The Week In Travel

This week the Chinese government announced that it will be increasing the number and frequency of international flights over the coming months. China, which has been one of the slowest countries to reopen its borders to international travel, possesses one of the largest global markets for international travel. In a press conference, the Director of the Ministry of Transport, Liang Nan, confirmed that the administration is in discussion with several countries to gradually increase regular international passenger flights to cater to travel needs. Beijing is in the process of putting into action its 33-point economic recovery plan, which includes subsidies for airlines as they increase passenger volume.

South Africa has removed the last of its covid restrictions, both domestically and for inbound travellers. As of this week, there is no longer a requirement to wear face coverings indoors, nor for travellers to show proof of vaccination or negative covid test. The country, which relies heavily on international tourism as a source of income, will hope to wrestle back the strong numbers it showed in 2019.

Qantas has announced that it is restoring flights faster than expected in order to keep up with the resurgent demand for travel. According to the carrier’s chief customer officer, Stephanie Tully, international flights are at roughly 90% capacity, while their marquee Sydney to London via Singapore route is fully booked for the next few weeks. Qantas plans to take delivery of more aircraft next year, alongside bringing 10 A380s back into service and begin operating the world’s longest nonstop flights, from Australia to London and New York, in late 2025.

Boeing revealed its new 2022 ecoDemonstrator plane this week – a key part of its strategy to become more sustainable over the next 40 years. The ecoDemonstrator is a converted and repurposed 20-year-old 777-200ER that will be tasked with testing new technologies aimed at making air travel both safer and more sustainable, through a series of tests over six months, beginning this summer.

And finally, a couple from Orlando, Florida, managed to get married on the Isle of Skye thanks to the kindness of locals. The wedding, which had years of planning and £12,000 behind it, was in danger of being cancelled after the couple’s flights were delayed by three days, and their luggage lost at Inverness airport. However, after they shared their story with a local, an appeal was made on an island Facebook group, and wedding dresses and kilts were provided. The couple were taken aback by the kindness and generosity shown.