Airline reservations to the United States took off immediately after the White House announced the country would reopen to all vaccinated international voyagers starting next week, compelling a welcome -- if challenging -- industry pivot.

The long-awaited US move to welcome back international travellers -- which takes effect Monday -- follows 18 months of restrictions for 33 countries during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic that separated families, impeded business travel and frustrated tourists.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extremely-low-wine-production-in-europe-due-to-bad-weather-426943">&nbsp;'Extremely low' wine production in Europe due to bad weather</a>

Big carriers including Air France, United Airlines and Singapore Airlines are scrambling to meet the sudden surge in demand, adding flights, swapping in bigger planes for smaller ones and redoubling efforts to hire and retain staff.

Just after the White House announcement, British Airways saw a 900 per cent jump in searches for flights and holiday packages to key US destinations compared with the week before.

The day after the announcement, American Airlines garnered a 66 per cent jump in flight reservations to Britain, 40 per cent to Europe and 74 per cent to Brazil.

Competition for seats on November 8 itself was especially intense, as Evelyne and Jean-Michel Desobeau discovered when they booked a trip using frequent flyer miles.

The couple, anxious to see their daughter and son-in-law, had reserved a flight from France to New York for November 2, based on a guess of when the travel ban would be lifted.

But when the date was officially set at November 8, the couple discovered that flying that day would have meant using three times as many miles as the original trip. In the end, they will arrive on November 9, using a more moderate amount of miles.

<h2>More seats, bigger planes&nbsp;</h2>

At Air France, traffic has been gradually returning and "won't change overnight on November 8," said a spokesperson for the carrier.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-is-reopening-to-the-world-after-590-days-of-restricted-access-425806">Australia is reopening to the world after 590 days of restricted access</a>

The French airline has for months flown jets with empty seats. But with demand rising, it recently increased the number of daily flights between New York and Paris from three to five.&nbsp;

For its Houston-Paris trip, Air France is shifting out the Airbus 330 in favour of the Boeing 777, which has more seats. The carrier expects its capacity in terms of US travel to reach 90 per cent of its pre-Covid 19 level in March 2022, up from 65 per cent in October.

Airlines are planning for a modest pullback in January and February after a strong holiday season, but anticipate strong demand in the spring that will intensify in the summer, traditionally the busiest season.

At United Airlines, traffic to Latin America has fully returned to its level from 2019, but the rest of international travel remains at only about 63 per cent.

The US carrier is betting big on a vibrant return to international travel, introducing five new destinations in the spring including in Spain and Norway, adding flights for popular destinations such as Rome and Dublin and reviving service to Frankfurt, Nice and other cities.

<h2>Too few workers?&nbsp;</h2>

The industry also expects a strong, but slower, recovery in travel to Asia.&nbsp;

Singapore Airlines, which benefited from a recent decision by Singaporean authorities to allow quarantine-free travel for a far broader range of travellers from the United States and Canada, anticipates flight frequency from North America to Singapore in December will reach 77 per cent of pre-Covid levels, thanks to the reopening of voyages to Seattle and Vancouver, and for trips like Singapore-Frankfurt-New York.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mandates-compulsory-covid-jabs-or-weekly-tests-for-private-sector-workers-from-january-426888">US mandates compulsory Covid jabs or weekly tests for private sector workers from January</a>

Burkett Huey, an analyst at Morningstar, said airlines should have enough planes to meet rising demand. But whether there is sufficient staff is "a question mark," he said.

Airlines welcomed the exodus of thousands of employees early in the pandemic. But both American and Southwest have in recent weeks cancelled thousands of flights due in part to meagre staff levels.

Still unclear is the timetable for a robust recovery in business travel, an unknown that affects airline planning.

Traditionally, airlines fly wide body planes across the Atlantic on busy routes to provide comfortable seats for business travellers, and then organize smaller planes for touristic destinations.

But if business travellers are late to come back, airlines could decide to plan more direct flights using the newer narrow body jets with longer range.

Airline reservations to the United States took off immediately after the White House announced the country would reopen to all vaccinated international voyagers starting next week, compelling a welcome -- if challenging -- industry pivot.

Airline reservations to the United States took off immediately after the White House announced the country would reopen to all vaccinated international voyagers starting next week, compelling a welcome -- if challenging -- industry pivot. The long-awaited US move to welcome back international travellers -- which takes effect Monday -- follows 18 months of restrictions for 33 countries during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic that separated families, impeded business travel and frustrated tourists. Also Read | 'Extremely low' wine production in Europe due to bad weather Big carriers including Air France, United Airlines and Singapore Airlines are scrambling to meet the sudden surge in demand, adding flights, swapping in bigger planes for smaller ones and redoubling efforts to hire and retain staff. Just after the White House announcement, British Airways saw a 900 per cent jump in searches for flights and holiday packages to key US destinations compared with the week before. The day after the announcement, American Airlines garnered a 66 per cent jump in flight reservations to Britain, 40 per cent to Europe and 74 per cent to Brazil. Competition for seats on November 8 itself was especially intense, as Evelyne and Jean-Michel Desobeau discovered when they booked a trip using frequent flyer miles. The couple, anxious to see their daughter and son-in-law, had reserved a flight from France to New York for November 2, based on a guess of when the travel ban would be lifted. But when the date was officially set at November 8, the couple discovered that flying that day would have meant using three times as many miles as the original trip. In the end, they will arrive on November 9, using a more moderate amount of miles. More seats, bigger planes At Air France, traffic has been gradually returning and "won't change overnight on November 8," said a spokesperson for the carrier. Also Read | Australia is reopening to the world after 590 days of restricted access The French airline has for months flown jets with empty seats. But with demand rising, it recently increased the number of daily flights between New York and Paris from three to five. For its Houston-Paris trip, Air France is shifting out the Airbus 330 in favour of the Boeing 777, which has more seats. The carrier expects its capacity in terms of US travel to reach 90 per cent of its pre-Covid 19 level in March 2022, up from 65 per cent in October. Airlines are planning for a modest pullback in January and February after a strong holiday season, but anticipate strong demand in the spring that will intensify in the summer, traditionally the busiest season. At United Airlines, traffic to Latin America has fully returned to its level from 2019, but the rest of international travel remains at only about 63 per cent. The US carrier is betting big on a vibrant return to international travel, introducing five new destinations in the spring including in Spain and Norway, adding flights for popular destinations such as Rome and Dublin and reviving service to Frankfurt, Nice and other cities. Too few workers? The industry also expects a strong, but slower, recovery in travel to Asia. Singapore Airlines, which benefited from a recent decision by Singaporean authorities to allow quarantine-free travel for a far broader range of travellers from the United States and Canada, anticipates flight frequency from North America to Singapore in December will reach 77 per cent of pre-Covid levels, thanks to the reopening of voyages to Seattle and Vancouver, and for trips like Singapore-Frankfurt-New York. Also Read | US mandates compulsory Covid jabs or weekly tests for private sector workers from January Burkett Huey, an analyst at Morningstar, said airlines should have enough planes to meet rising demand. But whether there is sufficient staff is "a question mark," he said. Airlines welcomed the exodus of thousands of employees early in the pandemic. But both American and Southwest have in recent weeks cancelled thousands of flights due in part to meagre staff levels. Still unclear is the timetable for a robust recovery in business travel, an unknown that affects airline planning. Traditionally, airlines fly wide body planes across the Atlantic on busy routes to provide comfortable seats for business travellers, and then organize smaller planes for touristic destinations. But if business travellers are late to come back, airlines could decide to plan more direct flights using the newer narrow body jets with longer range.

Airlines gear up for travel surge as US reopens

A plane branded with the logo of national Egyptian carrier Egyptair landed in Israel for the first time Sunday, a flight described as "historic" by the Israel Airports Authority.

Egypt was the first Arab nation to establish ties with Israel in a 1979 peace deal, and direct flights between the countries followed that accord.&nbsp;

But the Egyptian flights to Israel had previously been operated by an Egyptair subsidiary, Air Sinai, set up exclusively for the Israel route, creating a buffer between Egyptair and the Jewish state.&nbsp;

But Egyptair will now run four flights per week into Israel under its own banner, IAA spokesman Ofer Lefler told AFP.&nbsp;

He called Sunday's landing "a historic first."

The move comes after a visit to Egypt last month by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Bennett said he and Sisi had "created a foundation for deep ties in the future."

Thousands of Israeli tourists typically visit Egypt annually, including to the Sinai desert and Red Sea resorts.&nbsp;

Five Arab states have normalised ties with Israel since Egypt became the first.&nbsp;

Next was Jordan, in 1994 and, since the summer of 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco have followed suit. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A plane branded with the logo of national Egyptian carrier Egyptair landed in Israel for the first time Sunday, a flight described as "historic" by the Israel Airports Authority.

A plane branded with the logo of national Egyptian carrier Egyptair landed in Israel for the first time Sunday, a flight described as "historic" by the Israel Airports Authority. Egypt was the first Arab nation to establish ties with Israel in a 1979 peace deal, and direct flights between the countries followed that accord. But the Egyptian flights to Israel had previously been operated by an Egyptair subsidiary, Air Sinai, set up exclusively for the Israel route, creating a buffer between Egyptair and the Jewish state. But Egyptair will now run four flights per week into Israel under its own banner, IAA spokesman Ofer Lefler told AFP. He called Sunday's landing "a historic first." The move comes after a visit to Egypt last month by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Bennett said he and Sisi had "created a foundation for deep ties in the future." Thousands of Israeli tourists typically visit Egypt annually, including to the Sinai desert and Red Sea resorts. Five Arab states have normalised ties with Israel since Egypt became the first. Next was Jordan, in 1994 and, since the summer of 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco have followed suit.

First 'Egyptair' flight lands in Israel

Qantas Airways is preparing for international travel with countries with high vaccine rates to resume in December, sending shares higher, as it reported a narrower annual loss of $1.26 billion.

World Business Watch: Qantas aims for international travel from December as loss narrows

The planemaker has previously said it calculates that Premium Aerotec is between 25% to 30% more expensive than other suppliers.

Airbus sees 1,000 German jobs at risk

A group of British airlines and airports on Tuesday lost a court bid to force the government to reveal how it draws up its coronavirus rules on international travel.

The complaint was filed in June by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which manages Manchester and London's Stansted airport; the International Airline Group (IAG) that owns British Airways; airlines Ryanair, EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic and the tour operator TUI.

They wanted to force the British government to explain how it establishes the "green", "orange" and "red" lists of countries, which classify their Covid-19 status and govern international travel rules from the UK.&nbsp;

But the High Court in London ruled that forcing the government to explain these choices "would impose an unreasonable burden" and "risk slowing the decision-making process."

The groups behind the complaint issued a joint statement standing behind their case.&nbsp;

"The way decisions have been taken to date has not been transparent and has created huge confusion and uncertainty for the British public," they said.&nbsp;

"The most recent changes including to the status of travellers from France...were shambolic and made it even harder for consumers and businesses to plan," they added.

The industry leaders are pushing for the US and countries in the EU to be added to the green list, which allows travellers in those locations to return to Britain without quarantine.&nbsp;

"The UK has already fallen behind the EU's reopening and our overly cautious approach to international travel will further impact our economic recovery," they warned, even though cases are currently surging in Britain.

EasyJet, which unveiled its April-June business report on Tuesday, said that constant changes in guidelines were pushing travellers to book last minute.&nbsp;

Many Britons were simply not bothering, so the airline will focus mostly on intra-European flights over the summer, it added.

A group of British airlines and airports on Tuesday lost a court bid to force the government to reveal how it draws up its coronavirus rules on international travel.

A group of British airlines and airports on Tuesday lost a court bid to force the government to reveal how it draws up its coronavirus rules on international travel. The complaint was filed in June by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which manages Manchester and London's Stansted airport; the International Airline Group (IAG) that owns British Airways; airlines Ryanair, EasyJet and Virgin Atlantic and the tour operator TUI. They wanted to force the British government to explain how it establishes the "green", "orange" and "red" lists of countries, which classify their Covid-19 status and govern international travel rules from the UK. But the High Court in London ruled that forcing the government to explain these choices "would impose an unreasonable burden" and "risk slowing the decision-making process." The groups behind the complaint issued a joint statement standing behind their case. "The way decisions have been taken to date has not been transparent and has created huge confusion and uncertainty for the British public," they said. "The most recent changes including to the status of travellers from France...were shambolic and made it even harder for consumers and businesses to plan," they added. The industry leaders are pushing for the US and countries in the EU to be added to the green list, which allows travellers in those locations to return to Britain without quarantine. "The UK has already fallen behind the EU's reopening and our overly cautious approach to international travel will further impact our economic recovery," they warned, even though cases are currently surging in Britain. EasyJet, which unveiled its April-June business report on Tuesday, said that constant changes in guidelines were pushing travellers to book last minute. Many Britons were simply not bothering, so the airline will focus mostly on intra-European flights over the summer, it added.

UK aviation group loses bid for transparency on Covid rules

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a directive to operators of all Boeing 737 series airplanes to conduct inspections to address possible failures of cabin altitude pressure switches.

World Business Watch: FAA orders checks on 9,300 Boeing 737 planes for possible switch failures

As Germany lifted a ban on travellers from India, there are chances for the Indian aviation sector to revive soon. What is the overall scenario of aviation in India and how quickly it can be revived? Chief Commercial Officer of Vistara, Vinod Kannan talks to WION on all these issues.

World Business Watch: How is aviation industry going to recover post-pandemic?

United Airlines confirmed its largest ever order for Boeing and Airbus jets. Watch this report to know more.

World Business Watch: Largest-ever order for boeing, airbus jets

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has told Boeing that its planned 777X is not yet ready for a significant certification step and warned it "realistically" will not certify the airplane until mid-to-late 2023.

World Business Watch: US FAA says no realistic approval before mid-2023 for Boeing 777X

In its latest look at trends for the sector, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it doesn't expect world air traffic to resume to its pre-pandemic level before 2023.

Airline industry sees long-term rebound for sector

Global aviation faces its biggest political crisis in years after Belarus scrambled a fighter and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to detain a dissident journalist, prompting US and European outrage.&nbsp;

Some European airlines immediately began avoiding Belarus airspace, a key corridor between western Europe and Moscow and route for long-haul flights between western Europe and Asia.&nbsp;

"We, like all the European airlines are looking for guidance today from the European authorities and from NATO," Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary told Ireland's Newstalk radio.&nbsp;

Others, including Chinese and Turkish carriers, continued to fly over Belarus, which charges euro-denominated fees to use its airspace. Each flight brings Minsk revenue equivalent to some $500, adding up to millions each year, a Belarus official said.&nbsp;

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it had notified its 31 member states about the incident and an airline source said the agency had recommended 'caution' over Belarus.&nbsp;

Aviation experts said a decades-old system of cooperation now faces a crucial test under the glare of East-West tensions.&nbsp;

The UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) said the incident may have contravened a core aviation treaty: part of the international order created after World War Two.&nbsp;

"ICAO is strongly concerned by the apparent forced landing of a Ryanair flight and its passengers, which could be in contravention of the Chicago Convention," it said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Montreal agency called a meeting of its 36-member council, which has power to investigate any situation that may hinder the development of international aviation, for Thursday.&nbsp;

"It looks like a gross abuse of the (Chicago) Convention. It's piracy," Kevin Humphreys, a former Irish aviation regulator, said of the Belarus incident.&nbsp;

But experts cautioned that calls from some Western politicians for the outright closure of Belarus airspace would come up against tough obstacles.&nbsp;

Under global rules, neither ICAO nor any nation can close another's airspace, but some, such as the United States, have the power to tell their own airlines not to fly there.&nbsp;

Global airlines condemned any unlawful interference.&nbsp;

"A full investigation by competent international authorities is needed," said the International Air Transport Association, which represents about 280 airlines. Ryanair is not a member.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear how any probe would be organised.&nbsp;

Although highly regulated at a national level, and supported by harmonised rules to keep skies safe, aviation lacks a global policeman to avoid constant disputes over sovereignty.&nbsp;

While it has no regulatory power, ICAO sits at the centre of a system of safety and security standards that operates across political barriers but requires an often slow-moving consensus.&nbsp;

The rules are managed through the Montreal-based agency by its 193 members, including Belarus. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Global aviation faces its biggest political crisis in years after Belarus scrambled a fighter and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to detain a dissident journalist, prompting US and European outrage.

Global aviation faces its biggest political crisis in years after Belarus scrambled a fighter and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to detain a dissident journalist, prompting US and European outrage. Some European airlines immediately began avoiding Belarus airspace, a key corridor between western Europe and Moscow and route for long-haul flights between western Europe and Asia. "We, like all the European airlines are looking for guidance today from the European authorities and from NATO," Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary told Ireland's Newstalk radio. Others, including Chinese and Turkish carriers, continued to fly over Belarus, which charges euro-denominated fees to use its airspace. Each flight brings Minsk revenue equivalent to some $500, adding up to millions each year, a Belarus official said. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it had notified its 31 member states about the incident and an airline source said the agency had recommended 'caution' over Belarus. Aviation experts said a decades-old system of cooperation now faces a crucial test under the glare of East-West tensions. The UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) said the incident may have contravened a core aviation treaty: part of the international order created after World War Two. "ICAO is strongly concerned by the apparent forced landing of a Ryanair flight and its passengers, which could be in contravention of the Chicago Convention," it said on Sunday. The Montreal agency called a meeting of its 36-member council, which has power to investigate any situation that may hinder the development of international aviation, for Thursday. "It looks like a gross abuse of the (Chicago) Convention. It's piracy," Kevin Humphreys, a former Irish aviation regulator, said of the Belarus incident. But experts cautioned that calls from some Western politicians for the outright closure of Belarus airspace would come up against tough obstacles. Under global rules, neither ICAO nor any nation can close another's airspace, but some, such as the United States, have the power to tell their own airlines not to fly there. Global airlines condemned any unlawful interference. "A full investigation by competent international authorities is needed," said the International Air Transport Association, which represents about 280 airlines. Ryanair is not a member. It was not immediately clear how any probe would be organised. Although highly regulated at a national level, and supported by harmonised rules to keep skies safe, aviation lacks a global policeman to avoid constant disputes over sovereignty. While it has no regulatory power, ICAO sits at the centre of a system of safety and security standards that operates across political barriers but requires an often slow-moving consensus. The rules are managed through the Montreal-based agency by its 193 members, including Belarus. (With inputs from agencies)

Global aviation system tested by Belarus jetliner diversion 

Shifting to alternative Aviation fuels could be key to sustainable air travel and could contribute hugely to the industry's emissions reduction strategy and taking a step towards this transition Air France KLM operated its first long-haul flight with sustainable aviation fuel.

Air France-KLM's long haul flight with sustainable fuel

United airlines plans to operate more than half its pre-pandemic capacity in the three-month period, which will be 45% than the same period in 2019

United Airlines reports $2.4 billion loss in Q1

US' Southwest Airlines is recalling over 2,700 flight attendants from leave to support its summer schedule, ending a voluntary furlough program introduced during the Coronavirus pandemic as travel demand waned.

World Business Watch: Southwest Airlines recalls over 2,700 flight attendants for summer

Gulf Air seeks aircraft delays over COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines have globally pushed back deliveries. Watch this video to know more.

Gulf Air seeks aircraft delays over COVID-19 pandemic

United Airlines Holdings Inc on Wednesday reported a fourth straight quarterly loss as the coronavirus pandemic.

United Airlines pledges more cost cuts post fourth straight quarterly loss

At the global level, the aviation industry would like to forget the year 2020, which witnessed the carnage across the sector, as the flights was shut for several months.

World Business Watch: How aviation is adapting to COVID-19?

The number of people killed in large commercial airplane crashes rose in 2020 to 299 worldwide, even as the number of crashes fell by more than 50%, a Dutch consulting firm said on Friday.

Aviation consulting firm To70 said in 2020 there were 40 accidents involving large commercial passenger planes, five of which were fatal, resulting in 299 fatalities. In 2019 there were 86 accidents, eight of which were fatal, resulting in 257 fatalities.

Large commercial airplanes had 0.27 fatal accidents per million flights in 2020, To70 said, or one fatal crash every 3.7 million flights -- up from 0.18 fatal accidents per million flights in 2019.

The decline in crashes came amid a sharp decline in flights due to the coronavirus pandemic. Flightradar24 reported commercial flights it tracked worldwide in 2020 fell 42% to 24.4 million.

More than half of all deaths in the To70 review were the 176 people killed in January 2020 when a Ukrainian plane was shot down in Iranian airspace.

The second deadliest incident was the May crash of a Pakistan airliner crashed in May killing 98.

Large passenger airplanes covered by the statistics are used by nearly all travelers on airlines but exclude small commuter airplanes in service.

Over the last two decades, aviation deaths have been falling dramatically. As recently as 2005, there were 1,015 deaths aboard commercial passenger flights worldwide, the Aviation Safety Network (ASN) said.

Over the last five years, there have been an average of 14 fatal accidents for commercial passenger and cargo planes resulting in 345 deaths annually, ASN said.

In 2017, aviation had its safest year on record worldwide with only two fatal accidents involving regional turboprops that resulted in 13 deaths and no fatal crashes of passenger jets.

The United States has not had a fatal U.S. passenger airline crash since February 2009 and one fatality due to a U.S. passenger airline accident in that period.

The number of people killed in large commercial airplane crashes rose in 2020 to 299 worldwide, even as the number of crashes fell by more than 50%, a Dutch consulting firm said on Friday.

The number of people killed in large commercial airplane crashes rose in 2020 to 299 worldwide, even as the number of crashes fell by more than 50%, a Dutch consulting firm said on Friday. Aviation consulting firm To70 said in 2020 there were 40 accidents involving large commercial passenger planes, five of which were fatal, resulting in 299 fatalities. In 2019 there were 86 accidents, eight of which were fatal, resulting in 257 fatalities. Large commercial airplanes had 0.27 fatal accidents per million flights in 2020, To70 said, or one fatal crash every 3.7 million flights -- up from 0.18 fatal accidents per million flights in 2019. The decline in crashes came amid a sharp decline in flights due to the coronavirus pandemic. Flightradar24 reported commercial flights it tracked worldwide in 2020 fell 42% to 24.4 million. More than half of all deaths in the To70 review were the 176 people killed in January 2020 when a Ukrainian plane was shot down in Iranian airspace. The second deadliest incident was the May crash of a Pakistan airliner crashed in May killing 98. Large passenger airplanes covered by the statistics are used by nearly all travelers on airlines but exclude small commuter airplanes in service. Over the last two decades, aviation deaths have been falling dramatically. As recently as 2005, there were 1,015 deaths aboard commercial passenger flights worldwide, the Aviation Safety Network (ASN) said. Over the last five years, there have been an average of 14 fatal accidents for commercial passenger and cargo planes resulting in 345 deaths annually, ASN said. In 2017, aviation had its safest year on record worldwide with only two fatal accidents involving regional turboprops that resulted in 13 deaths and no fatal crashes of passenger jets. The United States has not had a fatal U.S. passenger airline crash since February 2009 and one fatality due to a U.S. passenger airline accident in that period.

Aviation deaths rise worldwide in 2020 even as fatal incidents, flights fall

Tata Group has increased its stake in AirAsia India as it looks to increase its stake in India's airline industry.

Tata group to take complete control of AirAsia India

Boeing Co has deferred its plan to make plane components in India's southern state of Karnataka from 2022.

Covid-19 pandemic defers Boeing's plans to manufacture plane components in Karnataka

Seven-year-old Uganda boy's aviation knowledge leaves several awestruck

Major airlines are preparing for COVID-19 vaccine airlift, vaccine cargo could help restart flights.

Major airlines prepare for COVID-19 vaccine airlift

Uber will sell off its air transport unit to flying taxi maker Joby Aviation, the company said, as it streamlines operations to navigate a ride-share market scuttled by the pandemic.

The deal will see Joby acquire Uber expertise and software, and able to offer its all-electric, vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft on the ride-hailing giant's app.

While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, they include Uber investing $75 million into Santa Cruz-based Joby, which has said it hopes to have its flying taxis in operation as early as 2023.&nbsp;

The sale of Uber Elevate -- dedicated to electric aircraft and delivery drones -- to Joby will "accelerate the path to market" for flying taxis, Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in a joint release Tuesday.

Founded in 2009, Joby Aviation is developing a four-passenger electric aircraft that takes off and lands vertically, like a helicopter, though it has multiple rotors.

The firm envisions the aircraft as a mode of commercial transport, rather than for sale to individuals, with its pilots ferrying commuters around.

Uber said it had already invested $50 million in Joby during a fundraising round early this year.

News of the sale came shortly after Uber announced an agreement to sell its autonomous car division to Amazon and Hyundai-backed Aurora in a deal that gives it a 26 percent stake in the startup developing self-driving technology.

As part of the deal, Uber will invest $400 million in Aurora to merge the teams from both firms seeking to advance the technology for driverless ride-hailing.

The companies expect the self-driving technology to be initially put to use for long-haul trucking.

Khosrowshahi will also join the Aurora board of directors as part of the deal. The merged firm will work on the technology to be known as Aurora Driver.

Last month Uber reported that it lost $1.1 billion in the recently ended quarter as the pandemic walloped its ride-hailing business, while boosting its food delivery service.

Uber will sell off its air transport unit to flying taxi maker Joby Aviation, the company said, as it streamlines operations to navigate a ride-share market scuttled by the pandemic.

Uber will sell off its air transport unit to flying taxi maker Joby Aviation, the company said, as it streamlines operations to navigate a ride-share market scuttled by the pandemic. The deal will see Joby acquire Uber expertise and software, and able to offer its all-electric, vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft on the ride-hailing giant's app. While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, they include Uber investing $75 million into Santa Cruz-based Joby, which has said it hopes to have its flying taxis in operation as early as 2023. The sale of Uber Elevate -- dedicated to electric aircraft and delivery drones -- to Joby will "accelerate the path to market" for flying taxis, Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in a joint release Tuesday. Founded in 2009, Joby Aviation is developing a four-passenger electric aircraft that takes off and lands vertically, like a helicopter, though it has multiple rotors. The firm envisions the aircraft as a mode of commercial transport, rather than for sale to individuals, with its pilots ferrying commuters around. Uber said it had already invested $50 million in Joby during a fundraising round early this year. News of the sale came shortly after Uber announced an agreement to sell its autonomous car division to Amazon and Hyundai-backed Aurora in a deal that gives it a 26 percent stake in the startup developing self-driving technology. As part of the deal, Uber will invest $400 million in Aurora to merge the teams from both firms seeking to advance the technology for driverless ride-hailing. The companies expect the self-driving technology to be initially put to use for long-haul trucking. Khosrowshahi will also join the Aurora board of directors as part of the deal. The merged firm will work on the technology to be known as Aurora Driver. Last month Uber reported that it lost $1.1 billion in the recently ended quarter as the pandemic walloped its ride-hailing business, while boosting its food delivery service.

Uber to sell air taxi unit to Joby Aviation

The grounding came after more evidence emerged indicating that the aircraft's key flight control software played a part in the two deadly crashes.

Boeing 737 Max resumes flights in US after 20-months

The COVID-19 (coronavirus pandemic) has an adverse effect on the world’s Economy and Trade. According to the reports, global economic growth is expected to see a contraction of over 3 percent in 2020.

Aviation industry is struggling globally | Is the worst over for aviation industry?

The Centre on Wednesday extended the suspension of scheduled commercial international flight operations to and from India till November 30. 
 
"This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation," an official statement said on Wednesday. 
 
"However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on select routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," it added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/supreme-court-orders-refund-of-tickets-of-flights-cancelled-due-to-lockdown-331726" hreflang="en">Supreme Court orders refund of tickets of flights cancelled due to lockdown</a> 
 
At present, India has entered into `Air Bubble` agreements with several countries. It allows nationals of both the countries to travel in either direction. 
 
Passenger air services were suspended on March 25 due to the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19. 
 
Domestic flight services have since resumed from May 25.

The Centre on Wednesday extended the suspension of scheduled commercial international flight operations to and from India till November 30. "This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation," an official statement said on Wednesday.

The Centre on Wednesday extended the suspension of scheduled commercial international flight operations to and from India till November 30. "This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation," an official statement said on Wednesday. "However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on select routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis," it added. Also read: Supreme Court orders refund of tickets of flights cancelled due to lockdown At present, India has entered into `Air Bubble` agreements with several countries. It allows nationals of both the countries to travel in either direction. Passenger air services were suspended on March 25 due to the nationwide lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19. Domestic flight services have since resumed from May 25.

India: International flights to remain suspended till November 30

With few allowed to travel in and out of Singapore due to COVID-19 restrictions, hundreds flocked to the airport on Saturday (October 24) to eat airplane food at a pop-up restaurant aboard an A380 jet.

Unable to travel, Singaporeans enjoy airplane food on the ground

People are now paying to eat airline meals, but on the ground! We truly live in uncanny times.&nbsp;

Singapore Airlines, whose fleet has been rendered inoperable owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has capitalised on a food fetish for economic reprieve.

Hundreds of passengers are now paying Singapore Airlines the equivalent of a budget ticket to eat a meal inside grounded planes: A380 jumbos in specific.

World's biggest passenger jet

People are paying upto $470 for a taste of travelling! The “passengers” can dine on the world’s biggest passenger jet for SG $642.

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the aviation industry into a crisis, with many being laid off, and the number of flights in air decreasing in the face of the pressure.

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/worlds-10-safest-airlines-to-travel-in-2020-283019" hreflang="en">World's 10 safest airlines to travel in 2020</a>

Due to this, companies are looking for other means to resuscitate the industry. Many are offering tours of aircraft, or a flying experience without the flight.

Thousands of jobs have been cut by Singapore Airlines in the aftermath of the pandemic, and almost all of its aircraft are grounded. To find some reprieve, the airlines has turned one of its A380s into a pop-up restaurant, serving customers a taste of airline meals.

Mission successful&nbsp;

According to the Straits Times, this proved successful. All 900 seats for October 24 and 25 sold out within half an hour.

Owing to “overwhelming demand”, the carrier has decided to keep the restaurant open for two extra days. Customers can now have lunch and dinner on all four dates.

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/how-tourism-is-making-a-return-in-times-of-coronavirus-310236" hreflang="en">How tourism is making a return in times of coronavirus</a>

The Airlines is offering a variety of meals, with the most expensive being a four-course meal in a first-class suite. The cheapest meal costs SG$53 and consists of a three-course meal in economy class.

However, social distancing norms are being followed, with about half of the seats being left empty on the jets, which are parked at Changi Airport.

It gets better! Singapore Airlines is now also delivering plane meals to people’s homes.

People are now paying to eat airline meals, but on the ground! We truly live in uncanny times. Singapore Airlines, whose fleet has been rendered inoperable owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has capitalised on a food fetish for economic reprieve.

People are now paying to eat airline meals, but on the ground! We truly live in uncanny times. Singapore Airlines, whose fleet has been rendered inoperable owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has capitalised on a food fetish for economic reprieve. Hundreds of passengers are now paying Singapore Airlines the equivalent of a budget ticket to eat a meal inside grounded planes: A380 jumbos in specific. World's biggest passenger jet People are paying upto $470 for a taste of travelling! The “passengers” can dine on the world’s biggest passenger jet for SG $642. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the aviation industry into a crisis, with many being laid off, and the number of flights in air decreasing in the face of the pressure. In Pics: World's 10 safest airlines to travel in 2020 Due to this, companies are looking for other means to resuscitate the industry. Many are offering tours of aircraft, or a flying experience without the flight. Thousands of jobs have been cut by Singapore Airlines in the aftermath of the pandemic, and almost all of its aircraft are grounded. To find some reprieve, the airlines has turned one of its A380s into a pop-up restaurant, serving customers a taste of airline meals. Mission successful According to the Straits Times, this proved successful. All 900 seats for October 24 and 25 sold out within half an hour. Owing to “overwhelming demand”, the carrier has decided to keep the restaurant open for two extra days. Customers can now have lunch and dinner on all four dates. In Pics: How tourism is making a return in times of coronavirus The Airlines is offering a variety of meals, with the most expensive being a four-course meal in a first-class suite. The cheapest meal costs SG$53 and consists of a three-course meal in economy class. However, social distancing norms are being followed, with about half of the seats being left empty on the jets, which are parked at Changi Airport. It gets better! Singapore Airlines is now also delivering plane meals to people’s homes.

People are paying a hefty amount to eat on board a grounded Singapore Airlines' jumbo jet

Boeing cut its rolling 20-year forecast for airplane demand on Tuesday, sending its shares lower as the COVID-19 pandemic lays waste to deliveries over the next few years.

Boeing cuts jet demand forecast on pandemic crisis

The carrier announced on October 6th a restructuring plan that should hopefully keep the airline afloat and running for years to come with an equity injection.

AirAsia X announces restructuring plan amid crisis

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