Air & Sea

Lufthansa Group significantly expands service with June flight schedule

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea; Published: 16 May 2020 16 May 2020

With the June flight schedule, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group are significantly expanding their services compared with the previous weeks operation.

Lufthansa, SWISS and Eurowings are again adding numerous leisure and summer destinations to their flight schedules in June, as well as more long-haul destinations.

With over 106 destinations in Germany and Europe and more than 20 intercontinental destinations, the range of flights on offer for all travellers will be greatly ex- panded by the end of June.The first batch of flights will be available for reservation in the booking systems 14 May.

By the end of June, the Lufthansa Group airlines plan to offer around 1,800 weekly roundtrips to more than 130 destinations worldwide.

"With the June flight schedule, we are making an important contribution to the re- vitalisation of the aviation infrastructure. It is an essential part of the German and European economic power. People want to and can travel again, whether on holiday or for business reasons. That's why we will continue to expand our offer step by step in the coming months and connect Europe with each other and Europe with the world," says Harry Hohmeister, Member of the Executive Board of German Lufthansa AG.

Lufthansa’s additional flights that are resuming in the first half of June, in Germany and Europe, are from Frankfurt: Hanover, Majorca, Sofia, Prague, Billund, Nice, Manchester, Budapest, Dublin, Riga, Krakow, Bucharest and Kiev. From Munich, it is Münster/Osnabrück, Sylt, Rostock, Vienna, Zurich, Brussels and Majorca.

In the first half of June, the flight schedule also includes 19 long-haul destinations, fourteen more than in May. In total, Lufthansa, SWISS and Eurowings will thus be offering more than 70 weekly frequencies overseas until mid-June, almost four times as many as in May. Further resumption of Lufthansa long-haul flights is planned for the second half of June.

Lufthansa's long-haul resumption of flights from Frankfurt in detail (subject to possible travel restrictions): Toronto, Mexico City, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Tel Aviv, Riyadh, Bahrain, Johannesburg, Dubai and Mumbai. The destinations Newark/New York, Chicago, Sao Paulo, Tokyo and Bangkok will continue to be offered.

Lufthansa's long-haul return flights from Munich in detail (subject to possible travel restrictions): Chicago, Los Angeles, Tel Aviv. All destinations can be booked on lufthansa.com.

The flight schedules of the Lufthansa Group airlines are closely coordinated, thus enabling reliable connectivity to European and intercontinental destinations once again.

Austrian Airlines has decided to extend the suspension of regular flight operations for a further week, from 31 May to 7 June. A resumption of service in June is being considered.

SWISS is planning to resume services to various destinations in the Mediterranean region, and other major European centres such as Paris, Brussels and Moscow will also be added to the programme.

In its long-haul operations, SWISS will again offer its passengers new intercontinental direct services in June, in addition to its three weekly services to New York / Newark (USA). The Swiss carrier plans to offer flights from Zurich to New York JFK, Chicago, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Johannesburg.

Eurowings had already announced last week that it would be expanding its basic program at the airports of Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Hamburg and Stuttgart and gradually adding 15 further destinations within Europe from May onwards. With flights to Spain, Greece, Portugal and Croatia, the focus is on destinations in the Mediterranean region. Furthermore the island of Mallorca will again be offered from several German Eurowings gateways

Brussels Airlines plans to resume its flight operations with a reduced network of- fer as from 15 June

When planning their trip, customers should consider the current entry and quarantine regulations of the respective destinations. Throughout the entire trip, restrictions may be imposed due to stricter hygiene and security regulations, for example due to longer waiting times at airport security checkpoints. The catering services on board will also remain restricted until further notice.

In addition, passengers will continue to be asked to wear a nose-and-mouth cover on board during the entire journey.

How this Nordic airline will make air travel safer?

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea; Published: 12 May 2020 12 May 2020

Air travel will gradually start to recover as travel restrictions are lifted. To make flying as safe as possible, Finnair is preparing for gradually growing passenger numbers with several new measures.

"Now that air travel gradually begins to recover and passenger numbers start to grow, we want everyone to be able to fly with confidence," says Piia Karhu, SVP, Customer Experience at Finnair. “With these additional measures, we are supporting the health of our customers and employees at the airport and onboard.”

Finnair has already earlier this spring implemented several changes to protect the health of customers and employees. The service process and in-flight service have been amended, customers are seated as far away from each other onboard as possible, there are plastic shields at service points and aircraft cleaning has been further intensified. Customer service personnel follow a no-touch policy with customers’ travel documents and baggage.

The most visible change to customers now is the requirement wear a mask for the entire duration of the flight. This measure is in effect from May 18 to at least until the end of August.

"Customers will board the flight with their own mask and wear it throughout the flight,” Piia Karhu tells. “Also, Finnair’s customer facing staff at the airport as well as the cabin crew will wear surgical masks. We decided to introduce this measure because the usage of masks is becoming more widespread and they protect passengers from possible droplet infections. When everyone wears a mask, we’re able to protect each other.”

"We recommend that customers acquire a mask that fits them already before their flight, pack as little as possible and check in online or with a mobile app – all of these reduce waiting times and contacts at the airport”, Piia Karhu continues. “I’m confident everyone also understands that they won’t be able to board a flight if there is the slightest suspicion of a Covid-19 infection or if they have respiratory symptoms.”

In addition, Finnair will implement several changes in its processes. We have taken into account the regulations and instructions by authorities as well as general developments in the industry. They will take effect latest on May 18:

– Customers are asked to maintain a minimum social distance of 1 meter at the airport
– All Finnair customer facing staff at the airport will wear a mask
– Onboard, customers are seated apart from each other whenever possible; seating arrangements are reviewed by our staff at the gate before boarding
– Customers will board the aircraft starting from those seated at the rear of the cabin
– In bus transportation, max 50% of the capacity of the bus is used
– Finnair cabin crew will wear surgical masks during the flight
– All customers are required to wear a mask from boarding to leaving the aircraft.
– Customers are asked to bring their own masks that cover both nose and mouth.
– Children under the age of 7 are not required to wear a mask.
– Other exemptions from the mask rule are subject to prior clearance from Finnair Medical desk.
– Aircraft cleaning has further been intensified, with a special focus on high-touch areas
– Sanitising wipes are available for customers onboard.
– An adjusted in-flight service concept will help to decrease contact between customers and cabin crew.
– Customers are asked to travel light to minimise the amount of hand-baggage in the cabin and avoid unnecessary movement in the cabin.
– Disembarkation will happen from front to rear by groups.

Finnair will review these measures on a regular basis and update them as needed. Finavia, the Finnish airport operator, has also introduced new measures at Finnish airports. Customer facing employees at the airports will wear surgical masks, floor stickers mark social distancing rules at airports, customer service points are equipped with plastic shields and hand sanitiser is available in various locations.

According to medical experts, an aircraft is not a particularly risky environment to get an infection due to the highly efficient air conditioning and filters that keep the air very clean.

As you’re planning your travel, it’s a good idea to find out about possible restrictions and guidance at your destination. Many countries require people to wear a mask at airports or public transport, so travellers should make sure they have enough masks for the entire duration of the trip. It’s also important to take care of hand hygiene, so packing your own sanitiser and disinfecting wipes makes good sense.

Norwegian Air expands routes from Chicago and Denver

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea; Published: 16 November 2019 16 November 2019

Norwegian will add three more nonstop routes from the United States to Europe next summer: Chicago to both Paris and Rome; and from Denver to Rome. All three routes will be summer seasonal.

“The U.S. is now our largest and most important source market and we will continue to invest in expanding our network to offer more nonstop service to highly sought-after European destinations. As we know we’re becoming a beloved brand in America, we want to consistently strive to provide the best quality of service coupled with unbeatable fares. Rome and Paris are great additions to our growing presence in Chicago and Denver and we look forward to welcoming new and existing travelers onboard next summer,” said SVP Commercial at Norwegian, Matthew Wood.

In Chicago, Norwegian will double its presence to four nonstop routes: Barcelona; London; Paris; and Rome. The new Paris service will launch May 1, 2020, and operate through October 24, while the Rome service will launch June 2, 2020 and operate through October 19. During peak summer, the new Paris route will operate five times a week, while the service to Rome will operate four times a week. Similarly, both Paris and London service will operate four times a week. Fares start as low as $209.90 in Economy, one-way, including taxes, to Rome, and $219.90 to Paris, and as low as $629.90 in Premium class, one-way, inclusive of taxes to Paris, and $779.90 to Rome. The Chicago to London route launched in March, 2018, followed by Barcelona service earlier this year.

In Denver, Rome will be the third nonstop Norwegian route following London launched in September, 2017, and Paris service launched in April, 2018. This will be the first-ever and only nonstop service from Denver International Airport to Italy. The new Rome route will launch on March 31, 2020, and operate to October 23, with three weekly flights during peak summer, late April through early October. Fares start as low as $249.90 in Economy, one-way, including taxes, and as low as $999.90 in Premium class, one-way, inclusive of taxes.

All three new routes will be operated by the 787-9 Dreamliner with 35 seats in Premium and 309 in Economy. All Economy seats have personal in-flight entertainment on demand, USB charging ports and a power adapter. Norwegian is also the only airline to offer free WiFi on transatlantic routes, which is currently being rolled out, and also provided gate-to-gate.

Recently, Norwegian announced the launch of its first-ever U.S. credit card, the Norwegian Reward Card; its best-ever quarterly financial results; a new nonstop route from Austin to Paris; an upcoming partnership with JetBlue, which will become Norwegian’s first U.S. airline partner; and increased frequencies on some of its other popular U.S. to Europe routes, including Denver-London, Denver-Paris, Los Angeles-Paris, San Francisco-Barcelona, New York-Paris and Los Angeles-Rome.

With almost 50 nonstop routes to Europe, Norwegian offers more routes from the U.S. than any other European airline. The airline is the largest foreign carrier in a number of the markets it serves, including New York City in terms of passenger numbers, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Norwegian is also the largest airline to Europe in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Florida.

Emirates opens first remote check-in terminal in Dubai for cruise passengers

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea; Published: 16 November 2019 16 November 2019

Emirates’ first remote check-in terminal, outside of the airport, was opened on November 11 to provide seamless connections for cruise passengers. The Emirates check-in counters, located at Port Rashid, will allow passengers who are disembarking from their cruise ships to check in for their onward Emirates flight at the same facility.

The new service will further enhance Dubai’s position as a premier international cruise destination, and provides greater convenience for Emirates customers. With complimentary flight check-in facilities located at the same location as their cruise disembarkation point, customers will have the convenience of exploring Dubai without their luggage before heading directly to the airport for their flight.

The Emirates check-in facility at Port Rashid will have eight counters where Emirates staff will check-in customers’ luggage and issue boarding passes up to 4 hours before flight departure. The facility will be open during the sailing period from October to April. In the next 6 months, 198 cruise ships are expected to dock at Port Rashid where approximately 280,000 passengers will have onward Emirates flights.

Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates Airport Services said: “We are committed to provide a seamless and hassle-free travel journey for our customers. With the increasing popularity of Dubai as a cruise tourism destination, we have ensured that every touch point in our customer journey for this important traveller segment is thoughtfully served. Our first remote check-in facility at Port Rashid will allow cruise passengers with onward flights the freedom to explore Dubai during their short transit having dropped their luggage and completed check-in formalities.”

The new service complements Home Check-in, launched last year, which allows Emirates passengers to check in for their flights from anywhere in Dubai for a fee. Other luggage handling services available for Emirates flights in Dubai include a concierge service to handle their luggage at the airport.

For Emirates passengers arriving in Dubai, there is a luggage storage facility for those who wish to leave their bags and explore the city. Emirates also offers a Home Delivery service where luggage is retrieved, cleared at customs and delivered to the customers for a hassle free travel experience.

Emirates launches its new service from Dubai to Porto, the gateway for Douro river cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Air & Sea Air & Sea; Published: 16 July 2019 16 July 2019

Emirates has launched its new four times weekly service to Porto, its second destination in Portugal. The new service provides travellers from across Emirates’ global network with a direct flight to the popular city in the north of the country.

The inaugural flight, EK197, touched down at the city’s international airport on July 2, marking the start of the airline’s first service to northern Portugal. The Emirates Boeing 777-200LR, in a two class cabin configuration featuring Emirates’ newest Business Class and Economy Class seats and interiors, was welcomed by Porto Airport with a water cannon salute. The aircraft has 38 lie flat seats in Business Class in a 2-2-2 configuration and 264 spacious seats in Economy Class.

Speaking at an event at the airport to celebrate the new service, Thierry Aucoc, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe, Russian Federation and Latin America, said: “Travellers in northern Portugal will now have a convenient and direct flight option to our Dubai hub, from where they can seamlessly access Emirates’ global network, particularly to destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. This new service also opens up a new and exciting destination for travellers from across our network.

“The allure of Porto, with its rich historic and cultural attractions, world famous Port wine production and location on the Douro River, has seen the city enjoy an increase in visitor numbers. Our new service will therefore contribute further to the economic growth of Porto and the wider Northern Region,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, José Luís Arnaut, ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, Chairman of the Board said: "Emirates' investment in this route is the result of joint efforts between the airline, ANA as well as tourism and Northern Region stakeholder teams. We are therefore excited by this new service, as it shows the region’s development and attractiveness as both a business and leisure destination.”

Customers travelling on Emirates to and from Porto will experience the airline’s newest Business and Economy Class cabins, while enjoying the famed hospitality and service from its multinational cabin crew, including Portuguese nationals, regionally inspired meals, complimentary beverages and over 4000 channels of entertainment on ice, featuring the latest movies, music and games.

The flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and depart Dubai as EK197 at 0915hrs and arrive in Porto at 1430hrs. The return flight, EK198, will depart Porto at 1735hrs and land in Dubai at 0415hrs the next morning.

Emirates also operates two flights a day between Dubai and Lisbon with Boeing 777-300ERs, offering more than 700 seats a day.