Launched at a stakeholder event in Kampala, the curriculum is being celebrated as a game-changer—offering young Ugandans, especially women and those from rural areas, a clear pathway into meaningful employment within one of the country’s most promising industries.

The modules, which are free and accessible to all, cover practical areas such as customer service, housekeeping, front desk operations, and environmental sustainability. Their design is deeply rooted in feedback from tourism operators who have long expressed frustration with the lack of industry-ready graduates.

At the launch, Richard Kawere, Principal of the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute, praised the initiative as a timely intervention in workforce development.

He described the curriculum as a vital tool for raising standards and preparing learners for the realities of the tourism workplace.

His sentiments were echoed by other industry leaders who noted the growing need for skilled labour in the sector—especially as Uganda positions itself as a regional tourism hub.

Unlike traditional academic programmes, the Ukarimu curriculum was created collaboratively by tourism educators and practitioners across Africa. It has been supported by international development partners including the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the German GIZ E4D programme, alongside Ugandan innovators EyeOpenerWorks and Mango Tree.

Their goal was simple: to create practical, accessible, and locally relevant learning tools that can be used by training institutions, employers, and community tourism projects alike.

The approach has already shown results. Stakeholders at the launch shared stories of young professionals who, after being trained using Ukarimu’s pilot content, secured jobs faster and performed better once hired.

Gloria Tumwesigye, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Association, stressed the importance of hands-on training in tourism.

“This is a sector that thrives on how you treat people and how you solve problems on the spot. Ukarimu is finally training people in what matters,” she said.

The open-source nature of the modules means any institution or individual can use them freely—removing financial and logistical barriers that have long hindered access to quality vocational training in the sector. And for many communities far from formal tourism schools, this accessibility could be transformative.

Contributors to the curriculum, including Charlotte Beauvoisin and April Brown, underscored the importance of inclusive development in tourism.

They believe that equipping young people with the right skills can lead to stronger local economies, greater gender equity, and more sustainable tourism practices across the country.

As Uganda continues to promote itself globally through wildlife tourism, cultural heritage, and adventure travel, Ukarimu’s supporters hope the programme will become a model for other African nations seeking to invest in their human capital. Yet, there are calls for further integration into government training frameworks and continued investment to ensure that the modules evolve with changing industry demands.

For now, though, the launch marks a hopeful chapter for Uganda’s tourism sector—one in which opportunity, skills, and innovation come together to support a generation eager to serve, grow, and thrive in a booming industry.

The post Tourism Sector Eyes Transformation as Ukarimu Rolls Out Free Industry Training Tools appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

However, recent data from SP Michael Kananura, the traffic police spokesperson, highlights a worrying trend: over 700 road accidents occurred in just two weeks this December, resulting in more than 150 fatalities.

To ensure safer travels, The Standard has compiled crucial driving tips, especially for novice drivers:

1. Prepare Your Vehicle

• Service your car: Check and replace worn tyres, suspension bushes, tie rods, rack ends, and belts. Ensure alignment and camber adjustments are completed.
• Inspect essentials: Confirm your battery, lights, indicators, and spare tyre are in working order. Keep water levels sufficient to avoid overheating.

2. Avoid Overloading

• Ensure all passengers are seated and wearing seatbelts.
• Never allow children to stand, especially behind the dashboard or in other unsecured areas.

3. Drive Cautiously

• Maintain a safe speed: Avoid racing or competing with other drivers.
• Yield generously: Give way, even if you have the right of way.
• Avoid overtaking: Never overtake on blind corners or during heavy rain.

4. Handle Breakdowns Safely

• Distance matters: If your car breaks down, move your family at least 20 meters into a safe area away from the highway.
• Triangle placement: Set your warning triangle at least 70 meters behind your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic.

5. Prepare for Emergencies

• Learn basic first aid and accident response techniques.
• Ensure every traveller knows emergency numbers and how to use them, including children.

6. Be a Responsible Road User

• If you encounter an accident, stop to offer assistance rather than taking photos for social media. Your intervention could save a life.

7. Stay Calm and Patient

• Avoid unnecessary aggression or distractions that can cloud your judgement.
• Drive slowly and give every action careful thought—it’s a holiday, not a race.

Safe driving is everyone’s responsibility. Let patience, caution, and preparedness guide your journeys this holiday season.

The post Holiday Road Safety Tips for Novice Drivers appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

This marks the sixth time the Montreal-based airline has received this global accolade, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the leisure travel industry.

Miguel Teixeira, Vice President of In-Flight Services & Customer Experience, attributed the win to the airline’s unwavering focus on enhancing passenger satisfaction.

“To be recognized again with this award is incredibly gratifying,” Teixeira said. “It reflects our commitment to providing passengers with an outstanding travel experience and the amazing enhancements we’ve made to our inflight product and service levels.”

Annick Guérard, President and CEO of Transat, praised the efforts of the airline’s staff. “I am deeply grateful to our employees for their remarkable professionalism and dedication. Their contributions are at the heart of this significant achievement,” Guérard said. “Winning this award for the sixth time underscores the extraordinary efforts of our team and their essential role in our continued success.”

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, highlighted Air Transat’s consistent excellence.

“The success of Air Transat in winning this top accolade showcases the airline’s top-level service and travel experience for their customers,” Plaisted said. “This achievement solidifies their position as a market leader in the leisure airline industry and is a factor that Air Transat management and staff should be extremely proud of.”

The award is based on passenger satisfaction, with criteria covering inflight and airport experiences such as check-in, boarding, seat comfort, cleanliness, and customer service.

Air Transat first won the title in 2012 and has continued to build on this success, claiming the award in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, and now 2024. In 2022, it was also named North America’s Best Leisure Airline.

About the Skytrax Awards

Known as the “Oscars of the aviation industry,” the Skytrax World Airline Awards are based on a global customer satisfaction survey. For the 2023/2024 awards, over 21.42 million eligible entries were submitted from 100 nationalities, assessing more than 350 airlines worldwide.

Air Transat’s consistent recognition in the Skytrax awards reflects its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional leisure travel experiences. As the airline continues to enhance its services, it remains a trusted choice for holidaymakers seeking comfort and reliability in the skies.

The post Air Transat Voted World’s Best Leisure Airline appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

From legacy carriers to low-cost operators and regional specialists, the country’s airlines and aviation companies offer diverse services, making Canada a hub for innovation and connectivity in the global aviation sector.

Here’s an overview of the top airlines and aviation companies shaping the Canadian skies.

Air Canada: The National Flag Carrier

As Canada’s largest airline and one of the world’s leading international carriers, Air Canada dominates the aviation landscape. Based in Montreal, Air Canada serves over 200 destinations on six continents, offering both passenger and cargo services.

Its loyalty program, Aeroplane, is one of the most popular in the country, and the airline consistently invests in fleet upgrades, including fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A220 and Boeing 787 Dream-liner.

WestJet Airlines: Low-Cost Pioneer

Headquartered in Calgary, WestJet Airlines revolutionized Canadian air travel with its affordable fares and customer-focused services. Initially a domestic carrier, WestJet has expanded its network to include international destinations across Europe, the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The airline’s premium economy and business class services cater to a growing demand for affordable luxury travel.

Porter Airlines: Redefining Regional Travel

Porter Airlines, based in Toronto and operating from the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, is renowned for its focus on convenience and comfort. It primarily serves regional destinations in Canada and the United States, offering a boutique flying experience with complimentary snacks and beverages. Porter’s expansion plans include adding larger Embraer E195-E2 jets to its fleet, enabling it to serve more distant markets.

Air Transat: Leader in Leisure Travel

Specializing in holiday travel, Air Transat is a favourite among Canadians looking for affordable flights to vacation destinations. Based in Montreal, the airline offers flights to Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America, as well as domestic routes.

Its commitment to sustainable tourism has earned it recognition as one of the world’s most eco-friendly airlines.

Flair Airlines and Lynx Air: Low-Cost Contenders

Canada’s low-cost airline market is growing, with Flair Airlines and Lynx Air leading the charge. Flair Airlines, based in Edmonton, offers no-frills service to a mix of domestic and international destinations. Lynx Air, headquartered in Calgary, is a relatively new player but has quickly gained traction for its competitive pricing and focus on under-served markets.

Jazz Aviation: Regional Powerhouse

A subsidiary of Chorus Aviation, Jazz Aviation operates flights on behalf of Air Canada under the Air Canada Express brand. It connects smaller communities to major hubs across Canada, making it an integral part of the national transportation network.

Jazz is also a significant employer in the aviation industry, providing opportunities for pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew.

Cargojet: Backbone of Air Freight

For those interested in the logistics side of aviation, Cargojet is a dominant player in the Canadian air cargo market. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, the company provides time-sensitive air freight services across Canada and internationally.

Cargo-jet’s partnerships with e-commerce giants like Amazon underline its critical role in supporting global supply chains.

Sunwing Airlines: Sunshine Specialists

Catering to holidaymakers, Sunwing Airlines focuses on travel to sunny destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Based in Toronto, Sunwing pairs its flight services with vacation packages, making it a go-to choice for Canadians planning all-inclusive getaways.

Air Inuit and First Air: Serving the North

In Canada’s remote northern regions, airlines like Air Inuit and First Air (operating as Canadian North) are lifelines for communities.

They provide essential passenger, cargo, and medical evacuation services, connecting isolated areas with the rest of the country. These carriers also play a critical role in supporting the resource and tourism industries in the Arctic.

Key Developments in Canadian Aviation

The Canadian aviation sector continues to adapt to challenges such as post-pandemic recovery, environmental sustainability, and evolving passenger expectations.

Airlines are investing in greener technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and more efficient aircraft, to reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, industry players are exploring innovations like biometric check-ins and enhanced in-flight connectivity to improve the customer experience.

Conclusion

Canada’s airlines and aviation companies are as diverse as the country itself, catering to the unique needs of its population and economy. Whether you’re a traveler seeking affordable options, a business professional relying on seamless connections, or a job seeker aspiring to join this dynamic industry, these leading carriers showcase the best of Canadian aviation.

With ongoing investments in technology, sustainability, and service quality, Canada’s aviation sector is poised for a bright future in the global skies.

The post Top 10 Airlines and Aviation Companies in Canada appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

In this article, we highlight how much airline pilots make, what their job responsibilities are, the job outlook for airline pilots and how these professionals can increase their salaries.

How much do airline pilots make?

The average salary in the United States for airline pilots is $52,782 per year. Airline pilot salaries can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Education level
• Location
• Airline
• Aircraft type
• Years of flight experience
• Seniority level in the airline

Airline pilot salaries by state

For those wondering how much airline pilots earn, salaries can vary according to where they operate. Here are the average salaries for each state. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

• Alabama: $50,297 per year
• Alaska: $53,459 per year
• Arizona: $52,803 per year
• Arkansas: $49,042 per year
• California: $57,194 per year
• Colorado: $54,774 per year
• Connecticut: $54,884 per year
• Delaware: $52,015 per year
• Florida: $50,786 per year
• Georgia: $51,953 per year
• Hawaii: $51,686 per year
• Idaho: $48,635 per year
• Illinois: $53,996 per year
• Indiana: $50,153 per year
• Iowa: $50,725 per year
• Kansas: $49,647 per year
• Kentucky: $49,036 per year
• Louisiana: $49,949 per year
• Maine: $50,851 per year
• Maryland: $55,020 per year
• Massachusetts: $56,737 per year
• Michigan: $51,385 per year
• Minnesota: $53,273 per year
• Mississippi: $47,776 per year
• Missouri: $52,099 per year
• Montana: $48,450 per year
• Nebraska: $50,283 per year
• Nevada: $51,998 per year
• New Hampshire: $51,170 per year
• New Jersey: $55,243 per year
• New Mexico: $50,840 per year
• New York: $56,493 per year
• North Carolina: $51,606 per year
• North Dakota: $51,015 per year
• Ohio: $50,898 per year
• Oklahoma: $48,967 per year
• Oregon: $53,306 per year
• Pennsylvania: $52,399 per year
• Rhode Island: $52,464 per year
• South Carolina: $50,148 per year
• South Dakota: $49,421 per year
• Tennessee: $50,687 per year
• Texas: $52,786 per year
• Utah: $50,631 per year
• Vermont: $50,067 per year
• Virginia: $54,240 per year
• Washington: $55,940 per year
• West Virginia: $48,597 per year
• Wisconsin: $51,077 per year
• Wyoming: $49,960 per year

Frequently asked questions about the salary of airline pilots

Here are some frequently asked questions to help those who are thinking about becoming an airline pilot:

Do airline pilots get hourly or monthly payments?

Airline pilots often receive hourly pay for each flight hour they log and a per diem allowance that covers the airline pilot’s incidental expenses, meals and overnight hotel stays. Some airlines may offer airline pilots a work guarantee of flying a minimum number of flight hours per month.

With this, they can expect to fly for a specified duration per month for that airline and earn a steady minimum income.

Are airline pilot salaries dependent on the type of aircraft they fly?

Airline pilots who fly legacy jet air carriers typically receive the highest hourly pay. It’s comparatively lower for non-jet aeroplanes.

The difference is owing to the different types of training that airline pilots must undergo to fly these planes. They receive different aircraft-type rating licences for flying jet planes and non-jet planes.

What is the job outlook for airline pilots?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14% job growth for airline pilots through 2030. The positive job outlook is because of a growing demand for airline pilots in the airline sector. The FAA regulations also require pilots to retire at age 65.

Due to this, major and regional airlines often have fewer pilots to operate their flights and must hire new people to fill in for the retiring pilots. To secure experienced candidates, airlines are willing to offer competitive pay packages and benefits.

What are the typical work hours of airline pilots?

Most airline pilots have variable work schedules, with new pilots having to remain on reserve status and be ready to fly at short notice.

Airline pilots often work around 100 hours per month. This is to prevent pilot fatigue that could lead to accidents. Apart from their flight hours, airline pilots may also put in up to 150 hours of other work-related duties every month. These can include the following tasks:

• Participating in simulator training
• Inspecting their aircraft before and after the flight
• Making sure that the fuel tank is full
• Checking weather conditions
• Maintaining accurate flight records
• Planning the flight and submitting these plans to air traffic control

Airline pilots often have overnight layovers between flights, and some portion of their time entails travelling back and forth from hotels to airports.

What educational credentials are necessary for airline pilots?

Airline pilots must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline as well as a commercial pilot‘s license and an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, many airline pilots start as commercial pilots, the requirement for which is a high school diploma or a GCE.

They usually complete their flight training with an independent FAA-certified flight instructor or at a flight training school. After passing a medical examination, written exams and practical flight tests, they can earn a student pilot certificate, a private pilot license and an instrument rating. To earn a commercial pilot’s license, they must log a minimum of 500 flight hours and pass a written exam and flight test.

What are additional requirements?

There are some additional requirements and testing needed to become an airline pilot. The next step is earning a multi-engine rating, which also requires passing written and flight tests. They can then earn the ATP certificate after logging in over 1,500 flight hours and passing another written exam and flight test.

To qualify to fly for regional or major airlines, they will also need to get a degree. After obtaining the ATP certification, airline pilots must maintain it by undergoing medical tests and flight exams at regular intervals. Experienced military pilots can fly for regional or major airlines by switching over to civil aviation.

Do airline pilots receive on-the-job training?

As per Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), newly hired airline pilots must undergo a mandatory six to eight weeks of on-the-job training at a ground school. They can fly for the airlines only after they complete this training and earn the necessary rating for the aircraft that they fly for their employers

How to increase an airline pilot salary

To increase their salaries, airline pilots can take the following steps:

1. Wait for a raise per the payment schedule

Most airlines have an established pay schedule chart. Considering that fact, they increase the salaries of their airline pilots every year. New airline pilots can expect a big increase in salary after they’ve completed the mandatory one-year probationary period.

2. Get more flight experience

New airline pilots can expect a steady rise in their hourly wages as they log more flight hours. They make a significantly larger sum of money in their fifth year as an airline pilot than they did in the first. After five years, they may get an advanced position and higher pay as a first officer.

3. Become an airline captain

After gaining five to 15 years of flight experience, first officers can advance to becoming captains and earn a bigger salary. Along with the higher pay, captains have the primary responsibility for the flight, the crew and the passengers. This includes everyone’s safety as well as the functioning of the aircraft.

4. Work for major airlines

Major airlines typically pay airline pilots a higher hourly rate than regional airlines do, as they might have more frequent flights, so working for a major airline is often a helpful way to earn a higher paycheck.

You might still find higher salaries for regional airlines that hope to compete with the bigger ones, so consider reviewing your salary options with each. Regional airlines can also provide beneficial experiences for new airline pilots that they can use to eventually pursue roles with bigger companies.

The post How Much Do Airline Pilots Make in Every U.S. State? appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Here’s a list of 13 global airline companies with operations in the United States you can pursue for employment:

1. Delta

Headquarters location: Atlanta

Size: More than 10,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1928, Delta is one of the most prominent airlines in the industry, offering travel to all major U.S. airports and a diverse range of international locations.

Delta offers luxury and economy transportation options that offer reliable service, updated cabin features, and quality airport lounge access for their Delta One and SkyClub customers.

Delta is a member of SkyTeam, which includes many other partner airlines, like Air France, Virgin Atlantic and Air Europa. It’s also one of the most popular carriers in the U.S. that often flies to Bangkok, Dakar, Reykjavik, Accra, Copenhagen, Johannesburg, Prague and Stuttgart.

2. American Airlines

Headquarters location: Denver

Size: More than 10,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1926, American Airlines is a top-earning airline and the largest employer among all airlines, offering an extensive network of domestic and international flights across over 350 destinations and 60 countries.

This airline company is also one of the founding members of the Oneworld Alliance, which is a global airline alliance, and the third-largest globally. American Airlines is a midrange choice for consumers, providing both affordable and luxury travel options.

3. United Airlines

Headquarters location: ChicagoSize: More than 10,000 employees.

Description: Founded in 1926, United Airlines is another leading airline throughout the world. They provide customers with both domestic and international networks that span 210 national mainland destinations and 120 international stations. 

United Airlines is one of the founding members of the Star Alliance, which is the largest airline alliance on the globe and has more than 25 airline members. The company operates its regional units as independent carriers, using United Express as the brand name.

4. JetBlue

Headquarters location: New York City

Size: More than 10,000 employees

Description: Founded in 2000, JetBlue is a low-cost, affordable airline. It’s another large U.S.-based airline, providing travel accommodations to over 90 locations in the U.S., South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

It has an alliance with American Airlines and has a code-share agreement with many other airlines. JetBlue aeroplanes provide customer-focused cabin features, and consumers can also sign up for award programmes with this airline. As a Fortune 500 company, JetBlue runs more than 1,000 daily flights.

5. Southwest Airlines

Headquarters location: Dallas

Size: More than 10,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1967, Southwest is a large low-cost airline, providing service to 121 U.S. locations and 10 other countries. Southwest has the most domestic passenger flights than any other U.S.-based airline company, and it’s also the only legacy carrier that’s also low cost.

This airline is unique because it uses a point-to-point network and a rolling hub system to determine the routes of planes, improving the efficiency and flexibility of the airline. This allows it to provide its customers with free baggage checks and no change fees. It also employs Boeing 737 jets exclusively.

6. Alaska Airlines

Headquarters location: SeaTac, Washington

Size: More than 10,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1932, Alaska Airlines provides flights out of Anchorage, Alaska, and has over 110 travel destinations between destinations like the U.S., Costa Rica, Belize, Canada and Mexico.

It’s in a partnership with SkyWest Airlines and Horizon Air. It operates an expansive regional and domestic network. Alaska Airlines has the designation of being an Oneworld Alliance member and has ranked highest for customer satisfaction 12 years in a row.

It also offers both premium and economy-class options, making it a midrange-cost travel solution.

7. Allegiant Travel Company

Headquarters location: Las Vegas

Size: 1,001–5,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1997, Allegiant Travel Company is a low-cost option that offers flights to over 120 destinations in the U.S. to large and small airports.

While it generally runs only a few times a week, the company offers other travel-focused products, like rental cars and hotel room bookings. Base airfare prices for this airline’s flights are often less than what you might pay with other domestic carriers.

The company’s airline service also goes by Allegiant Air.

8. Spirit Airlines

Headquarters location: Miramar, Florida

Size: More than 10,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1980, Spirit Airlines is one of the most affordable low-cost carriers in the U.S., offering flights to the Caribbean, Mexico and South America.

Spirit Airlines has the designation of being a fast-growing North American passenger carrier and a leading ultra-low-cost carrier. This company can offer its cheap flight options through a unique unbundled system that allows customers to only pay for the services and travel features they want.

9. Sun Country Airlines

Headquarters location: Minneapolis

Size: 501–1,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1982, Sun Country Airlines is an ultra-low-cost cargo and passenger carrier. This airline provides services to many regional locations, including Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Within its fleet that operates over 90 different routes, the airline employs Boeing 737 Next Generation airplanes for both its passenger and cargo-based services.

10. Frontier Airlines

Headquarters location: Denver

Size: 1,001–5,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1994, Frontier Airlines is another ultra-low-cost carrier servicing more than 100 U.S. destinations and 31 international locations, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guatemala and Mexico. For its flight operations, the airline employs an exclusive fleet of Airbus planes.

While it’s an affordable option for many customers, the seats don’t have television mounts, an intentional design choice to reduce the amount of weight on the plane. Passengers can also pay an additional cost to enjoy stretch rows, seating areas that provide full reclining seats, diamond stitching and lumbar support.

11. Hawaiian Airlines

Headquarters location: Honolulu

Size: 5,000–10,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1929, Hawaiian Airlines is another commercial airline within the United States and provides flights between Hawaii, Asia, the mainland U.S., Australia, American Samoa, French Polynesia and New Zealand.

As one of the oldest passenger carriers in the U.S., it has the designation of having had no fatal crashes or hull losses throughout its entire operational history. This airline is also one of the highest-rated carriers in the U.S. They have a consistent track record with the fewest baggage handling problems and flight cancellations.

12. Avelo Airlines

Headquarters location: Houston

Size: 501–1,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1987, Avelo Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier with certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform both international and domestic flight operations.

The carrier has limited flight operations within the U.S., including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Utah. Currently, the carrier uses several Boeing 737 airplanes for its operations.

This airline has a few customer-centric benefits, like no change fees and smaller airports that allow passengers to save time and find their flight terminals more quickly.

13. Skywest Airlines

Headquarters location: St. George, Utah

Size: More than 10,000 employees

Description: Founded in 1972, Skywest Airlines is the largest regional airline, unique because it operates on behalf of its mainline partner companies, United Airlines, Delta, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Operating more than 2,400 passenger flights every day, the company can cover over 240 cities within U.S., Mexico and Canada. The large network helps to connect routes between small-sized airports and large partner hubs. It’s also the largest independently owned airline in the North American region.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with The Standard

The post 13 Major Airline Companies in the United States appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Alongside the overall business class award, Qatar Airways took the top spot for Best Business Class Seat and Best Business Class Airline Lounge, with its Al Mourjan lounge in Doha recognised for excellence.

These awards further affirm Qatar Airways’ reputation for high service standards and innovation in luxury travel.

Expressing pride in the airline’s achievements, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer stated, “This is a proud Qatar Airways moment and it is my honour to share this award with my hardworking colleagues. This award is a testimony to our relentless dedication to providing unparalleled service and innovation. We look forward to more wins in the future.”

Top 10 Business Class Airlines of 2024

1. Qatar Airways
2. Singapore Airlines
3. ANA All Nippon Airways
4. Emirates
5. Cathay Pacific Airways
6. Hainan Airlines
7. Air France
8. Delta Air Lines
9. EVA Air
10. Turkish Airlines

Regional Highlights and Other Key Awards

In the category of Best Business Class Seats, Qatar Airways ranked first, with ANA All Nippon Airways and STARLUX Airlines closely following. Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan lounge in Doha also topped the list for Best Business Class Airline Lounges, with Singapore Airlines’ lounge at Changi Airport and Virgin Atlantic’s lounge at Heathrow Airport coming in second and third.

Regional Leaders in Business Class

Across the globe, regional leaders in business class were recognised, with notable winners including Ethiopian Airlines for Africa, Delta Air Lines for North America, and Air France for Europe. Below is a summary of the best business class airlines by region:

• Africa: Ethiopian Airlines
• Asia: Singapore Airlines
• Australia/Pacific: Qantas Airways
• China: Hainan Airlines
• Middle East: Qatar Airways
• Central Asia & CIS: Air Astana
• Europe: Air France
• North America: Delta Air Lines
• South America: LATAM
• Southern Europe: Turkish Airlines
• India/South Asia: Vistara

Awards for Onboard Catering and Lounge Dining

Turkish Airlines excelled in the Business Class Onboard Catering category, celebrated for its rich and diverse menu that reflects Turkish culinary traditions. CEO Bilal Ekşi remarked, “Receiving recognition for our business class catering excellence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are committed to delivering an unmatched travel experience to our passengers and will continue to innovate and enhance our services.” Air Canada was awarded Best Business Class Lounge Dining for its Signature Suite in Toronto, praised for its premium Canadian-inspired cuisine.

Best Business Class Lounge Dining and Onboard Amenities

Air Canada’s Signature Suite in Toronto secured the award for Best Business Class Lounge Dining, while Hainan Airlines won Best Business Class Airline Onboard Amenities, known for its focus on innovative, passenger-friendly features. Hainan Airlines Chairman Zhu Tao expressed pride in the accomplishment, saying, “This recognition is not only for Hainan Airlines’ consistent efforts in product innovation but also for our staff who work tirelessly to improve passenger comfort and provide an eco-friendly travel experience.”

Top 10 Rankings for Business Class Onboard Catering 2024

1. Turkish Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Hainan Airlines
5. ANA All Nippon Airways
6. Emirates
7. Air France
8. EVA Air
9. Oman Air
10. Saudia

With airlines continuously enhancing the business class experience, these awards celebrate excellence across seating comfort, lounge facilities, catering, and onboard amenities, underscoring the dedication of global airlines to providing an elevated journey for business travellers.

The post World’s Best Business Class Airlines in 2024 appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The annual awards, widely regarded as the benchmark for quality in the airline industry, are based on millions of votes from travellers worldwide.

Lavinia Lau, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, expressed her gratitude to customers, emphasizing the airline’s recent achievements: “Moving up from 8th to 5th in the World’s Best Airline rankings this year is a powerful vote of confidence from our customers. We are grateful for their loyalty and support during our rebuild journey. Regaining a top-five position, in addition to winning the World’s Best Economy Class Airline, is a significant milestone that drives us to push even harder to exceed customer expectations. There is still more to come, and we won’t stop until we reach the top spot.”

World’s Best Economy Class Airlines of 2024

1. Cathay Pacific Airways
2. Qatar Airways
3. Singapore Airlines
4. Japan Airlines
5. EVA Air
6. ANA All Nippon Airways
7. Emirates
8. Hainan Airlines
9. Turkish Airlines
10. Saudia

Cathay Pacific’s notable rise reflects its investments in customer service and enhanced amenities, especially in the economy class segment.

Best Economy Class Airline Seats 2024

Japan Airlines leads in seat comfort with its spacious and well-designed economy-class seats, followed by Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines. Japan Airlines’ award-winning seats have been lauded for their ergonomic design and passenger comfort.

1. Japan Airlines
2. Cathay Pacific Airways
3. Korean Air
4. Qatar Airways
5. Singapore Airlines
6. ANA All Nippon Airways
7. Emirates
8. Saudia
9. EVA Air
10. Turkish Airlines

Best Economy Class Airline Catering 2024

In catering, Saudia captured the top spot, praised for its authentic and diverse onboard cuisine, followed closely by Cathay Pacific and Turkish Airlines. Skytrax highlighted Saudia’s ability to blend traditional Middle Eastern flavours with international options, making meals a memorable part of the flight experience.

1. Saudia
2. Cathay Pacific Airways
3. Turkish Airlines
4. Qatar Airways
5. Singapore Airlines
6. Emirates
7. Hainan Airlines
8. EVA Air
9. Japan Airlines
10. Delta Air Lines

Best Economy Class Airlines by Region 2024

• Africa: Ethiopian Airlines
• Asia: Cathay Pacific Airways
• Australia/Pacific: Fiji Airways
• China: Hainan Airlines
• Central Asia & CIS: Air Astana
• Europe: Turkish Airlines
• India & South Asia: Vistara
• Middle East: Qatar Airways
• North America: Delta Air Lines
• South America: LATAM

Best Economy Class Onboard Catering by Region 2024

In addition to overall experience, Skytrax awarded airlines for exceptional onboard catering, a critical aspect for passenger satisfaction in economy class. Saudia earned top marks in the Middle East, while Turkish Airlines was recognized in Europe. Cathay Pacific led in Asia, underscoring its commitment to high-quality cuisine and service.

• Africa: Ethiopian Airlines
• Australia/Pacific: Qantas Airways
• Asia: Cathay Pacific Airways
• China: Hainan Airlines
• India & South Asia: Vistara
• Central Asia & CIS: Air Astana
• Middle East: Saudia
• Europe: Turkish Airlines
• North America: Delta Air Lines
• South America: LATAM

These awards reflect the dedication of airlines worldwide to enhancing economy-class service, offering travellers across continents an upgraded experience in comfort, food, and hospitality. As global travel demands rise, these airlines continue to set new benchmarks for excellence in the economy segment.

Rising Global Standards in Economy Class

The Skytrax World Airline Awards continue to set high standards in the industry, with airlines competing to deliver excellence in comfort, service, and cuisine.

This year’s rankings reflect a strong commitment to elevating the passenger experience across the economy class, as airlines recognise the importance of high-quality offerings in attracting and retaining loyal travellers.

The post World’s Best Economy Class Airlines in 2024 appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

These rankings are based on millions of votes and feedback from passengers who assessed various aspects of their flying experience, from in-flight service and comfort to punctuality and innovation.

Here are the World’s Best Airlines

1. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the national airline of the State of Qatar. Based in Doha, the Airline’s trendsetting onboard product focuses on comfort, fine cuisine, the latest in-flight audio and video entertainment, award-winning service, and a modern aircraft fleet averaging around 5 years of age.

Qatar Airways serves more than 150 key business and leisure destinations worldwide, with a fleet of over 200 aircraft. The airline flies to Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, and South America.

2. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines success has been fuelled by its dedication to customer service. In-flight menus in all classes of service offer gourmet meals created by a panel of internationally renowned chefs, and all customers can enjoy the carrier’s state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system, which offers a wide choice of movies, music and games.

Together with its budget carrier arm, Scoot, Singapore Airlines operates a fleet of more than 180 aircrafts, with a combined passenger network that spans more than 110 destinations.

3. Emirates

Emirates connects the world to, and through, their global hub in Dubai. They operate modern, efficient and comfortable aircraft, and their culturally diverse workforce delivers award-winning services to their customers across six continents every day.

Emirates current fleet comprises 262 aircraft, with the airline serving 152 destinations.

4. ANA All Nippon Airways

ANA was founded in 1952 with two helicopters and has become the largest airline in Japan, as well as one of the most significant airlines in Asia, operating 82 international routes and 118 domestic routes.

ANA offers a unique dual hub model which enables passengers to travel to Tokyo and connect through the two airports in the metropolitan Tokyo, Narita and Haneda, to various destinations throughout Japan, and also offers same day connections between various North American, Asian and Chinese cities. ANA has been a member of Star Alliance since 1999.

5. Cathay Pacific Airways

The Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Group offers scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 200 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa, using a fleet of close to 200 aircraft. Cathay Pacific is a founder member of the oneworld global alliance.

6. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines as founded in 1951 and has a modern fleet of more than 230 aircraft. It is one of the world’s premier carriers and joined the oneworld Alliance in 2007.

With four major hubs in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Okinawa, Japan Airlines serves 95 destinations across 20 territories.

An airline with a rich history and a reputation for defining the essence of traditional Japanese hospitality, JAL is committed to providing guests with the highest levels of flight safety and supreme quality in every aspect of its service.

7. Turkish Airlines

Founded in 1933 with a modest fleet of 5 aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines is an airline company that flies to more than 300 destinations in the world with a fleet of more than 300 (passenger and cargo) aircraft.

Turkish Airlines proudly carry the Turkish flag across the globe, opening doors to the wider world for its passengers. Turkish Airlines uses the statement “We fly to more countries than any other airline in the world”.

8. EVA Air

EVA Air was established in 1989, and is a member of Star Alliance. EVA serves a global network that connects Asia and Mainland China to Europe, North America and Oceania and links more than 60 major business and tourist destinations. EVA operates from their hub at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan.

9. Air France

Air France turns the flight into a moment of real pleasure in all its daily operations. Air France operates 1,500 daily flights in France, Europe and worldwide. Since 2004, Air France and KLM have formed one of the leading European groups in the air-transport sector.

From their hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol, the Air France-KLM Group offers its customers access to a network covering 312 destinations in 116 countries.

10. Swiss International Air Lines

SWISS is Switzerland’s largest airline. It operates direct flights from Zurich and Geneva to keep Switzerland connected with Europe and the world. SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group and is also a member of Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline network.

The company plans to halve its 2019 net carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and make its business and operations entirely carbon-neutral by 2050.

The post World’s Top 10 Airlines in 2024 appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Protection and indemnity (P&I) liability insurance, commonly known as “P&I,” is specifically designed to address the unique needs of the marine industry. It covers practically all maritime liability risks associated with the ownership and operation of a vessel. These include third-party risks for damage caused to cargo during transit, risks of environmental damage such as oil spills and pollution, war, and political risks.

There’s no standard underwriting form when it comes to P&I insurance. Rather, underwriters will create bespoke P&I coverage for each insured, based on the nature and character of the risk and the amount of insurance desired.

P&I insurance is often provided by a P&I club. A P&I club is essentially a mutual insurance association that provides risk pooling, information, representation, and risk mitigation for its members.

Typical members of P&I clubs include ship owners, ship operators, and charterers – and more recently, membership has been opened to freight forwarders and warehouse operators. A P&I club reports only to its members, and not to shareholders like a traditional marine insurance company.

So, what is P&I? What does P&I insurance cover? What does it not cover? These and more important questions will be the focus of this Insurance Business article.

What is protection & indemnity (P&I) insurance?

In simple terms, P&I insurance is the insurance policy that ship owners purchase. This type of insurance is meant to protect ship owners from liability claims from passengers, crew, and third parties. Liability claims can include:

• damage from collisions
• property damage
• pollution
• environmental damage
• removal of wrecks
• stowaways and repatriation
• damages to or loss of cargo
• damages to fixed or floating objects
• civil liabilities imposed after damage due to pollution or oil spill
• liability under approved towage contracts

A brief history of P&I insurance

P&I insurance traces its roots back to 19th-century London. At this time, ship owners and charterers would seek insurance for their ships, and cargo owners would get insurance for the cargo.

However, the ship owners and charterers realised they could be found at fault should cargo get lost or damaged at sea. So, they sought third-party indemnity insurance for cargo liability.

Unfortunately, most underwriters in the first half of the 19th century were reluctant to take on third-party cargo liability risks. Because of this, the ship owners responded by forming mutual P&I clubs.

But as shipping volume increased in the second half of the 19th century, so did the number of insurance claims, specifically relating to collisions and third-party liability claims. During this period, it became standard for crew members to seek compensation from their employers.

Some years later, the Lord Campbell Act of 1846 enabled claims to be made by dependents of crew members who were killed on board and introduced the possibility of claims by passengers. This posed a great risk for shipowners considering the emigration boom towards North America and Australia.

In response to the growing risks and inadequate insurance coverages, the first protection association was formed in 1885, called the Shipowners’ Mutual Protection Society (later called the Britannia P&I Club).

The purpose of the club was to cover liabilities for loss of life and personal injury, as well as the collision risks excluded from marine insurance policies at the time. The club was a success, and other similar associations were formed. Approximately 20 years later, the clubs started providing indemnity coverage to provide extra coverage for ship owners, hence the name P&I Clubs.

P&I clubs around the world

Although the P&I clubs originated in London, the concept soon spread to other major shipping jurisdictions around the world. Apart from the UK, there are thriving clubs in:

• Bermuda
• China
• Japan
• Norway
• Singapore
• Sweden
• United Arab Emirates
• USA
• South Korea

The International Group of P&I Clubs

Thirteen of the major P&I clubs have now joined the International Group of P&I Clubs, and together they provide P&I insurance for approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage. As part of the group, each member club remains an independent, not-for-profit mutual insurance association but shares their large loss exposures, as well as their respective knowledge and expertise on marine liabilities.

The International Group of P&I Club’s purposes

These are the core functions of the group:

1. The operation of claims sharing or pooling arrangements and the collective reinsurance of these arrangements.
2. To operate as a forum for collecting and exchanging views between the clubs and their shipowner members on matters relating to shipowners’ liabilities and insurance of such liabilities.
3. To provide a collective industry voice to engage with external stakeholders, including intergovernmental maritime organisations, national governments, marine authorities around the world, and the shipping and marine insurance/reinsurance industries.

The International Group of P&I clubs has been around for the past 150 years and unwaveringly provides insurance to 90% of what people use in their daily lives. Here’s a short but interesting video about the group and the service they provide to the shipping industry and the public at large:

Why do shipping companies need P&I insurance?

Shipping companies need this type of marine insurance to cover the extensive list of liabilities or claims that can arise from maritime operations. P&I insurance serves to protect ship owners against a wide, and generally very costly range of potential risks and claims they may face.

What does P&I insurance cover?

Protection and indemnity insurance provides cover to ship owners, operators, and charterers for third-party liabilities encountered in the commercial operation of entered ships or vessels. The main risks covered are liabilities, expenses, and costs specifically incurred by:

• cargo loss, shortage or damage
• collision
• crew repatriation and substitution
• damage to property on board the insured vessel
• damage to docks, buoys and other fixed and floating objects
• fines and penalties
• loss of life, injury and illness of crew, passengers and other persons
• mutiny and misconduct by the crew
• pollution
• quarantine due to infectious disease or similar epidemic event
• unrecoverable general average contributions
• vessel diversion expenses
• vessel’s proportion of the General Average
• wreck removal

P&I insurance is designed to supplement a seagoing vessel’s hull and machinery insurance and related coverage. P&I insurance is different from conventional, for-profit marine insurance in that it is based on the not-for-profit principle of mutuality.

In this arrangement, ship owners who are members of the club are both the insurers and the insureds.

As a result, the scope of P&I cover is far-reaching and very cost-effective for its members.

What is not covered by P&I insurance?

On the flip side, there are unforeseeable events that are not covered by P&I insurance. These include:

1. Damages or claims that should have been covered by other marine insurance

A P&I insurance claim may not be honoured if P&I club managers believe that the risk or damage should have been covered by other types of insurance. There are at least two types of claims that fall under this category:

• Hull and machinery insurance – P&I insurance does not cover liabilities that can be specifically covered by hull and machinery insurance, such as collision liabilities and damages to the vessel itself.
• War risks insurance: claims arising from acts of war or terrorism are typically excluded from P&I coverage.

2. Moral hazards

P&I insurance does not cover liabilities arising from fraudulent non-delivery of cargo or situations where the insured did not take the necessary steps to limit their liability.

3. Willful misconduct

Any claims arising from actions that are considered acts of willful misconduct by the insured are excluded from P&I insurance coverage. These include losses that are intended or where the insured ignored likely outcomes.

4. Public policy exclusions

Certain criminal liabilities are also not covered unless they meet specific legal standards. Historically, criminal liabilities were not covered unless they involved intentional misconduct.

5. Operational non-compliance

A P&I insurance claim may be rejected due to the insured not complying with flag state requirements related to marine safety and environmental protection. Such non-compliance could affect their liability coverage under the P&I policy.

How does a P&I insurance club work?

As opposed to marine insurers, which are for-profit companies that charge customers a premium to fully cover ships and cargo, a P&I club is run as a non-profit cooperative.

Instead of premiums, the insurance for members of the club is financed by “calls”. Club members contribute to the club’s common risk pool according to their Pooling Agreement’s rules. This practice is usually enough to finance club members’ coverage for some of the most damaging risks or claims to the shipping industry.

If the risk pool cannot cover current claims, the club members will be asked to pay a further call. Thankfully, since the past year, claims and damages have been moderate, so no further calls are needed so far.

Should the pool incur a surplus, the club can ask for a lower call the following year or refund the excess to members. Only ship owners with acceptable reputations are allowed to join a P&I club. Any P&I club member who causes reckless or avoidable losses may be asked to leave.

The benefits of P&I insurance

Shipowners who become members of a P&I club can reap several benefits in terms of liability insurance, such as:

1. Comprehensive liability insurance

P&I insurance covers liability and claims that many marine insurance providers may not want to cover due to the high risk or simply do not have the financial capability to cover. This can include personal injury or illness of passengers, crew, and third parties, loss or damage to cargo, wreck removals, pollution or environmental damage, and damage to floating objects.

2. Provides expert risk management and support 

P&I insurance can give ship owners specialized knowledge and support for risk assessment and risk management. Many P&I providers have experienced claims handlers who work with P&I members to navigate claims and offer proactive advice to avoid or minimize losses.

P&I insurers can also provide legal support for navigating complex regulations and liabilities associated with maritime operations. In some cases, some P&I clubs can even share tech tools that help avoid serious risks, like having crew members contract illness during a recent pandemic.

3. P&I provides financial protection

With the collective strength of mutual P&I clubs, insurers can cover significant claims, ensuring the financial stability of ship owners. P&I insurance is also a form of licence for ship owners, as they typically cannot operate in international waters without it.

4. Provides customised coverage

There is no set format for P&I coverage since it is often tailored to fit the insured’s specific coverage needs. In P&I insurance, coverage is bespoke and based on the nature of the risk, ensuring that ship owners pay only for the coverage that suits their specific operational profile.

Another advantage of P&I’s custom nature is that insurers can work with club members to adapt policies as needed and adjust in case there are changes in operational or regulatory requirements.

What is an example of a P&I claim?

Here is one of many cases from a publication of the Swedish P&I club:

A bulk carrier was in port, and an Able Seaman (AB) was charged with washing the hatch coaming gutter. The AB connected a fire hose to a fire hydrant and was spraying water. The cargo hatch covers were open, but the AB was wearing a safety harness by safety standards.

However, AB’s harness became tangled with the fire hose, prompting him to briefly unhook it so he could untangle the safety cord. But as the pressure in the hose changed, this caused the AB to lose his balance and fall 16 metres down into the cargo hold. First aid was administered to the AB by the crew, and the Cargo Master called for an ambulance. Unfortunately, AB did not recover and died at the hospital.

Multiple P&I claims can be made in this tragic scenario, including compensation for the AB’s loss of life, medical expenses, and potential legal costs. The ship owner, co-workers, equipment manufacturers, and regulatory bodies can be held liable if an investigation finds fault, negligence, or a violation of maritime laws on their part.

For ship owners, P&I insurance plays a crucial role in providing coverage against the many risks that come with maritime operations. While it offers an invaluable safety net for claims and can provide reassurance, shipowners must always take the necessary precautions and adhere to all safety regulations.

Since P&I clubs operate on a mutual insurance model, members should avoid actions that could lead to preventable damage or losses. Such actions not only unduly burden the P&I club but can result in the ejection of the errant member, causing them to lose a vital claims facility.

The post What is P&I Insurance and why is it Important? appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).