Corporate Travel News For The Americas

Tampa St Pete-Clearwater International Airport (Florida) stated (23-Jan-2018) its economic impact from runway dependent activity is estimated at USD1.044 billion, according to a recent economic impact report. In addition, the airport's direct, indirect, and induced impact generates an estimated 7020 full time equivalent jobs. [more - original PR]

Fort Wayne International Airport (Indiana) confirmed (23-Jan-2018) American Airlines plans to launch twice daily service to Philadelphia on 07-Jun-2018, using 50 seat regional aircraft. The carrier is the sole operator on the route, according to OAG. [more - original PR]

Fiji Airways requested (23-Jan-2018) a renewed exemption authority from the US Department of Transportation to operate scheduled Nadi-San Francisco service. [more - original PR]

Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines applied (23-Jan-2018) to amend their statement of authorisation to codeshare with Fiji Airways on service from San Francisco to Portland and Seattle, as well as from Los Angeles and Vancouver, for the purposes of carrying Fiji Airways' Fiji-US and Fiji-Canada traffic. Fiji Airways also applied for an exemption to operate scheduled service from San Francisco to Portland and Seattle. [more - original PR]

JetBlue Airways introduced (23-Jan-2018) a new cruise booking and planning platform that deploys AI technology to help travellers customise their vacation experience and add flights as well as other offerings. EVP of commercial and planning Marty St George stated: "AI is changing how we travel and our goal is to be at the front of the curve". [more - original PR]

Amaszonas Uruguay GM Sergio Riolfo stated the company counts with 80 staff and plans to have 100 staff in the near future (El Observador, 17-Jan-2018). The carrier operates two 50 seat Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft and has expansion plans which includes incorporating Dash 8 aircraft to operate short haul and secondary routes with reduced costs.

LATAM Airlines Brazil to suspend Sao Paulo Guarulhos-Buenos Aires Ezeiza-Bogota service, effective 28-Mar-2018, according to 22-Jan-2018 GDS display. According to OAG, Aerolineas Argentinas and Avianca operate the route. The suspension is reportedly due to low profitability.

US TSA issued an emergency amendment requiring air cargo advance screening for specific carriers and points of departure to the US (AP/CBS News/CNN/NBC News/Reuters/USA Today, 22/23-Jan-2018). The requirements cover EgyptAir from Cairo International Airport, Emirates from Dubai International Airport, Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Qatar Airways from Doha Hamad International Airport, Royal Jordanian from Amman Queen Alia International Airport and Saudia from Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport and Riyadh King Khaled International Airport. The TSA stated: "These countries were chosen because of a demonstrated intent by terrorist groups to attack aviation from them" and said the measures focus "on last points of departure locations where the threat is greatest". The TSA noted most air cargo advance screening requirements are already voluntarily applied by airlines around the world.

Mexico Minister of Communications and Transports Gerardo Esparza stated (21-Jan-2018) the aeronautical industry became a "turbine driving Mexico's economic growth", due to the national and international investments in the sector. The sector sustains over 50,000 direct jobs and 150,000 indirect. [more - original PR - Spanish]

TUI Group announced (18-Jan-2018) subsidiary TUI Destination Services will team up with US travel information solution company Utrip to launch a pilot project enabling travellers to combine individual activities for their holidays "at the push of a button". Upon entering their preferences in various categories such as arts and culture, cuisine, adventure or shopping in Utrip's platform, TUI customers will receive a personalised itinerary for the duration of their trip, including TUI or third party excursions. TUI Destination Services MD David Schelp stated: "Holidaymakers expect a personalised online experience... Our collaboration with Utrip now enables us to combine our portfolio of unique destination activities with the wishes and preferences of our guests". [more - original PR]