U.S. Government Considers New Travel Restrictions
Just weeks after what seemed like the beginning of the end when the federal government relaxed entry requirements for vaccinated travelers, President Biden is reportedly considering new testing rules for international arrivals into the country out of concern for the new omicron strain.
The U.S. government is expected for require all international travelers to be tested within one day of returning to the United States – currently the one-day requirement only applies to unvaccinated travelers, with those vaccinated able to get their test within three days of arrival. This mandate would apply to foreign visitors, and U.S. citizens and permanent residents alike.
Another requirement of international travelers – a second negative test three to five days after arrival – is also on the table. Apparently a third plan to build a big border wall and just keep everyone out permanently was shot down once they found out airplanes can fly above them.
Both potential new policies were detailed in a public health order sent to the president from the CDC. Rumors abound that a quarantine requirement could also return for international travelers, but the White House has ruled that out – for now.
Allegiant Seeks Partnership with Viva Aerobus
Allegiant and Viva Aerobus are seeking government approval for an alliance between the two carriers that would see Viva Aerollegiant jointly plan fares while also working together on schedules and routes. If approved, the tie up would be the first of its kind for the two ULCCs.
Allegiant is committed to invest $50 million for an undisclosed stake in Viva Aerobus as long as its willing to throw in four season tickets for the Raiders in Allegiant Stadium for Viva’s senior leadership team.
If the deal is approved, Allegiant would begin to dip its toe into Mexico while Viva Aerobus would expand its U.S. network through Allegiant. Both airlines focus on warm-weather tourist donations in both countries. The carriers say that their alliance would reduce fares in the transborder market while adding new routes to new cities that don’t currently see regular service to Mexico and vice versa.
The airlines would split profits equally on all flights within the scope of the agreement with costs split based on which metal operates which flight. Viva Aerobus would also be required to sign up for three timeshares in the Punta Gorda through Allegiant Travel, and it would be asked to force a rental car on all Viva passengers via Allegiant’s ancillary travel portal.
United Operates Regularly Scheduled Flight with Sustainable Fuel
United Airlines operated flight 2071 today from Chicago/O’Hare to Washington/National powered 50% by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The B737 MAX 8 aircraft’s right engine was fully-filled with SAF, while the left engine was filled with 87 unleaded from a Chevron station (with Techron, of course) near the airport. The flight was catered with a special menu of rice & beans to represent that beans often provide their own version of sustainable fuel.
The FAA currently only allows a U.S. commercial flight to operate with up to 50% SAF – making today’s flight 100% filled with SAF to the extent of what’s permitted.
A who’s-who of United celebrities attended a departure ceremony, including CEO Scott Kirby, senior leadership from Boeing, and government officials from Chicago and Illinois. Former United passenger Dr. David Dao was not part of the event.
- Afrijet plans to bring its cargo operation in-house and end its outsourcing.
- Airbahn now hopes to launch in March with its first route in the severely underserved LA to Bay Area market, specifically between Ontario and Oakland.
- Etihad is spinning off its tourism subsidiary, Etihad Holidays to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), a subsidiary of state-owned Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company.
- ITA has firmed its MOU (which likely isn’t worth the paper it’s written on) for 28 Airbus planes: seven A220s, 11 A320s, and 10 A330s.
- Mel Air introduced the first ATR27 to its fleet this week.
- Norwegian will lease two B737 MAX 8 aircraft in a deal that was likely approved by someone named Bjørn.
- PassionAir took delivery of its second Dash8-300 aircraft.
- Peach Aviation expects to begin A321neo ops mid-Q1 next year. Mango had no comment.
- Qatar is near an order for up to 50 B777X freighters.
- Southwest‘s former baggage handler Mark Hunter pled guilty to stealing at least five firearms out of checked bags between March 2020 and August 2021. Clearly he took the idea of “bags fly free” way too far.
- TUI fly Nordic retired its final B737-800.
- TWA (making its Airline Potpourri debut) operated its final flight on this day 20 years ago.
I called the doctor this morning to see if I could get an appointment.
“How about 10 tomorrow?” the reception asked.
“I don’t need that many,” I told her.