Posts tagged with "air travel"

FLY TAILWIND

Listen to 360 Magazine’s President Vaughn Lowery chat with one of Tailwind Air’s Co-Founders and VP of Marketing and Director of Schedule Services Peter Manice on the 360 MAG Podcast HERE.

Crafting an unforgettable experience in the air, Tailwind Air is a seaplane charter airline revolutionizing travel as we know it. As a veteran-owned businesses, they operate out of Westchester Airport and Bridgeport. Tailwind is the perfect alternative for those looking for a quicker, more individualized travel plan.

Flying out of Manhattan previously was a hard, time-consuming task, but not anymore. Tailwind has been proven to be the swiftest way to fly out Manhattan, with stunning views of the entire city. Shuttles conveniently transport guests to Boston Harbor, Bridgeport, CT, or 3 separate destinations in the Hamptons.

“We always had a vision for bringing more direct and faster service between cities.” – Peter Manice

Each seaplane at Tailwind Air is a clean amphibian aircraft, adorned with a quiet cabin that comfortably seats 8. Aircrafts have the ability to land atop land or water and are united by two pilots and stunning views along the way. Operating under FAA standards, passengers are allowed one bag under the weight of 20lbs to security for all those aboard.

Tailwind, too, operates an array of seaplane charters to locations like Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Block Island, Fishers Island, Upstate New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Virginia.

Vaughn Lowery had the opportunity to ride aboard one of Tailwind’s seaplanes. After arriving at the New York Skyports Seaplane Base, the seaport had a waiting room area for guests. Once inside the lounge, snacks and refreshments were available for passengers awaiting to board.

Guests were greeted with a gate/seaport agent upon embarquement to the aircraft. Once everyone boarded the plane, it took a short 15 seconds to rise into the air from the sea. Leaving Manhattan and setting out towards Bridgeport, CT, the stunning viewpoint of the entire city was a highlight of the trip.

After landing and docking, Vaughn was able to enjoy shopping and culinary greatness in Bridgeport.

“In desperate need for some retail therapy … I decided to indulge in a bespoke experience with my treasured leatherware brand, Coach–under the creative direction of Stuart Vevers since 2014. Their league messenger spoke to me so I had it personalized with hardware and vanity tags … Not to mention, we made it back in time to witness an MLB game at Yankee Stadium. Cincinnati Reds were in a pickle!” – Vaughn Lowery

With an exclusive water taxi available to move through Tailwind’s Boston location, trekking to your seaplane is an easy and enjoyable experience. You can now forget the stress of traffic and airports with the convenience of Tailwind’s seaplanes. Hail the water taxi easily via phone for retrieval before heading back to the docking air station.

Once aboard, each seaplane is equipped with seat belts, air conditioning, noise reduction headsets, aisle and window access, and an unforgettable view of New York City, Boston, and New England. Extra face masks are available for passengers to ensure proper protection.

In a limited summer package deal, Tailwind is offering buy one flight and get another free! Through July 21, visitors can buy one ticket and in return obtain one free Boston-Manhattan flight. Departures range from July 4 to September 5. Seaplane season is in full affect, with the summer months being the best time for flight. Tailwind discontinues travel during the winter months of December to March to ensure safety of guests and pilots. There’s no time like now to fly with Tailwind!

Article: McKinley Franklin x Vaughn Lowery

Tailwind Air experience via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

Tailwind Air trip via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

Vaughn lowery Flys Tailwind Air for a day trip to Boston for 360 MAGAZINE

Customed Coach Bag via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

AeroMobil: The World’s First Flying Car

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By Krish Narsinghani

As of late, 360 Magazine, had the opportunity to sit down with AeroMobil’s Chief Commercial Officer, Karl Hermanns, to discuss the first ever vehicle to fly and drive, the AeroMobil 4.0. The 360 team witnessed its beauty in-person and sat in the two-passenger cockpit whilst asking all the burnings questions that would be flying through one’s head. No pun intended.

Coming from the luxury brand and art space, Hermanns, was recently onboarded to strategize the launch plans and release for later this year. Currently in the soft launch phase, the world can expect the Aeromobil to be available for pre-order later this year and delivered to the first customers in 2024. With hundreds of hours of flight testing, the prototype is currently in Europe.

“We’ve all seen flying cars in movies and Science-Fiction for years and years. It’s finally real and will be in the sky two years from now… it’s an engineering miracle,” Hermanns pointed.

The 4.0 model number attached to the name stems from the 4th iteration of design for the craft – it’s been in development for about ten years. Each iteration has advanced the aerodynamics, technology and overall flight experience. For hundreds of years, it’s been impossible to get the science right but the engineering team, based in Europe, have solved travel hybridity for the first time. An engineer from the team was on-site and explained that the hardest challenge was getting the weight and proportions right of the two-ton beast to ensure proper takeoff when thinking of adding two passengers, fuel and baggage.

From an opening glance, the model screams Back to the Future. With wings spanning a total of thirty feet, the AeroMobil was the hottest attraction for guests wandering the Petersen Automotive Museum. The invention is fully automated with the wings folding into the body of the vehicle in under 90 seconds. It’s similar to those of a bird or insect the way it functions. It’s twenty feet in length and slender look may have a driver intimated at first, when in actuality, it’s size is comparable to that of an F-150 or Escalade. It’s worth noting that a four-seater version is also in design meant to be used as a ride-sharing service. Call it a “flying Uber” if you will, measured at an untapped 70 billion dollar market.

The vehicle wasn’t designed to compete with hyper cars at lightning speeds but for the intended use of traveling between land and air. Top driving speed is set at 100mph while flying spews a solid 160mph and 300 horsepower. With a range of 320 miles driving and 460 miles flying, passengers can minimize travel time and compete full trips with the one fuel up.

Comparatively, fully electric flying vehicles might be coming the market soon, but as of now they are less far along in terms of milage range. eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) vehicles have a subsequently shorter flying distances of ten miles or so at a time, due to batteries weighing down the aircraft. The AeroMobil can be fueled at any normal gas station and only requires a 400 yard ramp for takeoff and landing. Talk about conveniency when saving more time driving all day, beating out traffic, and even dealing with delays at the the airport!

A light aircraft private pilot’s license is required to fly. Forty hours of training are required to get said license. A massive portion of the ten thousand landing strips are under utilized but are open to the public, plus infrastructure that’s already built. The AeroMobil will be priced at approximately two million USD.

A show model is currently available for viewing at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. Watch the commercial at the following link.

Rendezvous In The Zoo!

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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Kicks Off Annual Virtual Fundraising Gala—Rendezvous In The Zoo (R·I·T·Z)—with Silent Auction to Save Wildlife

Festivities start at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 5.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is engaging wildlife allies everywhere to help save species during the annual virtual Rendezvous In The Zoo (R·I·T·Z)—Bringing the World to You. This premier online gala takes place Saturday, June 5 at 7 p.m., and aims to raise funds for rare and endangered wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, along with fueling the nonprofit organization’s crucial wildlife conservation work worldwide – continuing its stated commitment to build a world where all life thrives.

“Last year, tens of thousands of wildlife allies from more than 21 countries on six continents, and across 35 states, helped us make history at our first-ever virtual R·I·T·Z,” said Paul A. Baribault, president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “In a year of changes and challenges, we were able to come together, raise funds and share the extraordinary ways our members, donors and guests are helping us save wildlife around the world. They are counting on us, and we will never give up.”

This year’s gala is a few days away, but the public is encouraged to get a head start by taking part in the R·I·T·Z online silent auction. Anyone can visit the auction pages to bid on one-of-a-kind and exclusive items that cannot be found anywhere else. Among other incredible items is Nature, a limited-edition work of art by international artist Romero Britto. This inspirational piece was developed to commemorate and celebrate the organization’s transformation into San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and its effort to amplify the importance and urgency of its mission to save wildlife worldwide. Jewelry and accessories, such as a Princess Diana-inspired purse; and amazing vacations, including a New Orleans Getaway, are also highlights. Virtual R·I·T·Z participants can also join in this year’s Love for Wildlife Competition. The competition highlights four of the conservation programs San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance allies make possible, and how they are saving wildlife—including polar bears, jaguars, platypuses and burrowing owls—in the organization’s eight regional conservation “hubs” that represent its highest-priority work with communities and partners around the world.

Anyone with a computer or a smartphone can participate in this year’s gala, from the comfort of home, simply by visiting the R·I·T·Z Facebook page. Guests to the virtual R·I·T·Z will enjoy special guest appearances, amazing live musical performances, handcrafted cocktail-making demonstrations, multiple wildlife visits from San Diego Zoo Rady Ambassadors, fascinating stories about wildlife and updates on the organization’s worldwide conservation efforts—plus, many more fun surprises. Attendees who register in advance will receive exclusive insider details and be entered in a sweepstakes to win air travel for two, to an Alaska Airlines destination of their choice, provided by Alaska Airlines, Official Airline Sponsor of the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Virtual Rendezvous In The Zoo (R·I·T·Z)—Bringing the World to You begins at 7 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on Saturday, June 5. The online silent auction starts Friday, May 28 and closes at 8 p.m. PDT on Sunday, June 6. For more information on R·I·T·Z, and how to make a donation, visit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Those wishing to help via traditional mail can send a donation of any amount to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, c/o R·I·T·Z, P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112.

About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. The Alliance empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports cutting-edge conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to strategic and regional conservation “hubs” across the globe, where their strengths—via their “Conservation Toolbox,” including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank—are able to effectively align with hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated efforts. By leveraging these tools in wildlife care and conservation science, and through collaboration with hundreds of partners, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via news media, social media, their websites, educational resources and the San Diego Zoo Kids channel, which is in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Success is made possible by the support of members, donors and guests to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, who are Wildlife Allies committed to ensuring All Life Thrives.

5 Covid Safe Travel Tips

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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced an update to their guidelines, sharing that those who are fully vaccinated are at a “low risk” of infection when traveling abroad or domestically. However, the CDC warns that states and territories may continue to enforce their own COVID-19 travel restrictions.

According to a recent Airbnb report, 54% of people have already booked their next trip, are planning to travel, or expect to travel in 2021, signaling the importance of staying healthy & safe flying.

Dr. Elizabeth Mullans shares 5 tips to travel safely:

Wear a face mask. The CDC’s Emergency Order mandates face masks be worn on all public conveyances. While breathable, comfortable, reusable masks are important for virus protection, wearing them for long periods of time may cause skin irritation and acne. This may trigger skin sensitivities, so make sure to wash face masks with a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free laundry detergent like, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear.
Keep the Immune System Strong. Make sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get adequate sleep (even if it means snoozing on the plane). Airlines have stepped up cleaning and social distancing measures on planes to maximize air flow volume for all passengers through HEPA filtration systems, however, the low humidity levels inside of an airplane cabin can oftentimes cause onset of a cold. Keep a cold shortening product that contains Zinc on-hand, like Zicam, and take an immune supplement to proactively support overall health while traveling. A great option is vitafusion Triple Immune Power because of its great-tasting gummy form.
Organize important documents. Whether traveling internationally or domestically, always keep vaccination cards, COVID-19 test results, driver’s licenses, hotel confirmation print outs, and passports in a secure place like in a DocSafe Document Bag. For those vaccinated, laminate the vaccination card to avoid water damage.
Use an alcohol-free, long lasting hand sanitizer. Disinfect & Shield Hand Sanitizer is available as a moisture-infused foam or spray that leaves an invisible, “breathable” barrier on the skin. It not only destroys 99.99% of bacteria but is also eco-friendly, making it ultra-safe for use around pets and plants while protecting the treated surface for up to a full eight hours. Unlike most hand sanitizers, Disinfect & Shield is alcohol-free and eliminates the harsh fumes and cracked, dry skin that accompanies alcohol-based sanitizers. Plus, it’s safe for use on PPE and masks.
Adhere to CDC guidelines. Although many are not required to stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7-days after traveling, it is important to follow all state and local recommendations as they can vary state to state.

Remember to be mindful, plan out a trip well in advance, and be aware of the COVID-19 policies and guidelines set by the destination you’re visiting. Remember, a negative COVID-19 test before your trip does not necessarily mean you are in the clear. Symptoms might not show for up to two weeks, so remain cautious.

Cityzenith Futuristic Sky Mapping

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Digital Twin pioneer Cityzenith predicts futuristic 3D sky mapping will launch low carbon city flight revolution

Science fiction fans can tick off one more prediction turned to reality as NASA aims to optimize local travel and commuting by air above cities.

A key enabler is Digital Twin technology, a ‘real-world SimCity’ software able to aggregate vast quantities of data on buildings, roads, infrastructure, vehicles, and even the space above into an interactive 3D virtual model of a city.

It is the potential to manage integrated drone and ‘new age’ air taxi routes in the air space that attracted a nationwide NASA search, leading Digital Twin pioneer Cityzenith to be 1 of just 10 tech companies presenting to senior NASA officials at the prestigious ‘Ignite the Night: Aeronautics’* NASA iTech virtual event on April 13, 2021.

NASA iTech identifies and searches for cutting-edge technologies being developed outside of NASA that solve problems on Earth, but also having the potential to address challenges facing exploration of the Moon and Mars.

The high-profile panel of judges includes:

Harry Partridge, Center Chief Technologist, NASA Ames Research Center

Kurt R. Sacksteder, Center Chief Technologist, NASA Glenn Research Center

David Voracek, Center Chief Technologist, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center

Julie Williams-Byrd, Deputy Chief Technologist, NASA Langley Research Center NASA’s vision for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aims to help develop air transportation to safely move people and cargo between places previously not served or underserved by aviation – local, regional, intra-regional, and urban – using revolutionary new aircraft only now becoming possible.

Michael Jansen, CEO of Chicago-based Cityzenith, said: “This will be the second presentation to NASA by my company and its SmartWorldOS software platform within weeks, and we are very honored and excited to be the only Digital Twin company at this prestigious gathering.

“It highlights yet another application for Digital Twin technology and growing interest in flight above our cities, a dream dating back to the ground-breaking 1927 movie ‘Metropolis’ and many sci-fi classics since then, but now set to happen as we move to delivery by flying drones and then human travel by zero-carbon air vehicles using electric propulsion.

“It will open a whole new dimension to city life; no longer will high-rise living and working mean people must literally come down to earth to go elsewhere.

“But there is a real pressure to act, too: The World Economic Forum has reported that ground level delivery vehicles in the world’s 100 largest cities will increase 36% by 2030, carbon emissions from all urban delivery traffic will rise 32% and congestion will be up by 21%, adding 11 minutes to an average daily commute.

“NASA introduced the air taxi concept in 2001 and the race is now on to create the first viable electric machines in a market tipped to grow 26.2% annually to $6.63 billion by 2030**.

“This new air mobility can also significantly reduce greenhouse gases in cities, a goal of our Clean Cities – Clean Future mission to drive down urban carbon emissions. Cities produce more than 70% of global carbon emissions (source: UN) and that’s why we pledged to donate SmartWorldOS to key cities around the world, one at a time, to help the most polluted become carbon neutral.

“We are also expanding to meet demand for our Digital Twin capability as the post-COVID-19 ‘Build Back better’ initiative grows; we have just passed a $2.5 million milestone en route to a $10 million Regulation A+ crowdfunding investment raise.”

Provided by:

World Digital Foundation

Allied Market Research

How To Travel Safely With Your Cat in 2021

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It does not matter whether you will visit your family a hundred miles away or are determined to introduce your kitty to its predecessors – exotic cats – during safari abroad; traveling with cats is always a challenge. Unlike dogs, which have a tender attachment to the owner, cats are not that enthusiastic about this kind of entertainment, as they are mainly attached to the house.

Thus, the longer your trip is going to be, the more thoroughly you should organize it. It will surely take a lot of effort and patience to prepare your cat for travel, but the right approach will allow you to avoid stress on both sides. Below, you will find all the essential tips to keep your pet safe and sound during your wanderings together.

Choose the Right Transportation Option

You might have decided on, for example, taking over a car lease and enjoying the possibility to drive on your own, but if you do not have a vehicle, you will have to use other means of transportation, such as trains, planes, or steamboats. Ensure that you choose the safest and the most suitable way to take your cat on a trip with you, but remember that the possibility of carrying a pet on a plane or train depends on the policy of the carrier company.

If you plan air travel with a cat, make sure to choose an airline considering its rules regarding animals’ transportation. Some airlines may allow your pet to travel in the cabin as your carry-on baggage, while other airlines require you to send it to the cargo hold. The latter option is undeniably more dangerous, so here are some tips to make sure your pet will be flying safely in the cargo hold:

Choose a large, comfortable, well-ventilated, and airline-approved cat carrier.
Place a label that contains your contact information and information about your travel destination – your name, address, and phone number.
Feed your pet no later than 4 hours before the flight.
Keep your cat calm before flying by talking reassuringly to it and maintaining non-verbal communication.

Get Your Cat To Get Used To a Car

If your primary vehicle for the trip is a car, make sure to give your pet enough time to get used to it. You can (and should) start this process a few weeks before setting off. The main purpose is to put your cat in the carrier in a car for a while – cats feel calmer where they feel their smell. It will ease your time on the road later.

Ensure that you carry out the process consistently by following those steps:

1-2 times a day, choose the time before eating and take your kitty and the carrier to the car.
Ensure that you talk to your pet quietly and calmly.
When you get in the car, close all the doors and wait for a little – the cat should calm down.
Let your cat out of the carrier to explore the space in peace.
After that, take your pet back to the house, and feed it.

As soon as it gets comfortable in the car, take it for a ride – even a very short distance will be enough for the first time. Each time, gradually increase the duration – from 5 to 10, 20, 30 minutes. This will allow your kitty to perceive the interior of the car as its own territory soon enough.

For safety reasons, it is recommended to keep the pet in the carrier while driving the car. Thus, your cat will not interfere with you or the driver, excluding the possibility of an accident.

Traveling Preparations Advice

A key to a comfortable and safe journey is thoughtful preparation. Here is a list of necessary things to travel with pets alongside some other things that may come in handy:

Identifier sewed to your cat’s collar, with your contact information in case it gets lost,
Harness (not a collar) to safely remove your kitty from the carrier,
Leash to safely let your cat out on stops,
Cat food and your cat’s favorite treats,
Extra blankets in case it gets cold,
Your pet’s favorite toys,
Cat toilet.

Choose the Right Cat Carrier

The suitable pet carrier or a crate should be spacious enough to allow the cat to fit at full height, lie down, get up, and turn over comfortably. Also, it is crucial to make sure that the carrier or crate is installed securely on the seat and does not move when the car is driven.

Modern carriers have special openings for attaching the seat belt or have their own straps to hold steady. Usually, there is a soft, small mattress inside, and the bottom of the box is covered with a non-slip fabric.

Get a Temporary Litter Box

During long-distance trips, disposable cat toilets are the most convenient option. They are small boxes with an absorbent, disposable litter that you can purchase additionally. You can install this toilet on the floor inside of the car – as it is filled, it is easy to replace the disposable part with a new one.

Prepare Documents

Regardless of whether a health certificate is required or not, it will not be superfluous to take your cat to the veterinarian a few days before setting off and check whether the vaccinations are up to date. The set of needed documents will vary depending on your destination country, but each pet, like a person, must travel with its own passport.

Consider Medication

It all depends on the pet, but if you know in advance that your kitty reacts nervously to a change in the environment, consider consulting with your cat’s veterinarian about what kind of remedy to take. Do not ever give your pet tranquilizers or other sedatives without a vet’s prescription.

Conclusion

Traveling with pets requires many preparations in advance, mainly because it is crucial for them to get used to changing environments to keep calm during the trip. Make sure to allocate enough time for your cat to get comfortable in its new carrier as well as the car if you travel by it. If you want to bring along your cat on a flight, try to find an airline that allows animals in the cabin.

Remember to have patience and always communicate gently with your cat – it will allow you to facilitate the adaptation process and reassure your pet that there is nothing to stress about.

Air Travel COVID Glitches

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360 Magazine Culture Editor, Tom Wilmer reports on the numerous glitches in the process of traveling safe in the air.

The day before I checked in for an early morning flight to Austin, Texas via SFO and Houston, United Airlines was advertising their promise to maintain empty middle-seat flights. But something went haywire at United overnight, as two of my three flights to Austin were packed to the gills with most middle seats occupied—it would have been all three flights, but I was upgraded to first on one leg.

When I checked in for my flight, a notice popped up on my phone from United informing me that it would be a fairly full flight and they offered alternative flights as an option. Nice gesture but rerouting would have entailed a delay until the following day to get to my destination—with no guarantee that the alternate flight option would have blocked middle seats.

As of this writing, virtually all airlines proudly tout mandatory mask requirements for all passengers—but while en route onboard my flights, the dutiful masked passengers dropped their face coverings as flight attendants dispensed beverages (water) and cookies. So there I was, mere inches from my seat mate, both of us doing our duty, wearing our masks – but now protecting only our chins, from the evil, invisible germ. And throughout the cabin it was the same, basically mask-less, scene.

Arriving at Austin/Bergstrom’s TSA cattle chutes, Social-Distancing sticker reminders adorned the concrete floor, every six feet…and the queued-up passengers were actually compliant in their attempts to maintain their distance — that is until we were flagged past the TSA ticket/identification checker. As passengers queued up to take shoes off, extract make-up bags, computers etc., they suddenly, randomly squished frantically up to within three or four inches from one another.

Throughout this collapse of proper social distancing, TSA workers ignored the traffic jamb and continued barking out reminders to remove laptops etc., from bags—but zero, zippo, nada, commands were interjected to maintain proper social distancing as the jumbled-up passengers squished toward the x-ray bag tunnel and body scanner.

Transiting through Denver’s DIA Airport, gaggles of Boulderites, and Denverians dutifully and proudly wore their masks. However, salted in to the hord of obedient, transiting passengers were the all-too-frequent mask less rogues with chins held high and chests puffed out proudly.

The reality of traveling by air today is akin to rush hour commuting by automobile. One moment you’re flowing along at a comfortably safe, even clip while maintaining a proper distance between you and the car ahead. A split second later the flow of traffic snarls up and you jamb on the brakes—Traveling by air is much the same, it’s a continual battle to protect yourself and maintain a bubble of safety.

As Airline Satisfaction Climbs to Record Highs, Line Blurs Between Low-Cost and Traditional Carriers, J.D. Power Finds

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Alaska Airlines Ranks Highest among Traditional Carriers for 12th Consecutive Year; JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines Tie for Highest Rank among Low-Cost Carriers

Is this the golden age of air travel? According to the J.D. Power 2019 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, ^SM a combination of newer planes, better ticket value and improved customer touchpoints have driven overall satisfaction with airlines to its highest point in history, up 11 points (on a 1,000-point scale) from last year’s record-setting performance. The surge is driven by significant improvements among traditional carriers, while satisfaction slowed with low-cost carriers.

“Airlines continue to deliver on the operational side of air travel,” said Michael Taylor, Travel Intelligence Lead at J.D. Power. “New technology investments have dramatically improved the reservation and check-in process. Fleets are newer and travelers generally feel that they are getting great value for their money. These improvements have been most profound in the traditional carrier segment, where customer satisfaction has climbed considerably.

“While low-cost carriers have historically had the highest levels of customer satisfaction in our study, due to a strong sense of value for money among customers, that line is starting to blur as traditional carriers improve their services and operations,” Taylor added. “The one area where both traditional and low-cost carriers can still improve, however, is in in-flight services. It continues to be the lowest-ranked factor in the study, as many airlines still struggle with in-flight entertainment, connectivity, in-seat power, and food service.”

Following are some of the key findings of the 2019 study:

Record-high customer satisfaction: Overall satisfaction with airlines increases 11 points to 773, continuing an eight-year trend of satisfaction improvement.

Improvement is driven by traditional carriers: This year’s significant gains in customer satisfaction are driven by the traditional carriers, whose segment satisfaction score improves 22 points from 2018. The low-cost segment—while still having higher overall satisfaction than the traditional carrier segment—declines 6 points from 2018, thus driving a segment convergence in satisfaction.

Tech investments in reservation and check-in systems pay off: The reservation and check-in experiences are the most satisfying portions of the airline experience, driven by investments in digital check-in technologies, self-service kiosks and a concerted effort among airlines to improve the efficiency of the pre-flight process.

In-flight service remains a stumbling block: In-flight services, such as seatback entertainment, food service, and Wi-Fi continue to be the lowest-ranked part of the air traveler experience. Specific in-flight amenities that have the greatest positive effect on customer satisfaction are fresh food, seatback games and seatback live television.

Study Rankings

Among traditional carriers, Alaska Airlines ranks highest for the 12th consecutive year, with a score of 801. Delta Air Lines (788) ranks second and American Airlines (764) ranks third.

Among low-cost carriers, JetBlue Airways (817) and Southwest Airlines (817) rank highest in a tie. For Southwest, this is the third consecutive year at the top of the J.D. Power ranking.

Among Canada-based airlines, Air Canada (729) saw its customer satisfaction score declined 5 points from 2018. WestJet (758) saw its score increase 11 points but remains below the low-cost carrier average.

The North America Airline Satisfaction Study, now in its 15^th year, measures passenger satisfaction with airline carriers in North America based on performance in seven factors (in order of importance): cost and fees; in-flight services; aircraft; boarding/deplaning/baggage; flight crew; check-in; and reservation. The study measures passenger satisfaction among both business and leisure travelers and is based on responses from 5,966 passengers who flew on a major North American airline between March 2018 and March 2019. The study was fielded from April 2018 through March 2019.

For more information about the North America Airline Satisfaction Study, visit http://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/jd-power-north-america-airline-satisfaction-study.

Join the conversation on social media using #AirlineStudy and follow J.D. Power on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services, and data and analytics. These capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth, and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power has offices serving North America, South America, Asia Pacific, and Europe.

ACJ319neo Infinito, a flying artwork

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“Entering ACJ Infinito means exploring a place of wonders, where each element, space, and color are hand-stitched around the needs and requirements of the client, transforming them into emotion and inspiration”.

ACJ319neo Infinito is an ultra-luxurious jet born from the shared passion of Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) and Pagani Automobili, which decided, in 2016, to combine their artisanal skills and pioneering vision in order to create something absolutely unique.

The Infinito cabin represents the quintessence of the Pagani philosophy in a state-of-the-art aircraft: a distinctive style, seamlessly combined with unrivalled material technology. Infinite, just like man’s gaze towards the horizon and beyond.

After tireless work and profound study of the physical and sensorial aspects of air travel, the two companies now present new values and ideas of travel aboard an aircraft, which, from a mere means of transport thus becomes a place of emotion and inspiration, without sacrificing important engineering achievements. ACJ Infinito is, in fact, a made-to-measure work of art entirely designed around the sensations and the emotions of the client.

All Airbus corporate jets come from the most modern family of aircraft on the market and offer the highest world standards of care in corporate aviation. ACJ customers are always part of a dedicated and exclusive community, they are provided with a dedicated service wherever they choose to fly in the world. They purchase much more than a product: they invest in their future, for a unique flying experience.

For the first time, two different worlds, two centres of excellences come together to give birth to a unique project: an aircraft that mirrors Leonardo Da Vinci’s principle of Art and Science: the harmony of beauty and engineering, both in the outcome and in the way of working. Pagani has always been a creator of tailored clothes and high-performance hypercars, whose technical content also exudes passion, technology and research into unique designs. Every object is unique, every creation is an art object that inspires and thrills with its lines and forms. The ideal of beauty is taken to a whole new level with the Infinito cabin, conveying the same emotions as a work of art, nurturing the mind and the senses, as well as relaxing the body during travel.

Detail, spaces, colors. “Each sensation conveyed by Infinito has to be the same as that conveyed by a work of art. These are the emotions we live for and we simply can’t live without,”tells Horacio Pagani, Chief Designer and Founder of Pagani Automobili, about the project, its main inspiration and the collaboration with ACJ.

“We were emotionally involved from the beginning. The project seemed challenging, to say the least.” The Modenese Atelier of hypercars has deployed its extensive experience in composite material and provided Class A tailored carbon fiber components, despite the high investments and production costs. “We have the technology, knowledge and skill for this project,” emphasises Horacio Pagani on the challenges that emerged in the process, “and we do want to invest in this direction.” Pagani’s expertise and advanced composite materials are used in the interiors of an airplane for the very first time, including carbon fiber and carbo-titanium, saving about a tonne compared with other similar projects, thus improving both range and take-off performance.

The interiors are designed around the client’s flight experience, with thorough attention to physical sensations and feelings. “We started with the client, around him we created a relaxing and comfortable environment, not only for the shapes and the design, but also for the visual sensation, for which we followed some chromotherapy principles. Even the smallest detail was given the maximum attention, so as to dynamically assist the client’s sensations across different time zones.” Infinito’s sky ceiling, entirely lined with digital displays, offers a play of light and images, for example, by projecting a sunset or a starry sky, minimising the physical and mental effects of jet lag.

“The feel of the materials, the warmth of the leather or the wood, the intelligence and sinuosity of the spaces, each detail has to convey emotions of peace and safety, like when we’re home or in a familiar and inspiring place.” continues Horacio Pagani on the choice of materials and the habitability of the aircraft. “Our idea is of a single, great space which fosters both movement and sensorial perceptions.” The absence of visual barriers, and the sense of infinite vision that surrounds the client, are the objectives of this tailored creation, simple but essential elements to facilitate a journey of several hours. The compartments inside are, in fact, provided with opacifying glass, when privacy is wished, supported by a carbon fiber framework, hand-made by the Modenese artisans, a homage to the first air inventions of the past centuries, and at the same time a highly robust solution.

ACJ319neo’s interior was entirely designed not only for artistic appeal, but also to be functional: after thorough research on internal spaces and volumes, ACJ Infinito’s compartments provide larger capacity while being less intrusive than other interior designs.

The feeling of hospitality in this ultra-luxurious jet continues with the choice of the single spaces within the aircraft. “At the entrance, a cafe. A genuine and heartfelt way to welcome your client is, of course, by providing refreshment!”. The feeling of familiarity, of home, that you can breathe within Infinito sometimes makes us forget about being on an airplane. This is the uniqueness that ACJ and Pagani Automobili have been striving for in the making of this flying artwork. Home is a safe and peaceful place, as well as a place of inspiration and emotions. Infinito aims to project the client into the same atmosphere of absolute relaxation, to stimulate his imagination and inspiration, reshaping the time of the journey into a time of ideas, visions and answers.

Infinito comes to life for art lovers, for those who love beauty and genius, for those who have an extremely refined idea of air travel, a dream to share with somebody. It’s not just a mere exercise in style, it’s a handmade piece of art, created to trigger sincere and genuine emotions in the client’s heart.

“To us, individual tailoring is what boosts and enriches our imagination – and that of our clients. It is pure passion for our work, and for customer care.”

The new era of corporate jets finds Pagani Automobili and ACJ collaborating side by side to create this new, absolutely made-to-measure masterpiece, bringing their infinite artisanal experience to a fast-growing and extremely fascinating market.