Corporate Travel News For The Americas

Ecuador DGAC DG Carlos Mantilla, via his personal Twitter account, reported (20-Jan-2018) the arrival of AeroRegional's first aircraft, one Boeing 737-500 (HC-CTF). The carrier is undergoing certification process and is expected to launch operations in Mar-2018, operating from Cuenca, Santa Rosa and Catamayo.

Air Lease Corporation CEO John Plueger commented on expectations for Boeing to launch a "new mid-sized airplane" (NMA), stating "I think... [Boeing] feel they have momentum from the customers and that they are building momentum internally for the business case" (Reuters, 23-Jan-2018). The aircraft would be configured with between 220 and 260 seats. "I think that they... are feeling better about the NMA, so I wouldn't be surprised if some time this year we saw a decision about a launch or not a launch", Mr Plueger said, adding Air Lease would be interested in the product for the right price.

Ecuador Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via its official Twitter account, announced (22-Jan-2018) it is "dialoguing" with a Chilean carrier seeking the launch of low cost operations in Ecuador. Sky Airline is analysing the possibility of launching operations in Ecuador, following Ecuador's adoption of Open Skies policy. Ecuador set the target of handling one tourist for every one Ecuadorian. [more - original PR - Spanish]

Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Transport and Roads announced (22-Jan-2018) the signing of an air service agreement with Qatar. The document covers the launch of air service between the beyond the countries. Qatar's Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulait expressed interest in deepening bilateral cooperation for all types of transport. [more - original PR - Russian]

TAP Portugal expanded (22-Jan-2018) its codeshare with Beijing Capital Airlines to include services between China and Brazil. Beijing Capital Airlines will place its code on "selected" TAP Portugal Portugal-Brazil services. The extended codeshare will include services to Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador, and Recife. Portugal-China is already part of the codeshare signed in Jul-2017. [more - original PR - Portuguese]

Canada Jetlines, via its official Facebook account, stated (21-Jan-2018) the airline duopoly in Canada is creating a "rift" for Canadians wishing to travel within their own country, noting: "Many are stuck choosing between an overseas vacation or going home for the holidays - a decision no Canadian should have to make". The carrier said it is committed to changing this, and urged customers to "#jointherebellion".

IATA highlighted (19-Jan-2018) the positive operational and economic effects of reducing airport fees, pointing to Cartagena Rafael Núñez International Airport's example. The airport reduced its fee in 2015, from USD82 to USD38, leading to a 26% increase in international passengers and 38% increase in passengers to the airport. The reduction in fees also drove increase in connectivity, with new routes to Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Amsterdam, and Madrid being introduced. [more - original PR]

United Airlines announced (18-Jan-2018) plans to make "major investments" in the following initiatives in 2018:

• International network to include destinations such as Papeete (Tahiti), Reykjavik (Iceland) and Porto (Portugal). The carrier also plans to improve its domestic schedules and connect to more destinations;
• United's Premium Plus product "is coming" later in 2018, and will be available on select international services. The premium economy fare will offer more spacious seating, upgraded dining on china dinnerware, free alcoholic beverages, a Saks Fifth Avenue blanket and pillow, and an amenity kit;
• Improvements to united.com as well as a new version of the United app. The carrier will add free personal device entertainment to all services equipped with DIRECTV, meaning all frequencies with at least 70 seats will have one free entertainment option available;
• Inflight WiFi hardware and software to be upgraded to increase internet bandwidth and more seamlessly transition between satellites, which means fewer gaps in coverage and fewer connection drops. The first 10 aircraft equipped with the new technology provided passengers with 40% more data. United is also finalising plans for next gen satellite WiFi that will allow customers to stream video inflight. [more - original PR]

Argentina Minister of Tourism Gustavo Santos stated (17-Jan-2018) tourism will be a key driver of employment in the world, reporting that "in Argentina, there are over 1.1 million jobs in the industry". Mr Santos added that the hospitality and restaurant sectors employ over 270,000 in the country. He also highlighted the role of tourism in Spain to resist the economic crisis and continue growing. [more - original PR - Spanish]