Ovation's weekly customer e-newsletter, Informed TravelerWe keep our readers up to date on travel industry news and trends.
Below is a summary of the top five (most clicked on by Ovation customers) e-newsletter articles for June.
One. AMTRAK applies for $7.3 billion in federal grants to upgrade Northeast Corridor
Amtrak announced that it has submitted applications for approximately $7.3 billion in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding for 14 proposed Northeast Corridor projects to modernize critical infrastructure, improve stations and expand service. This funding will provide the resources needed to begin construction on several major backlog projects along the Northeast Corridor. “For Amtrak to continue to advance this new era of passenger rail, we must make the generational investments that require federal funding,” said Stephen Gardner, Amtrak CEO. “Securing these grants will help us reaffirm our commitment to improving and replacing critical rail infrastructure to ensure better service for years to come.” If approved, the funds could also benefit several states, including New York. New York Senator Chuck Schumer said: “This funding will address numerous projects needed to modernize and rehabilitate the East River Tunnel project for Long Island residents, fund Metro-North's Penn Access project, replace the Pelham Bay Bridge, and advance the Gateway Program. . . “I strongly support this project to help New Yorkers keep moving, living, working and thriving.”
2. UK announces new electronic travel authorization costs
The UK government has announced that its upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will cost £10 (~$12.50). business travel news. 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 the digitization of UK borders “to further improve border security and customer experience”. ETA will initially launch in October for travelers to Qatar, with plans to expand globally, including to travelers from the US and EU, in early 2024. Travelers apply for an ETA online or through the mobile app and are accepted once approved. A person who visits the UK several times over a two-year period. Applicants must provide personal and biometric information, including a digital photograph, and answer a “set of suitability questions.” Once the application is complete, travelers will pay a fee of £10. Immigration Secretary Robert Jenrick said the cost of the ETA would be “one of the best value in the world when compared to similar international schemes”. This small additional cost to visitors will help strengthen the security of UK borders and keep local communities safe. ” By comparison, a US ESTA application costs $21 and is valid for two years. The EU charges a fee of €7 (~$7.49) for an ETIAS, which can be used for up to three years.
three. Singapore Airlines offers free Wi-Fi
Singapore Airlines has announced that it will offer free, unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi access to passengers in all classes, including premium and economy, from July 1, 2023. travel pulse. While many other airlines offer free access, Singapore is the first airline to offer it to all passengers, not just those who have purchased the most expensive fares or are affiliated with a particular carrier. “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 Yeoh Phee Teik, Singapore Airlines’ senior vice president of customer experience. “We give them free, unlimited access. [Wi-Fi] It has become another milestone [Singapore’s] It is our ongoing effort to provide an exceptional end-to-end travel experience.” Wi-Fi is available on all aircraft except for 7 aircraft on board Singapore's Boeing 737-800 NG, which do not have Wi-Fi.
4. US online passport renewal will be available again later this year
The U.S. State Department said it plans to restart its online passport renewal program later this year. travel market report. The Online Passport Renewal Portal (OPR) was initially launched on a pilot basis for government employees and contractors in February 2022, before expanding to the public in August 2022. Since then, more than 565,000 passports have been renewed through the online system. When the State Department ended OPR in March, it said it would improve the system “to optimize the user experience for online passport renewals” after the first few pilot programs. When the department reopens the portal, about 5 million Americans will be able to renew their passports each year, representing two-thirds of all renewals and about 25% of all applications. “Over time, OPR will make renewing passports more convenient, saving Americans time and effort,” the spokesperson said.
5. United plans to deploy air taxis in San Francisco by 2026.
United Airlines and Eve Air Mobility report plans to introduce air taxi commuter flights to the San Francisco Bay Area by 2026. day trip. The Bay Area is the third market announced for United's intention to use air taxis and Eve's first. United, in partnership with Archer Aviation, announced that its first air taxi route will be between New York's Manhattan heliport and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in November 2022, with service beginning in 2025. Earlier this year, United named Chicago its airport. A second air taxi route with Archer is also scheduled to debut in 2025. The airline invested $15 million in Eve Air Mobility in a deal that included the conditional purchase of 200 four-seat electric aircraft and an option for 200 more. This investment follows United's $10 million deposit with Archer Aviation for 100 electric aircraft.