Japan's ANA Unveils Features of New Carrier Air Japan

Japan's iconic Mount Fuji is struggling with overtourism.

If you’re heading to Brazil in the new year, there’s an extra step to add to your to-do list. Beginning January 10, travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia will need to acquire an e-visa in order to enter the country. Until then, citizens of these countries will be able to visit Brazil—for business as well as pleasure, per a press release—without these short-term visitor visas (so long as they are staying for no more than 90 days.)

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Lake Hamana Flower Expo, which attracted over 5 million visitors, Lake Hamana Flower Expo 2024 is set to take place next spring with tickets now on sale. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Hamana, the colourful event will take place for almost two months at two venues: Hamamatsu Flower Park from March 23rd to June 16th and Hamanako Garden Park from April 6th to June 2nd. Visitors will be able to enjoy stunning gardens such as the ‘Cherry Blossom and Tulip Garden’, one of the most beautiful in the world, as well as those designed by world-famous garden designers including Kazuyuki Ishihara, who to date has won 12 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show and has been praised by the late Queen Elizabeth as ‘the gardening magician’. Additionally, new gardens are being exclusively designed for the expo alongside cutting-edge attractions including interactive digital installations and Japan’s largest nighttime projection mapping.

London’s gastronomic scene is famously fantastic and knows no bounds. No matter where you go in the capital, good food is all but guaranteed. However, there’s been some real magic in Mayfair lately, with a handful of hyped new restaurant openings that live up to—or exceed—expectations.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expanding its TSA PreCheck expedited screening program to add four new airlines to its list of participating domestic and international carriers. The four new airlines are Cayman Airways, French bee, Titan Airways and Zipair. There are currently 90 TSA PreCheck air carriers. The PreCheck system is a way for travelers to expedite their security screenings. The majority of PreCheck passengers wait less than ten minutes at airport security checkpoints around the world. These passengers also don’t have to take anything out of their bags as they go through security and are not required to take off their shoes, jackets or other items. Travelers are eligible to apply for the program if they are U.S. citizens, nations or lawful permanent residents. They have to enroll at tsa.gov/precheck, complete the online application, then schedule a ten-minute in-person appointment. Travelers, once approved, receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that allows them to use TSA PreCheck lanes. Most often receive their KTN within three to five days. 

The evening’s victors encompassed Jamaica, triumphing over formidable competition to secure the accolade of the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination.’ Additionally, Jamaica clinched the titles of the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board.’

Joby Aviation has delayed the introduction of its new electric air taxi by about a year to 2025, as the certification of the new aircraft proceeds slower than hoped. The developer disclosed the delay in a letter to shareholders on Wednesday.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced on Monday plans to transform Riyadh airport into a massive aviation hub with six parallel runways and designed to accommodate up to 120 million travellers by 2030, state news agency SPA reported.

It’s not often that travelers have something to look forward to at Newark Liberty International Airport. The new $2.7 billion Terminal A will open in December, the latest in a series of major airport projects opening around the U.S. this year.

AirAsia Aviation Group on Friday announced a joint venture with Cambodia-based Sivilai Asia to launch a new low-cost carrier — AirAsia Cambodia.

If the sudden dropping of all restrictions by the Chinese government caught travel agents and tour operators off-guard, it begs the question: why? 

U.S. and European airlines will benefit from pent-up demand for travel to China after its recent border reopening, but route approvals, fresh Covid-19 testing rules and not enough large aircraft remain barriers to rising sales, analysts and industry officials say.