ISRAEL: The Vera Hotel In Tel Aviv

Vera Hotel on Lilienblum Street in Tel Aviv assumes the perfect position within three of the city’s distinct neighborhoods, so much so that it could be regarded as the central artery of Tel Aviv itself.

The city’s grandest thoroughfare, Rothschild Boulevard, home to the city’s burgeoning start-ups, shiny high-rises, and upmarket restaurants, is one street away.

Just a touch south of Vera Hotel is the neighborhood of Florentin, where you will find small cafes overflowing with Mediterranean greenery and people with dreadlocks and flowing dresses reading old literary classics from Tolstoy to Nabokov.

Or walk west and you will get to Neve Tzedek, where avant-garde fashion levels, al fresco cafes, jazz bars, and farmers’ markets compete for your time and attention.

If you keep heading westward, you’ll even touch the soft sands of the famous Tel Aviv beach. For a local flavor and to sample Tel Aviv’s famous foods, there’s also Carmel Market nearby.

Vera Hotel occupies the perfect location for any kind of traveler looking to dip their feet in Tel Aviv’s many unique districts, but the hotel woos with its interiors as well.

The Hotel is the first solo project of Tel Aviv native Danny Tamari, who took over a building which once was the city’s maternity hospital, then a bank, then an insurance office.

After Mr. Tamari bought the abandoned building, he took two years to carefully and deliberately source for design elements to incorporate into his property.

The industrial-chic, 39-room project is the result of a collaboration between Tamari and local designer Yaron Tal and the architecture firm Asaf Solomon.

After stripping back the interiors, the lobby was outfitted with bespoke furniture by independent furniture designer Tomer Nachshon, who counts the Northern Israeli city of Haifa as his home and who runs a manufacturing workshop there.

Illuminating the heavier oak, brown, and copper accents throughout the hotel are delicate, naked blown-glass lights by Ohad Benit, a soft-spoken and deeply self-reflective conceptual designer who runs his own label—Studio Mishmaacool—and whose lighting collection, Stress, is among his most well known and celebrated creations.

Not only does Mr. Tamari have the foresight to collaborate with Tel Aviv’s up and coming talents, Ohad Benit, for example, later went on to work with COS, Tamari’s hotel is furthermore the culmination of his strong and sophisticated visual eye.

The color palette throughout the hotel blends shiny copper and brass tones with muted colors and flourishing greenery for a soothing yet classy finish—you never once get the feeling that you’re at a chain hotel; in fact, you may often feel like you can take your shoes off wherever you are.

The hotel lobby’s homey wood floors are complemented with rough plastered walls and a ceramic ceiling put together by upcycling floor tiles. The all day, help-yourself wine vending machine is an attraction not to be missed—decadent vintages from all over Israel make an appearance in this lobby, and can be sampled for free.

The vending machine gives you the choice of a sip size, a medium glass or a full pour—so you can travel to all parts of Israel with your pink, whites, and red wines without getting too imbibed. When you find your favorite, you can have as much of it as you want.

Bring your wine to your bedroom for an evening wind-down, or enjoy it in the open-air courtyard that hugs the hotel lobby.

Better yet, bring it up to the bi-level rooftop, where you have a choice of lounge chairs for sunbathing or for heart-to-heart talks in the evening, or communal tables and couches for more family time and social interaction.

When you finally get the chance to retreat to your bedroom, a mid-century modern-styled bed with grey pillows and silky-soft Egyptian cotton sheets welcomes you, accompanied either by sleek oak side tables or a writing desk - depending on room choice.

Some rooms have slated wood doors that open fully onto a balcony overlooking Lilienblum St, where in the evening, you can watch restaurant goers flow and ease into some of Tel Aviv’s most notable restaurants along the street—for sweet-spicy soups and noodles at Hanoi or the perfectly well-seasoned burgers at Vitrinia Lili.

Looking: Vera Hotel

Where: Lilienblum St 27, Tel Aviv-Yafo


How much? Rooms start at $273

Tourism Observer

RWANDA: RwandAir Commences Direct Flights To Tel Aviv

While announcing the scheduled flight, the national airline last month said the flight is expected to connect tourists and business travelers between Tel Aviv and Kigali.

It will make three flights out of Kigali International Airport to the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, a development that is set to increase traffic between Rwanda and the Middle East.

Many passengers aboard the inaugural non-stop flight on the 737-800 Next Generation aircraft expressed their joy for the cheaper and direct flight to the city of Tel Aviv.

Adding Tel Aviv to our network is part of our long term plan to link Rwanda to the rest of the world. Tel Aviv is one of the world’s leading tech hubs and we look forward to flying business travelers as well as pilgrims visiting the Holy Land, to and from our network on this new route, RwandAir’s CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo said.

It is going to solidify our cooperation and it is going to benefit Rwanda through tourism, especially cultural tourism and it is great for our diplomacy; so having people come visit Rwanda and more Rwandans going to Israel is just great for the two nations, she said.

It will also be a great opportunity to ease travel and strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries, she said.

The launch of the Kigali-Tel Aviv direct flights come barely a week after RwandAir launched direct Kigali-Guangzhou flights, the carrier’s longest flight.

The launch of the new routes falls in line with RwandAir’s aim to become a regional and continental aviation leader.

The growth of the Airline comes even as other African airlines struggle with operations and experience losses.

The airline now serves East, Central, West and Southern Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

RwandAir prepares to launch a new direct flight to New York, aiming for a stake in the American aviation market.


Tourism Observer

RWANDA: RwandAir Goes To Tel Aviv

All is set for RwandAir’s inaugural direct flight to the Israeli city of Tel Aviv scheduled for later today, marking the carrier’s 29th destination.

While announcing the scheduled flight, the national airline last month said the flight is expected to connect tourists and business travelers between Tel Aviv and Kigali.

“Adding Tel Aviv to our network is part of our long term plan to link Rwanda to the rest of the world. Tel Aviv is one of the world’s leading tech hubs and we look forward to flying business travelers as well as pilgrims visiting the Holy Land, to and from our network on this new route,” RwandAir’s CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo said.

“It will also be a great opportunity to ease travel and strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries” she said.

The launch of the Kigali-Tel Aviv direct flights come barely a week after RwandAir launched direct Kigali-Guangzhou flights, the carrier’s longest flight.

The launch of the new routes falls in line with RwandAir’s aim to become a regional and continental aviation leader.

The growth of the Airline comes even as other African airlines struggle with operations and experience losses.

The airline now serves East, Central, West and Southern Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

RwandAir is also reported to be ready to launch a new direct flight to New York, aiming for a stake in the American aviation market.

Rwanda’s national carrier RwandAir on Monday night made its inaugural direct flight to Tel Aviv in Israel, barely a week after launching its maiden flight to the Chinese city of Guangzhou.

It will make three flights out of Kigali International Airport to the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, a development that is set to increase traffic between Rwanda and the Middle East.

Many passengers aboard the inaugural non-stop flight on the 737-800 Next Generation aircraft expressed their joy for the cheaper and direct flight to the city of Tel Aviv.

Betty Mahugu who is a travel consultant called the development ‘a phenomenal experience” to be on the direct flight to Tel Aviv.

“I have been travelling to Israel since 1995 and we have been taking long hours to reach our destination as there were always stopovers which meant long hours to reach our final destination.

But the short time taken now will be one of the best experiences,” she said before boarding.

She also noted that since there is a lot of religious tourism in Israel and also the wild animals and sceneries in Rwanda and East Africa as a whole, the direct flights between Kigali and Tel Aviv will boost a two-way traffic.

Another passenger who made it on the maiden flight to Tel Aviv, a lady who only identified herself as Kimberly from South Africa, recounted how she ended up on the flight.

She said that she was browsing for a convenient flight to Israel when the one of RwandAir popped up and it turned out to be a cheaper option.

I am going to Israel to visit a friend and from what I have heard about the airline, it is really amazing and I can’t wait to get on that flight and be in Tel Aviv in just 6 hours and 10 minutes, she said.

Speaking at the launch, the CEO of RwandAir Yvonne Makolo expressed her delight for yet another milestone by the airline and said that the direct flight is going to strengthen ties between the two nations, bridge the gap between the different cultures and promote tourism.

“It is going to solidify our cooperation and it is going to benefit Rwanda through tourism, especially cultural tourism and it is great for our diplomacy; so having people come visit Rwanda and more Rwandans going to Israel is just great for the two nations,’’ she said.

She also attributed the growth of the airline to continued government support.

Also on board the maiden flight was the Israeli Ambassador to Rwanda, Ron Adam, who stressed the significance of the development to the ties between the peoples of the two countries.

“It signifies that the relationships are tightening and we need to look for more passengers coming from both sides, incoming and outbound tourism and also imports, exports and people are going to get more connected,’” he said.

He also noted that right now, Rwandans are going to start getting Israel visas as his embassy had already started issuing visas to Israel, adding that more Israel would be coming to Rwanda because of the accessibility that has been afforded by the direct flight.

The route becomes the airline’s 29th destination all over the world.


Tourism Observer

RWANDA: RwandAir Goes To Guangzhou

RwandAir Monday launched its long-awaited flights to the Chinese city of Guangzhou.

It was ecstasy as the Rwandan national carrier’s Airbus A330 took off from the Kigali International Airport at exactly 00:52a.m, embarking on a 15-hour flight to China’s third largest city.

The inaugural flight on the new Kigali-Guangzhou route had been fully booked by mid-day Monday.

It had 234 passengers onboard, including State Minister for Transport Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye and RwandAir’s chief executive Yvone Makolo.

RwandAir will be operating three flights to what is now its third Asian destination – after Dubai and Mumbai.

The flights will be making stopovers in India’s commercial capital of Mumbai before making their way to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangdong province.

Guangzhou becomes RwandAir’s 28th destination and comes after the airline launched flights between Kigali and DR Congo’s capital of Kinshasa in April.

A 29th route to Israel’s city of Tel Aviv is on the horizon with the national carrier expected to open that route next week.

Guangzhou, known as the Canton City, is a port city northwest of Hong Kong on the Pearl River.

It is one of the major shopping destinations for merchants, is known for popular tourist attractions such as the iconic Canton Tower and Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort.

Zhang Wenping, the director of the political section at the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, said the flights will make travel between the two countries shorter and more convenient.

It has been taking up to 24 hours to travel from Kigali to Guangzhou, but the new route will reduce this time, she said.

She added that RwandAir’s flights will make it easier for Chinese and Rwandan businesses and tourists to travel either direction, thus boosting economic activity between the two countries.

I think this will be a catalyst for stronger tourism relations between China and Rwanda, she said. We have noted that more and more Chinese are coming to Rwanda and can only expect more to come in the future especially now the new route makes travel easier.”

In July last year Rwanda signed a raft of agreements with Beijing during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Rwanda – the first visit to the central African nation by any Chinese Head of State – to step up bilateral ties across various sectors, including civil aviation transport.

Later in November, the country also signed three deals with China’s leading e-commerce conglomerate Alibaba Group to help scale up trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

The development is expected to boost Rwanda’s reputation as a top investment destination, with Chinese companies initiating more than 21 projects, worth US$420 million, between 2006 and 2008, according to Rwandan government official figures.

In Rwanda, most Chinese investors are involved in tourism, mining, hospitality and construction, among other sectors.

Guangzhou, a major source of merchandise for the African market, including Rwanda, is regarded as China’s transport, industrial and commercial hub.

Benjamin Gasamagera, a Rwandan businessman and former head of the country’s private sector umbrella body, is one of the many Rwandan traders who deal in goods imported from China.

He says the Kigali-Guangzhou flights will make it easier for people like him to travel and do business between the two countries.

This is exciting for us because some of the biggest problems we have been facing recently are delays and cancellation of flights. There was no predictability of our travels and this was hurting business, he said.

With RwandAir, it will be easier to be certain about when to travel and when to reach to the final destination. Even if there are delays and cancellation, it is easier to find out than using a foreign airline, he added.

Figures show that Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport was China's third-busiest and world's 13th-busiest airport by passenger traffic in 2017, handling 65,806,977 passengers that year alone.


Tourism Observer

AUSTRIA: Wizz Air Starts Base At Vienna Airport

Wizz Air opened its Austrian base at Vienna Airport. The low-cost-carrier deployed one of its new Airbus A320 aircraft to the new base and will soon start of operations of five new services from Vienna to the popular destinations: Valencia, Rome Fiumicino, Malta, Bari and Tel Aviv.

The base establishment at Vienna represents a major investment in Austria by WIZZ, creating more than 200 direct jobs with the airline by 2019.

With a total investment of $ 570 million, in the upcoming 9 months the airline will continue to increase its operations at Vienna International Airport to become the second largest carrier in Austria in 2019 with a local fleet of 5 new Airbus aircraft.

Operating a network of 30 routes from Vienna to 22 countries and offering in total more than 2.2 million seats/ year.

Expanding its operations, Wizz Air’s local team in Vienna will continuously increase, the next recruitment sessions being scheduled on 21 June in Vienna.

We are proud to celebrate the opening of a new WIZZ base in Austria at Vienna Airport.

Wizz Air’s first flights from Vienna started in April and, now we are inaugurating another 5 new services said George Michalopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer at Wizz Air at a press conference in Vienna.

By 2019, our new base operations at Vienna will create more than 200 local jobs with WIZZ and the new destinations added to the network mean even greater choice for WIZZ’s Austrian passengers to discover Europe at truly low fares through a network of 30 routes to 22 countries, he says.

This year Wizz Air is substantial adding impetus to growth at Vienna Airport. The new base and the wide network with up to 30 bookable destinations from Vienna by 2019 strengthen the role of Vienna as a flight hub and generate value creation.

Above all, the diverse flight offering to Eastern Europe as well as to Central European and vacation destinations provide attractive travel options to business travellers and holidaymakers.

Cities such as Eindhoven, Danzig, Tuzla, Cluj, Valencia, Kutaissi, Ohrid, Niz, Billund, Bergen, Kharkiv and Malmo are completely new destinations that can be reached from Vienna thanks to Wizz Air, says Julian Jager, Joint CEO and COO of Flughafen Wien AG.

WIZZ is the pioneer of a new travel era in Austria, bringing truly affordable fares and services, maximum choice for its customers and an easy online booking system.

Wizz Air will finally allow Austrian customers to travel to a wide range of destinations at genuinely low prices, with Wizz Air’s great value flights including some exciting and off-the-beaten-track destinations and offering the possibility of truly memorable experiences.

With currently more than 33 flights departing from Vienna every week, the airline offers fares from as little as 19.99 EUR on wizzair.com to Austrian passengers and their visitors.


Tourism Observer

TURKEY: Onur Air Goes To Ohrid

Turkish low cost airline, Onur Air, intends to launch flights from its hub at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport to Macedonia.

The airline outlined its plans at a meeting with the Macedonian Minister for Transport and Communication, Goran Sugareski, as well as the operator of the country's two international airports, TAV.

I had a fruitful meeting with representatives of Onur Air. They explained to me in more detail their plans to expand their network into Macedonia by establishing new flights.

We, as a government, have an obligation to do our outmost to develop air traffic, and, in that sense, we will support any airline that wishes to fly to Macedonia", Mr Sugareski said.

In line with the government's strategy of attracting more low cost carriers to Ohrid, the minister outlined to Onur Air the benefits of flying to the city. The airline boasts a fleet of 24 aircraft and almost forty destinations, including a comprehensive domestic network.

Within Europe, it runs scheduled flights to Russia, France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Ukraine. Currently, Turkish Airlines and Pegasus operate scheduled flights between Istanbul and Skopje.

The Turkish city is the busiest route to and from Macedonia, holding a 12.4% passenger share during the first three quarters of this year, while Turkish Airlines is the second busiest carrier in the country behind Wizz Air, which maintains a base in Skopje.

Earlier this week, Aegean Airlines announced it would launch services between Athens and the Macedonian capital next year, while both Nordica and Brussels Airlines have announced seasonal flights to Ohrid for the 2018 summer season.

Furthermore, Mr Sugareski has held talks with the Israeli Ambassador to Macedonia, where the two discussed the establishment of flights between Tel Aviv and Skopje.

The minister briefed the Ambassador about the necessary conditions and procedures that must be finalised prior to the service launch.

Arkia Israeli Airlines currently maintains seasonal flights from Tel Aviv to Ohrid, however, there is no service between Skopje and the Israeli city.

Onur Air is a low-cost airline with its headquarters in the Technical Hangar B at Istanbul Ataturk Airport in Yeşilkoy, Istanbul, Turkey.

It operates mostly domestic scheduled services, as well as a wide range of charter flights out of its base at Ataturk Airport.

Onur Air was established on 14 April 1992 and started revenue operations using a wet-leased Airbus A320 with a flight to Ercan in North Cyprus on 14 May of that year.

Onur means proud, self-esteem in Turkish. Over the next years, the Onurair fleet grew, so that by the end of 1995, it included nine aircraft.

Previously its head office was in Florya, Bakırkoy, Istanbul.

In 1996, Ten Tour acquired ownership of the airline. By 1997 McDonnell Douglas MD-80 twin-jet airliners had been added to the fleet.

Due to a recession, Onur Air had to reduce the size of its fleet to 13 in 1998, and then to 9 in 1999. Since then the airline has expanded again.

Onur Air offers scheduled flights excluding charter services to the following destinations:

Iran

Isfahan – Isfahan International Airport

Tabriz – Tabriz International Airport

Tehran – Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport

Azerbaijan

Baku – Heydar Aliyev International Airport

Nakhchivan – Nakhchivan International Airport

Iraq

Erbil – Erbil International Airport

Austria

Vienna – Vienna International Airport

France

Paris – Charles de Gaulle Airport

Germany

Berlin – Berlin Tegel Airport

Dusseldorf – Dusseldorf Airport

Frankfurt – Frankfurt Airport

Munich - Munich Airport

Nuremberg - Nuremberg Airport Seasonal

Munster - Munster Osnabruck International Airport

Stuttgart – Stuttgart Airport

Netherlands

Amsterdam – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Russia

Chelyabinsk – Balandino Airport

Grozny – Grozny Airport

Moscow

Sheremetyevo International Airport

Zhukovsky International Airport

Rostov-on-Don - Platov International Airport

Nalchik – Nalchik Airport

Samara – Kurumoch Airport

Volgograd – Gumrak Airport

Yekaterinburg – Koltsovo Airport

Voronezh – Voronezh Airport

Turkey

Adana – Şakirpaşa Airport

Antalya – Antalya Airport

Bodrum – Milas-Bodrum Airport

Dalaman – Dalaman Airport

Elazığ – Elazıg Airport

Ercan – Ercan Airport

Gaziantep – Oguzeli Airport

Gazipaşa — Gazipaşa Airport

Istanbul – Atatürk Airport Hub

Izmir – Adnan Menderes Airport

Kayseri – Erkilet International Airport

Malatya – Erhaç Airport

Samsun – Carşamba Airport

Şanlıurfa – Sanlıurfa GAP Airport

Trabzon – Trabzon Airport

Ukraine

Odessa – Odessa International Airport

Onur Air fleet composed of the following aircraft:

Airbus A320-200: 7

Airbus A321-200: 8

Airbus A330-200: 10

Total: 25

On 17 June 2003, Onur Air Flight 2263, an McDonnell Douglas MD-88, registration TC-ONP overshot the runway at Groningen Airport Eelde following an aborted take-off.

There were no injuries, but the airline was accused of security breaches.

On 12 May 2005, Onur Air was denied access to Dutch airspace for a month. Several incidents were the cause of the suspension of the airline.

Negotiations took place between the Dutch authorities and Onur Air and on 24 May 2005 Onur Air had permission to fly from and to the Netherlands again.

On 15 September 2006, the pilot of an Onur Air charter flight from Antalya Airport to Bristol Airport scared his passengers prior to take-off when he refused to fly the aircraft, claiming it was unsafe.

On 1 January 2007, the cargo hold of a McDonnell Douglas MD-88 aircraft burst open upon landing at Ataturk International Airport, spilling luggage onto the runway.

On 7 September 2007, an Airbus A321 aircraft lost cabin pressure on a charter flight from Dalaman Airport to Birmingham Airport, resulting in an emergency landing at Atatürk International Airport. Passenger reports included a smoking engine and broken down oxygen masks.

On 20 August 2011, an Onur Air pilot forgot to contact Munich Air Traffic Control and engaged the quick reaction air defence of both Germany and Austria to send four Eurofighter Typhoons to intercept the company's A321.


Tourism Observer

ICELAND: WOW Introduces Iceland To Texas Route

WOW air is the first of three airlines to start flights between Reykjavik/Keflavik (KEF) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) this summer, with the ULCC having launched a three times weekly A330-300-operated service on 23 May.

From 30 May Icelandair will launch the 6,009-kilometre route with four weekly 757-200-operated flights, while American Airlines will be the third carrier to join the sector party when it begins the route on 7 June.

The oneworld member plans to link its Texan hub with the Icelandic airport daily, with it, like Icelandair, planning to use its 757-200s on the route.

To launch three connections in as many weeks to such a large international hub is a sign we remain on the road of rapid growth and airlines continue to recognise the opportunities available, commented Hlynur Sigurdsson, Commercial Director, Isavia on the addition of Dallas/Fort Worth to Reykjavik/Keflavik’s summer network.

The new flights will not only represent substantial choice for our customers via Dallas/Fort Worth’s immense network, but also allow travellers from North Texas to benefit from our own ever-expanding route map.

This giving them access to Iceland as well as numerous further destinations.

WOW air introduced Cincinnati (CVG) to its ever-growing North American network, with it now linking its Reykjavik/Keflavik (KEF) hub to the US city four times weekly.

Launched 9 May, the LCC will operate the uncontested 4,833-kilometre airport pair using its fleet of 220-seat A321s.

Connecting the Tri-State community with additional international destinations has been a priority for Cincinnati, commented Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati Airport.

We’re excited that WOW air is now providing local travellers with the opportunity to travel non-stop from Cincinnati to Iceland, as well as a one-stop, low-cost service to more than 20 destinations across Europe, Israel and the Canary Islands.

This becomes the US airport’s second transatlantic service, with it joining Delta Air Lines in the European arena.

The SkyTeam member presently offers a daily service to Paris CDG, a route that it flies using its 767-300s.

WOW air has now begun service to Tel Aviv (TEL), with the carrier having inaugurated a four times weekly service from Reykjavik/Keflavik (KEF) on 12 September.

The 5,272-kilometre route, the only connection operating between Iceland and Israel, will be operated by WOW air on its fleet of A321s.

Flights leave Reykjavik/Keflavik at 18:15 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Tel Aviv at 04:40 the following morning.

Return flights leave Tel Aviv at 08:25 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, getting back into Iceland at 13:30.


Tourism Observer

HUNGARY: Wizz Air To Commence Timisoara To Tel Aviv Flights starting October 30

Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air will introduce a new flight between Timisoara and Tel Aviv starting October 30, this year. The flights will have a frequency of twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays.

“Supplementing direct flights from Timisoara shows that the regional business and tourism environment is more and more active and that the citizens’ standard of living in the region is increasing,” said Daniel Idolu, director of the “Traian Vuia” airport in Timisoara.

He added that the region of Banat, which includes Timisoara, has historical ties to Israel through the Jewish community. These ties can be developed because of these direct flights.

Timisoara will thus have 23 direct flights, and Tel Aviv will be the first route outside Europe, which is directly available from Timisoara.

Wizz Air is the biggest air carrier in Romania. It recorded an advance of 34% (or 300,000 people) in the number of passengers transported to and from Romanian airports in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year, reaching 1.45 million.

CYPRUS: New Cyprus Airways Announces Destinations, Cobalt Adds Sixth Aircraft

Cyprus Airways has announced the first three destinations that will be included in its flight schedule for the first phase of its launch, to begin in June 2017.

Based in Larnaca, the airline will operate scheduled flights to Heraklion, Rhodes, and Tel Aviv, with two additional destinations to be announced in the next few weeks.

In 2017, Cyprus Airways will operate its Airbus A319 aircraft, offering 144 Economy seats.

In Autumn, the airline will announce a revised and extended flight schedule to be implemented in March 2018, with the arrival of a second aircraft of the same type.

The airline is currently looking into adding more aircraft by the end of 2018.

Cyprus Airways on Tuesday announced the start of ticket sales for Heraklion in Crete, and Rhodes, while tickets to Tel Aviv and two other destinations will be available in the coming weeks.

Flights to Rhodes will begin on June 23 and Heraklion on June 24.

Today marks the start of the first phase of our operation. We are thrilled to launch our website and start selling on airline tickets to Heraklion and Rhodes.

In the coming weeks will gradually add additional tickets for routes, offering more travel opportunities for our passengers, said Natalia Popova, Commercial Director of Cyprus Airways.

Cyprus Airways on Wednesday announced the launch of ticket sales for flights from/to Larnaca International Airport to/from Tel Aviv and St Petersburg, the latest addition to the airline’s schedule for this summer.

Direct flights to St Petersburg will begin on June 1 and will be offered three times a week. For this destination, Cyprus Airways also offers the option to fly through Domodedovo International Airport in Moscow, via an interline agreement with S7 Airlines.

The Larnaca – Tel Aviv route will be operated three times a week starting June 4.

Cyprus Airways tickets are offered in two categories of fares, Basic and Flex, with variations in features and additional services, such as baggage allowance, seat selection, and changes, the airline said.

Cyprus Airways will operate its Airbus A319 aircraft, offering 144 Economy seats. In Autumn, the airline will announce a revised and extended flight schedule to be implemented in March 2018, with the arrival of a second aircraft of the same type.

The airline is currently looking into adding more aircraft by the end of 2018.

Cobalt Air on Monday announced the addition of a sixth aircraft to the fleet.

The new A320-232, already registered in the Cyprus Aircraft Register with the 5B-DDC number, bears the colours and the logo of the company and will be integrated directly into its flight programme in order to meet its increased demand for airline seats,the Cyprus-based airline announced.

According to the company’s announcement the new plane landed at Larnaca Airport on Saturday and is expected to make its first flight in the coming days.

With the acquisition, the company aims to offer passengers a wider choice of destinations, it said.

The vision of the company was and remains the emergence of Cyprus as a tourist destination throughout the year and the transformation of our country into a regional aviation hub, Cobalt said.

On May 1, the airline started to offer direct flights from Larnaca to Beirut to travellers.

The company has also plans to expand its reach to destinations which are not directly connected to Cyprus such as China, India and USA.

The air carrier received its air operating certificate in May 2016 and started off with one aircraft, gradually increasing the number of planes, routes and flights.

ISRAEL: Donald Trump Jets To Israel

US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel shortly after noon on Monday for a historic visit in the second leg of his whirlwind maiden foreign tour as president. Israel rolled out the red carpet for Trump at Ben-Gurion Airport, where the president is due to touch down on Air Force One after two days in Saudi Arabia.

After meeting in private for nearly an hour, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been joined in the room by their senior advisers, including US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Special Envoy Jason Greenblatt, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner.

IDF spokesperson's office confirms that an Israeli drone has fallen in Lebanese territory, but says it was not shot down.

Arab media is reporting that an Israeli drone has fallen over Lebanese territory and that its debris was collected by the Lebanese military for inspection. According to the report, the drone was an Israeli skylark.

Whats on the menu for the Trumps and Netanyahus tonight?

Segev Moshe says there will be lots of "gold" touches at dinner tonight, but not a drop of alcohol.

Referencing the alleged intelligence leak, in which the US president is accused of revealing classified intelligence from an Israeli source to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week, Trump assures reporters that he "never mentioned the word Israel."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US President Donald Trump in Jerusalem.
The two exchange pleasantries in front of the cameras, ahead of dinner and discussed Trump's progress on countering Iran during his visit over the weekend in Saudi Arabia.
"Iran will never have nuclear weapons, that I can tell you," Trump said in the meeting.

Trump on Iran deal: "We gave them wealth and prosperity and we also gave them an ability to continue with terror."

First ladies tour Jerusalem Medical facility.

US First Lady Melania Trump and Sara Netanyahu toured Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem on Monday afternoon.

The wives of the US president and the Israeli prime minister were received by Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of America national president Ellen Hershkin and Hadassah Medical Organization director-general Prof. Zeev Rotstein.

Palestinians are not impressed with Israel's good will gestures timed for Trump's visit.

President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and their wives immediately bonded on Monday over their disdain of the media.

Standing on the tarmac at Ben-Gurion Airport shortly after the Trumps' arrival in Israel from Saudi Arabia, the foursome were making small talk as a microphone picked up their banter.

The majority of people in Israel love us, unlike the media, Sara Netanyahu told the visiting couple. "So we tell them how you are great, and they love you," she said.

The president responded: "We have something very much in common."
Netanyahu added that it sounded familiar, before his wife said: "Very much in common, we will talk about it at dinner… the same media."

While The president and his entourage are resting at the King David Hotel. Now's the time to discuss Ivanka's fashion choices.

On this day of firsts, it wasn't the statements or the speeches that made top headlines; it was the antics of a single Likud MK who stole the show with a display of chutzpah on the red carpet.

US President Donald Trump and his entourage have departed from the Western Wall and are on their way to the King David Hotel, Jerusalem.

The President of the US, Donald Trump prays at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site. This is the first time a sitting American President has done so.

US President Donald Trump is walking into the Western Wall Prayer Plaza in Jerusalem's Old City.

While at a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, US president Donald Trump retweeted a post by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

An attempted stabbing attack took place in Abu Dis in east Jerusalem Monday afternoon, according to Channel 2. The attempted stabbing was thwarted after the attacker was "neutralized" by authorities.

According to former CIA and NSA Director Michael Hayden the classified intelligence information which US President Donald Trump recently leaked to Russia may have come from two countries the countries are Israel and Jordan.

US President Trump arrives at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he is holding a private prayer before heading to the Western Wall. The president's tour to the holy sites created controversy in the lead up to the visit. You can read all about it in this story by Seth Frantzman

President Trump departs from the President's Residence en route to Jerusalem's Old City, first to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and then to the Western Wall.

US President Donald Trump puts Iran in the spotlight in Jerusalem address.
"Iran must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapon, never ever"

Trump talks about prospects of peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
US President Donald Trump: There is a growing realization among Arab neighbors that they have common cause with you."

Trump Calls Israel an "amazing country" in address after meeting with President Rivlin.
Trump speaks out against terrorist groups and Iran; "Together we can work to end the scourge of violence that has taken so many lives here in Israel and around the world."

President Rivlin and Trump Deliver statements after one-on-one meeting.

Rivlin begins by thanking Trump for his visit "Mr. President, we are happy to see that America is back in the area. America is back again."

He goes on to speak about the hope for peace: "I welcome your willingness to help us move forward. We want to move forward, and we must do it, together."

Trump talks peace at the President's Residence.

"Enough of the bloodshed and killing," US President Donald Trump said during the event at President Reuven Rivlin's official residence in Jerusalem.

He suggested that reigniting the peace process would be at the top of the trip's agenda: "Being in Israel is very special. We expect to have some very interesting talks."

Trump meets with Rivlin at the President's Residence

Trump is holding a bilateral meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin after arriving in Jerusalem. Trump's schedule for the day includes a visit at the Western Wall and a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before a festive dinner at the Prime Minister's Residence.

From plane to chopper to armed limo, President Trump goes to meet his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin in Jerusalem.

Marine One lands at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.

Another shot of the Trump helicopter.

In a move that is sure to go viral, Israeli MK Oren Hazan causes a national embarrassment at Trump's reception.

President Trump boards "Marine One" helicopter that will take him to Jerusalem.

Next Stop the President's Residence: The rest of Trump's delegation will drive in a convoy to the Israeli capital on the main highway that was shut down for the visit.

Trump and Netanyahu are now in chopper heading from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, where Trump will meet with Rivlin.

Bennett to Trump: We hope you'll be first president to recognize united Jerusalem

Education Minister Naftali Bennett greeted US President Donald Trump upon his arrival in Israel on Monday afternoon at an elaborate red carpet greeting ceremony at Ben-Gurion Airport. "Welcome to Israel Mr. President," he told the American leader.

"On the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, we hope that you will be the first president to recognize a united Jerusalem."

POTUS shakes hands with Israeli ministers "forced" to attend ceremony.

Tillerson in Israel: Trump is ready to engage personally in Mideast peace.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Monday President Donald Trump was prepared to invest his personal efforts into Middle East peace if Israeli and Palestinian leaders were ready to be serious about engaging in the process.

Tillerson, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, said a three-way meeting between US, Israeli and Palestinian leaders was for a "later date" rather than on this trip.

Trump at Ben-Gurion Airport: 'We love Israel, we respect Israel'

US President Donald Trump reaffirmed the "unbreakable bond between the US and the State of Israel" on Monday upon arriving in Israel during his first foreign trip in office. "We love Israel, we respect Israel, and we send your people the warmest greeting from your friend and ally - all of the people of the United States."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes Donald Trump to Israel

The world, the middle east, Israel need a strong US, the US needs a strong Israel.

President Trump reviews honor guard at Ben-Gurion Airport.

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump exit Air Force One

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport for the welcome ceremony

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara ready to meet US President Donald Trump at the bottom of the Air Force One staircase.

Police wrap up security preparations

Israeli Police confirmed that they are now done with heightened security preparations for Trump's visit to the Western Wall this afternoon. All sites where Trump will be visiting have now been secured.

Air Force One lands in Ben-Gurion Airport, starting first official trip to Israel.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday shortly after noon as Air Force One touched down at Ben-Gurion Airport after departing earlier in the day from Saudi Arabia.

Members of the Harley Davidson club set out on a ride honoring US President Donald Trump as he arrives in Israel for the first time as sitting president.

They started the ride at 12:00 p.m. in Tel Aviv and finished it in front of the US Embassy, blocking traffic along HaYarkon Street in Tel Aviv as the ceremony welcoming Trump to Israel unfolded at Ben-Gurion Airport.

Police now saying suspected car ramming was a traffic accident, not terror related.

A car has rammed into pedestrians in central Tel Aviv. Injured people on location.

Trump's arrival in Israel delayed by half hour

US President Donald Trump is en route to Israel from Saudi Arabia, where he spent the first two days of his foreign trip. He is expected to arrive in the country at 12:45 p.m. and will be received in an official ceremony at the Ben-Gurion Airport. His landing has been postponed by thirty minutes, as he was initially expected to arrive at 12:15 p.m.

US President Donald Trump departed from Saudi Arabia directly en route to Israel on Monday morning as part of his first foreign tour in office.

On Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to meet Abbas in Bethlehem, and immediately thereafter the US president is slated to return to Jerusalem for a very brief visit to Israel's Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem. From there Trump will head straight to the Israel Museum, where he is expected to make a speech with which his trip to the Middle East will conclude.

Trump arrives in the region amid repeated iterations of hope that he can help restart the frozen diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians. His arrival in the Holy Land also comes as all sides await to see if he will make any announcement on his campaign pledge to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Trump's nine-day trip through the Middle East and Europe ends on Saturday after visits to the Vatican, Brussels and Sicily.

CANADA: Air Transat Commences Nonstop Flights From Montreal To Tel Aviv

Air Transat announced that it will be offering direct flights from Montreal to Tel Aviv. Also available from Toronto with a connection in Montreal, this nonstop flight between the Montréal–Trudeau airport and the David Ben-Gurion international airport of Tel Aviv will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, from June 18 until late October.

We are thrilled to feature our very first destination in the Middle East.

The demand for a direct Montreal-Tel Aviv flight was high for travelers visiting friends and family in the two cities and those in search of new discoveries, states Annick Guérard, President and General Manager of Transat Tours Canada.

Tel Aviv is a vibrant and modern metropolis with plenty to offer when it comes to culture, gastronomy and nightlife. It is also the ideal gateway for a vacation immersing travellers in ancient and religious history.

This is great news for Quebecers who are eager for the re-establishment of a direct air link between Montreal and Israel, presenting travellers with a wonderful opportunity to discover the riches of the Holy Land, the beauty of its landscapes and the diversity of its peoples, says Ziv Nevo Kulman, the Consul General of Israel in Montreal and its Permanent Representative to ICAO.

Thanks to this direct flight, more Israelis will also be able to enjoy the 150th and 375th anniversary festivities in Canada and Montreal.

I welcome the decision by Transat to expand its operations into Israel. The opening of an air route is further proof of the success of our marketing efforts and that airlines view Israel as a sought-after tourism destination with economic potential.

We view Transat as a partner that will help increase the numbers of tourists arriving in Israel and we hope to see additional routes opening soon, adds Yariv Levin, the Israeli Minister of Tourism.

We are delighted that Air Transat has decided to add Tel Aviv to its roster of over 40 summer destinations out of Montréal–Trudeau.

This year, Air Transat’s weekly seat capacity will be increased by 20%, compared to 2016. Travelers departing from the city now enjoy an unparalleled choice of flight options from Montréal–Trudeau, with nearly 140 direct-flight destinations, says Philippe Rainville, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal.

This new Montreal-Tel Aviv flight on Airbus A330-300 aircraft consisting of 345 seats will allow travellers to enjoy an unparalleled flight experience with Air Transat, named Best North American Leisure Airline five years in a row.

The cabin comfort, personal entertainment system accessible via individual touch screens, complimentary checked baggage allowance and attentive crew are just some of the reasons flying Air Transat is so enjoyable.

Travellers passing through the Montréal–Trudeau airport can also feel the joy of vacations in the new Espace Air Transat section, offering an immersive multimedia experience designed by Moment Factory, among other features.

Air Transat’s 2017 transatlantic flight schedule includes 28 destinations, now available to a greater number of travelers thanks to its enriched connecting flight program.

Air Transat recently announced that it will be multiplying its direct flights to France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Croatia, while maintaining service to the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and the Czech Republic.

TANZANIA: Israeli Visa Handling Center In Dar es Salaam

Tanzania is looking to attract Israel tourists and business stakeholders, while Tanzanian Christian pilgrims are looking up to visit Israel in rising numbers through visa application between Dar es Salaam and Tel Aviv.

The Embassy of Israel in Nairobi has established a visa handling center in Dar es Salaam to strengthen bilateral relations with Tanzania, looking to process travel documents between Dar es Salaam and Tel Aviv.

Tanzania President John Magufuli had expressed his intention to open the Tanzania embassy in Tel Aviv in a letter he addressed to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his official visit to Uganda in July of last year.

In the letter sent to Mr. Netanyahu through Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Augustine Mahiga, President Magufuli had expressed his intention to establish a permanent embassy in Israel for the first time.

Tanzanian Minister for Tourism Prof. Jumanne Maghembe said a visa handling center, of which he witnessed its opening, would speed up travel arrangements between Tanzania and Israel with expectations to attract more Israeli tourists while facilitating visa application to Tanzanians looking to visit the Holy Land.

Prof. Maghembe said tourist charter planes from Israel are welcomed to bring tourists to Tanzania through travel arrangements to be processed in Dar es Salaam.

The number of Israel tourists to Tanzania had increased from 3,007 in 2011 to 14,754 in 2015, according to data available from the Tanzania Tourist Board.

Israel still conducts its relations with Tanzania via its Embassy in Kenya, and Tanzanians wishing to travel to Israel had to process their documents through Nairobi. The 2 countries are now looking to further strengthen their relations for which Israel has opened a visa center in Tanzania.

The Tanzania Tourist Board, on its part, has been encouraging Israeli tourists to make Tanzania their African safari destination, while a number of Tanzanians were looking to travel to Israel for religious pilgrimage in holy cities of Israel.

Negotiations between the Tanzania government and Israel are going on to get the best means that would help to strengthen and quicken travel and tourism links between Israel and Tanzania.

There are tourist charter planes from Israel landing at Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar boarded with Israelis.

Israel ambassador in Kenya Mr. Yahel Vilan said Tanzania stands among African countries which Israel has been looking for business and diplomatic cooperation. Israeli airline, El Al, has been looking to launch special tourist flights to Tanzania.

Numbers of pilgrims from Tanzania intent to visit the Holy Land, are expected to increase, affirming that easing access to a visa is a key element to encourage additional travel.

The Embassy of the State of Israel in Nairobi will be officially opening an Israeli Visa Handling Center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on November 4 in a function set from 10 am-12:30 pm.

The Honorable Professor Jumanne Maghembe, the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, has graciously accepted to be the Guest of Honor.

The purpose of opening the visa office it to allow for all visa applications and documents, which are brought from all over Tanzania to be handled at the Centre, simplifying the process for Tanzanians who wish to visit Israel, and as another step in the strengthening of relations between Tanzania and Israel.

Numbers of pilgrims from Tanzania intent to visit the Holy Land, are as a result expected to increase, affirming that easing access to a visa is a key element to encourage additional travel.

The Ambassador of the State of Israel, who will travel to Dar es Salaam for this landmark event, will be available for interviews by local, regional, and international media on the matter of the pending UNESCO resolution where Tanzania has called for a vote together with Croatia on behalf of the State of Israel, a sign of strong bilateral ties between the two countries.

The official inauguration ceremony of the Israeli Visa Handling Center at Rickshaw Travels offices will take place in the Hyatt Hotel in Dar es Salaam. The event will be held at the offices in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Kibo Hall.

ITALY: The Busiest Airport In Italy Is Malpensa

Sea Spa presented 2016 balance sheet data to the board of directors for their approval for the shareholders’ meeting on May 3. According to Sole 24 Ore, the company that manages the Milan airports of Linate and Malpensa, there is a consolidated net profit of the group at a record high of 93.6 million euro, up 11.7% on 2015.

EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) grew by 5.1% to 234.4 million, another new record high, while the net profit of the parent company Sea Spa amounted to 87.9 million, up 11.8%. These are particularly positive results as the majority shareholder, so that the City of Milan could receive a coupon over 40 million euros, up from the previous year of 34.

Passenger traffic showed growth rates of 3.1% compared to 2015. In the last two months of 2016, the increase was 11.9% compared to the same period last year, with Malpensa increased only by 15.3%.

A trend confirmed by the first months of 2017 was with Malpensa which has the highest growth rate in January and February with 929 mila passengers (+11.6%, equivalent to 2.8 million), double the national average of 5.1 stops %.

In 2016, Sea Spa has also invested 85.9 million euro for the restyling of the airport, and is now preparing a similar treatment for Linate, an operation expected to take place over many years, which will be divided into several stages and for which it has already been allocated a first allotment of 156 million euro.

Just weeks ahead of Ukraine International Airlines’ inaugural flight to Chernivtsi, Milan Bergamo Airport announces its new airline partner’s second service to the Ukraine, linking the Italian airport to its main hub at Kiev Boryspil.

Initially launching a twice-weekly service from 16 May, utilising its fleet of two-class configured 737-800s, the Ukrainian flag carrier will add a third flight from 4 June, before increasing to a daily service from 15 July.

Further diversifying Milan Bergamo’s range of carriers, Ukraine International Airlines’ new link will boost the airport’s onward connections via Kiev Boryspil.

While providing Bergamo’s catchment area with access to the airline’s domestic route network in the Ukraine to points including Kharkiv, Lviv and Odessa, as well as region flights to Yerevan, Tbilisi and Tel Aviv, the new flight will make significant long-haul connectivity to Bangkok, Beijing and Colombo available to Italian travelers.

Variety and connectivity are crucial to our growing airline portfolio and route network, and Ukraine International Airlines’ new services will open up a world of opportunity for our passengers.

We will continue to work extensively with the airline to ensure good connectivity to all destinations in the future, explains Giacomo Cattaneo, Director of Aviation, SACBO.

There is a notable Ukrainian community within the region, as well as strong industry and trade, and these important connections will inject new demand for travel and help boost Milan Bergamo’s network,added Cattaneo.

Over the years, Italy has been increasingly popular with our passengers from the Ukraine and beyond, noted Evgeniya Satskia, Corporate Press Secretary, Ukraine International Airlines.

We have been continuously working on enhancing flights to Italian cities and, due to our successful partnership with Milan Bergamo, we can now offer daily services to give our customers the chance to enjoy a vast selection of attractions in Bergamo and beyond, added Satskia.

Now boasting 16 carriers, and with 12 new routes still to commence in 2017, Milan Bergamo continues to experience solid growth. Recording over 8% passenger traffic growth in the first two months of the year, the new links to the Ukraine will further enhance the airport’s developments.

Milan Bergamo Airport is on course to continue the robust growth it witnessed last year, adding 14 new routes, resuming 11 seasonal links and welcoming two new airlines for the S17 timetable. Having recorded 7.2% passenger traffic increase in 2016, the expanding summer schedule further consolidates the gateway’s position as Italy’s third busiest airport in terms of annual passengers.

Kick-starting S17 by launching six new connections in the first week, the Italian airport welcomes a new link to Liverpool with Blue Air’s four times weekly service, as well as five of Ryanair’s seven new summer connections: Bordeaux, Edinburgh, Luxembourg, Naples, Oradea, Vigo and Vitoria, in addition to the carrier’s seasonal routes to Corfu, Ibiza, Kefalonia, Palma de Mallorca and Thessaloniki.

Continuing to diversify its growing airline portfolio Arkia Israeli Airlines and Ukraine International Airlines arrive at Milan Bergamo this summer. With both airlines adding unserved markets to Bergamo’s route network – Tel Aviv and Chernivsti respectively – the addition of these new carriers also further expands the airport’s growing roll call of serving airlines to 14 for S17.

Milan Bergamo’s new airlines and routes S17

Airline Destination Start Frequency

Ryanair Vigo 26 March Twice-weekly
Ryanair Edinburgh 27 March Five times weekly
Ryanair Luxembourg 27 March Four times weekly
Ryanair Oradea 29 March Twice-weekly
Ryanair Vitoria 29 March Twice-weekly
Blue Air Liverpool 31 March Four times weekly
Meridiana Olbia 28 April Up to daily (resumption)
Ukraine International Airlines (new) Chernivtsi 28 April Twice-weekly
Blue Air Constanta 30 April Twice-weekly (resumption)
Ryanair Naples 1 May Four times daily
Ryanair Bordeaux 1 May Four times weekly
Volotea Lampedusa 27 May Twice-weekly (resumption)
Volotea Pantelleria 27 May Twice-weekly (resumption)
Arkia Airlines (new) Tel Aviv 28 May Twice-weekly
Blu Express Lampedusa 28 May Three times weekly (resumption)
Meridiana Iraklion 3 June Weekly
Blu Express Rhodes 10 June Three times weekly (resumption)
Blue Air Iasi 15 June Three times weekly
Blu Express Santorini 22 June Twice-weekly (resumption)
Blu Express Zakynthos 22 June Twice-weekly (resumption)
Blu Express Pantelleria 23 June Twice-weekly (resumption)
Blu Express Skiathos 23 June Twice-weekly (resumption)
Blu Express Mykonos 25 June Twice-weekly (resumption)
Blu Express Preveza 13 July Twice-weekly
Wizz Air Varna 22 July Twice-weekly

Milan Bergamo’s passengers will benefit this summer from an increased long-haul connectivity available via Munich, following the establishment of a partnership between bmi regional and Condor. Resulting in a greater choice of connections across Condor’s long-haul route network at Munich, the Italian airport’s passengers will now be able to reach destinations such as Barbados, Cancun, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Las Vegas and Vancouver.

As well as enhanced connectivity via its airline partners, Milan Bergamo has announced the approval of a new train link from Milan Central Station directly to the airport terminal. With development plans now in place, Milan Bergamo will be able to offer a vital train connection to downtown Milan, further increasing the airport’s catchment area.

Commenting on Milan Bergamo’s summer developments, Emilio Bellingardi, General Director, SACBO, says: The busy start to our summer is just the beginning of another year of development and growth at Milan Bergamo.

He added: We’ve also experienced a significant increase in the use of our premium airport services, such as our VIP Lounge and Fast Track facilities, and our top priority is to ensure we offer our passengers a variety of airlines and an ever-expanding selection of destinations.

NETHERLANDS: Transavia Adds New Routes To Marrakech, Seville And Tel Aviv

Transavia has added four brand-new routes and another twelve are offered as winter routes for the first time. With these sixteen new winter routes, Transavia now offers 8% more flights than last winter from its home base in the Netherlands.

Transavia is expanding its network from Eindhoven Airport with three new routes to Marrakech, Seville and Tel Aviv. These popular destinations are also offered from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

This brings the number of destinations from Eindhoven Airport to 21. Starting in February, the airline is adding Lisbon to its flights from Rotterdam The Hague Airport, bringing the number of destinations served this winter from this airport to 18.

No fewer than twelve destinations flown to this summer for the first time will be included in the winter schedule. This enables Transavia to strengthen its network from the Dutch home market. With four new destinations in Eastern and Central Europe, Transavia offers passengers a low-cost connection to Amsterdam. Belgrade, Ljubljana, Sofia and Katowice are all flown to three times a week from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Helsinki, Zurich and Munich can also be booked three, four and six times a week, respectively, from Amsterdam. In addition, Transavia has added the Italian city of Olbia on Sardinia to its winter network from Amsterdam.

Bergerac, Venice and Valencia are also being flown to this winter from Rotterdam The Hague Airport and, in April, the winter route to Stockholm will be launched, with three flights a week.

With nearly 70 flights a week from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Eindhoven Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport during the winter sports season, Transavia is also the best choice for winter sports enthusiasts. Convenient flight schedules with a regular choice of three flights per day allow passengers to tailor their trip to their needs – from a short weekend trip to a long ski holiday.

The winter schedule starts on 1 November 2017 and ends on 2 April 2018. Winter flights can be booked to and from the Netherlands as of today, 19 April 2016.

WestJet Goes Ultra-low-cost

WestJet has announced its intention to launch a new, ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) in Canada subject to agreement with its pilots and any required regulatory approvals. Service is expected to start in late 2017 with an initial fleet of 10 high-density Boeing 737-800s designed by the airline that first brought low-cost air travel to Canada in 1996. The ULCC will provide Canadians with no-frills, lower-cost travel options.

“We have built WestJet from its low-cost, regional roots into a renowned, international airline with service to 21 countries and today it’s all about disrupting at the price-sensitive end of the market,” said Clive Beddoe, co-founder of WestJet and Chair of the Board of the Directors. “Launching a ULCC will broaden WestJet’s growth opportunities and open new market segments by offering more choice to those Canadians looking for lower fares.”

“The worldview on low-cost airlines has changed since the launch of WestJet in 1996 and we are responding,” commented Gregg Saretsky, WestJet President and CEO. “The complete unbundling of services and products in order to lower fares for the price-sensitive traveller has created the ULCC category and our new airline will provide Canadians a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience from a company with a proven track record.”

Certain information set forth in this news release is “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information respecting: WestJet’s intention to launch a new ULCC; the in-service date of the ULCC; and the impact of the ULCC, including that the ULCC will broaden WestJet’s growth opportunities, open new market segments and provide a pro-competitive, cheap and cheerful flying experience.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain material factors and assumptions, including without limitation: WestJet’s current forecasts and strategy; the current and expected demand environment and general economic and industry conditions; the utilization of WestJet’s fleet and contraction arrangements in respect thereof; expectations respecting fleet maintenance; the forward-curve for jet fuel prices; and the expected exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar.

By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond WestJet’s control. WestJet may be required to alter its current business strategy with respect to the ULCC and/or the timing and manner of implementation thereof and there can be no guarantee as to the nature or impact of such alterations. Further, the launch of the ULCC may not have the impact currently anticipated by WestJet.

The risks and uncertainties that may impact WestJet and the launch and success of the ULCC, include but are not limited to: changes in guest demand; changes in fuel prices; delays in aircraft delivery; significant maintenance events; changes in general economic and industry conditions; changes in the competitive environment; challenges to WestJet’s ability to effectively implement and maintain its critical systems; and other factors and risks described in WestJet’s public reports and filings.

Readers are urged to consult the risks set forth in WestJet’s annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016, which are each available under WestJet’s profile at sedar.com, for important additional information.

Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information provided. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law

ISRAEL: Chinese Tourists Increase,White Flowers Symbolize Death And Mourning In Chinese Culture

The Ministry of Tourism’s investment in promoting Israel in China has paid dividends, with a 68.6% increase from 2015 to 2016.

The ministry has invested nearly ten million shekels a year, and China’s largest private airline, Hainan, started offering flights to Israel.

The Ministry of Tourism’s data show that 79,268 tourists from China visited Israel in 2016, but the ministry’s goal is to cross the 100,000 barrier in number of Chinese tourists per year.

Hoteliers adapt their offerings, from breakfast to flower colors, to accommodate the 69% boom in tourists from China. These visitors benefit the Israeli economy by spending 69% more than their European counterparts per day in the country.

The average Chinese visitor is extremely interested in Israeli history and culture from biblical times to the modern high-tech boom.

The preferred destination is Jerusalem, with 81% of Chinese tourists visiting the capital with most making sure to visit the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Despite Jerusalem’s popularity, Israel’s second city still receives a fair amount of Chinese tourists, with 71% visiting Tel Aviv. The Dead Sea sees 56% of the Chinese who come to Israel.

According to the official data, the average Chinese tourist spends considerably more in Israel than the average European, with the former spending about $267 per day versus the latter’s $158.

Israeli hoteliers at the Dan and Isrotel chains have sought to adapt their offerings to their new guests from the Far East, with many hotels establishing a “Chinese corner” in the breakfast room.

Apparently, many non-Chinese guests have also taken to the rice congee and steamed broccoli to start their day rather than the traditional Israeli offerings of salads, cheeses and baked goods.

Roy Kriezman, Manager of China and Far East Markets at Dan, says that representatives from his hotel chain are travelling to China to learn from Chinese hotels how best to accommodate the influx of new visitors.

In addition to the breakfast offerings, modifications for Chinese guests include the coffee selections in the rooms being switched out with teas, the addition of two Chinese television station, written information being provided in Chinese, and providing smaller complimentary slippers.

A seemingly small detail has also been addressed, Kriezman shared: flower colors. Dan learned to change out the white flowers in its room with red ones, as white flowers symbolize death and mourning in Chinese culture.

UAE: Emirates Launch Flights To Hong Kong

Emirates is set to boost its service to Hong Kong with the arrival of a 615-seater superjumbo, while Cathay Pacific will launch new summer flights to Barcelona in a double coup for the airport.

The Dubai carrier will start regular service with its Airbus A380 on the Dubai-Bangkok-Hong Kong service – flights EK384/385 – from October 1, according to aviation data tracking service Airline Route. The airline confirmed the aircraft would be upsized and it would also be deployed to the city over the Lunar New Year in response to high demand during the holiday period.

The existing service provides 517 seats. But first class will be scrapped entirely and some business class seats will be removed to make room for economy class seats.

The extra seats will mean more cheap airfare opportunities for travellers to Bangkok and Dubai. Emirates’ low-fare strategy has already caused much anger and frustration among rival airlines in Asia, Europe and the United States.

The airline currently operates four daily flights between Dubai and Hong Kong, including one via Bangkok, three of which are served by the Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft in the world.

Will Horton, a Hong Kong-based aviation analyst at CAPA Centre for Aviation, said the upgrade of the Emirates flight to 615 seats was ideal for cost-conscious Hongkongers.

“The routing through Hong Kong and Bangkok brings the aircraft back to Dubai in time for European connections. So hub efficiency is maintained,” Horton said. “Emirates grows Bangkok capacity at key hours and can offer a lower-cost option for the Hong Kong market compared to the non-stop to Dubai, and also make a play in picking up local Hong Kong-Bangkok traffic.”
Airlines have sought ways to grow at Hong Kong International Airport in recent years as the number of take-off and landing slots have become increasingly scarce as the two runways reach full capacity.

Budget carrier HK Express took delivery of the world’s first 188-seat single-aisle Airbus A320neo aircraft (neo stands for new engine option), in response to the challenges, adding up to 14 seats compared to its existing aircraft.

In more good news for the Airport Authority, home carrier Cathay Pacific announced it intended to launch a new summer seasonal service to Barcelona, Spain, from July, adding to the airport’s global footprint.

The expansion raises Cathay’s list of European destinations to 13, including the launch of Tel Aviv in Israel from March.
“Barcelona isn’t important for the sake of Barcelona but rather launching it seasonally shows Cathay is willing to break away from regimented consistency,” Horton said. “What you fly in July you don’t have to fly in February. It’s a positive sign about becoming more agile.”

Cathay, Hong Kong’s largest carrier, said it would fly four times a week deploying its next-generation Airbus A350 aircraft. The service is expected to run until October, during the peak of the summer travel season. The airline currently flies four times a week to the Spanish capital Madrid.

TURKEY: Turkey Fighting To Welcome Back Israeli Tourists

After the Mavi Marmara incident drastically reduced the number of Israeli tourists visiting Turkey, Turkish hoteliers and tourism companies are now looking to push the figures back up, with their first stand at an international tourism fair in three years.

Turkish hoteliers are set to arrive in Israel next week to participate in the IMTM international tourism fair, which is being held in the Tel Aviv Convention Center.

"Tourism to Turkey is in a tough spot due to the collapse of the Russian market, which formed the bulk of visits to the country," one of the hoteliers said. "There has also been a decrease in arrivals from other markets.

"The situation here is definitely not good and we would want the Israeli tourists who were really important visitors a few years back to return," he added.

Diyar İçkale, the owner of the Spice Hotel in Antalya, will also be in attendance at the convention, and is hoping for a boost in the number of Israelis taking trips to Turkey.

"The relations between the two sets of peoples are good and there is an improvement in relations between the countries," İçkale said.

"Personally I like Israelis. In Antalya the situation is really quiet and there is no reason to worry at all. You are an hour away from us and we want you here," she added.

In addition to İçkale and other hoteliers, a delegation from the Rixos chain of resorts will be coming in order to try and advance Israeli tourism to Turkey, particularly in Antalya. The delegation will be located at the Ksharei Teufa booth at the fair.

Until a few years ago the Turkish booth at the tourism fair in Tel Aviv was the largest out of all the foreign delegations. But following the Mavi Marmara incident, the stand began to shrink and for the last three years there has been no Turkish booth at the fair.

In 2015 about 224,000 Israeli tourists arrived in Turkey, a growth of 19 percent compared to 2014 and 36.5 percent compared to 2013. However, the figures still pale into comparison next to the pre-Mavi Marmara numbers, when Turkey welcomed over half a million Israeli tourists a year.

ISRAEL; Israel Promotes Tourism

Israeli tourism, down in recent months, is expecting a boost from an unlikely source: a growing number of Chinese and Indian visitors. Tourism Ministry Director-General Amir Halevi told Reuters news agency that both sectors have shown growth at a time when tourism in general has declined, and both are being targeted by the ministry for promotion.

Following Operation Protective Edge in the summer of 2014, during which Israel responded to repeated rocket fire from Gaza with airstrikes which killed over 2,100 Palestinians, tourism rates fell 3 percent to 3.1 million visitors in 2015. The barrage of rockets during the six-week operation frightened some foreigners, prompting them to cancel planned trips, and forced the temporary closure of Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, interrupting flights. A weak Russian economy also contributed to the declining numbers.

Visits from China and India in that time, however, appear to have been on the rise. Fifty thousand Chinese tourists arrived in Israel in 2015, up 43 percent, and the ministry predicts that number will double by 2018. Non-stop flights from Beijing to Tel Aviv starting next month, provided by Hainan Airlines, will help by adding 35,000 seats per year along the route already flown by Israel’s national carrier, El Al.

“This will change the game,” Halevi told Reuters. “The price of tickets will go down 50 percent.”

In addition, Israel and China agreed last week to a ten-year multiple visa deal, similar to the ones China has reached with the United States and Canada. This would allow visitors between the two countries to enter repeatedly on the same visa.

Chinese interest in Israel is growing, Halevi noted, with 170 people from China participating in last month’s Jerusalem Marathon, up from six the year before.

Until recently, Haaretz noted last year, Chinese tourism to Israel was severely restricted. Only official delegations were permitted to visit. That changed a few years ago when the Chinese government recognized Israel as an official destination, allowing organized tour groups to travel to the Jewish State.

Although many Chinese tourists are drawn by a fascination with the Start-Up Nation, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or Israel’s unique natural phenomena, there are also a significant number of Christian pilgrims intent on seeing the Holy Land with their own eyes. Official figures place the Chinese Christian community at 26 million strong, while scholarly estimates place the number closer to 100 million.

To accommodate Chinese tourists, the ministry has opened a course in Chinese for certified tour guides. By the end of 2016, Israel is expected to have 70 such certified Chinese-speaking tour guides. It has also invested significant sums in promoting Israel to Chinese travelers, including maintaining a Chinese-language page on its website.

Meanwhile, Indian tourism to Israel is also on the rise. Last year, nearly 40,000 visitors arrived in Israel from India, representing a 13 percent increase. The ministry target for 2018 is 80,000 to 100,000 Indian tourists.

Like Hainan Airlines, Indian air carriers have expressed interest in adding flights to Tel Aviv. According to Halevi, if the numbers keep rising, it is likely at least one will join El Al in providing that service.

Some Indian visitors come to Israel to vacation, while others come on religious pilgrimages. India is home to nearly 30 million Christians, the third-largest religious population in the country. In 2013, the Israeli Tourism Ministry opened an office in Mumbai, working to promote Israel as a viable tourist destination for Indian tourists.

Among the factors which discourage tourists, Halevi said, are the high costs of flights and hotels. The ministry, however, is seeking international hotel chains to build low-cost facilities.

Halevi added that he believes a convention center and casino in the tourist city of Eilat in Israel’s south would bring in more tourists, though the casino plan was met with political resistance.

Tourism plays a significant part in Israel’s economy, supplying 2.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. It contributes over 40 billion shekels ($11 billion) to the Israeli economy annually, and employs 200,000 people, or three percent of Israel’s workforce.

Wet Leasing, Damp Leasing Or Moist Leasing & Dry Leasing Of Aircrafts

Aircraft leases are leases used by airlines and other aircraft operators. Airlines lease aircraft from other airlines or leasing companies for two main reasons: to operate aircraft without the financial burden of buying them, and to provide temporary increase in capacity. The industry has two main leasing types: wet-leasing, which is normally used for short-term leasing, and dry-leasing which is more normal for longer-term leases. The industry also uses combinations of wet and dry. For example, when the aircraft is wet-leased to establish new services, then as the airline's flight or cabin crews become trained, they can be switched to a dry lease.

Wet Lease
A wet lease is a leasing arrangement whereby one airline (the lessor) provides an aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to another airline or other type of business acting as a broker of air travel the lessee, which pays by hours operated. The lessee provides fuel and covers airport fees, and any other duties, taxes, etc. The flight uses the flight number of the lessee. A wet lease generally lasts 1–24 months; a shorter duration would be considered an ad hoc charter. A wet lease is typically utilized during peak traffic seasons or annual heavy maintenance checks, or to initiate new routes. A wet-leased aircraft may be used to fly services into countries where the lessee is banned from operating.

They can also be considered a form of charter whereby the lessor provides minimum operating services, including ACMI, and the lessee provides the balance of services along with flight numbers. In all other forms of charter, the lessor provides the flight numbers. Variations of a wet lease include a code share arrangement and a block seat agreement.

Wet leases are occasionally used for political reasons. For instance, EgyptAir, an Egyptian government enterprise, cannot fly to Israel under its own name, as a matter of Egyptian government policy. Therefore, Egyptian flights from Cairo to Tel Aviv are operated by Air Sinai, which wet-leases from EgyptAir to get around the political issue.

In the United Kingdom, a wet lease is when an aircraft is operated under the air operator's certificate (AOC) of the lessor.

Damp lease
An arrangement where the lessor provides the aircraft, flight crew and maintenance but the lessee provides the cabin crew is sometimes referred to as a "damp lease", a term especially used in the UK. It is also occasionally referred to as a "moist lease"

Dry lease
A dry lease is a leasing arrangement whereby an aircraft financing entity (lessor), such as GECAS or AerCap, provides an aircraft without crew, ground staff etc. Dry lease is typically used by leasing companies and banks, requiring the lessee to put the aircraft on its own AOC and provide aircraft registration. A typical dry lease lasts upwards of two years and bears certain conditions with respect to depreciation, maintenance, insurances, etc., depending also on the geographical location, political circumstances, etc.

A dry-lease arrangement can also be made between a major airline and a regional airline, in which the regional operator provides flight crews, maintenance and other operational aspects of the aircraft, which then may be operated under the major airline's name or some similar name. This saves the major airline the expense of training personnel to fly and maintain the aircraft, along with other considerations (such as staggered union contracts, regional airport staffing, etc.).

FedEx Express uses an arrangement of this type for its feeder operations, contracting to companies such as Empire Airlines, Mountain Air Cargo, Swiftair, and others to operate its single and twin-engined turbo-prop "feeder" aircraft. DHL has a joint venture in the United States with Polar Air Cargo, a subsidiary of Atlas Air, to operate their domestic deliveries.

In the United Kingdom, a dry lease is when an aircraft is operated under the AOC of the lessee.

HUNGARY: WizzAir Announces New Routes Starting 2016

The flight operator WizzAir announced it would open a new flight station at Iasi in 2016 and it would introduce five new routes.

Hence, the new flights will operate routes to Bologna, Catania, Larnaca, Roma and Tel Aviv, while the flight frequency to London and Milan will be supplemented, according to Mediafax newswire. According to Gyorgy Abran, trhe commercial director of Wizz Air, the company will total 16 aircrafts in Romania operating from the flight stations where Wizz Air operates.

In 2016, the company will operate also another aircraft, Airbus A321, with 230 seats. Wizz Air operates from eight airports in Romania and reports a market share of 29.5 per cent. In 2014, the company carried 3.4 million passengers and estimates an increase of 9 per cent for 2015.

At Iasi, currently, Wizz Air operates three international flights, to Treviso, London and Milan Bergamo. The airport in Iasi is also operated by Tarom, Austrian Airlines and Blue Air, besides Wizz Air and the airport management estimates a passenger traffic exceeding 350,000 passengers in 2015 and an estimation of a double fold for the next year.