In response to customer interest, and to permit utilization of otherwise surplus capacity, Star Alliance has partnered with Canada-based IEG in adapting their specialised LoungeAtlas software product to unlock new options for airline customers of the Alliance who would otherwise not qualify for access to their world-leading lounges. Now launched for the Star Alliance Lounge at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, the online solution is accessible through the Alliance website at www.staralliance.com/lounge-access. There, customers will not only be able to buy passes valid for access to this lounge, but also browse our other Star Alliance lounges, as well as accessing our Lounge Finder to provide information on the over 1,000 member airline lounges available to qualified customers of the Alliance. With Star Alliance Lounge Access, customers pre-book and purchase online vouchers on the Star Alliance website. Valid for a specific date and subject to availability, they can also be purchased for somebody else, be they family members, friends, or colleagues during a joint trip. After purchase, customers receive a receipt email and QR code valid for the day(s) and time(s) selected. Importantly, customers can also receive a discount if they are a member of frequent flyer program of an Alliance member carrier. Star Alliance VP Customer Experience Christian Draeger highlighted that “Lounge Access is a win-win program for both customers and the airlines. It meets a growing demand for those customers needing a place to work, read or relax while waiting for their flight program who are not normally entitled to enter the private lounge, while at the same time providing a way for the airline lounge operator to utilize capacity that may be unused at certain times.”<br/>
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Rapid and still-evolving border restrictions in response to the omicron variant have submerged air-travel demand yet again, throwing a long-awaited recovery into uncertainty. The emerging coronavirus wave has put airlines under even more pressure as they navigate rules that vary by country and are being revised daily as more information about the strain comes to light. Carriers slashed 151,000 flights scheduled globally through Feb. 1 in the first week the new variant appeared, or 2.9% of the number as it stood on Nov. 24, according to data compiled by BloombergNEF. The numbers offer an early view into the scale of damage omicron has caused so far. Airlines have made steep cuts for this week, but held off from doing so further along in the calendar -- suggesting a higher number of cancellations are in store as the variant is identified in more countries. Aviation executives who had recovery in their sight less than two weeks ago called for a more uniform response. “Omicron just brings to the fore that we are not as coordinated as we should be,” said Jeffrey Goh, CEO of the 26-member Star Alliance. “International leadership is still wanting.” Researchers and governments are racing to get a grip on how deadly omicron is, how easily it spreads and how resistant it is to current vaccines. In the meantime, governments have tightened entry rules, banned flights and reintroduced quarantine measures to slow the variant’s spread. Requirements vary and can change rapidly, making air travel a befuddling proposition for those in a position to consider it. Over the weekend, the U.K. added a pre-flight test requirement for all incoming travelers, while the U.S. said it’s reviewing policies on a daily basis. Japan backtracked on a plan to stop inbound flight reservations. British Airways called the latest U.K. measures “completely out of step,” while Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab defended what he called a “balanced approach.” <br/>
United has named Nike CFO Matthew Friend to its board of directors. The Chicago-based carrier says on 6 December that Friend will “help inform our effort to continue to be a force for good across the country and around the world”. “As we emerge from the pandemic as a leader in the industry and stand ready to accelerate our business, United will benefit greatly from Matt’s deep financial acumen and stewardship of one of the leading consumer brands on the planet,” United’s CE Scott Kirby says. ”United has shown real leadership over the past 18 months and has worked to redefine itself in the eyes of its employees, customers and the communities it serves,” Friend adds. ”The airline is determined to capitalise on this momentum, and I’m thrilled to join the board at this exciting time in its history.” Friend has been Nike’s CFO since March 2020. Before being named to the top finance job, he was CFO for Nike Operating Segments and the sports brand’s vice-president of investor relations. He has also served as CFO of Nike Brand, global brands and functions, emerging markets, and as vice-president of corporate strategy and development.<br/>
Austrian Airlines, in partnership with integrated oil, gas and petrochemical firm OMV, is looking to produce and utilise regional sustainable aviation fuel in Austria. According to the agreement, the firms will generate and supply 1,500t of green fuel in 2022. The fuel will be manufactured at the OMV Schwechat Refinery using Austrian used cooking oil in the fuel production procedure. During the entire lifecycle, SAF will be able to reduce carbon emissions by over 80% in comparison with conventional kerosene. In addition, the current infrastructure will be utilised for storage and refuelling. Starting from March next year, SAF will be delivered to AUA aeroplanes through a direct pipeline connection to Vienna International Airport (VIE). Further expenses associated with SAF will be funded with the ‘support of environmentally conscious passengers.’ For facilitating sustainable air traffic, all AUA passengers will have the opportunity to use the Compensaid platform to back SAF-driven flights.<br/>