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Coach Holidays, Escorted Tours & Events

0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, alfa travel| coach tours & trips 2024.

Alfa Travel Departures From: Nationwide departures available throughout England and North Wales

Why choose Alfa Travel?

• Alfa holidays are terrific value
• They offer a great choice of holiday destinations across the UK and Europe
• Alfa holidays tend to include more excursions with more included content than most other operators
• They have an outstanding fleet of modern luxury coaches
• Their pick up service offers a wider choice of joining points than the majority of their competitors
• They are very proud of the standard of their drivers
• The hotels they use - many owned by their sister company Leisureplex – are of a consistent standard
• The offer a wide selection of Partner Hotels to offer you more choice than ever
• Entertainment is included on at least 4 nights per week at most of their hotels
• Their holiday descriptions are very clear about what is included and they do not omit necessary meals or excursion content just to get down to an eye catching price
• Alfa do not have any hidden extras; with no charges for pick up points, front seats or specific room types

Although they offer some short breaks, Alfa Travel tends to concentrate on holidays of at least 4 nights duration. Most of their UK holidays are 4, 6 or 7 nights long. Their overseas holidays, which include a wide range of destinations in Ireland and the near Continent, vary from 4 to 11 nights.

Alfa Travel Hotels

The majority of Alfa’s passengers will stay in one of the twenty two hotels owned and operated by their sister company Leisureplex. These hotels are dedicated to the coach tour market and the common ownership gives them the ability to ensure that the content and quality of your stay is first class. Additionally, they operate to a variety of other Partner hotels which have been carefully selected and checked to ensure they meet their rigorous standards. All the Leisureplex Hotels and a majority of the other hotels they use provide entertainment in the evenings

Personal, friendly service

Alfa prides itself on the approachability of their staff and the friendliness of the service which they provide. Whether it's their reliable, happy-to-help drivers or the dedicated staff at their 22 Leisureplex hotels, they always seek to provide the best service possible in order to make your coach holiday or seaside break as relaxing and enjoyable as possible

Alfa Travel Popular For…

Main summer seaside holidays and 5 day breaks throughout the year.

Alfa Travel Coaches

All of the vehicles in their fleet are manufactured and maintained by Mercedes Benz to ensure the best possible standard of comfort and reliability. They are all air conditioned and provided with reclining seats with three point seat belts; they also have a washroom and drinks servery. At peak times, they supplement their fleet with vehicles from a select group of reliable local operators with years of experience in the coach holiday business 

Alfa Travel Awards

2019 – BRONZE – Coach Tour Driver of the Year – UK Coach Awards

2019 – FINALIST – Medium Fleet Operator – UK Coach Awards

2019 – FINALIST – Most Group Friendly Hotel Chain – Group Travel Award

2019 – FINALIST – Coach Operator of the Year- Route One Awards

2018 – WINNER – EO Rising Star - Employee Ownership Awards

2018 - FINALIST - Coach Tour Driver of the Year - Coach Tourism Awards

2018 - FINALIST - Coach Tour Operator of the Year - Coach Tourism Awards

Alfa Travel Pickups

Alfa operates five separate holiday programmes via five ‘hub and spoke’ or ‘feeder’ systems based on: (1)  Bowburn Motorway Services on the A1 near Durham (holidays from Tyneside and Teesside), (2) Burtonwood Motorway Services on the M62 near St.Helens (holidays from North West England, West and North Wales), (3) Tamworth Motorway Services on the M42 (holidays from the Potteries, West and East Midlands), (4) Reading Motorway Services on the M4 (holidays from South East England including Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Greater London) and (5) Woodall Services on the M1 (holidays from Yorkshire, Humberside, North Lincolnshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire).  

Other useful info

The insurance offered by Alfa does not have any age restrictions and is very competitive. For the sale of insurance, they are an Appointed Representative of Wrightsure Insurance Services (Hampshire). They are also members of ABTA, the Coach Tourism Council and the Confederation of Passenger Transport. They are members of various Group associations including AGTO, New Meridian and Coach Tourism Association.

Head Office Address: 

Alfa Travel Ltd,   Euxton Lane, Euxton,  Chorley,  Lancashire,  PR7 6AF.

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Alfa Travel   Reviews

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Reviews 4.5.

1,830 total

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Great trip to Newquay

Coach, driver, hotel staff, food all excellent. Room spotless and comfortable if a little small for a twin. Excellent half price bar and comfy lounge. Good excursions. Eden project amazing. WiFi a bit patchy.Near lift but very quiet.Only complaint was huge duct outside window and view of brick wall with scaffolding being refurbished. Would definitely visit again but ask for different room.

Date of experience : March 25, 2024

Reply from Alfa Travel

Hi Stuart, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review and for your feedback. We will pass your comments onto the team, and hope to welcome you back soon!

Just returned home from a fantastic…

Just returned home from a fantastic break in Scarborough, staying at the Cumberland Hotel. The staff were amazing, nothing was too much trouble, the hotel was very clean, food was nicely presented and very good, and great evening entertainment. The excursions to Whitby and York enjoyable. Trevor our driver was 100% brilliant Thank-you Alfa for a trip to remember! Thank-you Alfa

Hi Jane, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We will pass your lovely comments onto the team at the Cumberland Hotel and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Dunoon 4 day holiday

Overall good holiday but few issues with driver and one person that was persistently late. Driver dropped us away from main shopping centre in Glasgow and we couldn’t walk that far. Driver seemed intent on keeping us out until just before dinner time so we had little time to get ready. Never asked if we wanted to get back to the hotel earlier.

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

Our easter break 2024 @ the Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel is a very god hotel, the food very good bedrooms lay out and comfort excellent for our needs. The staff are first class always willing to help advice anytime, entertainment very good. the only set back in the lounge is if you sit near the windows to watch the entertainment you need an outside coat on as there is a gale blowing through the windows, these need seaing up or replacing sooner then latere

FIRST TIME WITH ALPHA HOLIDAYS

Cannot think of anything to change from what you are already doing. My holiday went well (apart from the weather), Nigel, our driver was very kind and considerate to all of his passengers. The changeover at Tamworth, went with military procession, so well organised. I'm looking forward to my next holiday Thank you

Hi Teresa, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a great 5* review! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your first holiday with us and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Hotel was excellent

Hotel was excellent The only downer was the arrangements at Bowburn I was taken from Durham to Bowburn and arrived at 8.45. It wasn't until 10.15 the coach left for Criccieth. One and a half hours leaving for the trip at the interchange is not acceptable Coming back there was an even greater delay but I got a lift - someone came and fetched me from Bowburn Otherwise excellent holiday spoilt for me by poor service at the interchange

Hi Brian, We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us at the George IV in Criccieth and we look forward to welcoming you back soon! We are sorry to hear your experience at the Bowburn interchange was unpleasant, we can assure you that we are working on solutions all the time so that we can make further improvements throughout the year.

Really good value for money

Coach and hotel were fine, and value for money. However, as a first time customer I got anxious over the lack of advance information about length of transfer times, the very early putting out of cases for the return journey and any policy about tipping.

Dear Mary, We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your first holiday with us! If you have any queries about our procedures, please do contact us as we want to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Fabulous holiday with Alfa

Had a fabulous holiday with Alfa. From the moment we were picked up we were looked after completely. The hotel (Monarch in Bridlington) was great, spotlessly clean and the staff were so lovely and always smiling. Nothing was too much trouble. Was really impressed with Alfa and will definitely be booking again.

Hi Victoria, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We are delighted to hear that everything went well and you enjoyed your break.

A holiday to remember.

From start to finish, everything carried out professionally. Coach very comfortable, driver was good. The hotel at Shanklin was very clean and airy facilities excellent, entertainment was very good.I have utmost respect for all the staff at this hotel,for their hardwork in making our holiday a special one. Would I recommend Alfa travel to friends and family, absolutely.

Hi Alan, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We will pass your lovely comments onto the team at the Shanklin and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Really good value for the money

Really good value for the money. Very friendly and experienced coach drivers who provided invaluable information on the excursions. The hotel rooms although fairly basic were spotlessly clean with a second to none hotel staff who were superb.

Date of experience : March 24, 2024

Hi, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We are delighted to hear that everything went well and you enjoyed your break.

My Sister and I had a lovely holiday it…

My Sister and I had a lovely holiday it was better than we expected, the bus was great, very comfortable and roomy the driver was very helpful and friendly The hotel was great we did upgrade to a sea view which was well worth the price as I came with a fridge and water, it was plenty big enough and quiet The food was good though I would have preferred a self serve breakfast as it was sometimes slow, the evening meals were good though I found it strange that the menu only had 6 main courses 3 of which needed to be ordered in the morning! Even on the day we arrived! The trips were lovely being only in each place a couple of hours we didn’t get bored or wondered what we were going to do to fill the time! All in all we had a lovely holiday and would definitely book with you again

Date of experience : March 18, 2024

We stayed at the Metropole hotel in…

We stayed at the Metropole hotel in Torquay 25th-29th March are driver Dom was Brill although the weather could have been kinder he made the holiday and I would like to pass on our thanks to him. Looking forward to are next holiday with Alfa. Mr & Mrs E Corkish

Dear Mr & Mrs Corkish, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Everything was well organized your…one happy traveler

Everything was well organized your driver dave was 5 star pointed out loads of things of interest even slowed down so we could get photos when passing hotel good food fabulous I would definitely do it again

Dear Ms Hanlon, So glad to hear you enjoyed the holiday, and thank you for leaving us a lovely 5* review. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Travel with Driver Ian

Travel with Driver Ian, great banter chap. Informative and also polite. Bus was comfortable as was the travel to and from Eastbourne. Beach and Pier literally on doorstep to the Base Hotel "The Queens" which was totally good for us. Staff were very polite informative and respectful. Cleanliness of the hotel areas, ie. Room was Spacious, clean and accommodating with a well accepted Walk in Shower, as was the dining room and the entertainments area.Food was very good and tasty (Compliments to the Chef) Slightly disappointed with the bar however as Tetley's draught was Flat so went onto Newcastle Brown Ale but, there were not sufficient bottles of same "Delivery of replenishment of same did not occur" so, after retrying the Tetleys Draught which again went flat quickly. Trips were good other than a "wee" blip as the morning trip to Battle on Good Friday was only for 1 hour only. NOT enough time. Overall enjoyed the trip, and looking forward to next trip to Newquay in July. Slight problems as mentioned did not stop us from enjoying the time in and around Eastbourne. Trip to Brighton and "Beachy Head" very enjoyable

Hi Kevin, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We will pass your lovely comments on to the team at the Queens hotel and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

North Wales Adventure

Good pick up point, excellent driver, super coach, brilliant hotel, clean, great food, lovely staff. Interesting and varied excursions. Good value. Thank you

Hi Joesing, Thanks for taking the time to leave us such a great 5* review! We are delighted to hear that everything went well and you enjoyed your break.

Hotel lovely

The hotel was lovely apart from our superior room. The trouser pressor was broken and the draped curtains were really dirty. Tiles were off on the shower wall and there was no heated towel rail working until we reported it.

Dear Mrs Walker, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really value your feedback and will pass this on to the team. We look forward to welcoming you back later in the year.

Had a fantastic week away

Had a fantastic week away. Our coach driver Dom was so helpful as well as very entertaining throughout the trip. Room was very basic but just what we needed, staff at the hotel were lovely and helpful. Would definitely book again

Hi Mary, Thank you so much for a lovely review, we really appreciate you choosing to travel with us and look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Well worth the money.

The coach journey was comfortable but the hotel kept telling the driver to hold on as our rooms weren't ready. The Easter weekend was relaxing with wonderful staff.

Hi Patrick, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a 5* review, we are glad you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to welcome you back soon.

Driver arrived on time ,Driver Simon…

Driver arrived on time ,Driver Simon introduced himself he was courteous, helpful and friendly, coach was clean , tidy and a perfect temperature, Simon kept us informed of stops , expected time of arrival etc . Hotel was lovely, food amazing overall my friend and I had a relaxing enjoyable trip and will definitely be booking with your company again

Hi Linda, Thanks for taking the time to leave us a 5* review, we are glad you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to welcome you back soon.

Bad driving

As I was driving on the A1 towards Peterborough I saw an alfa coach to the left of me, with no indication he just pulled out in front of me where I had to brake quickly, this could have caused a serious accident then with no indication again pulled across to the left lane. This is not acceptable if he has passengers on board it could have ended very badly. Maybe the driver could do with a refresher course.

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Alfa Travel

Alfa Travel Case Study Overview

Lancashire-based, Alfa Travel have been providing memorable coach holidays and hotel breaks to the best resorts across the UK and Ireland for over 30 years.

There mission is to exceed customer expectations through providing high quality holiday experiences that is characterised by professional standards of service.

The business were looking to implement a solution that enabled their business to store data in a secure, offsite location, to improve recovery in the event of a disaster. They were also looking to improve their connectivity, as they were struggling with an insufficient leased line solution that was leaving them vulnerable to severe downtime.

We worked with Alfa Travel to identify their needs and find the perfect cloud and, with the help of our communication partner, Elite Group, an improved connectivity solution.

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

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‘A Lot of Chaos’: Bridge Collapse Creates Upheaval at Largest U.S. Port for Car Trade

A bridge collapse closed Baltimore’s port, an important trade hub that ranks first in the nation by the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles.

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Shipping in the Port of Baltimore

Monthly cargo handled by the Port of Baltimore

By Peter Eavis and Jenny Gross

• March 26, 2024

The Baltimore bridge disaster on Tuesday upended operations at one of the nation’s busiest ports, with disruptions likely to be felt for weeks by companies shipping goods in and out of the country — and possibly by consumers as well.

The upheaval will be especially notable for auto makers and coal producers for whom Baltimore has become one of the most vital shipping destinations in the United States.

As officials began to investigate why a nearly 1,000-foot cargo ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the middle of the night, companies that transport goods to suppliers and stores scrambled to get trucks to the other East Coast ports receiving goods diverted from Baltimore. Ships sat idle elsewhere, unsure where and when to dock.

“It’s going to cause a lot of chaos,” said Paul Brashier, vice president for drayage and intermodal at ITS Logistics.

The closure of the Port of Baltimore is the latest hit to global supply chains, which have been strained by monthslong crises at the Panama Canal, which has had to slash traffic because of low water levels; and the Suez Canal, which shipping companies are avoiding because of attacks by the Houthis on vessels in the Red Sea.

The auto industry now faces new supply headaches.

Last year, 570,000 vehicles were imported through Baltimore, according to Sina Golara, an assistant professor of supply chain management at Georgia State University. “That’s a huge amount,” he said, equivalent to nearly a quarter of the current inventory of new cars in the United States.

The Baltimore port handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year, and it was the 17th biggest port in the nation overall in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Baltimore Ranks in the Top 20 U.S. Ports

Total trade in 2021 in millions of tons

Baltimore ranks first in the United States for the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles, and for vessels that carry wheeled cargo, including farm and construction machinery, according to a statement by Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland last month.

The incident is another stark reminder of the vulnerability of the supply chains that transport consumer products and commodities around the world.

The extent of the disruption depends on how long it takes to reopen shipping channels into the port of Baltimore. Experts estimate it could take several weeks.

Baltimore is not a leading port for container ships, and other ports can likely absorb traffic that was headed to Baltimore, industry officials said.

Stephen Edwards, the chief executive of the Port of Virginia, said it was expecting a vessel on Tuesday that was previously bound for Baltimore, and that others would soon follow. “Between New York and Virginia, we have sufficient capacity to handle all this cargo,” Mr. Edwards said, referring to container ships.

“Shipping companies are very agile,” said Jean-Paul Rodrigue, a professor in the department of maritime business administration at Texas A&M University-Galveston. “In two to three days, it will be rerouted.”

But other types of cargo could remain snarled.

Alexis Ellender, a global analyst at Kpler, a commodities analytics firm, said he expected the port closure to cause significant disruption of U.S. exports of coal. Last year, about 23 million metric tons of coal exports were shipped from the port of Baltimore, about a quarter of all seaborne U.S. coal shipments. About 12 vessel had been expected to leave the port of Baltimore in the next week or so carrying coal, according to Kpler.

He noted that it would not make a huge dent on the global market, but he added that “the impact is significant for the U.S. in terms of loss of export capacity.”

“You may see coal cargoes coming from the mines being rerouted to other ports instead,” he said, with a port in Norfolk, Va., the most likely.

If auto imports are reduced by Baltimore’s closure, inventories could run low, particularly for models that are in high demand.

“We are initiating discussions with our various transportation providers on contingency plans to ensure an uninterrupted flow of vehicles to our customers and will continue to carefully monitor this situation,” Stellantis, which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, said in a statement.

Other ports have the capacity to import cars, but there may not be enough car transporters at those ports to handle the new traffic.

“You have to make sure the capacity exists all the way in the supply chain — all the way to the dealership,” said Mr. Golara, the Georgia State professor.

A looming battle is insurance payouts, once legal liability is determined. The size of the payout from the insurer is likely to be significant and will depend on factors including the value of the bridge, the scale of loss of life compensation owed to families of people who died, the damage to the vessel and disruption to the port.

The ship’s insurer, Britannia P&I Club, part of a global group of insurers, said in a statement that it was “working closely with the ship manager and relevant authorities to establish the facts and to help ensure that this situation is dealt with quickly and professionally.”

The port has also increasingly catered to large container ships like the Dali, the 948-foot-long cargo vessel carrying goods for the shipping giant Maersk that hit a pillar of the bridge around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The Dali had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off toward the 1.6-mile Francis Scott Key Bridge.

State-owned terminals, managed by the Maryland Port Administration, and privately owned terminals in Baltimore transported a record 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo in 2023, worth $80 billion.

Materials transported in large volumes through the city’s port include coal, coffee and sugar. It was the ninth-busiest port in the nation last year for receiving foreign cargo, in terms of volume and value.

The bridge’s collapse will also disrupt cruises traveling in and out of Baltimore. Norwegian Cruise Line last year began a new fall and winter schedule calling at the Port of Baltimore.

An earlier version of this article misstated the Port of Baltimore’s rank among U.S. ports. It was the nation’s 17th biggest port by total tons in 2021, not the 20th largest.

How we handle corrections

Peter Eavis reports on business, financial markets, the economy and companies across different sectors. More about Peter Eavis

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

United’s first female manager in Denver oversees airline’s fastest-growing hub

J onna McGrath is the first woman to head United Airlines’ operations at Denver International Airport, taking charge during a $2.1 billion overhaul of the airport’s terminal and soaring growth for both the airport and the company.

McGrath, a 35-year veteran of the airline, oversees United’s fastest-growing hub. Since 2019, United, the airport’s dominant carrier, has seen a roughly 30% increase in gate capacity and an 18% increase in the number of passengers in Denver.

United accounted for nearly 50% of DIA’s passengers in February. The airline is logging 464 flights a day out of Denver and expects to exceed 500 this summer.

Overall, DIA had its busiest year ever in 2023, with 77.8 million passengers flying to, from and through Denver, up 12.3% from 2022.

In February, the airline opened a $145 million addition to its flight training center on a 23-acre campus in northeast Denver. United says the center is the largest of its kind. Last year, the company opened two United clubs in Denver , including the airline’s largest club in the world.

McGrath anticipates the pace of growth to continue.

“Denver is great because we have room to grow. We’ll go up to 90 gates by the end of this year. We’re now at 82,” McGrath said.

United has room to expand near the airport as well after buying 113 acres of land in the area last year. Airline officials have said some of the space will be used for another flight-training facility and other buildings. The land purchase has raised speculation that United might eventually move its headquarters from Chicago to Denver.

“That’s a question I get all the time,” McGrath said with a laugh. “We have no plans right now. We’ve been invested in Chicago over many, many years.”

But the land gives United options as it moves forward, she added.

Upward trajectory

McGrath took over as vice president of United’s airport operations in Denver in July 2023. About 4,000 United employees work at DIA. The airline’s total workforce in Colorado is approximately 10,000.

“Denver was always on my list of where I wanted to end up some day,” McGrath said. “I knew I wanted to be closer to home.”

McGrath grew up in the Deadwood area in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She joined United as a frontline worker in 1989 in Rapid City, S.D. Her family ran the marina at Pactola Lake and had a marine and sports shop.

“I was a single mom. I had a 1-year-old baby, and I sold a boat to the manager of United in Rapid City. He offered me a part-time job, and I thought, ‘oh, that’s a cool way to be able to travel and see the world.’ So I thought I’d do it for a couple of years,”

McGrath worked at the Rapid City airport for five years, handling pretty much all the different duties: working on the ramp, deicing planes, dispatching aircraft, pulling up the jet bridge and loading bags and customers.

From there, McGrath transferred to Minneapolis, where she worked “above the wing,” or in customer service. Everything outside is “below the wing.” She went from being a frontline worker to a supervisor and then the manager for United at the Minneapolis airport. She was there for 11 years.

McGrath then went to United’s headquarters in Chicago to work as a business analyst in information technology. The company was developing a new computer system for the frontline agents. She said she didn’t know the “technical stuff.”

“But I understood the job because I’d worked on the front line for many years, and I trained on our system that we were working on,” McGrath. “My job was to tell them what we needed the system to do to best serve our customers.”

When she talks to United employees, especially other women, McGrath said she advises people to take risks and learn new things.

“My first risk was when I went to Minneapolis. I was a single mom and I decided that I wanted a career with United, so I took that leap of faith and moved somewhere new,” McGrath said.

Other stops along the way before landing in Denver included managing United’s operations at airports in Miami, Orlando and Tampa in Florida, and Seattle and Los Angeles. During that time, McGrath said the number of women in leadership positions at United has grown.

“I still sit in rooms where there aren’t a lot of females, but it is growing. Over my 35 years, that growth is noticeable,” McGrath said. “Since my announcement as (vice president) in Denver, we’ve had two more female VP announcements in airport operations.”

McGrath believes United recognizes that women can bring a different perspective to the job. “It doesn’t always have to be that same group of males who have always followed that track or have done that job.”

During a United event for Women’s History Month, McGrath told a crowd at a gate on DIA’s B concourse about growing up in a family that was entrepreneurial. As a teenager, she did the books for the family business.

McGrath said she has also always looked for opportunities in the workplace. “Whenever they said we’re looking for people to take this job, take on this project, I raised my hand because I wanted to learn more.”

Related Articles

• Airlines | United opens $145M addition to pilot training center in Denver
• Airlines | Denver airport’s newest security checkpoint opens soon. Will it shorten wait times?
• Airlines | United opens airline’s largest club in the world at DIA. How can travelers get in?
• Airlines | United Airlines to add 40 new flights in Denver in time for summer travel season

McGrath’s confident and empathetic approach as well as her competitive spirit have contributed to her success, said David Kinzelman, United’s senior vice president of airport operations.

“Her experience, passion, and positive outlook made it an easy decision to position her as the leader of our fastest-growing hub,” Kinzelman said in a statement.

As she nears the one-year mark in Denver, McGrath is focused on enhancing the customer’s experience, which includes improving curbside baggage check-in and providing apps that make navigating the airport easier.

United is updating its digital screens and accommodations at the gates, such as new furniture and more cellphone chargers. The overhead bins on the planes are being enlarged to handle more carry-on luggage,  McGrath said.

And McGrath said the airline is working closely with the airport as renovations to the terminal and other projects proceed. “We have to have a really great working, collaborative partnership to be successful because as we grow we’re going to put more stress on the airport.”

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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