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Airline Employees, Retirees and Their Families

Daily News Archive

Premium Kids Program resumes at YUL: Smiles abound as autistic children explore airport facilities

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Laughter and cheers were on hand at the 8th annual Premium Kids event held today at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, a program which resumed after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. This unique day enables children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or functional limitations to familiarize themselves with the airport process and reduce their anxiety about flying.

ADM Aéroports de Montréal volunteers and collaborators warmly welcomed close to 200 participants who experienced the complete airport journey – from arriving at the parking lot to boarding an airplane and listening to in-flight security instructions – while complying with current health measures.

“We are very pleased to be able to resume an initiative that makes a real difference in the lives of participants,” said Martin Massé, Vice President, Sustainability at ADM. “ADM Aéroports de Montréal is constantly working to ensure that travel is accessible to as many passengers as possible. This morning, we provided the children and their families with a unique experience and gave their parents hope that one day, they will be able to consider flying as a family. We warmly thank all the volunteers, our employees and our partners who made this day a tremendous success.”

The event is organized by ADM jointly with the following partners: Air Transat; Autisme Montréal; the Giant Steps; Transport Canada; the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA); Securitas; HMSHost; and Montréal Airport Marriott Hotel.

This initiative is inspired by a similar program, “Wings for Autism,” created in 2011 by the Charles River Center in collaboration with the Massachusetts Port Authority (Logan International Airport, Boston). ADM became the first airport authority in Canada to implement such a program at YUL in 2013.

Culinary Choices Abound on Cunard’s New Queen Anne

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Queen Anne will offer more choice than ever before in cuisine and dining styles, from the ultimate in fine dining experiences to casual meals, light bites, spontaneous indulgent treats, and our signature Afternoon Tea. In addition to our much-loved restaurants from across the fleet, Queen Anne debuts some exciting new options. Feel free to dine as you wish with an array of flavors to choose from all over the ship, throughout the entire day.

As with all our ships, Queen Anne will offer a dedicated restaurant corresponding to each accommodation category. Each of these will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and boast menus that showcase the finest ingredients from all over the world.

Britannia dining – Adorned in calming tones that are reminiscent of the four seasons, be swept away by the inviting atmosphere that awaits in the Britannia Restaurant. Offering a generous menu of exquisite dishes and wines to match, as well as the famous White Star Service that Cunard is known for, every evening becomes an event in itself at this beautiful venue.

Britannia Club dining – The Britannia Club Restaurant offers an exemplary dining experience and a sense of intimate exclusivity. Here you can enjoy the added pleasure that comes from knowing you have a table reserved throughout your voyage. Even the most discerning of tastebuds will find dishes to please from a menu that offers a varied selection of contemporary and international choices.

Princess Grill dining – The exclusive Princess Grill Restaurant will offer an exquisite and unforgettable dining experience. You’ll be met with an array of tempting choices to delight the tastebuds and pique your curiosity for the next course.

Be greeted by waiters who will provide unparalleled service as you dine at the same table throughout your voyage. Whenever you wish to dine, you’ll find your seat and excellent service waiting for you.
Queens Grill dining – The Queens Grill Restaurant is truly the epitome of luxurious, intimate dining. With a stellar menu and an atmosphere to match, enjoy the ultimate in sophistication and exclusivity.

At the Queens Grill Restaurant, attentive waiters will be on hand to take care of your every wish as you dine whenever you like, at a table that stays reserved for you throughout your voyage. Whether you’d like to make a special culinary request or you’re looking for a specific accompanying wine, the choice, as always with Cunard, is yours.

Alternative dining – In addition to our much-loved signature venues, Queen Anne offers an array of alternative dining options. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing healthy dish, a light bite on-the-go, or a spontaneous and indulgent treat, you’ll find something to suit. Find intimate and atmospheric restaurants inside, and delight in the variety of opportunities for al fresco dining too, should you be seeking a delectable meal under the sun or stars while the ocean breeze sweeps by.
Your choice of authentic cuisine includes Mediterranean, with a restaurant whose menu features both familiar and perhaps unexpected dishes. Delight in the delicate and fragrant flavors of the East at the Pan-Asian restaurant or enjoy tastes of India with dishes made using rich and aromatic spice blends.

When you’re in the mood for an indulgent steak and perfectly paired wine, choose the flagship steakhouse and grill, or maybe head for tapas if you’d like an evening filled with plenty of options. You’ll also find a generous menu of pub classics at the Golden Lion, or choose from a range of healthy options at the Wellness Café.

With a wide array of cuisines available, you’ll always be able to find something to cater to every mood and palate. No matter what you choose, rest assured that each venue offers impeccable service, a warm and welcoming ambiance, and gastronomic creations inspired by the oceans traveled, using the finest ingredients from around the globe.

To book your next cruise vacation on Cunard’s Queen Anne contact Dynamic Travel & Cruises at 817 481-8631. If you are an airline employee, parent of or an airline retiree contact InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911.

Immerse in Disney Magic as ‘Disneyland Forever’ Fireworks Spectacular Returns to Disneyland Park April 22

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We’re counting down the days until we “ignite the night” once again at the Disneyland Resort, with the return of three beloved nighttime spectaculars. T-minus fourteen days!

In addition to “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure Park and “Main Street Electrical Parade” at Disneyland Park returning on April 22, 2022, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular also will debut at Disneyland Park on this day.

“Disneyland Forever” fireworks is a street-to-sky celebration filled with sparkling pyrotechnics and immersive projections that envelop our Guests in a breathtaking journey with surprising special effects. This beloved spectacular – which originally debuted in 2015 for the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration – transports Guests from an Anaheim orange grove into the worlds of timeless Disney and Pixar stories. “Disneyland Forever” also features two original songs: the theme “Live the Magic” and the inspiring closing song “Kiss Goodnight,” written by Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman.

Upon its return, there are many places around Disneyland Park where Guests can enjoy “Disneyland Forever.” Whether they choose to watch on Main Street, U.S.A., in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, near “it’s a small world,” or around the Rivers of America, each location has a different, exciting and immersive experience of the show, as each location bursts to life with colors, projections, and pyrotechnics. The multi-dimensional aspect of the show allows Guests to discover new surprises depending on which location they choose!

As a reminder, when “Disneyland Forever” fireworks return on April 22, it will run weekends only (Friday through Sunday). “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will present its high-energy, projections-only show during the week (Monday through Thursday) until late spring. At that time, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will then run nightly in the summer.

To book your next vacation to Disneyland, call one of the Disney experts at Dynamic Travel & Cruises at 817 481-8631/800 766-2911 or airline employees call InterlineTravel.com at 800 766-2911.

JetBlue Submits Superior Proposal to Acquire Spirit, Positioning America’s Much-Loved Airline as the Most Compelling National Low-Fare Challenger to the ‘Big Four’ Airlines

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JetBlue today confirmed it has submitted a proposal to the Board of Directors of Spirit (NYSE: SAVE) to acquire Spirit for $33 per share in cash, implying a fully diluted equity value of $3.6 billion and providing full and certain value to Spirit shareholders. The proposal represents a premium of 52% to Spirit’s undisturbed share price on February 4, 20221, and a premium of 50% to Spirit’s closing share price on April 4, 20222. JetBlue firmly believes its proposal constitutes a “superior proposal” under Spirit’s merger agreement with Frontier and represents the most attractive opportunity for Spirit’s shareholders.

The combination of the two airlines would position JetBlue as the most compelling national low-fare challenger to the four large dominant U.S. carriers by accelerating JetBlue’s growth and expanding the reach of the “JetBlue Effect,” which occurs when legacy carriers react to JetBlue’s unique combination of low fares and award-winning customer service. JetBlue triggers significantly greater fare decreases from legacy airlines when it enters a new market than when ultra-low-cost carriers enter a market.

“Customers shouldn’t have to choose between a low fare and a great experience, and JetBlue has shown it’s possible to have both,” said Robin Hayes, JetBlue CEO. “When we grow and introduce our unique value proposition onto new routes, legacy carriers lower their fares and customers win with more choice. The combination of JetBlue and Spirit – coupled with the incredible benefits of our Northeast Alliance with American Airlines – would be a game changer in our ability to deliver superior value on a national scale to customers, crewmembers, communities, and shareholders. The transaction would accelerate our strategic growth and create sustained, long-term value for the stakeholders in both companies.”

Challenges the Dominant Carriers with Low Fares and Award-Winning Customer Service
In the 22 years since JetBlue first brought low fares to New York, airline mergers have created a landscape where the four largest U.S. carriers control more than 80 percent of the domestic market, to the detriment of consumers. The combination of JetBlue and Spirit would create the fifth largest domestic airline, better positioning it on a national level as a customer-centric, low-fare alternative to the dominant “Big Four” airlines.

JetBlue is loved by customers for its award-winning onboard service, featuring the most legroom in coach (a); free and fast Fly-Fi broadband internet (b); complimentary and unlimited name-brand snacks and soft drinks; and free, live DIRECTV® programming at every seat. The current merger proposal assumes the rebranding and retrofitting of Spirit’s fleet as JetBlue, introducing a superior onboard experience to Spirit customers.

“While JetBlue and Spirit are different in many ways, we also have much in common, including a focus on keeping our costs low so we can profitably expand and offer an attractive alternative to the dominant ‘Big Four’ airlines. We would conduct a full review of Spirit’s product offering, operational and customer technology, and talent pool to optimize the combined airline,” said Hayes.

Builds on Its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines While Further Deepening JetBlue’s Commitment to New York and Florida
JetBlue has established deep roots in New York, where it has long been New York’s Hometown Airline®. The combined company would maintain the JetBlue brand and continue to be based in New York City.

Through its successful Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines, JetBlue is currently experiencing significant growth in New York and Boston. In the New York area, JetBlue plans to grow from 200 to nearly 300 daily flights across JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports this year. JetBlue’s expanded presence is already significantly benefitting the community, with plans to hire 5,000 new crewmembers in the New York-New Jersey region this year and offering travelers in and out of the New York and Boston areas more choices, low fares, and JetBlue’s award-winning experience. The combination with Spirit would complement the NEA’s positive impact in the Northeast by similarly expanding JetBlue’s presence nationwide.

JetBlue has a long history in Florida, starting with the airline’s first revenue flight in 2000 between New York and Fort Lauderdale. With Spirit’s existing headquarters in the Fort Lauderdale area and presence at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), JetBlue would have the opportunity to deepen its longstanding commitment to Florida. Both Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are JetBlue focus cities, and its JetBlue Travel Products subsidiary – best known for its fast-growing JetBlue Vacations and Paisly product offerings – is also based in the Fort Lauderdale area. The combined airline would offer more than 170 daily flights at FLL, building JetBlue’s relevance as a stronger low-fare competitor in South Florida. At Orlando International Airport (MCO), JetBlue would grow to more than 130 daily flights. JetBlue maintains its training campus and a customer support center in Orlando, and would plan for significant expansion in Florida to support the larger, combined airline.

“Our Northeast Alliance with American Airlines has supercharged our growth in New York and Boston, unlocking opportunities for us to grow where we could not have before. We view a combination with Spirit as perfectly complementing the NEA. These strategic moves aim to increase our relevance and bring the JetBlue competitive effect to more places while deepening our roots in the communities we call home. Throughout the pandemic, Florida has been a bright spot for JetBlue, and this would offer us the opportunity to hire even more crewmembers in the state, increase service in FLL and MCO for our customers, and further expand our training and support center footprint,” Hayes said.

Offers Crewmembers Greater Opportunities Supported by JetBlue’s Differentiated Culture
JetBlue’s differentiated culture has made it a leading place to work since its first flight in 2000. Supported by JetBlue’s mission to Inspire Humanity and its values-based culture, the combined airline would have 32,000 crewmembers with plans to hire more as the airline grows.

By bringing together the power of the JetBlue and Spirit teams, with their shared commitment to customers and innovation, the combination would strengthen JetBlue’s ability to grow, deliver outstanding service, and compete in a domestic market dominated by the four largest airlines. A larger, financially stronger JetBlue would provide current and future crewmembers with more career growth opportunities, broader travel benefits, more opportunities to make a bigger difference in the communities JetBlue and Spirit serve, and a deeper bench of intellectual capital to support the future growth of the airline.

JetBlue is committed to working with labor leaders representing crewmembers and team members at both airlines to ensure the combination supports the needs of those that operate the airline, especially as Spirit team members join JetBlue. JetBlue intends to continue having direct crewmembers in places where it has them today and would insource Spirit roles in those cities. In locations where JetBlue does not currently insource, it would plan to conduct a full review to evaluate Spirit’s staffing model and determine the optimal path forward for the combined company.

Unlocks JetBlue Growth Across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America
The proposed transaction would turbocharge JetBlue’s network strategy, diversifying and expanding JetBlue’s footprint across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America. The combined network would serve more than 77 million customers annually on more than 1,700 daily flights to over 130 destinations in 27 countries from Peru to the United Kingdom – increasing customer options with a significantly broader network and increasing relevance and connectivity in JetBlue’s focus cities.

The transaction would allow JetBlue to grow in its focus cities like Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and San Juan, as well as in legacy hubs where the dominant carriers control with high fares, including Las Vegas, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, and Miami. The combination would introduce JetBlue for the first time to new destinations, including St. Louis; Memphis, Tenn.; Louisville, Ky., Atlantic City, N.J.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and four additional destinations in Colombia.

The combination would leverage JetBlue and Spirit’s complementary Airbus fleet and order book to drive sustained, profitable growth. The combined airline would have a fleet of 455 aircraft with 312 Airbus aircraft on order. The joint fleet would be one of the youngest and most fuel efficient in the industry. With JetBlue’s Embraer E190 fleet set for retirement, a common Airbus fleet and engine commonality would simplify integration, reducing the need for additional training and offering opportunities to better utilize spares, parts, and manufacturer support across both airlines.

Expands JetBlue’s Goal to Achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions Ahead of Industry
JetBlue is taking bold steps to address its emissions and reduce its contribution to climate change. Its combined fleet with Spirit would accelerate its transition to next generation aircraft composed of modern and fuel-efficient aircraft to achieve its sustainability goals. JetBlue plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 – 10 years ahead of the broader industry’s goal. JetBlue’s sustainability programs aim to:

  • Decrease aircraft emissions 25% per available seat mile (ASM) by 2030 from 2015 levels, excluding offsets.
  • Convert 10% of total jet fuel to blended sustainable aviation fuel by 2030, and 30% in New York.
  • Convert 40% of three main ground service equipment vehicle types to electric by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
  • Eliminate single-use plastic service ware where possible. Where not possible, ensure plastic is recyclable.
  • Maintain at least an 80% recycling rate for audited domestic flights.

Delivers Superior Value and High Degree of Certainty for All Shareholders
JetBlue’s proposal offers Spirit shareholders full and certain value, and a high degree of certainty. The proposal values Spirit at $33 per share in cash, which represents:

  • A 52%1 premium to Spirit’s undisturbed share price as of February 4, 2022, the last trading day before the Frontier transaction announcement.
  • A 50%2 premium to Spirit’s closing price on April 4, 2022, or a premium of $11.01 per share in cash to Spirit shareholders.
  • A 37%3 premium to the value implied by the Frontier transaction as of April 4, 2022.
  • An implied aggregate equity value of $3.6 billion and an adjusted enterprise value of $7.3 billion for Spirit.4

No JetBlue shareholder vote is required to complete the proposed transaction, which will not be subject to financing contingency. JetBlue has approximately $2.8 billion of cash on hand as of December 31, 2021, and has a variety of unencumbered assets available to finance, worth in aggregate approximately $9 billion.

The proposed transaction is expected to deliver $600-700 million in net annual synergies once integration is complete, driven in large part by expanded customer offerings resulting from the greater scale of the network. The combined airline is projected to have annual revenues of approximately $11.9 billion based on 2019 revenues. JetBlue expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings per share in the first full year, excluding integration costs.

Given its conviction in securing the necessary regulatory approvals, JetBlue is highly confident that its proposed transaction would be completed on a timely basis and on a timeframe generally consistent with the pending transaction with Frontier. JetBlue’s proposal contemplates that the definitive agreement for the proposed transaction would contain contractual commitments designed to address any regulatory concern, including, while JetBlue is highly confident in the completion of the transaction, a “reverse break-up fee” that would become payable to Spirit in the unlikely event the proposed transaction is not consummated for antitrust reasons. These terms represent a meaningful improvement compared to the terms contemplated in the pending transaction with Frontier.

Transaction Details
JetBlue intends to fund the transaction with cash on hand and debt financing led by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.

The execution of a definitive merger agreement between JetBlue and Spirit would be subject to approval by each company’s Board of Directors and completion of the transaction would be subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval of Spirit’s shareholders.

Visit Myrtle Beach Expands Autism- and Sensory-Friendly Efforts with Launch of New Programs

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Myrtle Beach, SC welcomes visitors with autism- and sensory-friendly programming. Credit: Visit Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach and the communities along the 60 miles of coastline have been committed to creating an autism- and sensory-friendly destination since 2016. This year, Visit Myrtle Beach is making travel to The Beach even more accessible with the launch of several new initiatives. The expanded efforts include a children’s book, an advisory panel led by experts as well as those with direct experience, and a sensory-friendly pledge for local businesses.

“In Myrtle Beach, we believe everyone belongs at The Beach – and we mean every body, every ability, every family, everyone. Even though we’ve been recognized as an autism-friendly destination for several years, we understand that we can and should do more to support accessible travel,” said Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Myrtle Beach. “Families with children diagnosed with autism often feel vacations are out of their reach — and we want to change that. At Visit Myrtle Beach, we believe in the restorative and life-altering power of travel, so we are taking steps with these new initiatives to provide greater support and access to vacation experiences for all.”

Though families often recognize and appreciate the value travel offers the entire family, many avoid traveling due to lack of services and added stress. According to a study by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and the Family Travel Association, only 13 percent of autism families surveyed take vacations. However, 93 percent indicated they would be more inclined to travel if autism services were available.

Visit Myrtle Beach is expanding the services available to autism families as part of their ongoing work with the Champion Autism Network (CAN) and through a new partnership with TravelAbility. The programs being launched this spring include:

Sensory-friendly children’s book

To encourage families with children on the autism spectrum to vacation together, Visit Myrtle Beach is partnering with beloved author and illustrator, Lynda Farrington Wilson, to develop a children’s picture book. The book will be a fictional story that helps readers discover the joy and wonder in a family vacation despite the overlooked challenges of acclimating to new environment and experiences. The book is expected to be released later this year.

The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge

In partnership with CAN and TravelAbility, Visit Myrtle Beach has launched a sensory-friendly pledge for local businesses. By signing The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge, each organization, as part of the greater business community, will commit to welcoming guests with autism and other neurodiverse disabilities through tangible and meaningful actions designed to support locals and visitors.

“At TravelAbility, our mission is to make travel more accessible to those who face physical and mental challenges by working with destinations to establish both in-market and online resources for visitors,” said Jake Steinman, Founder and CEO of TravelAbility. “We’re proud to partner with Visit Myrtle Beach and Champion Autism Network as they continue to lead the tourism industry in this effort and expand their work with the Sensory-Friendly Pledge, so that travelers on the autism spectrum can feel supported throughout their travel planning and vacation experience.”

As part of the pledge, businesses will work to provide an inclusive space for visitors of all abilities; practice patience and problem-solving in all situations; and cultivate an environment of acceptance and helpfulness. Pledge participants are also encouraged to join Grand Stand businesses and organizations in the CAN Card program and provide CAN autism training to all of their employees to offer guests more specialized service.

The CAN Card is a simple and meaningful way for guests to identify their family as one that includes someone with autism, without needing to say a word. Participating restaurants, hotels and venues have been trained in the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum and to provide a special or expedited service. CAN Cards are free for autism families and are available at Visit Myrtle Beach’s two visitors centers, located in Myrtle Beach International Airport and 1200 North Oak Street in Myrtle Beach. For more on The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Pledge and CAN Card partners in Myrtle Beach, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com/plan/autism-friendly-vacations/.

“Creating an environment where families impacted by autism feel supported and without judgment is the mission of CAN. Our partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach and the breadth of programs we’ve initiated are designed to create an inclusive community by building a network of autism champions,” said Becky Large, Executive Director of the Champion Autism Network.

The Beach is for everyBODY: Sensory-Friendly Advisory Panel

To help guide future autism- and sensory-friendly programs and initiatives, Visit Myrtle Beach has also established a Sensory-Friendly Advisory Panel. The panel will include experts in the autism and sensory fields, and those with direct experience or an autism or related diagnosis. Members will help inform and improve Myrtle Beach’s sensory-friendly programming by providing directional leadership and feedback on programs designed to increase the destination’s accessibility. Visit Myrtle Beach is actively seeking members for the advisory panel and will begin hosting regular meetings this summer.

Travelers can also feel supported knowing Myrtle Beach has implemented a variety of community programs over the past six years in partnership with CAN beyond the CAN Card program, like Project Lifesaver, an effort to help protect visitors who may wanderoff, and The Myrtle Beach International Airport Quiet Room, which offers families a private space to soothe their child in the event of a sensory-overload situation.

For more information on Myrtle Beach’s autism-friendly offerings and to plan your next vacation to Myrtle Beach contact Dynamic Travel & Cruises at 817-481-8631 or 800 766-2911

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