On the Go – December 2, 2021

Industry News – Click on the title to read the full article. Many of the sources below require a free registration to gain access to the article. If a paid registration is required, the individual source will be noted.

Airlines

United to Conduct First Flight Using 100% SAF (Source: The Business Journals)
United Airlines is scheduled to operate the first-ever passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel today. On the flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C., one engine of a 737 Max will run on 100% SAF while the other will run on conventional jet fuel. “SAF is an alternative jet fuel that can provide up to an 80% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions. SAF is a solution available today to help decarbonize aviation, however current requirements state that it cannot exceed 50% of total fuel volume,” United explained.

American Airlines Announces Additional SAF Commitment (Source: MarketWatch)
American Airlines has finalized a sustainable aviation fuel offtake agreement with Aemetis, bringing the airline’s total SAF commitment to more than 120 million gallons. The airline will begin taking delivery of 16 million gallons of Aemetis SAF annually over a seven-year period beginning in 2024.

Airlines Pass The Thanksgiving Test (Source: TravelPulse)
We give it an A. Except for a slight hiccup by American Airlines, U.S. carriers passed the test as they emerged from the Thanksgiving holiday travel period with flying colors – no pun intended. Many expected this to be a tough task for the airlines considering the amount of expected fliers during the 10-day travel period, a nationwide staffing shortage, a pending unfavorable weather forecast, and previous operational implosions.

United and Delta Maintain South Africa Flight Schedules (Source: Travel Weekly)
The two U.S. airlines that service South Africa have not altered their flight schedules despite the decision by President Biden to restrict visitation from the nation. United and Delta both said no such changes are in the works.

General Interest

U.S. Tightens International Travel Protocols, Extends Mask Mandate (Source: Business Travel News)
With the omicron variant of Covid-19 now identified in the U.S., the federal government revises entry requirements for international travelers among a host of new public health measures. The White House announced this morning via a fact sheet posted on its website that the United States would strengthen testing protocols for incoming international travelers, regardless of citizenship status, vaccination status and regardless of the country of origin.

Canada Expands Testing Requirements For Incoming Travel (Source: National Post)
The Canadian government will allow only citizens to fly in from several nations in southern Africa being hit with a new COVID-19 variant. Travelers arriving from all international destinations other than the US will be tested on arrival and required to quarantine until results are in.

Security

CLEAR Expands at Newark Airport (Source: Travel Market Report)
Airport security company CLEAR is expanding its presence at Newark Liberty International Airport. CLEAR is adding expedited security lanes at Newark’s Terminals B and C ahead of the holiday travel season.

TSA: Passenger Volumes Reaches Post-Pandemic High On Sunday (Source: The Washington Post)
The Transportation Security Administration reported screening 2.45 million travelers at airport checkpoints on Sunday, Nov. 28. It was the highest single-day tally since the start of the pandemic.

Ground Transportation

Urban Air Mobility May Soon Replace Taxis, Rideshares (Source: The New York Times)
Within a few years, the most efficient way to get to the airport may not be a taxi or rideshare service, but an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that can quickly get you to your destination for about the same cost as a ride in an Uber Black. Urban air mobility flights may cost as little as $50 to $80 and would typically carry between two and 10 passengers on short distances up to 200 miles.

Hotels

Hyatt House And Hyatt Place Hotels Open Near LAX (Source: Travel Weekly)
Two Hyatt-branded hotels have opened adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport. The Hyatt Place LAX/Century Blvd and Hyatt House LAX/Century Blvd occupy a redeveloped midcentury modern building. The structure was built in 1967 by architect Welton Becket, who also designed LAX’s Theme Building.