Dubai Plans To Move Its Busy International Airport To A $35 Billion New Facility Within 10 Years

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement marks the latest chapter in the rebound of its long-haul carrier Emirates after the coronavirus pandemic grounded international travel. Plans have been on the books for years to move the operations of the airport known as DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central which had also been delayed by the repercussions of the sheikhdom’s 2009 economic crisis.

“We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn,” Sheikh Mohammed said in an online statement. “Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub and its new global center.”

The announcement included computer-rendered images of curving, white terminal reminiscent of the traditional Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. The airport will include five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, the announcement said. The airport now has just two runways, like Dubai International Airport.

The financial health of the carrier Emirates has served as a barometer for the aviation industry worldwide and the wider economic health of this city-state. Dubai and the airline rebounded quickly from the pandemic by pushing forward with tourism even as some countries more slowly came out of their pandemic crouch.

The number of passengers flying through DXB surged last year beyond its total for 2019 with 86.9 million passengers. Its 2019 annual traffic was 86.3 million passengers. The airport had 89.1 million passengers in 2018 — its busiest-ever year before the pandemic, while 66 million passengers passed through in 2022.

Earlier in February, Dubai announced its best-ever tourism numbers, saying it hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. Average hotel occupancy stood at around 77%. Its boom-and-bust real estate market remains on a hot streak, nearing all-time high valuations.

But as those passenger numbers skyrocketed, it again put new pressure on the capacity of DXB, which remains constrained on all sides by residential neighborhoods and two major highways.

Al Maktoum International Airport, some 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from DXB, opened in 2010 with one terminal. It served as a parking lot for Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380s and other aircraft during the pandemic and slowly has come back to life with cargo and private flights in the time since. It also hosts the biennial Dubai Air Show and has a vast, empty desert in which to expand.

The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed noted Dubai’s plans to expand further south. Already, its nearby Expo 2020 site has been offering homes for buyers.

“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow,” Dubai’s ruler said. “It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.”

However, financial pressures have halted the move in the past. Dubai’s 2009 financial crisis, brought on by the Great Recession, forced Abu Dhabi to provide the city-state with a $20 billion bailout.

Meanwhile, the city-state is still trying to recover after the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the UAE, which disrupted flights and commerce for days

https://apnews.com/author/jon-gambrell

Southwest Airlines Is Considering Changes To Its Quirky Boarding And Seating Practices

Southwest Airlines is studying changes to its quirky boarding and seating policies as it searches for ways to raise more revenue.

Airline officials say they are studying possible changes but won’t have anything to announce until September. That tease is leading to speculation about whether Southwest might ditch some longstanding traditions, including the practice of passengers picking their own seats only after they board a plane.

CEO Robert Jordan says he is proud of Southwest’s “product,” but it was developed when flights weren’t as full as they are today, and customers’ preferences change over time, prompting the “deep dive” into “transformational options” in boarding and seating.

“Early indications, both for our customers and for Southwest, look pretty darn interesting,” he told analysts and reporters Thursday.

Every other major U.S. airline sells first- or business-class seats with more room and amenities. They assign seats long before passengers arrive at the airport. And increasingly, they charge extra if economy-class passengers want to pick a particular seat, such as one in an exit row or near the front of the cabin.

Those policies generate significant “ancillary revenue.” Delta Air Lines took in $4.4 billion in “premium products” during the first quarter.

Southwest doesn’t have a first-class cabin or assigned seats. Passengers line up in the gate area in an order determined partly by who checked in first and – increasingly – who paid extra to move up in line. The lucky or high-paying ones get in the “A” boarding group, followed by the middling “B” crowd and finally the dreaded “C” group, whose unfortunate inhabitants usually wind up in a middle seat, maybe in the back of the plane.

Over the years, Southwest customers learned to check in online exactly 24 hours before departure to get the best shot at grabbing the seat they wanted. In 2009, the airline began charging an extra fee — called EarlyBird — to move up in the boarding line. The fee starts at $15 per flight but goes up when planes are full.

Jordan said any changes must generate significant new revenue and can’t slow down flights. Beyond that, he was deliberately and repeatedly vague, but executives did indicate that two possible changes have been ruled out already.

Ryan Green, Southwest’s chief commercial officer, said the airline won’t impose baggage charges — it’s the only U.S. carrier that lets passenger check one or two bags for free. He said Southwest also won’t install curtains like those that separate premium cabins from the economy-class section on other airlines.

Savanthi Syth, an airlines analyst with Raymond James Financial, said the lack of assigned seating is “a huge pain point for passengers,” although a shrinking contingent still likes it. Syth thinks passengers would prefer the ability to select a seat in advance to trying to get a better spot in the boarding line.

“More importantly, I think it opens you up to a greater pool of passengers that would not consider (Southwest) because of the stress of the current process,” she said. “This is particularly important now that Southwest has lost the differentiation of no change or cancellations fees.” Southwest’s closest rivals dropped change fees too during the pandemic.

Syth is less convinced that Southwest needs a first-class cabin, but she thinks adding extra-legroom seats could be attractive. “There are plenty of tall people who could use the extra space,” she said.

Southwest executives are frequently asked about changes in their policies around baggage, seating and first-class cabins. At an industry conference in November, Jordan said there was nothing in the works.

What changed?

Southwest’s financial results have become more dismal. The company reported Thursday that it lost $231 million in the first quarter, which was worse than analysts expected and a wider loss than a year ago.

The Dallas-based airline faces sharply rising labor costs — up 19% or $462 million from a year ago, and that was before flight attendants ratified a new contract with sharply higher wages. Spending on maintenance and airport fees are rising by double-digit percentages. And Southwest can’t add as many flights as it would like because a production crisis at Boeing means there are fewer new planes.

The company is freezing hiring other than critical positions, and it will take the rare step of pulling out of four airports in August to cut costs. Even with revenue rising on strong travel demand, the airline needs more to offset inflation.

The airline promises that whatever it decides, it won’t change Southwest’s unique character. That could be a tricky balancing act in the view of its many loyal customers. They must wait out the next several months.

“We are committed to a set of new strategic initiatives. I have hinted at boarding and seating and the cabin, and we’re going to share those with you at investor day” in September, Jordan told analysts.

BY DAVID KOENIG, AP

Paris To Face Major Disruption Ahead Of Games Opening Ceremony, Says Police Chief

Paris will face major disruption ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony along the Seine on July 26, as organisers ramp up security measures to safeguard the event, the city's police chief said.

Organisers hope the opening ceremony, in which 160 boats carrying athletes from around the world will travel a 6 kilometre route along the Seine river towards the Eiffel tower, will deliver a jaw-dropping spectacle. Some 300,000 spectators will watch from the banks of the Seine as a global audience tunes in on TV.

But the ceremony is also a major security headache, taking place against a backdrop of wars in Ukraine and Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron has already floated the possibility of scrapping the river ceremony and reverting to at least two back-up plans if the security risks become untenable.

Paris residents with a view of the Seine can invite friends to watch the opening of the 2024 Summer Games from their balconies, but should prepare for heavy traffic and limited movement, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez said at a press conference.

Adjacent metro stations, most river crossings and all water traffic will be halted in the week before the open-air ceremony, Nunez said, adding that some bridges will remain open "in order not to cut Paris in two halves."

Everyone who wants to access the immediate surroundings of the Seine in the week before the Games will need to sign up on an online platform, Nunez said. Local residents hoping to access their homes, which are among the most prestigious addresses in France, will need to do the same.

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, who also spoke at the event said the disruption would impact around 20,000 residents and business owners.

Asked about Macron's comments earlier this month, Nunez said his teams were still working on the 'Plan A' of the river ceremony.

"As of today, we have no reason to be worried," Nunez said.

https://www.reuters.com/authors/vincent-daheron/

As International Travel Grows, So Does US Use Of technology. A Look At How It’s Used At Airports

The Belgian family of four was on their fourth trip to the United States. They had been dreading the long line at passport control when they entered the country but had heard about a new app they could use to ease their way and decided to give it a shot. Within minutes, they had bypassed the long line at Washington Dulles International Airport and were waiting for their luggage.

“It was always a long row,” said Piet De Staercke of the line to go through passport screening. He, his wife and two sons were visiting Washington and Chicago. “We were a bit scared. But now with the app, it’s amazing.”

As travel continues to boom following coronavirus pandemic-related slumps, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expanding the use of technology like the Mobile Passport Control app the De Staercke family used in an effort to process the ever-growing number of passengers traveling internationally. And with events like a rare solar eclipse, the Olympics in Paris, and summer holidays still driving international travel, those numbers don’t look set to drop anytime soon.

Customs and Border Protection officials gave The Associated Press a behind-the-scenes look at some of the technologies they’ve been using and what to expect in the months and years ahead.

THE NUMBERS

During fiscal year 2023, the agency processed over 394 million travelers at the ports of entry. That’s a 24% increase over the previous year. When looking at the country’s top 20 airports by passenger volume, officers processed 31% more travelers while average wait times increased 11%. And at some of the busiest airports, the wait times have had negligible increases or even decreased. At JFK Airport in New York, for example, wait times went down — by 0.4 of a second on average — while CBP officers processed 33% more travelers.

Increasingly, people are traveling internationally with their families rather than going abroad alone for business.

MORE APPS

Officials are moving more toward app-based technologies to speed passengers’ movement through the airport. The Mobile Passport Control app used by the Belgian family is one example. It’s available to U.S. citizens, but also to lawful permanent residents, certain Canadians and travelers from countries who are part of the Visa Waiver Program who’ve already been to the U.S. at least once.

Passengers upload their photos and information to the app. When they enter the screening area, they get routed to a separate line. The officer then just needs to take a photo of one member of the family and it pulls up the entire group’s photos and their information.

CBP launched the app in 2021 but is now trying to get more people to use it, including by working with airlines to allow the app to be downloaded while the plane is in flight and putting up signs at airports to let travelers know about it. Last year, a record 4.1 million people came into the country using the app.

“Any second that we can save through the process, it saves time because it adds up eventually,” said Marc Calixte, the top CBP official at Dulles.

Last September, the agency also created an app specifically for passengers who use Global Entry. That’s one of the “Trusted Traveler” programs CBP runs that allows certain low-risk passengers who make an appointment for an interview and submit to a background check to travel through customs and passport control more quickly when they arrive in the U.S.

IMPROVEMENTS TO GLOBAL ENTRY

Last year saw a record 3.2 million people apply to the Global Entry program, and this year the agency is on track to field about 4 million applications, said Brendan Blackmer, CBP branch chief for the Trusted Traveler Programs. But passengers have complained about how long it can take to get applications processed and their struggles to get appointments. On its website, CBP says it averages four to six months to process applications. In February, 17 members of Congress wrote to CBP demanding information, saying they were fielding complaints from constituents over the wait times.

Blackmer said the agency has pushed to improve the process, including by allowing nearly 100% of people renewing their status to do so without having to come into an enrollment center. That frees up appointments for first-time applicants. And it’s pushing for more people to be able to complete the process while they’re in the airport, either leaving or returning from a trip.There are also more appointments available, Blackmer said, although some cities like San Francisco are still seeing so much demand that appointments can take more than 90 days to get.

“We’ve done a lot of work the past year and a half, and the agency’s in a better position now and able to meet the demand for the program. And we’re going to continue to work,” Blackmer said.

FEE INCREASES

Come Oct. 1, people using some of the Trusted Traveler Programs will see increases to the fees they pay. The cost of NEXUS, a U.S.-Canadian program designed to ease travel between the two countries for pre-approved travelers, will go from $50 to $120. Global Entry will go from $100 to $120. SENTRI, for pre-approved travelers on the southern border with Mexico, will go down, from $122.50 to $120.

But the fees will now cover all kids under 18 regardless of which program you’re in.

What’s unchanged is that approval for the programs will still be good for five years.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Calixte said possibly by the end of summer the airport will be opening so-called E-Gates where passengers using Global Entry can use the app, bypass an officer at a booth, and instead go to a gate where their photo is taken and matched to their passport, and, assuming no red flags arise, the gates open and they pass out of the customs and passport control area and are on their way.

Further on the horizon, Blackmer said the agency is exploring a concept called smart queuing, where the app assigns passengers to certain lines depending on information they have entered into the app, such as whether they have goods to declare.

There are also more appointments available, Blackmer said, although some cities like San Francisco are still seeing so much demand that appointments can take more than 90 days to get.

“We’ve done a lot of work the past year and a half, and the agency’s in a better position now and able to meet the demand for the program. And we’re going to continue to work,” Blackmer said.

FEE INCREASES

Come Oct. 1, people using some of the Trusted Traveler Programs will see increases to the fees they pay. The cost of NEXUS, a U.S.-Canadian program designed to ease travel between the two countries for pre-approved travelers, will go from $50 to $120. Global Entry will go from $100 to $120. SENTRI, for pre-approved travelers on the southern border with Mexico, will go down, from $122.50 to $120.

https://apnews.com/author/rebecca-santana

Barcelona To Get Floating Desalination Plant To Help Fight Drought In Northeastern Spain

Spain’s drought-stricken region of Catalonia will install a floating desalination plant to help the city of Barcelona guarantee its drinking water supply, regional authorities said.

Barcelona already relies on Europe’s largest desalination plant for domestic use to compensate over three years of below average rainfall that have led to a historic drought made worse by climate change.

Now Spain’s second-largest city will get a temporary second desalination plant in its port later this year.

David Mascort, who heads the regional environmental authority, said the plant is scheduled to start working in October. It will produce the equivalent of 6% of the city’s consumption, compared to almost a quarter of the city’s water now produced by Barcelona’s permanent desalination plant.

Barcelona uses desalination and water purification systems to meet its water needs. The reservoirs that serve 6 million people in central and northern Catalonia, including Barcelona, are at 18% of their capacity.

Despite some relief from spring rains, Catalonia has kept in place restrictions under a water emergency declared in February. Those limitations include a daily limit of 200 liters (about 53 gallons) per person for domestic use, and reductions in average water use by 80% for crop irrigation, 50% for herd animals and 25% for industry.

Mascort said the additional drinking water should help avoid — or at least push back the need for tighter water restrictions in the fall. He added that the floating desalination plant will make it unnecessary to bring in extra supplies of water by boat as had been initially considered.

AP

SWISS Resumes Flights To Tel Aviv

Swiss International Airlnes (SWISS) has resumed flights to and from Tel Aviv.

Following a thorough analysis of the situation, it has been concluded that safe operations can be ensured, the airline said.

It also said the situation was being closely monitored and should the situation change, the flight schedule will be adjusted accordingly, with the safety of crew and passengers the top priority.

For updates, please visit: https://www.swissinfo.ch/

Cunard Officially Welcomes New Ship Queen Anne With Ceremony At Fincantieri Shipyard

She's the next in a fine line for Cunard, Queen Anne officially joined the luxury cruise line's iconic fleet during a historic handover ceremony in Italy.

Cunard took ownership of their stunning 3,000-guest ship during a traditional handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice – where master shipbuilders have been constructing the luxurious vessel.

The event was attended by Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and Italian Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard; Paul Ludlow, President of Carnival UK; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division; and Marco Lunardi, Fincantieri Shipyard Director, were also present.

Queen Anne, the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag – and the third built by Fincantieri – will now set sail for Southampton ahead of her seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon on May 3.

As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, Queen Anne's design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftsmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 114,000-ton ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travelers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

Cunard has previously announced a series of partnerships for Queen Anne, including Le Gavroche at Sea residencies hosted by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, wellness packages curated by Harper's Bazaar UK's beauty experts, and exclusive British Film Institute screenings in The Pavilion.

She will also boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal, and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "We are so excited to welcome Queen Anne to our fleet as she completes a remarkable quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria – marking the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. We are now fully focused on readying her to welcome guests for her maiden voyage on May 3 before she embarks on a historic British Isles Festival Voyage, including a momentous Naming Ceremony in Cunard's spiritual home of Liverpool on June 3."

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, added: "We are very pleased and eager to deliver Queen Anne to Cunard, a pioneering figure in luxury sea travel, renowned for setting new standards in oceanic voyages for over 180 years. This beautiful and iconic ship testifies the longstanding partnership between our two companies, underscoring our shared commitment to excellence and tradition in the maritime industry. Queen Anne, as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, the other two ships we built for Cunard, proudly bear Fincantieri's signature, embodying our enduring expertise, reliability, and craftsmanship in shipbuilding. Constructing a liner for such a distinguished shipowner not only reconnects us to our origins but propels us towards the future with a determination to blend tradition and innovation. Fincantieri thus confirms its leadership in the cruise shipbuilding sector, a fundamental pillar of the company's business project, as both the Group's Business Plan and the vitality of the post-pandemic cruise sector clearly show."

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

British Airways Revives Flights To Tel Aviv Celebrating Heritage With New Uniforms

British Airways' rich heritage and new staff uniforms mark a milestone. The return of flights to Tel Aviv brings hope for reduced ticket prices.

In the first week of October, we visited London to find out more about British Airways’ heritage and to understand its current philosophy as the company launched its new staff uniforms.

A few days later, the terrible events of October 7 unfolded. April 1 marked the long-awaited return of British Airways. (As of Thursday, the airline had not stopped flights following last week’s Iranian attack.)

As each airline comes back to Israel, market competitiveness increases and hopefully ticket prices reduce. During the last three months of 2023, with limited options for flyers, prices to Europe and North America soared. The return of British Airways offers another route to London and it reopens a gateway between Tel Aviv and 26 US cities.

There are some changes to the service for the time being as international airline crews are not staying overnight in Israel. The flight from Tel Aviv to London is a direct flight but the London to Tel Aviv journey stops in Larnaca, Cyprus, for a crew change. The flights have also been changed to short-haul status with narrow-bodied jets.British Airways has a rich history dating back close to a century.

Its first flight to then-Palestine, under the company’s original name, Imperial Airways, was more than 90 years ago. These and other landmarks are celebrated in the British Airways Heritage Collection, housed at the Speedbird Centre in its headquarters.

If you have time between flights, it is well worth traveling five minutes from Heathrow Terminal 5 to BA’s Waterside HQ in Harmondsworth. Dozens of model aircraft stand proudly alongside uniforms worn by cabin crew down the years, surrounded by artwork and cabin replicas that tell the story of this British institution. Museum curator and BA historian Jim Davies has worked with the company for 57 years and can provide some wonderful insights.

The crisp, elegant dark blue uniforms with red and white touches were all the talk of cabin crew at British Airways. It’s the first uniform remodeling in 19 years. The blouse, made from recycled materials, ultra-modern jumpsuits, and sharp overcoats were designed by Savile Row tailor Ozwald Boateng and are part of BA’s drive to be a “British original.”

The concept is very apparent when the superbly produced safety video hits the 17-inch, hi-resolution screens in the Club Suite, the newly revamped Club World cabins available on at least 10 routes departing from Heathrow. A cross-section of staff members joins forces with well-known UK personalities, reflecting multicultural 2023 Britain to take passengers through the emergency exits, oxygen mask, and brace position while sharing all that Britain has to offer.

“We recognize there is a new and modern world and how people travel and how people consume, and spend their money and their time and where they work from have changed massively,” says BA chief customer officer Calum Laming. “The British original platform allows us to be BA, allows our colleagues to be themselves. It’s about growing and developing, proudly flying that flag but also proud of where we’ve come from.”

There’s more Britishness on board, of course. If you fly Club World (British Airways parlance for business class), at the right time of day, you can coif English sparkling wine alongside scones and strawberry jam.

A typical Club World menu includes a salad, choice of three starters such as smoky eggplant (read aubergine on the British menu) and chickpeas, mains including grilled cod, lamb or mozzarella mezzaluna and a cheese plate, apricot soufflé or banana chocolate mousse to round things off. The drinks menu is extensive: from Earl Grey via a fine Yealands Pinot Noir to cocktails, mocktails and an excellent six-grapes Port.

The entertainment system brings the best in TV and movies from around the world, audio, and games in an extremely easy-to-use phone-like format. The selection is comprehensive and helpfully categorized.

The business lounges are of the quality one would expect – plenty of food, drink, comfort, and connectivity but if you are traveling onwards on first class, then a stop in the Concorde Room is a must. Three-course à la carte delicious meals await, accompanied by fine, aged wines.

The décor is exceptional, with fabric sofas you would love to have at home. There are private booths for diners and those who want to work in peace. There are 270-degree views of the airport from the lounge’s balcony, and tucked away in a corner is the nose cone from an original Concorde.

But beyond the excellent pre- and on-board service, it’s the crew that stands out. A warm welcome and courteous throughout, the flight attendants offer that unique brand of British humor, leaving you feeling in good hands as if with an old friend.

Some Tel Aviv flights include Hebrew-speaking staff like Shane, who has been with the company for five years and sees his future with British Airways.

Chief customer officer Laming knows the Tel Aviv-London route is highly competitive with Israeli and British carriers battling for market share, and low-cost aircraft providing an attractive alternative for many.

He is relying on the 20,000 employees in his charge to deliver the very best: “The experience is the product,” he says. “It’s the seats and the entertainment and the food we serve on board but it’s all about our people. I am so convinced that British Airways has this unique set of brilliant individuals who really bring the experience to life.”

By MARK GORDON, DAVID ZEV HARRIS, https://www.jpost.com/

The Biden Administration Recruits 15 States To Help Enforce Airline Consumer Laws

The Biden administration is enlisting the help of officials in 15 states to enforce consumer-protection laws covering airline travelers, a power that by law is limited to the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said Tuesday that the states, which include California, New York and Illinois, will help ensure that government enforcement activities keep up with a current boom in air travel.

Under an agreement announced by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, state attorney general offices will be able to investigate complaints about airline service. If they believe an airline violated the law or is refusing to cooperate with investigators, the states could refer cases to the Transportation Department for enforcement.

In return, the Transportation Department, or DOT, will give the states access to its consumer-complaint system and train state employees about federal consumer laws covering airlines.

“This is a partnership that will greatly improve DOT’s capacity to hold airlines accountable and to protect passengers,” Buttigieg told reporters.

Buttigieg pointed to travelers whose flights are canceled and then must wait days for another flight or pay more to fly home on another airline. “Things like that are a violation of passenger rights, and we are seeing far too many cases of that,” he said.

Other states whose officials signed the “memorandum of understanding” with the Transportation Department are: Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, plus the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Buttigieg, a Democrat, repeatedly cast the agreement as bipartisan, but only two of the state officials who signed on are Republicans. Buttigieg indicated his department hopes to recruit more states.

Under U.S. law, the federal government alone regulates consumer-protection laws covering airlines. The carriers are not legally required to respond to state investigations.

Consumer advocates have pushed to expand enforcement power to the states. However, both the full House and a key Senate committee declined to include that proposal in pending legislation that covers the Federal Aviation Administration, part of the Transportation Department.

“During the pandemic, we actually got more complaints about airline traffic than any other topic, and it was frustrating” because the state had no authority to investigate the complaints, Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser said.

Weiser argued that Congress should give states power to enforce airline consumer-protection laws, “but I have to say, we didn’t wait for Congress to act.”

Consumer groups praised the agreement while saying they would rather see Congress write into law the power of states to regulate consumer-protection rules.

“This is the next best thing,” said William McGee, an aviation expert at the American Economic Liberties Project, which opposes industry consolidation. “We don’t look at this as a threat to DOT’s authority. We look at it as the states assisting DOT, which doesn’t have the staffing to handle all the complaints they get.”

Airlines for America, a trade group representing the largest U.S. carriers, said it works with state and national groups “to constantly improve the customer experience for all passengers. We appreciate the role of state attorneys general and their work on behalf of consumers, and we look forward to continue working with them.”

BY DAVID KOENIG

Hunt Country Stable Tour Returns For 65th Year Providing A Rare Look At Equine Life In Virginia Horse Country

After a brief hiatus, the popular Hunt Country Stable Tour returns this year for its 65th anniversary, taking visitors through the gates of historic and private properties to experience a variety of horses and equestrian activities. The event takes place on Memorial Day Weekend— Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special hours at some venues. The tour is self-driving and tickets are available online here. The cost is $40 per person (plus taxes and fees) and tickets are for both days of the tour. There is no charge for children 10 and under.

Highlights of the tour include a chance to go behind the scenes at Kinross and Poplar Grange Farms, two private equine estates with an array of horses in training. At Kinross, horses are trained for three-day eventing and fox hunting, while Poplar Grange trains jumpers and steeplechase horses. Both properties provide incredible facilities and spectacular views of the rolling hills of horse country.

At Oak Spring Farm, established by the late Paul and Bunny Mellon, visitors can explore the renowned hunter and jumper barns. The Mellons, notable figures in the equestrian world, bred internationally acclaimed horses including Sea Hero, winner of the Kentucky Derby. Notable visitors to the Mellons' stables included Jacqueline Kennedy, who enjoyed foxhunting with the famed Piedmont Fox Hounds.

The Piedmont Fox Hounds are the oldest hunt in the United States and will be at Trinity Church in Upperville (9108 John S. Mosby Hwy., Upperville) on Saturday at 9 a.m. It's an opportunity for all ages to watch the huntsman demonstrate working with his hounds using a horn and voice commands and mingle with the hounds.

The venue at Old Denton provides a unique experience to gain a newfound appreciation for mules as visitors will see firsthand their abilities across diverse disciplines such as dressage, western reining, and foxhunting. A carriage drive will also be part of this stop.

Additional demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend at various times and locations. Polo matches will be held both days at Phipps Field. The Middleburg Training Center will open Saturday morning only from 7 to 9 a.m. for visitors who wish to watch jockeys and trainers exercise Thoroughbred race horses.

The tour also includes Stoke Farm and Welbourne Inn, historic estates dating back to the 1800s. Welbourne will host historical reenactors who will recount some of the property’s history, which includes famous guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald to Thomas Wolfe and others. Visitors to Stoke will be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling hills, verdant valleys, and distant mountain ranges while being enamored by the Ashland Bassets, Virginia’s oldest foot hunting pack, with the opportunity to get up close and personal.

Horse lovers can visit mares and foals at Virginia Tech’s Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE), a 420-acre equine health and nutrition research facility. Salamander Resort will open its stables to showcase horses and students from local therapeutic riding programs, allowing attendees to engage with these special horses and volunteers. Learn more of the heritage of country pursuits with a tour of rare book and art collection at The National Sporting Library & Museum.

Proceeds from the tour benefit Trinity Ministries, providing financial support to organizations that enhance and enrich the lives of people in need.

For more information on the Hunt Country Stable Tour and its exciting line up of properties and experiences, visit https://trinityupperville.org/hunt-country-stable-tour.

United Arab Emirates Struggles To Recover After Heaviest Recorded Rainfall Ever Its Desert Nation

The United Arab Emirates tried to wring itself out Thursday after the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation, with its main airport allowing more flights even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and communities.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, allowed global carriers on Thursday morning to again fly into Terminal 1 at the airfield. And long-haul carrier Emirates, crucial to East-West travel, began allowing local passengers to arrive at Terminal 3, their base of operations.

However, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said in an interview with The Associated Press that the airfield needed at least another 24 hours to resume operations close to its usual schedule. Meanwhile, one desert community in Dubai saw floodwaters continue to rise Thursday to as much as 1 meter (3 feet) as civil defense officials struggled to pump out the water.

“We were looking at the radar thinking, ‘Goodness, if this hits, then it’s going to be cataclysmic,’” Griffiths said of the storm. “And indeed it was.”

The airport ended up needing 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to get water off its grounds. Griffiths acknowledged that taxiways flooded during the rains, though the airport’s runways remained free of water to safely operate. Online videos of a FlyDubai flight landing with its reverse thrust spraying out water caught the world’s attention.

“It looks dramatic, but it actually isn’t that dramatic,” Griffiths said.

Emirates, whose operations had been struggling since the storm Tuesday, had stopped travelers flying out of the UAE from checking into their flights as they tried to move out connecting passengers. Pilots and flight crews also had a hard time reaching the airport given the water on roadways.

But on Thursday, Emirates lifted that order to allow customers into the airport. That saw some 2,000 people come into Terminal 3, again sparking long lines, Griffiths said.

Others who arrived at the airport described hourslong waits to get their baggage, with some just giving up to head home or to whatever hotel would have them.

The UAE, a hereditarily ruled, autocratic nation on the Arabian Peninsula, typically sees little rainfall in its arid desert climate. However, a massive storm forecasters had been warning about for days blew through the country’s seven sheikhdoms.

By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) of rain at Dubai International Airport. Other areas of the country saw even more precipitation.

Meanwhile, intense floods also have struck neighboring Oman in recent days. Authorities on Thursday raised the death toll from those storms to at least 21 killed.

The UAE’s drainage systems quickly became overwhelmed Tuesday, flooding out neighborhoods, business districts and even portions of the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road highway running through Dubai.

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.”

In a message to the nation late Wednesday, Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, said authorities would “quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused.”

On Thursday, people waded through oil-slicked floodwater to reach cars earlier abandoned, checking to see if their engines still ran. Tanker trucks with vacuums began reaching some areas outside of Dubai’s downtown core for the first time as well. Schools remain closed until next week.

Authorities have offered no overall damage or injury information from the floods, which killed at least one person.

However, at least one community saw the effects of the rainfall only get worse Thursday. Mudon, a development by the state-owned Dubai Properties, saw flooding in one neighborhood reach as much as 1 meter. Civil defense workers tried to pump the water out, but it was a struggle as people waded through the floodwater.

Residents of Mudon, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity given the UAE’s strict laws governing speech, described putting together the equivalent of nearly $2,000 to get a tanker to the community Wednesday. They alleged the developers did nothing to help prior to that, even as they called and emailed. They also said a nearby sewage processing facility failed, bringing more water into their homes.

“A lot of people were in denial of how bad it was,” one homeowner said as civil defense officials waded through the water, bringing bottled water on a raft.

Dubai Holding, a state-owned company that has Dubai Properties as an arm, did not respond to questions. It’s part of a wider nexus that U.S. diplomats have called “Dubai Inc.” — all properties overseen by the city-state’s ruling family.

The flooding sparked speculation that the UAE’s aggressive campaign of cloud seeding — flying small planes through clouds dispersing chemicals aimed at getting rain to fall — may have contributed to the deluge. But experts said the storm systems that produced the rain were forecast well in advance and that cloud seeding alone would not have caused such flooding

Scientists also say climate change is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires around the world. Dubai hosted the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks just last year.

Abu Dhabi’s state-linked newspaper The National in an editorial Thursday described the heavy rains as a warning to countries in the wider Persian Gulf region to “climate-proof their futures.”

“The scale of this task is more daunting than it appears even at first glance, because such changes involve changing the urban environment of a region that for as long as it has been inhabited, has experienced little but heat and sand,” the newspaper said

BY JON GAMBRELL

Lufthansa Business Class Debuts New Culinary Highlights

Board, take off, relax, and enjoy: Lufthansa is continually enhancing its in-flight product to provide a pleasant journey for passengers in all classes. In Business Class, on long-haul flights, new culinary offerings are now available, along with a variety of enhancements that have been, and will be, introduced.

Heiko Reitz, Chief Commercial Officer Lufthansa Airlines, explained: “The entire Lufthansa team is proud to present our new Business Class experience. Our culinary offerings highlight the celebration of German bread culture and the collaboration with traditional brands, such as Ziegler, for the new Lufthansa Aperitif Avionic, underline the timeless elegance of our brand. The other new products that we will soon be introducing in various travel classes are further steps towards our goal of creating a whole new level of excitement for our guests.”

Bread is one of the Germans' favorite foods. There are more than 3,000 different types of bread in Germany and bread culture has been part of the German UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage for ten years. Lufthansa Business Class guests on long-haul flights from Germany can now enjoy bread developed exclusively for Lufthansa by baker-sommelier and World Baker of the Year 2022 Axel Schmitt. The handmade breads, which are only available on board Lufthansa flights from Germany, are baked fresh daily from natural ingredients and do not contain any additives. The Bread is served with homemade butter and high-quality olive oil as an appetizer. For each new quarter, there will be a different type of bread specially created for Lufthansa.

Lufthansa Business Class guests can also look forward to further innovations in the in-flight service on long-haul routes. For example, soon Lufthansa will debut a new signature drink - the Avionic Apéritif. With this, Business Class travelers will have a more varied choice for their welcome drink, with choices ranging from water, sparkling wine or the Avionic Apéritif. All options are served with nuts before take-off. The Avionic Apéritif is a special creation by the Ziegler distillery, developed with Sven Riebel, the Frankfurt bar icon and recently awarded "Host of the Year" by Mixology – Magazin für Barkultur. The drink has a base of peach notes and wild meadow herbs and is mixed on ice with tonic.

Moreover, for the first time ever, Business Class guests will be served a vegetarian amuse-bouche, from antipasti to sushi, as a prelude to the first course. Fresh fruit will also be added to the dessert menu. Additionally, there is a new modular snack offer for those with a smaller appetite, and in between the main services, which varies depending on the length of the route and time of day. This includes snacks, fresh fruit and, on longer flights, fresh salty and sweet treats such as tomato and mozzarella skewers or wraps with pastrami. Beginning in June every passenger will be given a small box of Lindt chocolates in an exclusive Lufthansa design as a farewell gift. Lufthansa Business Class guests will thus be offered an all-around, memorable service, from the welcome moment to the farewell gesture.

Travelore News: US Consumers Sue To Stop Alaska Air, Hawaiian Airlines Merger

Alaska Air opens new tab has been hit with a U.S. consumer lawsuit alleging that the carrier’s proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of rival Hawaiian Airlines opens new tab will lead to higher prices, job layoffs and fewer flights.

The lawsuit was filed, opens new tab on Monday in federal court in Hawaii by eight airline passengers from Hawaii, California and other states. Some of the plaintiffs are former travel agents. The passengers said the Alaska Air deal, announced last year, will unlawfully harm air travel competition in violation of U.S. antitrust law.

“The current trend toward concentration, the lessening of competition and the tendency to create a monopoly in the airlines industry is unmatched, unparalleled, and dangerous,” the lawsuit said.

Alaska Air in a statement called the lawsuit "a normal occurrence in public company mergers" but declined to comment further on the case.

Hawaiian Airlines, which is not a defendant, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Attorney Joseph Alioto, representing the plaintiffs, on Tuesday said the airlines' deal would amount to a “shutdown of competition.” He said “every one of these mega-mergers is a blow to the free enterprise system.”

The lawsuit appears to be the first filed over the proposed deal.

In announcing the Hawaiian acquisition, Alaska Air said the combined company “will unlock more destinations for consumers and expand choice of critical air service options and access throughout the Pacific region.”

The deal is under antitrust review by the U.S. Justice Department. The airlines said in March that they “have been working cooperatively with the DOJ and expect to continue to do so.”

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on Tuesday.

The Biden-era Justice Department successfully sued to block JetBlue Airways’ $3.8 billion agreement with Spirit Airlines. After a judge blocked the deal, the airlines last month called off the merger.

In another case, American Airlines has asked a U.S. appeals court to reverse a Boston federal judge's decision that its now-scrapped U.S. Northeast partnership with JetBlue was anticompetitive. American Airlines said the ruling threatens other collaborations.

The case is Warren Yoshimoto et al v. Alaska Airlines and Alaska Air Group, U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, No. 1:24-cv-00173.

https://www.reuters.com/authors/mike-scarcella/

Global Wine Tourism Organization Names Viña Santa Rita as the "Best Responsible Wine Tourism Experience" In The World

Best Responsible Wine Tourism one of Chile's most reputable wineries, was recognized as the "Best Responsible Wine Tourism Experience" in the world by the The Global Wine Tourism Organization (GWTO). This outstanding award was granted in recognition of Viña Santa Rita's outstanding application of best practices in competitiveness (competing through collaboration), ethics, accessibility and health prevention during the 1st Global Summit on Responsible Wine Tourism held in Uruguay. The event was attended by representatives from 14 countries and over 300 experts in the field who shared successful case studies from the academic, business, and government sectors, with the aim of recognizing and promoting responsible practices that contribute to environmental conservation, preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and support for local communities.

In addition to Viña Santa Rita, The Global Wine Tourism Organization also distinguished the Montevideo City Hall as National Destination, and Mendoza (Argentina) as International Destination.

The GWTO President, José Antonio Vidal, emphasized the importance of responsible wine tourism as a key factor in generating a positive impact on visited destinations, thus ensuring their enjoyment and benefit for future generations. He added that responsible wine tourism involves making conscious decisions before, during, and after the trip, requiring a collective effort from travelers, local communities, governments, and the tourism industry, supporting responsible wineries and tour operators.

Elena Carretero, Viña Santa Rita's Director of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability, and Tourism, highlighted the importance of responsible wine tourism as a driving force to promote heritage preservation, encourage community participation, educate and raise awareness, as well as to stimulate local development and territorial valorization. "With all these elements, we will contribute to a more balanced and sustainable development of wine regions," says Carretero.

This recognition adds to other previous achievements of Viña Santa Rita, such as the award received last year by the distinguished British wine-focused publication, The Drinks Business, which honored Viña Santa Rita as the "Best Contribution to Wine Tourism." Likewise, in 2022, the winery was awarded "Best Wine Tourism Experience in Chile" at the Chile Wine Tourism Awards 2022, highlighting its exceptional positive impact in the territories where it operates.

About Santa Rita

Founded in 1880 in Alto Jahuel, in the Maipo Valley, Viña Santa Rita is a prominent Chilean winery with a rich 140-year history. It has developed a robust trade spanning over 60 countries across five continents, with special relevance in markets like Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, South Korea, Denmark, the United States, England, Ireland, Japan, and Mexico. With vineyards in Chile's major wine-producing valleys and an annual production exceeding 80 million liters, it produces its wines in historic cellars in Alto Jahuel. This site also houses the founder's mansion, Domingo Fernández Concha, today transformed into the Casa Real Hotel. There you also find the chapel, a 40-hectare centennial park, and Casona Doña Paula Jaraquemada, which now hosts Doña Paula restaurant.

Declared a Historical Monument in 1972, this historical and cultural heritage attracts over 140,000 visitors annually and has been awarded the "Best Wine Tourism Experience in Chile" at the 2022 Wine Tourism Chile Awards. Viña Santa Rita is also distinguished by its robust Sustainability Program, encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects, aiming to lead sustainable development in winemaking, appealing to consumers worldwide through the experience, innovation, and quality of its brands.

Travelore Tips For Snowbirds Returning To Canada

The Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Snowbird Association are encouraging Canadians who have spent the winter abroad to plan ahead for a smooth return to Canada this spring.

These are the top travel tips to know before arriving at the border:

Have your travel documents handy. Whether travelling by land, air or water, you can help speed up processing times by coming prepared with your travel documents.

Driving home? Plan ahead and check border wait times. You can avoid waiting in line by planning your drive to cross the border during non-peak hours such as early morning.

Flying home? Save time with Advance Declaration. Download the application on your smart phone to make your customs declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton international airports. Data shows that using this tool can reduce time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50%.

Be prepared to declare your goods upon entry into Canada. Gather your receipts for goods purchased or received while away before you travel and keep them readily available. Visit I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada and use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help calculate your monies owed. You should be aware of everything that is inside your vehicle as you are responsible for its contents.

Know your exemptions from duties and taxes. If you have been outside of Canada seven days or more, you can import goods worth up to CAN$800, duty-and tax-free. Within this personal exemption, you are allowed to bring back duty and tax free:

Two bottles of wine (1.5 litres total), or one large standard bottle of liquor (1.14 litres), or approximately 24 cans or bottles (355 ml each) of beer (8.5 litres total); and, 200 cigarettes, and 50 cigars, and 200 grams manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks. The packages must be stamped "duty paid," as you would find them at a duty-free store.

Travelling with medication? If you have a prescription for a narcotic or controlled drug, you must declare it and ensure its in properly labelled container. Learn more about your responsibilities.

Travelling with firearms? If you are travelling with a firearm be sure to check the rules on importing firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods before your departure. Better yet, consider leaving the firearm at home.
Importing a vehicle? If you are a resident of Canada you can temporarily import a vehicle that is licensed and registered in the United States, however, the duty and tax implications, the length of time the vehicle can remain in Canada, and how the vehicle can be used in Canada may differ. If you are permanently importing a vehicle from the U.S. or Mexico, visit Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles website prior to arriving at the border for details about vehicle eligibility and the overall process, including the necessary duties and taxes.

Bringing poultry across the border? Any poultry products you wish to bring into Canada must be for human consumption, retail packaged and labelled as a "Product of the USA." Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada. Check the latest Information for travellers: Restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States before bringing these products across the border.

Travelling with a pet or importing an animal into Canada? You will need the right paperwork at the border to meet Canada's import requirements.

Not sure? Ask a border officer. The best thing you can do to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. Be sure to follow all instructions they provide to you. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. Our officers are here to help!

Quick facts

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) supports national security and public safety priorities by facilitating the free flow of persons and goods, including animals and plants. The Canadian Snowbird Association is a not-for-profit advocacy organization for travelling Canadians, representing more than 115,000 members.

For more travel tips for Canadian snowbirds, visit the Canadian Snowbird Association website at: https://www.snowbirds.org/

Brazil Again Extends Visa Exemptions For US, Canada And Australia, This Time Until 2025

Brazil’s government extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada until April 2025, extending a program aimed at boosting tourism that had been scheduled to end Wednesday.

The decision, issued by Brazilian presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Relations late Tuesday, marks the third time Brazil has delayed the visa requirement since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office in 2023.

His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, exempted the countries from visas as a means to boost tourism — although all three countries continued to demand visas from Brazilians.

That went against the South American country’s tradition of requiring visas from travelers based on the principle of reciprocity and equal treatment, and prompted Lula’s Foreign Ministry to say it would scrap the exemptions.

“Brazil does not grant unilateral exemption from visiting visas, without reciprocity, to other countries,” the ministry said at the time, while noting that the government stood ready to negotiate visa waiver agreements on a reciprocal basis. It did reach a deal with Japan to ease travel provisions.

The decision to maintain exemptions for the three countries is important for boosting tourism in Brazil, notably from the U.S., Brazil’s official tourism board Embratur said in a statement Tuesday.

Official data shows that nearly 670,000 Americans visited Brazil in 2023, making the U.S. the second largest country of origin after neighboring Argentina.

The government initially postponed the reinstatement of the visa requirement in October, then again in January. At the time, the government said it was still finalizing a new visa system and wanted to avoid implementing it close to the high season, mainly during the New Year’s celebrations and Carnival festivities in February, which attract tens of thousands of tourists.

BY GABRIELA SÁ PESSOA, AP.

Travelore News: Lufthansa Agrees Pay Rise With Flight Attendants After strike

Lufthansa opens new tab and the flight attendants' union UFO have agreed a pay rise for the German airline's 19,000 cabin staff, the union said on Thursday, ending the threat of strikes after wage disputes in the industry had upended travel for thousands.

Employees will receive a 16.5% total pay rise in three stages, retroactively from Jan. 1, as well as an inflation compensation bonus of 3,000 euros ($3,220.50) and an increase in other allowances. The agreement runs until the end of 2026.

Lufthansa also recently reached wage agreements with trade union Verdi for its ground staff, with no further industrial action expected.

The cabin crew union members held a strike earlier this month to press their demands for higher pay, affecting tens of thousands of passengers, according to Lufthansa.

Two collective bargaining rounds for cabin crew at Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines and its regional Cityline airline are still ongoing in Germany, but according to UFO, the two sides are moving towards an agreement.

Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, Editing by Rachel More, Reuters.

Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures Unveils First Permanent Exhibit ‘Hollywoodland’ Dedicated To Jewish History In The Industry, On View Beginning May 19, 2024.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has officially announced its first permanent exhibit, one dedicated to the Jewish history of the film industry.

The museum presents “Hollywoodland: Jewish Founders and the Making of a Movie Capital,” which will be on view beginning May 19, 2024. Presented in English and Spanish, the exhibit tells the origin story of filmmaking in early 20th-century Los Angeles, spotlighting the impact of the predominately Jewish filmmakers whose establishment of the American film studio system transformed Los Angeles into a global epicenter of cinema.

“The American film industry began developing amid an influx of immigration to the United States by Jewish émigrés escaping European pogroms and poverty,” curator Dara Jaffe said in a press statement. “Most of Hollywood’s founders were among this wave of Jewish immigrants and recognized that the infant movie business presented an opportunity to raise their marginalized status in an industry that didn’t enforce the same antisemitic barriers as many other professions. ‘Hollywoodland’ also posits the question: how and why did Los Angeles bloom into a world-renowned cinema capital? The goal of our exhibition is to show the inextricable dovetailing of these histories.”

“Hollywoodland” is curated by museum associate curator Jaffe with support from Gary Dauphin, former associate curator of digital presentations, and Josue L. Lopez, research assistant. Author and film critic Neal Gabler is an advisor for the exhibition.

“We are so proud to bring this foundational story of American filmmaking to the museum as a permanent exhibition,” Academy Museum director and president Jacqueline Stewart said. “The stories told in ‘Hollywoodland’ bring the intertwined histories of Los Angeles and the Hollywood studio system to life and resonate with stories of immigrants from around the world.”

The exhibit also includes two special events on May 19, with a book signing with Neal Gabler of “An Empire of their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood” followed by a curator conversation between Gabler and Jaffe, moderated by Stewart.

The immersive exhibit will be located in the museum’s LAIKA Gallery and organized into three distinct parts: Studio Origins, an exploration of the founding of Hollywood’s original eight “major” film studios (often referred to as “the majors”) and their respective studio heads; Los Angeles: From Film Frontier to Industry Town, 1902–1929, an immersive projection experience where visitors trace the evolving landscape of Los Angeles alongside the advancement of the movie industry; and “From the Shtetl to the Studio: The Jewish Story of Hollywood,” a short form documentary, narrated by TCM host and author Ben Mankiewicz, that illustrates the experiences of the Jewish immigrants and first-generation Jewish Americans who were primarily responsible for building the Hollywood studio system.

The Academy Museum previously faced backlash in 2022 for its alleged lack of inclusion of Black and Jewish voices. Museum director Bill Kramer announced two programs at the time aimed for more museum inclusion, including “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971” and “Hollywoodland,” which is now opening after two years despite initially having a Spring 2023 slated debut.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Blavatnik Family Foundation, Margo and Irwin Winkler, A. Scott Berg and Kevin McCormick, Jeffrey Berg and Denny Luria, the Jules Brenner Trust, Bronni Stein Connolly, Dorchester Collection, William Fox, Jr. Foundation, Adam and Abbe Aron, the Ronald L. Blanc Family, Barbara Roisman Cooper and Martin M. Cooper, the Mark Gordon Family, Hawk and Molly Koch and Family, Peter, Melissa, and Emma Koss, Gail and Warren Lieberfarb in Memory of Ted Ashley, and Elaine Mae Woo. Additional support provided by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture and David Berg Foundation. Academy Museum Digital Engagement Platform sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Source: https://www.indiewire.com/author/samantha-bergeson/

Miami Beach Welcomes All Visitors to Celebrate Pride With New Experiences

As one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the world, Miami Beach is set to welcome all travelers to celebrate Miami Beach Pride. This year, visitors will be treated to a variety of activities and experiences, all in honor of Miami Beach Pride's 16th year on Miami Beach, a testament to the support of the LGBTQ+ community from the city and surrounding areas. From rooftop cinema screenings to the signature Sunday Parade with Grand Marshal and Headliner Billy Porter, Grand Marshal Lisa Rinna and Anchor Max Fenning, Miami Beach is prepared to share the love and celebrate the remarkable journey of Miami Beach and its reputation as a destination that embraces the LGBTQ+ community and equality.

"Miami Beach Pride has a storied history on Miami Beach and we are ready to welcome the community with open arms to mark the 16th anniversary of this positive, inclusive and celebratory weekend," says Peggy Benua, Chairwoman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "Our support of the LBGT+ community is a year-round effort with dedicated programming, offers and experiences hand-crafted to cater to traveler needs.

To mark the occasion, a variety of activities and special events are planned in the month leading up to the Miami Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, April 14, including a Social Justice, Health and Wellness Evening at O Cinema South Beach on April 10, the VIP Beach Affair on April 12 at Lummus Park and two days of Festival Celebrations for the community to connect and enjoy star-studded performances. A full list of Miami Beach Pride programming can be found at www.miamibeachpride.com

Biden And Kishida Likely To Discuss Texas Bullet Train Project

President Joe Biden is seeking to revive interest in a plan to build the first high-speed rail in the U. S. using Japanese bullet trains, with sources saying he is likely to discuss the project with Japan's prime minister in Washington this week.

The leaders may publicly voice support for the multi-billion-dollar Texas project after Wednesday's talks, which have been partly overshadowed by U.S. opposition to another Japanese investment, Nippon Steel's planned purchase of U.S. Steel.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit to Washington, the first by a Japanese leader in nine years, aims to showcase closer security and economic ties between the allies.

The project linking Dallas and Houston will be on the agenda for the talks, said three sources familiar with summit preparations, who sought anonymity as they were not allowed to speak to the media.

It is likely to be mentioned in joint statements following the talks, two of the sources said.

However, a senior Biden administration official said the project did not appear to have matured to the point where the leaders would announce progress publicly.

All the sources cautioned that the details of the final agreements could change before the visit.<>br />
Japan's foreign ministry declined to comment, saying the governments were still coordinating joint statements from the talks. The White House declined to comment.

Support from the leaders could unlock new cash from the Federal Railroad Administration and other Department of Transportation funds.

But the project, estimated to cost between $25 billion and $30 billion, still faces potential hurdles in Texas and the U.S. Congress.

Biden's Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has voiced support for the plan.

"We believe in this," he said in an interview with NBC 5 on Sunday. "Obviously it has to turn into a more specific design and vision but everything I've seen makes me very excited."

With its vast distances between major cities, huge commuter population, and dearth of public transport the United States has attracted multiple high-speed rail proposals.

But none have ever been built, blocked by political wrangling, land ownership riddles and skyrocketing costs.

A train linking Houston and Dallas, the U.S.'s fourth and fifth biggest metropolitan areas by population, has been discussed since the 1980s. Previous efforts were stymied by the objections of private landowners along its route.

Biden and Kishida's support, say the project's advocates, will help attract money from private investors for a "shovel ready" plan.

The 240-mile (380-km)-long rail link, which will be built and operated by Texas Central Partners and Amtrak, is expected to cut travel times between the cities to about 90 minutes, from 3-1/2 hours by car.

Japanese state lenders, including the Japan Bank for International Corporation, have provided loans to help develop the project, which is procuring shinkansen bullet train technology from Central Japan Railways Company.

Progress with the project would be a win for the Biden administration, which has pushed climate-friendly policies and rail investment.

But it is likely to draw criticism, particularly from hardline Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives who have opposed using public funds for rail projects in the past, and oppose using them now to rebuild Baltimore' Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was destroyed by a cargo ship last month.

Plans for a possible nod of support from leaders follow Biden's opposition to Nippon Steel's plan to buy U.S. Steel Corp, saying it must remain in U.S. hands.

Biden, who signed a $1-trillion infrastructure bill in 2021 that includes $66 billion for rail projects, will face Donald Trump in November's presidential election rematch.

Reporting by Tim Kelly in Tokyo, Trevor Hunnicutt, Andrea Shalal and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Brad Brooks in Longmont, Colorado; Editing by Heather Timmons, John Geddie and Clarence Fernandez. With voters rating the economy at the top of their concerns, Democratic president Biden has pushed government-backed building projects that his aides argue could create jobs and relieve inflation pressures.

Holland America Line Becomes First Global Cruise Line To Receive International Seafood Certifications

Holland America Line is elevating its award-winning dining experience by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications. The two organizations serve as the most credible standards worldwide for certified seafood.

The distinguished certifications take Holland America Line's Global Fresh Fish Program to the next level, underscoring the brand's commitment to serving guests the highest-quality seafood that is sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed according to the strictest global standards.

"Our guests care about the quality and sustainability of the fresh fish we serve, and so do we," said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. "These certifications build on our commitment of bringing regionally inspired fresh seafood dishes from port to plate in 48 hours. We're proud to partner with two organizations that share our dedication to protecting the vitality of the oceans we sail."

Marine Stewardship Council | Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Marine Stewardship Council's focus is on sustainable wild-caught seafood, while Aquaculture Stewardship Council works with responsibly farmed seafood, with both organizations seeking to minimize environmental impacts. Aligning with both ecolabels signifies Holland America Line's commitment to programs that recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices, protect the ocean environment, and transform the seafood market toward greater sustainability.

"As the first global cruise line to successfully complete the Marine Stewardship Council's rigorous Chain of Custody audit, Holland America Line is extending our important work around sustainable, ocean-friendly fishing to a new category," said Erika Feller, Americas Director, Marine Stewardship Council.

"Consumer interest in sustainable fish options is growing and, by achieving this commitment, Holland America Line is helping to support our goal of ensuring responsibly farmed seafood supplies for future generations," said Chris Ninnes, CEO, Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

Onboard Dining and Guest Experience

All 11 ships in the fleet are Chain of Custody certified to serve Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified and labeled seafood, with the full rollout starting across five Holland America Line ships in May 2024 at the beginning of Europe and Canada/New England season.

They include Volendam in the Canada/New England region, and Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Zuiderdam and Oosterdam in Europe. Holland America Line's six ships in Alaska serve 100% sustainable seafood under its Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood dishes in Holland America Line's Main Dining Room, as well as in Lido Market and onboard specialty restaurants. Certified seafood from nine regions worldwide will be incorporated into Holland America Line seafood offerings: Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

Onboard menus will indicate the type of certification with a symbol marked next to the dish using the Marine Stewardship Council blue fish, Aquaculture Stewardship Council sea green, and Responsible Fisheries Management logos. While not all seafood species aboard Holland America Line are currently certified, the cruise line is working toward 100% accreditation of species that are eligible to meet the organizations' standards.

Examples of seafood that will fall under the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification umbrella on Holland America Line cruises include: Asian Barramundi, Tasmania Atlantic Salmon, Canadian and New England Haddock, Hawaiian Swordfish, Mediterranean Sardine, Mexican Tuna, Northern European Dover Sole, and South American Chilean Seabass, to name a few.

Global Fresh Fish Program

The new certifications are the latest achievements for Holland America Line's Global Fresh Fish Program. The pioneering initiative engages a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish — from port to plate in less than 48 hours — in all restaurants on board. Guests can find fresh fish and ingredients native to various regions where the ships sail, yielding destination-inspired menus and local specialties that tell the story of each itinerary through cuisine.

Additionally, the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications fall on the heels of Holland America Line becoming the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood on board its six ships in Alaska through its Responsible Fisheries Management certification.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Swiss International Air Lines Begins New Service From Washington, DC To Zurich

Great news for those in the Washington DC area looking to travel to Switzerland, throughout Europe and beyond: This past week, SWISS launched daily flights to Washington DC from Zurich, and with this, continues to expand its route network throughout North America.

We are thrilled to launch this flight, linking these two great cities, and offering new travel opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. Our new route is not only an important addition to the SWISS intercontinental network, but another significant milestone in the bourgeoning Swiss – US relationship,” said Dieter Vranckx, SWISS CEO, on his US visit celebrating the launch of the new service. “Washington DC is more than just another city in our growing North American network, it is the capital of our most significant market with catchment area of customers from government, business, academia and leisure,” noted Vranckx.

The daily flight is one of three new intercontinental routes SWISS is launching this summer season, with Toronto, Canada and Seoul, South Korea slated in the coming months.

SWISS, the leading airline of Switzerland, operates one of the youngest fleets in Europe with 87 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. It has transformed Zurich Airport into one of the continent’s leading hubs. Currently serving 114 destinations from Switzerland, the airline carried some 16.5 million passengers in 2023 and is focused on continuing to offer customers in Switzerland and beyond a premium experience in all classes. As part of its investments for the future, SWISS has earmarked five billion Swiss Francs by 2027 encompassing new environmentally friendly aircraft, like the A350-900, entering service next year, as well as its Swiss Senses onboard long-haul product upgrade. The investments will also boost sustainability endeavors and new staff recruitment.

As a key component of the Lufthansa Group in North America, SWISS’s new DC routes make Dulles Airport one of the airline group’s leading North American gateways.

"This new SWISS route is a significant step for the Lufthansa Group in that finally all four of our network passenger airlines, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS, now serve the capital of the United States, making Washington Dulles only the second US gateway to offer customers flights to all five Lufthansa Group hubs,” said Dirk Janzen, Vice President Passenger Sales, The Americas, Lufthansa Group Airlines. “Outside of our home markets, North America is our most important region, and expanding our footprint in DC solidifies our presence across the US and Canada,” he added.

Lufthansa Group in DC and North America

The Lufthansa Group carriers fly from 31 North American gateways, offering 484 weekly frequencies. At Dulles Airport, the group operates 39 weekly frequencies. Further bolstering its presence locally, on May 31, Lufthansa will place its Airbus A380 aircraft on its Washington DC – Munich route, for the duration of the summer season.

Following the inaugural flight, Chryssa Westerlund, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said: "We extend a warm welcome to our 41st airline partner at Washington Dulles, Swiss International Air Lines. With the introduction of their new service to Zurich, Switzerland, travelers now have more options than ever to visit Europe and beyond. Washington Dulles offers nonstop service to 140 cities across the United States and around the world."

While SWISS is popular for its global network, as the airline of Switzerland it is eager to offer US travelers a new service straight to the country’s leading tourist destinations.

"In 2023, Switzerland saw a record increase of 23.4% (compared to the previous record, 2019) in overnights generated from the USA,” said Claudio Zemp, Switzerland Tourism Director, The Americas. “We see ever-increasing demand for Switzerland’s wonderful boutique towns, rustic alpine resorts, and scenic train journeys and we are extremely happy that SWISS provides additional airlift out of DC to our guests."

SWISS onboard experience

The SWISS A330-300 aircraft has a three-class configuration consisting of eight First Class armchair seats, 45 Business Class seats and 183 Economy Class seats.

In First Class, the seats can be turned into a lounge armchair, a table for two, or a bed with a mattress and privacy walls. Guests can adjust the integrated air cushions to suit their individual needs. Business Class seats offer a spacious workplace that converts into a roomy two-meter flat bed. Also, the seat’s integrated massage function will pamper guests while enroute and ensure that you arrive relaxed at your destination.

Culinary offerings while onboard

Since December 2002, SWISS has been taking First and Business Class travelers on its long-haul services from Switzerland on a journey of culinary discovery through its home country’s various regions. Every three months a new Michelin-starred and GaultMillau-point top chef is invited to create a varied selection of quality dishes from their ‘home’ canton, with a particular focus on regional and seasonal specialties.

Sustainability goals

SWISS has set the goal to redefine air travel for its customers, all while staying true to its ambitious sustainability goals for the future. The company plans to halve its 2019 net CO2 emissions by 2030 and make its business and operations entirely carbon-neutral by 2050, particularly by promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels. The coming A350 aircraft will cut CO2 emissions by some 25% compared to its predecessor A340. While SWISS has one of Europe’s most modern aircraft fleets already, the A350s will assist in continuing to offer a high level of customer satisfaction while further reducing the carbon footprint.

The New Service in Brief

Route Flight number Flight days Departure – Arrival (local times) Washington DC – Zurich LX 73 Daily 8:45pm-10:50am Zurich – Washington DC LX 72 Daily 12:55pm-4:15pm

Flights are now available at http://www.swiss.com.