Dave

Gatwick and GWR join forces to enhance rail connections for business travellers

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London Gatwick and Great Western Railway (GWR) have formed a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the North Downs Line, which connects the airport to Surrey, Reading, and the Thames Valley. The announcement, made during London Gatwick’s annual Transport Forum, signals a commitment to improving station facilities, services, and passenger experience along this key route.

This development is particularly significant for UK-based business travellers, many of whom rely on efficient rail connections to reach meetings, conferences, and workplaces across the region. Enhancing the North Downs Line will not only improve connectivity but also contribute to more sustainable travel options, aligning with growing corporate priorities for reducing carbon footprints during business trips.

The partnership focuses on fostering collaboration between London Gatwick and GWR to promote service development, implement station improvements, and engage with local communities. This joint effort supports London Gatwick’s Decade of Change sustainability initiative, which aims to increase public transport usage to 60% by 2030, including zero and ultra-low emission journeys. Enhanced rail connections through this partnership will also bolster air-to-rail integration, further reinforcing London Gatwick’s role as a major multimodal transport hub.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer of London Gatwick, emphasised the broader benefits of this collaboration, stating:

The Great Western Railway service to Reading is already a vital service for London Gatwick’s passengers and colleagues, not to mention the local communities along the North Downs Line. This partnership provides the framework for an even more ambitious and collaborative approach to developing air-to-rail services at London Gatwick, and we are delighted to continue this journey with the GWR team. As we look to grow through our Northern Runway Project, it is imperative we continue improving our transport options for passengers and local communities.

Similarly, Tom Pierpoint, Commercial Development Director of GWR, highlighted the value of the North Downs Line and the new partnership:

Great Western Railway recognises that the rail industry plays a key role in driving economic growth, supporting communities, and enabling our customers to travel for a multitude of purposes. Creating this partnership provides further energy to keep delivering for our communities in a new and innovative way that paves the way for great local and regional outcomes.

For UK-based business travellers, the improved connectivity from the North Downs Line will simplify access to the airport and surrounding regions, enhancing both domestic and international travel experiences. The partnership also underscores the importance of sustainable travel in the business sector, reflecting the growing demand for eco-conscious corporate policies.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented:

This partnership between London Gatwick and GWR is fantastic news for UK-based business travellers. Enhanced rail connections mean greater convenience, time savings, and more sustainable travel options, which are increasingly important to our clients. We’re excited to see the benefits this collaboration will deliver.

For more information about flights from Gatwick or GWR journeys, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

New digital 3D maps help passengers navigate key stations in the South East with ease

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Three-dimensional digital maps have been introduced by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to assist passengers, particularly those with disabilities, in navigating key stations across London, Sussex and Bedfordshire with greater ease and confidence.

This innovative project, which is currently being trialled at ten stations, enables passengers to plan their journey in advance using interactive 3D maps.

Gatwick Airport: the new 3D station plan of the rail station at LGW

Available on mobile phones and computers, these maps highlight accessible routes, staircases, lifts and ticket gates, providing a detailed, aerial view of the stations. This ensures that passengers can plan their route from street level to their seat before even arriving at the station.

The initiative will be particularly useful for business travellers who often rely on train stations as part of their busy schedules, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey.

Luton Parkway: Maps showing footbridge, platform and forecourt levels

For individuals with access needs, these maps offer a valuable resource in making travel less stressful and more manageable, helping them to navigate stations with confidence and independence.

Carl Martin, Accessibility Lead at Govia Thameslink Railway, commented:

We understand that for some of our customers, visiting a new station can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s finding essential facilities or navigating between platforms, our goal is to ensure everyone can travel independently and with confidence, regardless of their access needs. We’re really pleased to introduce these new maps as part of our commitment to create a more inclusive and accessible railway. Together with other helpful guides on the assisted travel pages of our websites, they’ll help people plan a smooth and stress-free journey.

Currently, bird’s-eye-view maps are available for all stations served by GTR. However, feedback has highlighted areas for improvement, as some maps were not to scale or difficult to read, especially at larger, more complex stations. The new 3D diagrams address these issues by colour-coding accessible routes and clearly showing different station levels. These enhanced maps can be accessed through National Rail Enquiries or directly via the websites of GTR’s train brands.

The first ten stations to feature these new 3D maps are:

  • Brighton
  • City Thameslink
  • Denmark Hill
  • East Croydon
  • Elephant & Castle
  • Finsbury Park
  • Gatwick Airport
  • London Blackfriars
  • Luton Airport Parkway
  • Peckham Rye

These stations were selected based on their high footfall and complex layouts, such as multiple levels or entrances. Denmark Hill, for instance, was chosen due to its proximity to King’s College Hospital, an important factor for many passengers with specific accessibility needs.

If the trial proves successful, there is the potential for more stations to be added to the scheme, further enhancing the accessibility of the rail network for all passengers.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said:

For UK-based business travellers, these new 3D maps are a game-changer. Having a tool that helps with the accessibility and navigation of stations across London and the South East will be invaluable for those who travel frequently, especially when managing time-sensitive trips. This initiative not only supports the needs of disabled passengers but also helps business travellers save time and reduce stress on their journeys.

For information on journeys on GTR routes, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Schiphol unveils newly expanded Lounge 1, improving experience for European flights

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Schiphol Airport has opened a newly expanded section of Lounge 1, adding 5,000 square metres of space to enhance the experience for passengers flying within Europe. This newly developed area represents a key milestone in Schiphol’s extensive redevelopment, aimed at creating a more spacious, modern, and comfortable environment for travellers.

This addition will be of particular interest to Global Travel Management customers who travel frequently through Schiphol, as the added space and planned amenities promise a smoother, more comfortable journey through one of Europe’s busiest airports. Over the next few months, further enhancements will be added to Lounge 1, including new dining establishments and retail options, all designed to provide a higher-quality experience for travellers and to better meet future demand.

With a total of over 20,000 square metres now under redevelopment in Lounge 1, Schiphol is focusing on making the airport not only more spacious but also more sustainable. By transforming an existing car park and parts of four buildings, Schiphol has created a large, bright plaza filled with natural light, seating areas, and even three tall trees, designed to bring a calm and relaxing atmosphere to the bustling airport. Sustainable materials have also been prioritised in the construction, including bamboo wall panels and seating crafted from grass cut at the airport itself.

Sybren Hahn, Schiphol’s Executive Director of Infrastructure, remarked,

The finished plaza is a new part of Schiphol to be proud of, and an important step in the redevelopment of the airport. It is the transformation of the oldest part of our airport into a modern, bright space, while also replacing fundamental parts. Literally and figuratively a strong piece of work. This new area sets a new standard for how we want to welcome passengers, with more space, comfort and modern facilities.

The opening of this expanded lounge area is part of Schiphol’s ambitious investment plan to make the airport “future-proof” over the next five years, with an investment of 6 billion euros. In addition to Lounge 1, the programme includes various large and small infrastructure projects, including the renewal of Pier C and Lounge 2. These investments aim to improve the overall quality, infrastructure, and working conditions at Schiphol for both passengers and airlines, as the airport aims to meet rising demand with an emphasis on quality and experience.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the value of the new expansion:

This enhancement at Schiphol demonstrates their commitment to improving the travel experience for UK-based business travellers, many of whom rely on Schiphol as a key hub. The added space and forthcoming amenities will undoubtedly ease transit times, provide greater comfort, and offer a better overall experience for our clients who regularly travel across Europe.

For further information on how these developments at Schiphol may benefit your business travel, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

New travel podcast with Clara Amfo explores inspiring travel stories with top guests

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A brand-new podcast, Routes with Clara Amfo, is launching in collaboration with LNER on November 7, 2024, bringing listeners engaging travel stories and life experiences from notable guests including Tom Grennan, Candice Brathwaite, Babatunde Aleshe, and Arielle Free.

For UK-based business travellers, especially those familiar with journeys along the LNER East Coast Mainline, Routes offers a refreshing take on travel. Instead of the usual travel tips, Clara and her guests dive into the meaningful, personal and sometimes humorous side of travel, sharing moments that have influenced their lives, careers and outlooks.

This podcast’s blend of inspiration and relatability could resonate with business travellers who often find unique meaning in their journeys, whether domestic or international.

The podcast’s first episode features musician Tom Grennan, who reflects on transformative travel moments, from a childhood trip at age nine to discovering his passion for music during a visit to London with his mother.

New podcast: From first trips to unforgettable adventures, Routes with Clara Amfo takes listeners on a journey through travel memories that shaped each guest

In each episode, Clara Amfo creates a space for her guests to share their biggest travel moments, unexpected encounters, and even the annoyances they’ve encountered along the way.

Commenting on the podcast, Clara Amfo said,

I’m delighted to team up with LNER for the Routes podcast, where we get into the fun, personal and sometimes awkward side of travel! Travel has always been my way of embracing new experiences, and I love exploring during work and in my downtime. We have a great lineup of guests who all bring their unique and universal takes on what it is to step outside of their usual surroundings, that will hopefully inspire our listeners to do the same!

LNER’s Communications Director, Stuart Thomas, added,

I’m so excited about the launch of Routes with Clara Amfo, with a stellar guest list and a brilliant host. There’s nothing better than relaxing on one of our trains and listening to a podcast – and I know this one is going straight to the top of my list.

As well as being available through all the usual podcast channels, Routes will be available directly onboard LNER services using a seat-back QR code.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented,

It’s exciting to see the launch of Routes, a podcast that offers an entertaining and insightful look at what travel can mean to people from all walks of life. Business travellers who listen to Clara’s conversations are likely to find fresh inspiration and may even see parallels with their own travel experiences, whether they’re embarking on new opportunities or finding motivation during their journeys.

Routes with Clara Amfo will be available on all major podcast platforms and directly on LNER trains, offering easy access to the series for both regular and occasional travellers.

For information about LNER journeys, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

SkyTeam and Trenitalia join forces to offer seamless travel and rewards earning for business travellers

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SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Trenitalia, Italy’s leading rail operator, to provide customers with expanded travel options across Italy, combining air and high-speed rail segments in a single reservation. This new partnership was unveiled at the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam and will allow travellers to seamlessly connect their flights with Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa high-speed train services, enhancing convenience and flexibility.

For UK-based business travellers, this integration offers a streamlined way to navigate Italy’s key business hubs, especially beneficial for those travelling to destinations that are best accessed by rail once in Italy. By enabling seamless connections between flights and high-speed trains, this partnership supports business travellers seeking efficient travel across Italy while cutting down on transit times and maximising productivity on multi-leg journeys.

The SkyTeam-Trenitalia collaboration will introduce a range of perks for loyalty programme members, marking Trenitalia as SkyTeam’s second non-airline partner. SkyTeam frequent flyers will soon be able to earn and redeem miles on eligible Frecciarossa routes, while members of Trenitalia’s CartaFRECCIA programme will gain similar benefits on eligible SkyTeam flights. Elite members from both programmes, including SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus, as well as CartaFRECCIA Platinum and Gold members, will enjoy SkyPriority services at select railway stations, making the travel experience even more integrated.

Patrick Roux, CEO of SkyTeam, commented,

We are delighted to join forces with Trenitalia as our second non-airline partner, strengthening SkyTeam’s intermodal travel strategy by offering more high-quality, high-speed rail connections – supporting our mission to future-proof travel. Italy is an important global market for business and leisure travellers, and with Trenitalia, customers will have more choice and flexibility to go where they want to, how they want to, while enjoying the many benefits for which SkyTeam is known.

This development comes as Trenitalia focuses on intermodality and sustainability, connecting travellers across Italy through its Frecciarossa high-speed rail network, which covers over 150 Italian destinations with more than 270 daily connections. This new option will allow business travellers flying into major Italian airports, such as Rome Fiumicino (SkyTeam’s hub in Italy), to continue seamlessly to business centres including Milan, Venice, Florence, and Naples.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, highlighted the benefits for UK-based business travellers, saying,

This partnership between SkyTeam and Trenitalia offers a major boost for our clients needing to travel across Italy with efficiency and ease. Combining air and high-speed rail itineraries will save time, reduce hassle, and provide more sustainable travel options—all of which are essential for today’s business travellers.

This collaboration supports SkyTeam’s commitment to a seamless, responsible customer journey and expands its extensive network, which already serves Italy through 14 member airlines connecting major markets worldwide. The addition of Trenitalia’s services brings greater intermodal access, making it easier than ever for travellers to explore Italy using both air and rail.

To learn more about how the SkyTeam-Trenitalia partnership could enhance your business travel in Italy, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager for further information.

Dave

Countdown to luxury: Lufthansa’s Allegris First Class officially launches on 9 November

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Lufthansa is set to revolutionise the long-haul travel experience with the launch of its new Allegris First Class, featuring state-of-the-art individual suites, which will take to the skies for the first time on scheduled flights to Bangalore and Mumbai starting on 9 and 15 November, respectively.

This exciting development is sure to capture the attention of UK-based business travellers who are seeking unparalleled comfort and innovation during their journeys.

The Allegris First Class represents a significant upgrade in luxury travel, providing a unique offering that enhances the business travel experience.

With features such as almost one-metre-wide seats that can be heated or cooled to suit individual preferences, guests will enjoy a level of comfort previously unseen in commercial aviation.

The separate suites are equipped with floor-to-ceiling walls, lockable doors, large tables, expansive screens and wireless over-ear headphones, ensuring an elevated sense of privacy and personal space.

Lufthansa Allegris: Passengers can warm or cool their nearly one-meter-wide seats in the suite according to their personal needs and connect their own mobile device to the entertainment system.

A personal wardrobe within the suite adds convenience, allowing travellers to change comfortably and keep their belongings organised. The Suite Plus option further enhances the experience by enabling travellers to share the suite with a partner, combining privacy with the joy of travelling together.

Allegris service: the crew serves the gourmet menu at a time requested by the passenger.

In a related highlight, Lufthansa has also been recognised with the APEX Innovation Award for the world’s best in-flight entertainment innovation for 2024.

This award reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through cutting-edge technology. In collaboration with Meta and MSM.Digital, Lufthansa is testing mixed reality technologies to elevate in-flight entertainment.

Business Class guests on Allegris-equipped flights will have exclusive access to the latest generation of VR headsets, offering a selection of immersive cinema-style movies, engaging VR 360-degree travel podcasts, interactive games, and soothing relaxation exercises.

As Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, notes,

The introduction of Lufthansa’s Allegris First Class is a game-changer for UK-based business travellers, providing them with an extraordinary travel experience that prioritises comfort and innovation.” This news underscores Lufthansa’s dedication to meeting the needs of its most loyal guests while enhancing the overall travel experience.

As the new First Class gradually becomes available, passengers can expect targeted upgrades and bookings, ensuring they can enjoy this luxurious service as soon as it is fully operational.

For those interested in further details about this exciting development or how it may enhance their business travel, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager for more information.

Dave

Marriott Bonvoy connects Manchester United fans with unforgettable experiences at Old Trafford

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Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel programme from Marriott International, is offering Manchester United fans extraordinary opportunities throughout the 2024-2025 season, including the chance to play on the iconic Old Trafford pitch, enjoy stadium sleepovers, and even travel alongside the team.

These exclusive experiences can be accessed through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, where fans can bid with points or enter a sweepstakes for an unforgettable matchday experience.

This exciting partnership is particularly relevant for Global Travel Management customers, as it highlights the potential for unique and tailored travel experiences that enhance corporate trips. By understanding such offerings, business travellers can combine their professional journeys with leisure opportunities that resonate with their personal passions, thereby creating a more enriching travel experience.

As part of the season’s offerings, Marriott Bonvoy and Manchester United have announced a sweepstakes where ten lucky fans and a guest will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play at Old Trafford. Winners will enjoy a weekend mimicking the life of a Manchester United star, featuring a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, an exclusive dinner with club legends, and hospitality at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly. The experience also includes round-trip flights to Manchester, accommodations, and tickets to a Men’s match, with entries open until 31 March 2025, at ManUtd.com/MarriottBonvoyCompetition.

In their sixth year of partnership, Marriott Bonvoy will provide a variety of exclusive Moments that fans can redeem using points accrued from travel and everyday activities. Highlights include:

  • Travel Like the Team: Fans can join Manchester United on away matches to Plzeň and Bucharest, enjoying pre-match hospitality and match tickets.
  • Seat of Dreams: Experience a VIP matchday alongside a club legend at Old Trafford, complete with complimentary food and a pre-match Q&A.
  • Suite of Dreams: An overnight stay at Old Trafford’s Marriott Hotels “Suite of Dreams”, offering unique experiences like kit preparation and dining with a legend.
  • Mascot Experience: Young fans can take the pitch with the first team, watching the match from general admission seats, alongside a stay at the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel.
  • M Club Suite: VIP seating with complimentary hospitality in the exclusive M Club Suite during matches.
  • Ambassadors’ Lounge: Access to VIP tickets and complimentary hospitality at Old Trafford with legends.
  • Play on the Pitch: Members can bid points for a chance to play at Old Trafford, coached by Manchester United legends.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, stated,

This partnership illustrates the growing trend of blending business travel with unique leisure experiences, allowing UK-based travellers to make the most of their trips and fulfil their passions.

In addition to these offerings, fans can explore The Lobby Phone installation at the new Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly. This unique audio experience lets guests hear never-before-told stories from club legends and current players, further connecting them with Manchester United’s rich history.

To discover more about these exciting opportunities and how they can enhance your travel experience, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

Manchester Airport launches new Arctic routes, connecting UK business travellers to Tromsø

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Travellers flying from Manchester Airport will soon have direct access to the Arctic, with Norwegian and easyJet launching new services to Tromsø, the world’s most northerly city, in the coming weeks.

Both airlines will offer flights directly from Manchester to Tromsø, with Norwegian starting their service this Wednesday and easyJet following suit from 19 November. Each airline will operate twice weekly, with Norwegian flying on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and easyJet on Tuesdays and Saturdays. With a flight time of just over three hours, these new routes will be particularly appealing for UK-based business travellers who may want to combine their work trips with an extraordinary experience, as Tromsø is renowned for its unique Arctic landscape and rich cultural heritage.

For Global Travel Management customers, these flights offer new opportunities to explore a destination not only popular for leisure but also important for business in industries such as renewable energy and Arctic research. The launch of these services from Manchester, a major hub for UK business travellers, highlights the increasing importance of connecting the UK with diverse global regions.

Tromsø’s appeal stretches beyond its title as the world’s most northerly city, offering a range of activities in one of the planet’s most stunning natural settings. Whether it’s whale-watching, catching a glimpse of the mesmerising Northern Lights, or exploring the local Sami culture on a reindeer sleigh ride, Tromsø provides business travellers with a chance to unwind in a completely different environment after meetings or conferences. Additionally, Tromsø’s strategic position inside the Arctic Circle makes it a prime destination for those interested in eco-tourism and sustainability.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented on the benefit these flights bring to business travellers:

With Manchester now offering direct flights to Tromsø, our clients have the chance to explore a unique Arctic destination that could be of particular interest for those working in the renewable energy or environmental sectors. The short flight time and twice-weekly schedule make it easy for UK-based business travellers to incorporate Tromsø into their itineraries, whether for business or leisure.

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, emphasised the airport’s growing route network, noting that Tromsø is now the most northerly destination available from Manchester. He stated,

These new services to Tromsø are a really exciting addition and give people planning their next city break or adventurous holiday a truly unique option.

If you would like more information about how these new routes could benefit your business travel plans, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

Qatar Airways introduces the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 flight, enhancing in-flight connectivity

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Qatar Airways has launched the world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight, setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity that promises to revolutionise the travel experience for passengers.

On 22 October 2024, this milestone was marked by a flight from Doha to London, making Qatar Airways the first airline globally to offer Starlink’s ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet across its fleet.

Recognised as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024, Qatar Airways is taking the lead in adopting cutting-edge technology in air travel. The airline is not only the first carrier in the MENA region to provide passengers with Starlink but is also set to exceed its initial goal of having three Starlink-equipped aircraft, with plans to introduce twelve Boeing 777-300s by the end of 2024. This ambitious rollout will see the technology implemented across the entire Boeing 777 fleet by 2025 – one year ahead of schedule – with the Airbus A350 fleet following in the summer of the same year.

Hi Elon: Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer’s video call with SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk

This significant initiative demonstrates Qatar Airways’ commitment to enhancing passenger experience by bridging the gap between the skies and the ground. With Starlink, passengers can enjoy reliable, high-speed internet access throughout their journey—from gate to gate. Whether streaming their favourite shows, watching live sports, playing online games, or working while in the air, travellers can remain connected without any charge.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, stated:

We are thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry. This milestone, paired with our commitment to rapidly roll out Starlink across our entire modern fleet, demonstrates our relentless pursuit of offering passengers an in-flight experience that transcends the constraints of traditional air travel. By providing Starlink reliable, seamless internet on board, we are connecting people to the things they love the most even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us a memorable one.

Qatar Airways has achieved several industry-firsts with this initiative, including being the first airline to operate a Starlink-equipped Boeing widebody 777, as well as securing the first Starlink Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a Boeing aircraft. These advancements signify a major leap forward in passenger connectivity, as the technology delivers high-speed internet across previously unreachable areas, including over oceans and remote locations.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, remarked,

Over time you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum and it only gets better from here.

As Global Travel Management aims to keep UK-based business travellers informed about the latest advancements in the industry, the introduction of Starlink-equipped flights by Qatar Airways highlights a pivotal shift towards improved connectivity while flying. Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented,

This innovative service will significantly benefit UK-based business travellers, enabling them to work efficiently and stay connected while in the air, transforming the way we think about travel.

The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will operate on select routes as Qatar Airways continues to implement its rollout plans. This move is set to elevate the airline’s award-winning on-board experience, providing a new benchmark for in-flight excellence.

For further information about how this advancement can enhance your travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Emirates supports education with upcycled backpacks for teachers

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Emirates has recognised the dedication of teachers in one of Johannesburg’s most impoverished areas by gifting 100 teachers with limited-edition, upcycled backpacks, marking their contribution to education and society.

The backpacks, part of Emirates’ ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ repurposed luggage collection, were given to teachers at Carter Primary School and Gordon Primary School in Alexandra, as part of the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’. The airline’s team, based in Johannesburg, made the donation during the same month as World Teachers Day, demonstrating their ongoing support for the local community. Each backpack, made from leather upcycled from the airline’s A380 and 777 aircraft, was handmade at the Emirates Engineering facility in Dubai. The teachers also received a luxe leather notebook, an on-the-go tea tumbler, and teas from Dilmah.

Afzal Parambil, Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa, commented,

Since our first flight to Johannesburg in 1995, we have not only invested in scaling our operations and developing South Africa’s tourism sector but invested in the community too. Education, much like travel, broadens the mind and brings immeasurable value to society at large. Celebrating these shared values, we wanted to show our appreciation for the teachers in one of Johannesburg’s most impoverished townships. We are proud to enrich the communities we serve.

The initiative is part of Emirates’ long-standing support for education. Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline has supported schooling programmes globally, with a focus on improving education in underprivileged areas. In South Africa, Emirates has worked with projects such as Singakwenza, which supports early childhood education in low-income communities, and the Fikelela Children’s Centre, which helps children affected by HIV/AIDS. These projects align with Emirates’ broader mission to create a lasting impact on the communities it serves, both through education and charitable work.

Carter Primary School’s Principal Seemela expressed gratitude for the recognition:

It means a lot to us to have our hard work, dedication and sacrifices recognised. We are grateful to the Emirates team for hand-picking our school. We don’t often get recognition for the work we do, in the communities we work in. Emirates has shown our learners that through hard work they too can be recognised for their efforts and become key players and role models in their own communities regardless of their backgrounds.

The ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, which repurposes materials from the airline’s interior cabin retrofit programme, is set to be donated to more schools and organisations across Africa and Asia before the year’s end, underscoring Emirates’ commitment to education and sustainability.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented:

Initiatives like this show the positive impact that global companies can have on local communities. For UK-based business travellers, it’s inspiring to see airlines like Emirates not only leading in travel but also giving back in meaningful ways. It reminds us that travel is about more than just getting from one place to another – it’s about building connections and enriching lives.

For more information on Emirates flights, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.