Flight Buzz
American Airlines starts streamlined US flight connections security scheme
The US is trialling a streamlined passenger screening scheme on selected inbound transatlantic flights from Heathrow.
The congressionally authorised pilot programme allows passengers arriving in the US from international airports with onward connecting flights to bypass Transportation Security Administration (TSA) re-screening.
American Airlines described the measure as “revolutionising the international travel experience” as it became the first carrier to offer seamless connections for passengers from Heathrow and their checked bags at its Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) hub.
The new policy comes as the US prepares to stage large events across the country next year, such as the America 250 anniversary, the Olympics and the World Cup, being shared with Canada and Mexico.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have partnered with TSA to launch the ‘One Stop Security’ (OSS) programme from Heathrow.
Travellers can proceed directly to their connecting flight without reclaiming and rechecking their checked baggage or passing through TSA security.
“Checked bags are automatically transferred to the connecting flight, streamlining the experience while maintaining the highest security standards,” American Airlines said.
OSS is expected to cut connection times – which typically include clearing US Customs, claiming checked bags, rechecking bags and then clearing TSA security – by more than half.
A statement from the carrier added: “American is proud to be the first airline to implement OSS at a US airport, working closely with officials in both countries to bring this groundbreaking initiative to life.”
The airline’s chief operating officer David Seymour said: “One Stop Security is one of the most forward-thinking enhancements we can bring to international travel – and importantly, to our customers – as it delivers a level of convenience and time-savings that’s never been available before to customers connecting from international flights,”
“With this game-changing programme, our customers will spend significantly less time worrying about an onerous connection process and more time enjoying their travel journey.”
US Travel president and chief executive Geoff Freeman welcomed the TSA starting OSS for certain international flights from London.
The trade body has long called for for the implementation and expansion of OSS to ensure passengers travelling from selected international airports complete the security screening process only once, eliminating duplicative screenings and creating a more seamless travel experience.
Freeman said: “One Stop Security is a smart, long-overdue step toward modernising the travel experience, eliminating redundant screening, cutting connection times and unlocking more international air service.
“Paired with stronger airport staffing, long-awaited air traffic control upgrades and the end of the shoe removal rule, this is real progress toward a world-class travel system just in time for America 250, the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
“But this momentum is undercut by the proposed $250 visitor visa fee – a move that sends the wrong message to travellers and undermines our global competitiveness.”
The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, convened by US Travel, called earlier this year for a long-term reauthorisation of the OSS pilot and urged TSA to establish at least five formal international agreements within five years “to accelerate secure, efficient inbound travel”.
TSA deputy administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News Digital on Tuesday there will be more foreign airports added to the programme in the month ahead.
He said: “It really is a common-sense security approach for us to streamline security from abroad to the United States.”
Stahl said TSA is carefully monitoring the OSS programme by looking at improvements in the “turn time of the airport” and is expecting significant connecting time reduction.
There are “no impacts to security,” he added.
“We conduct rigorous threat screening and monitoring and just security assessments for that last point of departure airport, that foreign airport that’s interested and eligible to make sure that there’s a commensurate level of security.”
Flight Buzz
Trip.com Group’s Sustainability Initiative: CO₂ Emission Data for Flights, Car Rentals And Transfers Across Global Destinations
Monday, July 28, 2025
In a major step towards sustainability in travel, the Trip.com Group, a global leader in travel services, has launched a new feature providing quantified CO₂ emissions data for essential modes of transport, including flights, car rentals, airport transfers, and trains (in Europe). This initiative spans numerous global destinations, making it easier for travelers to make environmentally conscious decisions as they book their trips worldwide.
With the introduction of this new feature, users can now access detailed information on CO₂ emissions for rental cars listed on the Trip.com platform. Thanks to collaboration with the Association of Car Rental Industry System Standards (ACRISS), the platform allows travelers to compare emissions from electric, hybrid, and conventional vehicles. This addition empowers travelers to choose eco-friendly options for their rental car needs, helping minimize their carbon footprint across various global destinations.
In addition to rental cars, the CO₂ emission data for airport transfers has been incorporated. This allows travelers to evaluate and select the most environmentally friendly transportation options for each leg of their journey, ensuring greener travel experiences at global destinations. The new feature, detailed in the latest sustainability report from Trip.com Group, also highlights significant progress in promoting eco-consciousness in the travel industry.
Trip.com Group’s Broader Commitment to Sustainability
The Trip.com Group’s sustainability efforts are broad and multifaceted, aligning with its overarching goal to become CO₂-neutral by 2050. As part of their “Friendly-Four” concept community-friendly, family-friendly, eco-friendly, and stakeholder-friendly Trip.com is intensifying its initiatives in each of these areas. The sustainability report highlights key achievements such as the company’s push to encourage over 100 million bookings for sustainable travel products in 2024, which marks a significant commitment to reducing the environmental impact of tourism.
The company also continued to integrate renewable energy into its operations. Notably, the solar panels installed at its headquarters and on the so-called “land houses” generated a clean 457 MWh of electricity in 2024. This move significantly reduced the carbon footprint associated with its business operations. In addition, the Trip.com Group has taken steps to measure and report on all Scope-3 emissions, which include indirect greenhouse gas emissions from sources like rented data centers and business travel, enhancing the company’s sustainability accountability.
Expanding the “Land House” Program for Sustainable Tourism Development
Another key area of Trip.com Group’s sustainability focus is its contribution to rural development through tourism. The company’s flagship “Land House” program has expanded to 34 locations, creating over 40,000 indirect jobs and providing substantial economic benefits to local communities. More than 80% of employees at these land houses are local residents, and the villages participating in the program have experienced an average increase of $5,500 in per capita income.
This year, the “Land House” program is set to expand further to additional global destinations, continuing its role in fostering sustainable tourism and economic development in rural regions. By combining sustainable travel with local economic empowerment, the program plays a crucial part in Trip.com Group’s strategy to create a positive environmental and social impact.
Family-Friendly Initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility
Trip.com Group is also strengthening its position as a leading family-friendly employer. With women representing 57.1% of the global workforce, the company has made notable strides in gender equality, with 32.7% of upper and middle management roles held by women. Additionally, the company has prioritized work-life balance through its hybrid work model, which has been adopted over 630,000 times by employees to date. This initiative has saved an estimated 1.25 million commuting hours, helping employees balance their professional and personal lives more effectively.
As part of its commitment to supporting families, Trip.com Group introduced three additional days of childcare leave in April 2024. This initiative is designed to help working parents better balance their personal and professional commitments. Furthermore, the company’s childcare subsidy program, introduced in 2023, has already provided financial support for over 900 children, with more than $468,000 distributed in 2024 alone.
Corporate Governance and Future Commitment to Sustainability
The Trip.com Group has also made significant advancements in corporate governance, earning an “A” rating from MSCI ESG. This rating reflects the company’s efforts to enhance transparency and foster sustainable practices across its operations. The company’s strong focus on responsible corporate practices and its ongoing partnerships with more than 230 destination marketing organizations highlight its commitment to promoting inclusive tourism development.
Trip.com Group’s sustainability strategy continues to evolve, with a clear emphasis on long-term commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. By offering travelers access to CO₂ emissions data for key transport modes, expanding rural tourism programs, and strengthening its family-friendly policies, the company is working to ensure that sustainable travel is both accessible and impactful across global destinations.
The company’s continued focus on these efforts underscores the growing importance of sustainability in the travel industry and positions the Trip.com Group as a key player in shaping a greener, more inclusive future for tourism worldwide.
Flight Buzz
Asiana Airlines Slashes Flights Between South Korea and United States for Winter 2025 – What You Should Know Now
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Asiana Airlines (OZ) will reduce frequencies of flights between South Korea and the United States for the winter 2025 season. The cutbacks, which primarily affect service to San Francisco and Seattle, are part of the airline’s push to better deploy its fleet and improve its operations.
The biggest cut will be for the Seoul–San Francisco (SFO) line, with the airline bringing down capacity by half. Over the period November 2025 to December 2025, Asiana’s schedule will see 5 flights a week between Seoul Incheon International Airport and San Francisco. Flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will also be reduced by 20% in September and October 2025.
Reduced Transpacific Services
Asiana Airlines has long been a key player in transpacific air travel, with well-established routes connecting Seoul to major U.S. cities. The ICN–SFO route, in operation since the early 1990s, is currently served by the Airbus A350-900, which offers 311 seats across three classes.
For winter 2025 the airline will offer only five flights a week between Seoul and San Francisco, flying 4,917 nautical miles (9,106 km) taking 11 hours approximately. This loss is symptomatic of broader shifts in the airline’s transpacific approach. Other airlines on the route are Korean Air, United Airlines and Air Premia.
Asiana‘s ICN–SEA meanwhile will drop from seven to five weekly for September and October 2025. The Boeing 777-200ER is commonly used for these international flights, with the capacity to seat 300 passengers, in two classes. The journey spans 4,533 nautical miles (8,394 km) and lasts approximately 10.5 hours.
Fleet and Competitive Landscape
Asiana Airlines operates a fleet of 15 Airbus A350-900s, with a further 15 on order. The Dreamliners are deployed on long-haul routes and have a configuration of 28 business class, 36 premium economy and 247 economy seats. Asiana operates 22 business class and 278 economy seats on the Seattle route, which it says represents its smallest long-haul aircraft, among the nine used for the route alongside other destinations.
Even with such cuts, the routes are competitive. Korean Air, Delta Air Lines and Air Premia also have flights between South Korea and the U.S. West Coast. Alaska Airlines will also launch nonstop service between Seattle and Seoul in September 2025 in collaboration with Hawaiian Airlines to make the competition fiercer.
The Korean Air–Asiana Merger
The flight reductions are being done in parallel with the continued combination of Asiana Airlines and state-controlled Korean Air, a tie-up approved by the South Korean government in 2020. In December 2024, Korean Air purchased a controlling stake in Asiana and became a subsidiary. It is anticipated that the combination will be fully effective by December 2026.
They expect that project will allow for the reduction of 22 flights, including Seoul- Ho Chi-Minh City, Seoul -Jakarta and Seoul-Istanbul. The two carriers currently have large hubs in Seoul Incheon International Airport and the merger is designed to increase efficiency and enhance competitiveness. Korean Air has promised not to lay off any staff during the integration.
Impact on U.S.–South Korea Travel
The service reductions suggest a change of strategy at Asiana in transpacific flying, possibly due to efforts to right-size its fleet or reorganize its network. Although the cuts may reduce choices for passengers in the short term, the goal in the long term is to operate more efficiently.
Passengers traveling to or from the U.S. and South Korea will want to stay aware of these developments, with more schedule changes, fleet shifts and market dynamics inevitable as the Korean Air-Asiana integration unfolds. The changing landscape will alter the U.S.-South Korea air travel game for years to come.
Russia has inaugurated a new regular air service between Moscow and Pyongyang, a development underscoring the deepening relationship between the two nations.
The inaugural flight, operated by Russian carrier Nordwind, departed Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on Sunday with more than 400 passengers aboard. Russia’s Transport Ministry confirmed plans for one monthly flight to accommodate demand.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who visited North Korea‘s new Wonsan-Kalma beach resort earlier this month to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, promised to encourage Russian tourists to visit the complex.
The resort, which can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, is at the center of Kim’s push to boost tourism to improve his country’s troubled economy.
North Korea has been slowly easing the curbs imposed during the pandemic and reopening its borders in phases. But the country hasn’t said if it would fully resume international tourism.
Regular flights between Russia’s eastern port city of Vladivostok and Pyongyang reopened in 2023 following a break caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Russia and North Korea have sharply expanded military and other ties in recent years, with Pyongyang supplying weapons and troops to back Russia’s military action in Ukraine.
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