially, the carrier had planned to launch this route in October 2024. But it decided to advance the commencement date to August 1, 2024.

Currently, this route is not intended to be permanent.

The carrier has announced that it will be operational until March 29, 2025.

Below are the details for the route:

Rome (FCO) – Jeddah (JED)

From August 1, 2024, to October 26, 2024: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

From October 29, 2024, to March 29, 2025: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

Jeddah (JED) – Rome(FCO)

From August 2, 2024, to October 25, 2024: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday

From October 27, 2024, to March 28, 2025: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday

The Italian airline did not disclose which aircraft it would deploy on this route.

However, considering the flight time is approximately four hours, ITA could easily use its fleet of Airbus A320 or Airbus A321 aircraft for this service.

In addition to 39 A320s and two A321s, the airline operates a fleet of 13 Airbus A319s, 10 Airbus A220s, 13 Airbus A330s, and six Airbus A350 widebodies, as per a website.

Airlines operating services between FCO airport and JED airport include the European low-cost carrier Wizz Air and Saudi Arabia’s national carrier SAUDIA.

Presence in the Middle East and Africa

Indeed, ITA has ambitious growth goals. In addition to its expansion in North America, the airline has also made plans to extend its reach to the East.

Starting May 5, 2024, ITA will include Riyadh (RUH) in its route network.

In June 2024, it will commence operations in Kuwait City (KWI). The route to the capital of Kuwait will be serviced three times a week from the airline’s hub at FCO.

ITA is also reaffirming its commitment to Africa.

This summer, the airline will launch flights to Accra (ACC) in Ghana and Dakar (DSS) in Senegal. ITA’s current African destinations include Cairo (CAI), Egypt, Algiers (ALG) in Algeria, and Tunis (TUN).

In addition to the above-mentioned flights, ITA will also expand its North American and European networks by adding more frequencies to London City Airport (LCY) and launching new routes to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ).

Dark Carz launches luxury ride-hailing at John Wayne Airport, CA, offering upscale, fixed-rate travel with a global reach.

Today marks a significant milestone for Dark Carz, the swiftly evolving luxury ride-hailing app, as it announces the extension of its services to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. Renowned for its unparalleled quality and exceptional standards, Dark Carz is set to transform travel norms by offering an amalgamation of convenience, luxury, and top-notch services through its pre-fixed rate system and partnerships with certified livery providers.

This latest expansion to John Wayne Airport underscores Dark Carz’ commitment to making its upscale rideshare options accessible to both visitors and locals in Southern California. The brand has garnered acclaim for featuring Starbucks products and has received endorsements from both the National Limousine Association and various celebrities.

Dark Carz’ presence is not just limited to the U.S. but spans globally, reaching destinations like Abu Dhabi, The Bahamas, Qatar, Dubai, London, and Canada.

“A new era of luxury in the rideshare market is what today’s discerning consumers are seeking, and Dark Carz is here to fill that niche,” stated a company representative. “With Dark Carz, customers can immerse in a world of comfort and prestige, assured of top-tier service. Our focus on exclusive collaborations with limousine, charter, shuttle, and livery services means our clients enjoy a unique blend of elegance, safety, and comfort wherever they travel, now including John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA.”

Dark Carz insists on professionalism and experience, ensuring all drivers on their platform are extensively vetted, insured, and bonded. The app offers a selection of luxury vehicles, including models from Mercedes, Tesla, Cadillac, and Rolls Royce, alongside options like party buses and limousines. Each journey with Dark Carz promises a touch of sophistication, with drivers donning professional attire.

The Dark Carz app, downloadable from both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, facilitates seamless ride booking and management. Users can personalize their ride with options such as Starbucks beverages, among other add-ons. The app also enables real-time ride tracking, simple booking alterations, and secure payment methods for a hassle-free transaction.

“In our quest for providing an unmatched travel experience, every detail is meticulously considered,” the spokesperson further added. “It’s these nuances that truly resonate with our clients.”

Dark Carz prides itself on offering premium services at fixed rates, ensuring customers avoid the uncertainty of surge pricing. Additionally, for luxury bookings, including stretch limousines and Rolls Royce Cullinan, only a minimum of one hour is required.

Whether heading to the airport or attending a grand event, Dark Carz invites all to elevate their travel experience with its sophisticated, on-demand luxury rideshare service.

Cebu Pacific lauded by DSWD for vital aid in crises, transporting 258+ tons of relief in 2023, and committed to ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Cebu Pacific was recently honored by the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) for its notable role in providing critical logistical assistance during times of disasters and emergencies.

At a special event to acknowledge volunteers and partners, the DSWD praised CEB and other entities, including government bodies, private groups, and individual volunteers, for their efforts in delivering aid and relief to communities impacted by various crises.

Diana Rose Cajipe, DSWD-Disaster Response Management Group’s Undersecretary, expressed profound appreciation for the support rendered by partners and volunteers to the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau. She highlighted the crucial role they played in offering swift aid to families affected by different disasters, applauding their exemplary work in easing the hardships of those in need during emergencies.

In the year 2023, CEB impressively transported over 258 metric tons of relief goods, underscoring the airline’s steadfast commitment to aiding communities during difficult times.

Cebu Pacific’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Michael Ivan Shau, remarked on the honor of supporting the government’s humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the airline’s mission of connecting and aiding communities, particularly in challenging situations.

As the company looks towards 2024, CEB remains dedicated to its social responsibilities and furthering humanitarian endeavors. The airline is also focused on cultivating partnerships that yield sustainable and meaningful benefits for all.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas New Year’s Eve was electrified by Post Malone and Jesse Jo Stark, marking a historic inaugural concert series.

The New Year’s Eve festivities at Fontainebleau Las Vegas were nothing short of spectacular as the world-renowned artist, Post Malone, headlined the event, marking the inaugural New Year’s Eve concert at the resort’s BleauLive Theater. This marked the beginning of a two-night extravaganza during the holiday weekend, showcasing the theater’s state-of-the-art features.

“Thank you all for joining us tonight. It’s truly special to me, and I hope you’ve all had a fantastic holiday season. Wishing everyone an incredible 2024,” Post Malone expressed to the enthusiastic audience. “A big shoutout to this magnificent venue. Being one of the first to perform here is an honor – it’s absolutely breathtaking.”

The night began with the captivating Jesse Jo Stark, who delivered a magical performance. Dressed in a soft pink, rhinestone-embellished ensemble, her enchanting voice captivated the audience as she performed her popular tracks “Dandelion,” “Lipstick,” and “Pussycat.”

“I’m thrilled to be opening for Post Malone. We’re going to ring in the New Year in style – tonight and tomorrow. Get ready to party!” Jesse Jo Stark announced as she concluded her set, paving the way for Post Malone’s entrance.

The atmosphere in the BleauLive Theater was electric with anticipation as Post Malone appeared on stage. The concert kicked off with a live string quartet, setting the stage for Post Malone’s explosive entry with dazzling pyrotechnics, as he performed his hit “Better Now.” He engaged the audience with his charisma, celebrating a fan’s birthday and inviting another to join him on stage for “Stay.” His performance included fan favorites like “Wow,” “I Like You (A Happier Song),” and “Rockstar,” showcasing his unique charm and connection with the audience.

As the concert neared its end, chants of “Posty!” filled the air, and Post Malone returned for an encore, performing “Sunflower” and “Chemicals.” This set the precedent for an opulent, intimate, and unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, heralding a promising future for events in 2024 and beyond.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported today that its airports experienced their busiest November on record, driven by an unprecedented surge in Thanksgiving travel. The airports are on track to achieve their busiest year ever. Furthermore, the PATH commuter railroad saw its highest monthly total compared to 2019 passenger levels, bridges and tunnels maintained pre-pandemic traffic levels, and the Port of New York and New Jersey continued to surpass its 2019 cargo activity, closing 2023 as the nation’s second busiest port for loaded containers.

Airports:

In November, Port Authority airports continued their impressive performance by setting a new monthly record for passenger volume. The total of 11.5 million passengers marked a 3 percent increase (400,000 passengers) from the previous November high in 2022, a 7 percent rise from November 2019, and a 7 percent decrease from October 2023. The airports are poised to achieve their busiest year ever, having served 132 million passengers through November, representing a 3 percent increase (3.4 million passengers) compared to the same period in 2019. The surge was fueled by record-breaking passenger levels during the Thanksgiving travel period, with 3.1 million air passengers between Nov. 20 and Nov. 27, a 3 percent increase from the 2022 record.

PATH:

The PATH commuter railroad recorded a monthly total of 4.3 million passengers, reaching 67 percent of November 2019’s total and marking the first time it achieved two-thirds of pre-pandemic 2019 ridership for the same month. November 2023 saw an average weekday ridership of 176,612 passengers, the third-highest since February 2020, following the previous two months of September and October 2023. The total ridership for November 2023 was a 10 percent decrease (455,000 riders) compared to October 2023, reflecting the conclusion of PATH’s annual peak ridership period from late summer through early fall.

Port of New York and New Jersey:

In November 2023, the Port of New York and New Jersey handled 644,439 TEUs, a 7.5 percent increase from November 2019 but a 13.2 percent decrease from October 2023, which marked the seaport’s busiest month of the year. Through November, the seaport moved nearly 7.2 million TEUs, a 4.2 percent increase from the same period in 2019, maintaining its position as the nation’s second busiest for loaded containers, handling over 4.8 million TEUs.

Tunnels, Bridges, and Terminals:

The Port Authority’s six vehicular crossings served nearly 10.1 million eastbound vehicles in November 2023, reflecting traffic levels comparable to pre-pandemic November 2019. Average daily traffic volumes remained consistent with those in October 2023.

The airline industry for United States of America, a coalition representing major passenger airlines, has called on U.S. transportation officials to address the growing impact of private planes and staffing shortages among air traffic controllers on the surge in holiday flight delays and cancellations. The group, which includes industry giants such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, emphasized the need for immediate and effective measures to strike a balance between commercial and private aviation traffic, with a primary focus on minimizing disruptions for the traveling public.

Call for Collaborative Solutions

In a letter directed to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Michael Whitaker, the coalition urged comprehensive actions. This includes steps to avoid additional staffing triggers, especially in high-volume air traffic control centers. The plea highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to navigate the complexities of managing both private and commercial aviation during peak travel periods.

FAA’s Response and Acknowledgment

The FAA responded, noting that airlines and other stakeholders have representation at the Command Center, where airspace is continuously monitored, and updates are provided every two hours. Acknowledging the challenges faced, the FAA emphasized its commitment to addressing the situation by actively recruiting, training, and hiring more air traffic controllers. However, the agency also admitted to being around 3,000 controllers short of optimal levels.

Data on Delays

Preliminary data for the period from December 20 to 27 revealed that the majority of delays (77%) were attributed to volume, while 19.1% were due to weather conditions. Only a minimal percentage (0.9%) was attributed to FAA staffing shortages. This information sheds light on the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by the aviation industry, with volume and weather being primary contributors.

Government Prioritization

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, earlier this month, expressed optimism about achieving the lowest number of flight cancellations in five years. Both Buttigieg and FAA chief Whitaker have prioritized efforts to bolster air traffic control staffing. Despite these efforts, the FAA had previously extended cuts to minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports through October 2024, citing ongoing staffing shortages, particularly at the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control, which is operating at just 54% of recommended levels.

The plea from Airlines for America underscores the critical need for swift and effective collaboration between industry stakeholders and government authorities to address the persistent challenges in air travel, ensuring a smoother experience for passengers during the holiday season and beyond.

Input: Reuters