The Week In Travel

US-based carriers American Airlines and United Airlines both announced this week that they are seeing a strong recovery in corporate travel demand. American Airlines said that it is approaching 80% of 2019 levels for business travel, with small-medium sized businesses almost back to pre-pandemic levels, and larger corporations at 50%. United Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Nocella said that full recovery is now in sight as corporations accelerate their return to travel.

This news came during a week when United Airlines also announced the launch of the largest transatlantic expansion in the company’s history. The company will launch or resume a total of 30 flights to destinations including new non-stop flights from Boston to London, Chicago to Milan, and Denver to Munich.

Malaysia eased entry requirements for international travellers this week as infection rates flatten and the nation adjusts to living with Covid. From the 1st of May vaccinated travellers and children under 12 will no longer be required to test on arrival, and facemasks will be optional in outdoor spaces, with social distancing to be scrapped.

Qatar Airways this week lost its bid in the UK High Court to force Airbus to keep building A321neo jetliners for the airline. The finding comes after a 16-month dispute stemming from claims made by Qatar Airways that peeling and cracking paint on the A350 aircraft made by Airbus poses safety issues in the event of a lightning strike. Airbus argues it is a maintenance rather than a safety issue. £786m was spent by Qatar Airways on the dispute, and the ruling will have long-term ramifications for the industry.

Finally, Uber is launching a new service which will allow passengers to travel with their pets. Beginning next week, Uber Pets will be available in the UK, and will match passengers with drivers willing to take animals into their cars. The service will involve a surcharge of £3 in London, and £2 in the rest of the UK, and is part of a wider corporate plan to improve convenience for customers.