This brand new week, we bring you our fresh new weekly Top Ten (10) digest for the most important things in Uganda’s Tourism, the world of Aviation and Travel that have trending especially in this COVID-19 Era. As always, we will be giving you highlights that make News rounds all through from start of the week. Below is our Weekly Newsletter for your readership.
01. Kenya recertifies the Boeing 737 MAX
Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority has authorized the Boeing 737 MAX to once again fly in Kenyan skies after being grounded for nearly two years. This MAX ungrounding is just the latest around the world, with the most recent decision coming from the United Arab Emirates. While none of Kenya’s carriers operate the MAX, this decision paves the way for carriers like Ethiopian Airlines to fly the jet into the country – once it is recertified in Ethiopia.
According to Business Daily Africa, the Civil Aviation Authority of Kenya is once again permitting the 737 MAX to fly into and through Kenyan airspace. The type faced a Chinese-led worldwide grounding in March of 2019 following the fatal crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302.
02. South Africa opens its land borders – What’s next for Air travel?
On February 13th, South Africa as a country moved to “Alert Level 3.” Under this restriction level, the nation’s 20 land borders, which were partially operational, will be fully operational. The 33 land borders which were closed will remain closed. This is the most significant change for South Africa’s borders – but what about air travel?
03. Entirely vaccinated Americans don’t need to Quarantine after COVID-19 Exposure, CDC reveals
Fully vaccinated Americans won’t need to quarantine if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19, according to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The new recommendation, released few days ago, exempts those who have received the full dose of one of the approved vaccines from having to self-isolate if they are exposed. Currently, that means two doses of either the Pfizer/BioNTech or the Moderna vaccine as well as a two-week wait for their immunity to kick-in.
04. Emirates Airline offers exclusive content for travel agents on Emirates Gateway
Emirates will offer exclusive rich content and services for travel agent partners on its NDC-enabled direct connect platform, Emirates Gateway, starting from 01 July 2021. A surcharge on all bookings made via Global Distribution Systems (GDS) will also kick in on the same day.
This follows the launch of Emirates Gateway in October last year and marks a milestone in Emirates’ plans to cater a dynamic marketplace by providing trade partners with a choice of connection options and differentiated products and benefits across channels.
05. Kyabazinga endorses partnership with Gisha Productions Inc to promote Tourism in Busoga
Gabula Royal Foundation, an initiative of the Kyabazinga of Busoga – His Royal Highness William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope recently signed a Memorandum of understanding with Gisha Productions Inc – a Canadian based Company that deals in Events, public relations and artiste management so as to further his philanthropic intentions.
According to Gabula Royal Foundation Executive Director, Mr Isaac Imaka, the MoU will see Gisha come up mobilize Ugandans especially the Basoga living in Canada to come and visit attractions and sites in Busoga so as to promote destination Busoga and their motherland as top tier tourist region.
06. Is Flydubai too early to set return date for the 737 Max Aircraft?
Flydubai’s 737 Max jets will remain grounded for now until carrier is ready to deploy the aircraft on its network
The UAE’s only operator of Boeing’s 737 Max has said it is too early to say when the aircraft will return to service after the jet was cleared to fly by regulators on Wednesday.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has just lifted a near two-year ban on the Boeing 737 Max, meaning flydubai is technically free to begin operating the jet.
07. Brussels Airlines unveils new booking platform on Amadeus e-Retail
On Friday, the booking platform behind brusselsairlines.com was migrated to Amadeus e-Retail, which is currently already used for lufthansa.com. Herewith, Brussels Airlines is a first mover in a project to harmonize all four Lufthansa Group network airlines’ booking platforms. The remaining airlines, namely Austrian Airlines and SWISS will follow suit later this year. This means that from now on, Brussels Airlines offers all flights and services such as baggage booking and seat reservations of all four Lufthansa Group network airlines on its website.
08. KLM’s ‘Orange Pride’ 777 finally returns home after 1.5 Months in China
KLM’s unique-liveried ‘Orange Pride’ Boeing 777 has finally returned to its home in Amsterdam. The aircraft found itself stranded in China on New Year’s Eve following engine issues. After delays and further technical challenges, the aircraft finally made its way back after over 1.5 months on the ground.
After just over 1.5 months on the ground, KLM’s Boeing 777-300ER has made its way back home. Data from RadarBox shows that the aircraft departed from Beijing Capital International Airport at 02:53 AM local time and made the long journey back to the Netherlands.
09. Dubai Airports Chief optimistic despite 70% drop in traffic at DXB
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths has said he is “confident of a steady but optimistic outlook” despite a 70 percent decrease in traffic at Dubai International (DXB) last year.
Just under 26 million passengers travelled through DXB in 2020 after international air travel came to a halt in April because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports
Uganda Airlines has opted for Piuma AQ (Alta Quota) and Comoda AQ (Alta Quota) Premium Economy Class seats for their first A330-800neo aircraft.
Uganda Airlines selected Gaven seats for their renowned comfort, functionality and aesthetics features which enhance passenger experience while their efficient design focused on durable and reliable parts minimise fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of travel information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on its cities & towns, accommodation, attractions, events, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda; as well as being a dynamic travel news and events driven site with fresh content added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (that measure online influence), we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. Guide2Uganda was also awarded ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2018 Africa Travel Awards.
Share your travel stories & photos with the world via email: info@guide2uganda.ug
