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