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This weekend’s travel and aviation news digest covers U.S. air traffic control issues, Canada’s economy-class alcohol-free economy, India’s long-delayed new mega-airport, and a European jetliner overtaking the Boeing 737 to become the most-delivered aircraft in history.
As the U.S. federal government shutdown enters its second week, travelers are feeling the effects as a shortage of air traffic controllers causes delays at major airports including Chicago O’Hare, Hollywood Burbank and Newark.
The air traffic controllers union has called on its members to continue working even if they are not paid during the shutdown, but it is not surprising that employee absenteeism will increase as the standoff drags on.
In July, CNN visited the academy in Oklahoma where air traffic controllers are trained. At the time, the company was its “busiest” ever as it underwent a major recruitment drive. This job is high stress and high stakes, requiring a rigorous application and qualification process before candidates can get through the door.
If your flight is delayed or canceled due to staffing shortages, technical meltdowns, extreme weather conditions (a nor’easter is forecast for the East Coast this weekend), CNN Travel has advice on what to do next. Look here.
Air Canada offers complimentary beer and wine to economy class passengers on all flights, including short-haul domestic flights, making it the only legacy North American airline to do so. This outburst of true feelings is not as altruistic as it seems. According to Reuters, the move comes in response to passenger backlash over surcharges for extra baggage and legroom.
“Food and beverages tend to have a disproportionate impact on customer satisfaction than other attributes of our products and services,” said Scott O’Leary, Air Canada’s vice president of loyalty and products.
This isn’t the first time Canadian hospitality has made headlines recently. This summer, an ad promoting tourism in the land of elk and syrup went viral for its thoughtfulness (and free hugs).
While the air traffic controller shortage was the biggest story in North American aviation this week, the Trump administration also had other aviation concerns in mind, including the 1937 disappearance of Amelia Earhart. FBI officials were ordered to immediately search for records related to the legendary pilot as a priority request.
The Airbus A320 family made history on Tuesday, overtaking the Boeing 737 as the most-delivered jetliner of all time, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
The 737 has held that title for decades, but this week’s delivery of the A320neo to Saudi Arabian airline Flynas brings the total number of Airbus model deliveries since entering service in 1988 to 12,260.
Europe’s A320 and America’s 737 are both single-aisle workhorses, beloved by low-cost airlines and the world’s top choice when it comes to short-haul air travel.
Asia also celebrated a milestone in the aviation industry this week. First conceived in 1997, India’s new Navi Mumbai international mega airport has finally opened its doors.
With the accomplishment of this engineering feat, hills were leveled and rivers were diverted. The airport’s arrival will ease the burden on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which was previously the only airport serving Mumbai, one of the world’s most populous cities.
Inside “White Lotus” Resort
HBO’s “White Lotus” Season 3 was filmed at several hotels in Thailand, including the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket. CNN Travel’s Carla Cripps takes us on a quick tour.
A neighborhood bar in Hong Kong has been named the best bar in the world.
The Italian owners say this room was inspired by “my grandmother’s living room.”
An American makes history by winning France’s top cheese competition.
For the contest, we created a 3D cheese sculpture.
The world’s tallest bridge has opened in China.
It stands over 2,000 feet above sea level. Look here.
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