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    Balpa strikes deal with British Airways over pilot job losses

    Pilots represented by the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) at British Airways are to be balloted on a new restructuring and redundancy agreement.
    The deal has been reached after three months of negotiations.
    British Airways had proposed to make up to 1,255 pilots redundant, while changing the terms and conditions of those that remain in response to a travel downturn following the Covid-19 pandemic.
    The new Balpa package involves pilots taking up some part-time working, severance and external secondments.
    There will also be a pool of 300 pilots employed on reduced pay ready to return to flying if demand picks up.
    The measures are funded by pilot pay cuts starting at 20 per cent, reducing to eight per cent over the next two years, then further reducing toward zero over the longer term.

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    Under the terms of the deal, some 270 pilots will still be made redundant.
    Balpa is recommending its 4,300 pilot members at British Airways accept these proposals as the “best that can be achieved” in the circumstances.
    Brian Strutton, Balpa general secretary, said: “It is hugely disappointing that during our extensive negotiations British Airways would not accept the full package of mitigations we put forward which would have avoided any job losses at all, and at no cost to the airline.
    “As a result there will be some compulsory redundancies among the pilot community and that is a matter of huge regret.”
    The ballot of BA pilots will close next Thursday.
    Stephen Gunning, chief financial officer with British Airways-owner International Airlines Group, said: “International Airlines Group welcomed an announcement by British Airways’ pilots’ union Balpa that it intends to hold a consultative ballot of its members in relation to the proposed restructuring and redundancy agreement reached between the union and the airline.
    “This is in response to the Covid-19 crisis affecting the aviation industry.”
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    WTTC urges governments to maintain open borders

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned governments around the world that further country-wide border closures could seriously jeopardise global economic recovery.
    WTTC is urging authorities to take a more carefully calibrated approach and introduce localised measures, and only when necessary.
    This would avoid blanket restrictions, prevent stalling the fragile economic recovery and not cripple the already bruised and battered tourism sector.
    WTTC would support the opening of city to city ‘air corridors’ between global financial centres, such as London and Frankfurt and New York.
    This would help restart business travel which is crucial to kickstarting the economic recovery.

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    Unfortunately, a number of countries around the world are experiencing local coronavirus spikes.
    This is forcing a re-think by a number of governments which are now having to consider reintroducing tough and unwelcome new ‘anti-travel’ measures.
    According to the latest statistics from Johns Hopkins University in the US, the worldwide Covid-19 death toll has passed 606,000 while the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has now surpassed more than 14.5 million.
    Gloria Guevara, WTTC president, said: “Governments should not close off access to other countries in their entirety.
    “Only regional border measures should be imposed if essential, so that the recovery of a country’s whole economy is not jeopardised in future.
    “The establishment of ‘air corridors’ between financial centres where infection levels are low, such as between London and New York, would provide a vital boost to business travel and aid the economic recovery.
    “Enforcing country-wide restrictions is a blunt instrument which benefits no one; neither travellers, the local population, the economy or the tourism sector which has been left reeling from the impact of worldwide travel restrictions.
    “Such measures could undo the significant efforts to revive tourism, which has recently shown encouraging signs of emerging from the worst of the pandemic, and which in turn has brought hope to millions of people around the world who depend upon the sector for their livelihoods.”
    She added: “It is perfectly possible to fight Covid-19 and support the economic recovery through the tourism sector at the same time.
    “We urge governments to consider only local lockdowns as the key to opening the door to a successful way forward.”
    Image: Valery Sharifulin/Tass/PA Images
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    Jobs to go in Abercrombie & Kent restructuring

    Abercrombie & Kent has launched a consultation with staff on a possible restructuring following the impact of Covid-19.
    The move, which will also involve Cox & Kings, was launched in an attempt to ensure both businesses maintain their positions as leaders in the UK luxury market.
    Managing director, Kerry Golds, stated: “While we have taken action to reduce costs wherever possible, including the utilisation of the government retention scheme, unfortunately these actions have not been sufficient due to the reduction in consumer demand.
    “As a result, we have made the difficult decision to make reductions across both businesses. “
    She added: “I have been incredibly proud of the way that all our staff, both those working and those on furlough, have approached the last few months with support and commitment to the business.

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    “As we move into the recovery phase of this crisis, our aim is to redefine the structure of the business for the future, preserving as many roles as we can, and supporting everyone, both professionally and personally, during these challenging times.”
    Abercrombie & Kent currently offers trips to more than one hundred countries on all seven continents.
    The company claims to have more people in more places than any other travel company, with more than 55 on-site offices in over 30 countries.
    Golds continued: “Our vision for both brands remains unchanged, and we will continue to deliver the excellent service and outstanding travel experiences across our tailor-made, escorted small group tours, beaches and villas portfolios across both the Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings brands.
    “The global Abercrombie & Kent group is better placed than many to deal with the impact of Covid-19, but we must adapt to ensure its future and I have every confidence that when the tourism industry recovers the Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings brands will continue to lead the way.”
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    WTTC calls for consistency on Covid-19 travel rules

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called for more consistent travel rules and Covid-19 advice by European countries to counter confusion from travellers.
    Those journeying to Europe for the first time since travel restrictions began to ease have faced a baffling array of different types of travel rules and advice – with each country across the continent emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic at different stages, which is delaying the recovery.
    The uneven patchwork of Covid-19 national border restrictions and rules across a supposedly single Schengen zone is an obvious deterrent to cross-border movement.
    Unnecessary and inconsistent border constraints are deterring travellers and suppressing the resurgence of tourism.
    The return is urgently needed to regenerate destinations and act as a catalyst for the global economic recovery.
    WTTC research shows that every 2.7 per cent increase in travellers would generate or recover one million jobs in the sector.
    Governments working together with the right coordinated measures could stimulate an increase in travel by as much as 27 per cent, recreating a massive ten million jobs in tourism.
    Consumer confusion over travel rules such as the wearing of face masks is evident.

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    It is mandatory on public transport in some countries, such as France and Germany, but only recommended in Norway and Sweden.
    Meanwhile in Malta, masks must be worn in all public places whereas in Poland they are not if people can respect physical distancing.
    Medical advice, including from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is clear that the use of face masks helps reduce the risk of transmission up to 90 per cent, protects the user and those around them, as well as reintroducing a greater sense of normality for travellers.
    However, WTTC warns that unless European governments make a greater effort to align their policies it will cause the fragile recovery to stutter and slowdown, putting 16 million jobs in tourism at risk.
    Gloria Guevara, WTTC chief executive, said: “WTTC calls on all European heads of state to unite for the benefit of the millions of people who depend on this sector in Europe; both travellers and workers.
    “It is urgent that governments learn from the past and take quick and effective action to coordinate and harmonise travel rules and border requirements to bring consistency for everyone across Europe.
    “Previous crises, including the 2008 financial crash, shows where governments coordinate to align policies, their leadership resulted in a quicker recovery.”
    She added: “We are encouraged to see that more travellers are spending time searching for holiday destinations across Europe following the easing of travel restrictions.
    “Unfortunately, the lack of coordination among countries has created inconsistencies which means we are failing to rebuild the trust of potential travellers.
    “Anyone travelling from one European country to the next faces a bewildering difference in travel advice, covering masks, testing and contact tracing which could seriously hinder the return of the tourism sector.”
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    UK government backs refund credit notes

    The UK travel industry has welcomed announcements from the department for transport and the CAA that ATOL protection will be extended to cover refund credit notes.
    The notes have been issued in place of cash refunds in recent weeks, as the hospitality industry battles a huge backlog of cancellations in the wake of the Covid-19 shutdown.
    But there have been questions over their legitimacy.
    Package travel regulations require refunds for cancelled holidays to be paid in 14-days.
    However, travel companies have argued that, if they adhered to requirements amid wholesale cancellations, most would be put out of business.
    Refund credit notes were seen as a compromise, allowing travellers to rebook at a later date.
    In a long-awaited decision, the CAA said: “This news will provide clarity to consumers concerned as to whether their money would be secure if they chose to accept a refund credit note from their travel company following a cancellation of their ATOL-protected booking.
    “To ensure consumers that hold ATOL-protected bookings retain financial protection, refund credit notes issued in respect of these bookings will benefit from ATOL protection up until September 30th.
    “If the consumer chooses a refund credit note, they should have the option to convert it to a cash refund at any point and must do so before September 30th, 2021.”
    However, the CAA added consumers are entitled to a cash refund and must be offered this option at the same time as a refund credit note or booking amendment.

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    In response to the announcement, an ABTA spokesperson said: “ABTA welcomes the government’s action to back refund credit notes through the ATOL scheme; this gives reassurance to consumers and supports the travel industry at an especially difficult time.
    “This development verifies that the ATOL scheme provides protection for cancelled holidays when a refund remains outstanding in the event of a travel organiser’s failure.
    “This is the same for non-flight-based package travel with ABTA bonding under the package travel regulations.
    “This assurance enables consumers to hold and rely on Refund Credit Notes with confidence, before rebooking a much-needed holiday.”
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    Solombrino departs GBTA following misconduct investigation

    The Global Business Travel Association has said a third-party investigation into professional work conduct allegations against chief executive Scott Solombrino has concluded there was “no legal wrongdoing on his part”.
    Solombrino was appointed to the role in April this year.
    However, he was almost immediately suspended after directors at the organisation received an anonymous letter asserting unspecified allegations against him.
    The board subsequently launched an independent investigation – which discovered no wrongdoing.
    However, after being cleared of the allegations, Solombrino and the GBTA board have agreed it was appropriate for him to pursue other opportunities.

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    GBTA interim executive director, Dave Hilfman, stated: “We thank Scott for his 25-years of service to GBTA and his passion and commitment to advancing the travel industry. 
    “We wish Scott success in his future endeavours.”
    The Global Business Travel Association is a business travel and meetings trade organisation headquartered in the United States with area with operations on six continents.
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    ABTA launches Covid-19-proof travel insurance product

    ABTA has launched of a new travel insurance product, ABTA Travel Sure.
    The body hopes the product will appeal to people with existing or rescheduled holiday bookings to countries exempted from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s current advice against all but essential travel.
    The insurance will explicitly cover Covid-19 medical expenses while on holiday.
    After this launch, ABTA members will have a long-term opportunity to promote ABTA Travel Sure which, depending on their level of involvement, may require them to become either an introducer appointed representative or appointed representative.
    The product is underwritten by AXA.

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    Ian Hall, head of travel insurance at ABTA, said: “Insurance has an important role to play in giving people confidence to book now travel is restarting.
    “We have known for some time that there is demand in the market for a travel insurance product that consumers can put their trust in and having initially put our plans tolaunch ABTA Travel Sure on hold because of the pandemic we are now in a position to assist the industry in its recovery.”
    He added: “The consumer awareness and trust in the ABTA brand means we are well placed to provide this service and we’re confident that after this initial roll out ABTA Travel Sure will provide Members with a long term opportunity to benefit from selling this high-quality travel insurance product.”
    Find out more here.
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    Jet2.com launches first post-Covid-19 holidays

    Jet2.com waved customers off to sunny hotspots this morning, as the airline and tour operator recommenced its holiday programme.
    Almost 50 flights departed today from across Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Glasgow Newcastle and London Stansted Airports.
    Travellers were headed to the Canaries, Balearics, Spain, Turkey, Greece and Italy.
    Flights and holidays will commence from Belfast International and Edinburgh in the coming days.

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    With pent-up demand for a well-deserved holiday, the package holiday specialist will operate to 44 destinations this summer, providing fantastic choice when it comes to customers’ well-deserved holidays, as well as assurance that it will be quarantine-free. 
    Independent travel agents will also benefit from the company’s continued partnership approach, with a raft of new virtual support initiatives helping them to sell and rebook summer holidays.
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    Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We have been saying for some time that the sun will shine again and that when it does, we will be there to take customers away on their well-deserved holidays.
    “That day has finally arrived, and we were delighted to see our first of flights take off.
    “It is fantastic to be back in the air and recommencing our award-winning flights and package holidays to sunny destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.
    “The safety, well-being and comfort of our customers is our number one priority.
    “Thanks to our three-step pledge, customers are in safe hands when they travel with us.
    “Through our industry-leading customer service, customers know they can rely on us to deliver everything needed to make their holiday a happy and healthy one.”
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