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News Roundup
This is a roundup of news that I have come across during the day. Here you can read about a new ‘bullet plane’ that aims to revolutionize air travel, Prime Air delivery drones, the dirtiest places in hotels, United canceling flights within seven days of departure when load factors fall too low, and Amazon will provide fulfillment services for the new Toys “R” Us brand.
New ‘bullet plane’ aims to revolutionize air travel
Amazon wins FAA approval for Prime Air drone delivery fleet
Amazon received federal approval to operate its fleet of Prime Air delivery drones, the Federal Aviation Administration said Monday, a milestone that allows the company to expand unmanned package delivery. The approval will give Amazon broad privileges to “safely and efficiently deliver packages to customers,” the agency said. The certification comes under Part 135 of FAA regulations, which gives Amazon the ability to carry property on small drones “beyond the visual line of sight” of the operator.
The Dirtiest Places In Hotels
Upgraded Points did a research by comparing some of the most touched objects in hotels to common household items. The results were staggering. Even if you don’t keep an immaculate house, hotel objects are likely much dirtier than those in your home. The average hotel elevator button has 1,477 times more germs than a household bathroom door handle and 737 times more germs than a household toilet seat.
United Airlines Unveils New Algorithm to Help It Target Empty Flights
United has begun using a sophisticated algorithm to cancel flights within seven days of departure when load factors fall too low, provided it can accommodate passengers on other flights. Along with considering whether customers can be rebooked, the system takes into account variables like where flight crew is needed and whether the airplane is required at the destination for a flight later in the day. Managers can overrule it when warranted, United said.
Toys ‘R’ Us Just Foolishly Gave Amazon The Christmas Gift Of A Lifetime
This past week Forbes received confirmation that Amazon will provide the digital capabilities and fulfillment services for the new Toys “R” Us brand going forward, which is quite possibly one of the worst ideas in the history of retail. Last holiday, former executives from Toys “R” Us, along with executives from b8ta, debuted a new physical Toys “R” Us store concept in two cities, Paramus, New Jersey and Houston, TX. Only last year, Target, not Amazon, provided the digital fulfillment for any products sold within the stores.
