Ovation's weekly client e-newsletter, the Informed Traveler, keeps readers updated on travel industry news and trends.
Following is a recap of June's top 5 (most clicked by Ovation clients) e-newsletter stories.
1. AMTRAK APPLIES FOR $7.3 BILLION IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR NORTHEAST CORRIDOR UPGRADES
Amtrak has announced that it has submitted applications for nearly $7.3 billion in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding for 14 proposed Northeast Corridor projects to modernize critical infrastructure, improve stations, and expand service. The funding would provide the resources necessary to begin construction on several major backlog projects along the Northeast Corridor. “In order for Amtrak to continue advancing a new era of passenger rail, we must make generational investments that require federal funding,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “Securing these grants would help reaffirm our commitment to improving and replacing critical railroad infrastructure, ensuring better service for years to come.” If accepted, the funding could also benefit several states including New York. New York Senator Chuck Schumer praised the move saying, “This funding would modernize and rehabilitate the East River Tunnel project for Long Islanders, fund Metro-North’s Penn Access project, replace the Pelham Bay Bridge, and address numerous projects needed to advance the Gateway program. I strongly support these projects which will keep New Yorkers moving, helping them live, work, and thrive.”
2. UK ANNOUNCES COST FOR NEW ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION
The UK government has announced that the cost for its upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will be £10 (~$12.50), reports Business Travel News. The ETA is a new requirement for travelers who do not need a visa to visit the UK. The UK government said the ETA system formed part of its digitization of the country's border to "further enhance border security and the customer experience." The ETA will first launch in October for travelers from Qatar, with plans to expand worldwide, which includes travelers from the US and EU, in early 2024. Travelers will apply for an ETA online or through a mobile app, and once granted it will allow the person to visit the UK multiple times over a two-year period. Applicants will have to provide personal and biometric details including a digital photograph and answer a "set of suitability questions." Upon completion of the application, travelers will then pay the £10 fee. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said the cost of the ETA "will be one of the best values in the world compared to similar international schemes. This small additional cost to visitors will enable us to bolster the security of the U.K. border and keep our communities safe." As a comparison, the cost of applying for a US ESTA is $21 and remains valid for two years. The EU will charge a fee of €7 (~$7.49) for ETIAS, which can be used for up to three years.
3. SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO OFFER COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI
Singapore Airlines has announced that beginning July 1, 2023, the airline will offer complimentary unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi access for passengers in all cabin classes, including Premium and Economy, reports Travel Pulse. While many other airlines offer complimentary access, Singapore is the first to offer it to all passengers and not just those who have purchased the most expensive fares or are aligned with certain mobile carriers. “In today’s increasingly hyper-connected world, high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the most important requirements for our customers,” said Singapore Airline’s senior vice president of customer experience, Yeoh Phee Teik. “Giving them access to free unlimited [Wi-Fi] is yet another milestone in [Singapore's] continuous effort to offer an exceptional end-to-end travel experience.” Wi-Fi access will be available fleetwide except onboard Singapore's seven Boeing 737-800 NG planes, which are not Wi-Fi enabled.
4. US ONLINE PASSPORT RENEWAL WILL AGAIN BE AVAILABLE LATER THIS YEAR
The US State Department has stated that they plan on reopening the online passport renewal program later this year, reports Travel Market Report. The online passport renewal portal (OPR) was first launched as a pilot in February 2022 for government employees and contractors, and then expanded to the public in August 2022. Since then, more than 565,000 passports have been renewed by the online system. The State Department closed the OPR in March, stating that, after the first few pilot programs, it would be making improvements to the system “to optimize the user experience for renewing passports online.” Once the department reopens the portal, about five million Americans will be able to renew their passports each year, which would represent two-thirds of all renewals and roughly 25% of all applications. “In time, OPR will save Americans time and effort, making it more convenient to renew their passports,” a spokesperson said.
5. UNITED PLANS TO DEPLOY AIR TAXIS IN SAN FRANCISCO BY 2026
United Airlines and Eve Air Mobility plan to bring air taxi commuter flights to the San Francisco Bay Area by 2026, reports Travel Weekly. The Bay Area is the third announced market for United's intended use of air taxis and the first with Eve. United, in partnership with Archer Aviation, previously announced in November 2022 that its first air taxi route would be between New York's Manhattan heliport and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), with service to begin in 2025. Earlier this year, United named Chicago for its second air taxi route with Archer, also expected to debut in 2025. The carrier has invested $15 million in Eve Air Mobility in a deal that included the conditional purchase of 200 four-seat electric aircraft plus 200 options. That investment followed United's $10 million deposit to Archer Aviation for 100 of that company's electric aircraft.
