Dave

American Express unveils largest Centurion Lounge at Atlanta Airport

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American Express marked Valentine’s Day with the grand opening of its newest Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, north America’s busiest airport.

Boasting an impressive 26,000 square feet, the lounge becomes the largest in the Centurion Lounge network.

Centurion Lounge: A 50-year-old olive tree graces the main seating area

Positioned conveniently in Concourse E near gate E11, it offers a wealth of amenities to cater to the discerning needs of frequent flyers.

Audrey Hendley, of American Express, expressed excitement about the strategic location of the new lounge, stating,

The new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will serve travelers in one of the airports our Card Members visit most.

Hendley highlighted key features such as outdoor terraces and ample space for relaxation, emphasising the incorporation of local touches in design and menus.

The lounge’s design draws inspiration from Atlanta’s moniker as “the city in the forest.”

A 50-year-old olive tree graces the main seating area, accompanied by a custom light sculpture representing a forest canopy.

Outdoor terraces, a first for the Centurion Lounge network, provide panoramic views of the airfield. Meticulously landscaped, these areas are equipped with heaters and fans for year-round comfort.

Local artists contribute to the lounge’s aesthetic, with commissioned works including a textural interpretation of the iconic American Express watch dog by Lucha Rodríguez and a multimedia piece by Michi Meko inspired by Georgia’s landscape.

A 60-foot mural by Evan Blackwell Helgeson adorns the interior and exterior spaces, depicting abstracted leaf-like shapes.

Renowned Atlanta-based Chef Deborah VanTrece, known for her local restaurants, brings her take on modern, global soul food to the lounge.

The menu features dishes such as Black Eyed Pea Biryani, Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri and Twisted Soul Salad with Strawberry Peppercorn Vinaigrette.

VanTrece’s culinary offerings blend her travel experiences as a former flight attendant with family traditions and fresh, local ingredients. The lounge also provides gluten-free and vegan options, including protein bites, salads, smoothies, and immunity booster juice shots.

She said,

The collaboration with American Express allows me to share my creative vision for food and hospitality with travelers from around the world

The Reserve: a bespoke whiskey bar serving signature cocktails designed by Jim Meehan

A highlight of the new lounge is The Reserve by American Express, the first dedicated whiskey bar in the Centurion Lounge network.

Curated by award-winning mixologist Jim Meehan, the menu features five speciality whiskey cocktails, including Drink a Peach with peach-flavored whiskey and bitters, and Mayme, Tailored, highlighting an American whiskey with ginger beer.

The bar offers a modern take on a classic whiskey bar, connecting to an outdoor lounge area. The lounge also features a fully stocked main bar, offering a selection of over twenty classic and new American whiskeys, along with wines handpicked by sommelier Anthony Giglio.

In addition to the culinary and beverage offerings, the lounge provides signature Centurion Lounge amenities, including dedicated workstations, phone booths, premium restrooms and shower suites.

Multiple seating areas and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi cater to the diverse needs of all types of traveller.

American Express, the credit card issuer with the most extensive airport lounge options, continues to prioritise the travel experience for Card Members.

The Global Lounge Collection™ includes access to 28 Centurion Lounges and over 1,400 lounges worldwide.

Plans for further expansion of the Centurion Lounge Network include new locations at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

For information about flights serving Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport – or any of the airports served by Amercian Express lounges – please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Transport for London releases new names for Overground lines

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In a groundbreaking move to enhance the navigational experience and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of London, each of the city’s six Overground lines will now boast a unique name and colour, marking a historic shift in the iconic Tube map.

The transformation aims to simplify the network for commuters, drawing inspiration from London’s diverse history and communities.

Transport for London (TfL) conducted extensive research revealing that some passengers found the London Overground network confusing due to its single colour and name. The revamp addresses this concern by assigning distinct names and colours to each line, facilitating a clearer understanding of the system.

London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, expressed enthusiasm for the change, emphasising the growth of the Overground, which now carries over three million customers weekly. He stated,

The network, which has grown quite considerably since 2007, is currently shown as a complicated network of orange on route maps. This can be confusing for customers less familiar with the network and could be a barrier for some wanting to use the London Overground. These new names and line colours will simplify the maps and routes for our customers, and it is hoped it will encourage more people to make the most of our services. It is also a great way to tell the stories of some important parts of London’s cultural diversity.

The Lioness line

Euston to Watford Junction

Mark Bullingham

The Lioness line, which runs through Wembley, honours the historic achievements and lasting legacy created by the England women’s football team that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of women and girls in sport.

It will be yellow parallel lines on the map.

Mark Bullingham, Chief Executive Officer for The Football Association, commended the decision, saying:

We’re so pleased to see the Mayor of London and Transport for London recognise the historic achievements of our England women’s team with the newly named Lioness line.

The line honours the incredible victory in the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, and the lasting legacy this team is creating in inspiring the next generation.

The Mildmay line

Stratford to Richmond/Clapham Junction

Geoff Coleman

The Mildmay line, which runs through Dalston, honours the small charitable hospital in Shoreditch that has cared for Londoners over many years, notably its pivotal role in the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s, which made it the valued and respected place it is for the LGBTQ+ community today.

It will be blue parallel lines on the map.

Geoff Coleman, Chief Executive Officer for Mildmay Mission Hospital, conveyed his gratitude, stating:

We are deeply honoured that the Mildmay line was chosen as one of the new London Overground lines names in recognition of the work of the dedicated doctors, nurses and support staff at the Mildmay Hospital.

From its humble origins in the 1860s – serving the poorest people of the East End – to its pivotal role during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 80s and 90s, Mildmay has evolved into an internationally renowned rehab centre, and our dedicated team continues to serve people from across London.

The Windrush line

Highbury & Islington to Clapham Junction/New Cross/Crystal Palace/West Croydon

Arthur Torrington

The Windrush line runs through areas with strong ties to Caribbean communities today, such as Dalston Junction, Peckham Rye and West Croydon and honours the Windrush generation who continue to shape and enrich London’s cultural and social identity today. 

It will be red parallel lines on the map.

Arthur Torrington CBE, Co-founder and Director of the Windrush Foundation, expressed his organisation’s congratulations, saying:

Windrush Foundation congratulates Transport for London for creating a new interest in travel on the Windrush line as part of the London Overground line naming project.

We are reminded of the iconic journey of Empire Windrush and the contributions the Caribbean community have made to the capital over many decades.

The Weaver line

Liverpool Street to Cheshunt/Enfield Town/Chingford

James Gaselee

The Weaver line runs through Liverpool Street, Spitalfields, Bethnal Green and Hackney – areas of London known for their textile trade, shaped over the centuries by diverse migrant communities and individuals.

It will be maroon parallel lines on the map.   

James Gaselee, Clerk for Worshipful Company of Weavers, highlighted the historical significance, stating:

We are delighted that one of the newly named London Overground lines will be called the Weaver line in recognition of the silk weaving trade that was centred on Spitalfields; this is not however purely historic as the name of the line will also shine a light on the silk weaving, textile and fashion industries that continue to flourish in London and across the country.

The Suffragette line

Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside

Jemima Olchawski

The Suffragette line celebrates how the working-class movement in the East End, fought for votes for woman and paved the way for women’s rights. 

The line runs to Barking, home of the longest surviving Suffragette Annie Huggett, who died at 103.

It will be green parallel lines on the map.  

Jemima Olchawski, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, applauded the recognition of women’s rights, saying:

The naming of the Suffragette line is a wonderful way to pay tribute to the women who have gone before us and to inspire the next generation of feminist campaigners, as our work isn’t yet done!

The Liberty line

Romford to Upminster

Julie Frost

The Liberty line celebrates the freedom that is a defining feature of London and references the historical independence of the people of Havering, through which it runs. 

It will be grey parallel lines on the map.

Julie Frost, BID Director for Romford Business Improvement District, expressed local support, stating,

The Romford BID welcome the announcement that the Romford to Upminster branch line now has a new name; the Liberty line. This is a very fitting name as it speaks to our Borough’s centuries old status as a Royal Liberty. What better way to keep alive the spirit of this association than by renaming a key piece of our local transport infrastructure.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, hailed the transformation as a pivotal moment, simplifying navigation and celebrating London’s local history and culture. Commuters are encouraged to explore the unique stories behind each line, fostering a deeper connection with the city.

The rebranding process, led by creative agency DNCO, will involve updating the Tube map, the London Overground network map, and various on-network assets.

Careful consideration has been given to inclusivity, with validation and testing conducted to ensure the line colours are as accessible as possible, including those with visual impairments.

The entire rebranding process is expected to be completed by the end of the year, culminating in a refreshed and more user-friendly London Overground experience.

For information about travel around London, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Love is in the air: British Airways sweetens the skies for Valentine’s Day

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British Airways is set to make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable for its passengers with a range of love-themed offerings, creating an enchanting atmosphere for travellers. From delightful inflight entertainment to exclusive city break offers, love will be in the air for all those flying with British Airways.

To celebrate the most romantic date of the year, British Airways Holidays has curated city break offers starting from £142 per person.

Destinations include the ever-romantic Paris, cultural Copenhagen, historic Dublin, picturesque Turin, charming Edinburgh, sunny Nice, magical Prague, stylish Stockholm, and the timeless Verona.

Valentine’s Day: British Airways making 14 February unforgettable

Regardless of whether the journey is short-haul or long-haul, every passenger departing from Heathrow and Gatwick on the 14th of February will be greeted with a complimentary heart-shaped chocolate upon boarding.

First and Club class passengers are in for an additional treat with exclusive Valentine’s themed desserts, such as the exquisite white chocolate mousse heart with passion fruit and mango for First class travellers.

For those seeking a touch of romance at 30,000 feet, British Airways has relaunched its ‘Love is in the air’ inflight entertainment category.

Passengers can enjoy classic rom-coms like Marry Me, Along Came Polly, and Music and Lyrics on long-haul flights.

However, for those not inclined towards Valentine’s Day, suspenseful options like Birds of Prey, Nocturnal Animals, and The Meg are available for a limited time.

British Airways lounges will also reflect the love-filled ambiance, offering heart-shaped gingerbread in the Heathrow Club and First lounges, complemented by fresh flower arrangements.

Rosé lovers can indulge in an exclusive wine tasting at the Whispering Angel bar in the Club Lounge at T5B from 12:00.

Travellers from the USA can experience the sweetness of Valentine’s Day in all British Airways lounges, including San Francisco, New York, and Boston, with a pink gin-based cocktail called ‘Strawberry Aviation.’

Short-haul travellers have the opportunity to elevate their journey with the High Life Café.

Customers can pre-order a Champagne and chocolate celebration set, or choose from a selection of Valentine’s gifts available at the High Life Shop, including Tom Ford’s Café Rose Eau du Parfum and Hot Diamonds’ ‘The Romantic Pendant.’

For those looking to book a romantic getaway, British Airways offers a special city break deal for travel in March 2024, available for booking between 12th and 19th February 2024.

As British Airways continues to make flying an extraordinary experience, passengers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Account Manager for further details on these Valentine’s Day offerings.

Dave

Istanbul Airport unveils visionary plans for 2024: a year of transformative investments

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iGA Istanbul Airport, a key global transfer hub, has set its sights on a groundbreaking “Year of Investments” in 2024, pledging a remarkable 656.5 million Euros in strategic developments.

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO at iGA Istanbul Airport, revealed these ambitious plans during the annual press conference, outlining the focus on passenger experience, infrastructure, and sustainability.

Selahattin Bilgen: Istanbul Airport CEO

In a bid to enhance its status as Europe’s Busiest Airport, iGA Istanbul Airport plans to cater to 85 million passengers in 2024, a 12.77% increase from the previous year.

Bilgen highlighted the intention to elevate the number of flights to 532,000, a testament to the airport’s continued growth and influence.

Bilgen underlined iGA’s commitment to its role as a global aviation leader by welcoming eleven new airlines by the end of 2024, bringing the total to an impressive 101.

This move solidifies iGA Istanbul Airport’s position among the top three airports globally in terms of served airline companies.

In a bid to optimise operations, iGA Istanbul Airport is set to implement Europe’s first triple parallel runway system in 2024.

Bilgen emphasised,

We will break new ground among ICAO member nations with our triple independent runway operations, targeting the highest efficiency and capacity.

Underscoring their dedication to sustainable practices, Bilgen announced an extensive investment plan for 2024, with a particular focus on renewable energy. Notably, iGA Istanbul Airport aims to become the world’s first airport to meet all its electricity needs through a 199.32 MWe unlicensed Solar Power Plant in Eskişehir, with an anticipated annual energy production of 340,446,833 kWh/year.

iGA Istanbul Airport’s cargo expansion is noteworthy, with a cargo area now three times the size of Hong Kong Airport’s. The collaboration with FedEx Express and Trendyol adds another dimension to their global reach, positioning iGA Istanbul Airport as a hub connecting Asia and Africa.

In line with its commitment to environmental responsibility, iGA Istanbul Airport is striving for ‘Net Zero CO2 Emissions’ by reducing emissions by 45% in six years.

Bilgen revealed plans to achieve a 73% emission reduction by 2040 and reach Net Zero Emissions by 2050, showcasing the airport’s dedication to sustainable practices.

Highlighting their success in the ACI Airports Carbon Accreditation program, Bilgen noted achievements such as a nearly 11% decrease in energy consumption, a 5% reduction in water footprint, and 35% waste recycling, reinforcing iGA Istanbul Airport’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Closing the conference, Bilgen expressed confidence in the airport’s continuous improvement in passenger satisfaction. GfK Research Company reported a 89% appreciation rate in 2023, a figure expected to rise further with the completion of ongoing projects.

For further information about flights to, from and via iGA Istanbul Airport contact your Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

Unlock your spring adventure: earn a free night with BWH Hotels’ exclusive offer

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This spring, BWH Hotels is rolling out an enticing offer for members of its acclaimed loyalty programme – Best Western Rewards.

From 5 February to 5 May, 2024, BWR members who indulge in a two-night stay at BWH Hotels properties across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, will unlock a fantastic reward: a complimentary night’s stay.

What’s more, these free nights can be savoured until 25 August, 2024. To seize this opportunity, BWR members must register for the offer before completing their first eligible stay, either via bestwestern.com/rewardsrush1 or directly at the hotel.

Joelle Park, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at BWH Hotels said,

The team is thrilled to kick off 2024 with this exciting promotion and enhance our rewards members’ travel plans for the year. Whether travellers want to experience some of our incredible ski properties or escape the cold weather for a beach, rewards members can be confident they are getting the comfort, service and value they have come to expect from our hotels.

The perks of the BWR program underscore BWH Hotels’ commitment to caring for its guests and fostering unique travel experiences.

The awarded free night can be redeemed at any participating Best Western branded hotel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It’s important to note that members are entitled to earn only one free night for this promotion.

Inspired by BWH Hotels’ new marketing campaign, “Life’s A Trip,” this year’s BWR spring promotion encourages travellers to embrace life’s imperfections. The campaign acknowledges that life and travel aren’t always smooth sailing, highlighting three emotionally-driven, real-life scenarios that illustrate travel as simultaneously vibrant, messy, draining and beautiful.

It urges BWH Hotels’ guests to earn rewards while embracing the perfectly imperfect nature of travel.

Every stay at a BWH Hotels property earns members points which can be redeemed for various rewards. These include free or discounted room nights at BWH Hotels properties, Mastercard and Amazon gift cards, Best Western gift cards for friends and loved ones, or donations to nonprofit organisations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross. BWR members can also utilise their accumulated loyalty points to partially pay for their next hotel stay through BWR’s Pay with Points program, providing instant access to discounts on room rates at hotels across North America.

In addition to the spring promotion, BWR members can take advantage of BWH Hotels’ Gift of Travel program, enabling them to gift travel experiences to their loved ones at any BWH Hotels property worldwide. This can be done by transferring rewards points to other BWR members for memorable trips. Members can extend the Gift of Travel in two distinct ways:

  1. Gifting a Free Night: BWR members can gift a one-night stay to immediate family members through the “Gift a Free Night” option in their BWR account.
  2. Redeeming a Best Western Gift Card: BWR members can redeem their points for a Best Western gift card and gift it to friends and family. This option is accessible in the redemption section of their BWR account.

To book stays at BWH properties, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

For more information, visit http://bestwestern.com/rewardsrush1bestwestern.com/rewardsrush1. BWR members must register for the offer prior to the completion of their first eligible stay, either on bestwestern.com/rewardsrush1 or at the hotel directly.

Dave

Natalie Pawley clinches Travel Businesswoman of the Year 2024

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Global Travel Management is thrilled to announce that Natalie Pawley, Director and Founder, has been awarded the title of Travel Businesswoman of the Year 2024.

This accolade, part of the nationwide Women in Business Awards 2023, recognises Natalie’s exceptional leadership and invaluable contributions to the business-to-business travel sector.

Natalie Pawley: Winner, Businesswoman of the Year; finalist, Leadership Award

Nominated by her Global Travel Management colleagues, Natalie emerged as a finalist in the “Leadership Award” category, ultimately securing the Travel Businesswoman of the Year 2024 honour.

The judging panel, comprised of business experts with diverse industry knowledge, commended Natalie’s outstanding leadership qualities.

Established in 1997 by Natalie, Global Travel Management has thrived under her guidance.

As the company’s first employee and Director, Natalie played a pivotal role in overcoming industry challenges, including navigating downturns post-9/11, Icelandic volcano disruptions, and the recent global business travel shutdown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Natalie has been a driving force behind the creation of a groundbreaking carbon offset programme aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of business travel.

Her commitment to sustainability aligns with Global Travel Management’s dedication to responsible business practices.

Scott Pawley, GTM Managing Director and Natalie’s husband said,

We are immensely proud of Natalie’s achievement as Travel Businesswoman of the Year. Her resilience and strategic vision have been instrumental in steering Global Travel Management through challenging times

Expressing her gratitude, Natalie Pawley stated,

I am honoured to receive the Travel Businesswoman of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire Global Travel Management team and our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the travel industry.

The Women in Business Awards celebrate outstanding women leaders across the UK, with over 4,800 travel agencies qualified to be for recognised. Natalie’s win underscores her remarkable contributions to the travel industry and her commitment to excellence.

Dave

Air France unveils exquisite in-flight dining experience for business travellers

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Since the start of February 2024, Air France has been treating its Business customers on short-haul flights to a ‘gastronomic delight’, in collaboration with Servair Corporate Chef François Adamski, renowned Bocuse d’Or and Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

The airline’s revamped catering offer features a dynamic menu that evolves throughout the day.

For flights departing before 10 am, a sumptuous breakfast is served, showcasing sandwiches with carefully curated fillings like smoked salmon and cream cheese with dill on white bread, accompanied by a delightful breakfast pastry.

Gourmet lunchbox: François Adamski has created tasty sandwiches which are easy to eat on short flights

Post 10 am, passengers can indulge in Chef Adamski’s ‘signature’ sandwiches, including smoked paprika chicken and tarragon vegetables on granary bread, complemented by quintessentially French sweets and desserts like calissons, cannelés, or a tropézienne.

Chef Adamski has designed these delectable sandwiches to be easily enjoyed during the brief flight, incorporating local and seasonal produce, French-origin meat, poultry, and dairy, PDO cheeses, and sustainably sourced fish – all aligning with Air France’s stringent quality standards.

This culinary journey is refreshed monthly, packaged elegantly in a specially designed meal box exclusively for the airline’s Business customers.

Accompanying this gastronomic experience is a meticulously curated list of wines and champagnes, now served in a glass, along with an array of hot and cold beverages.

In an exemplary move towards responsible catering, the meal boxes and their waste undergo onboard sorting. Pioneering sustainability, Air France, with the support of Servair, subjects the boxes to methanisation – the process of breaking down organic waste into methane and other byproducts – for effective reprocessing.

The meal box not only represents Air France’s commitment to moving upmarket but also serves as a platform for promoting the richness of French cuisine.

Chef François Adamski’s culinary creations are not confined to the air; they extend to the Air France lounge in terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and grace the Business cabin on the airline’s medium-haul flights.

François Adamski, a distinguished chef with an illustrious career, began his culinary journey in the kitchens of the Hôtel de Matignon, followed by stints at prestigious establishments such as the Plaza Athénée, the Ritz, the Maison Prunier, and the Hôtel Intercontinental. His culinary prowess was affirmed in 2001 when he clinched the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, and in 2007, he earned the esteemed title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

After contributing six years to the Abbaye Saint-Ambroix in Bourges, where he maintained and upheld the Michelin star earned by his predecessor, Adamski ventured westward to Bordeaux in 2009. There, he assumed control of the kitchens at Gabriel’s, situated in a private hotel at Place de la Bourse. His impeccable command of classic French cuisine resulted in the well-deserved acquisition of his first Michelin star.

In 2012, driven by his dedication to the culinary profession and a passion for imparting knowledge, Adamski assumed the role of president of Team France Bocuse d’Or until 2020. His commitment to culinary excellence further manifested in 2021 when he was appointed vice-president of the esteemed Toques Françaises.

Embarking on a new challenge in early 2019, Adamski joined Servair, France’s leading airline catering company, as Corporate Chef. Tasked with promoting the company’s culinary identity and fostering the exchange of expertise, he also serves as the Secretary General of the Servair Culinary Studio. This innovative laboratory comprises starred chefs and culinary experts, and in this capacity, Adamski spearheads the company’s culinary innovations, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the art of gastronomy.

For those wishing to explore this elevated culinary experience further, please contact your dedicated Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

On-the-go connectivity upgrade: LNER’s bespoke solution for East Coast Main Line

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In a groundbreaking collaboration, LNER, Network Rail, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are joining forces to revolutionise mobile connectivity on the East Coast Main Line, with a particular focus on enhancing the travel experience for UK-based business travellers.

The latest development in this joint venture sees the successful installation of a bespoke antenna in the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels outside London King’s Cross station.

This milestone signifies a major stride towards ensuring a more reliable and consistent mobile phone and on-train Wi-Fi connection for passengers.

Copenhagen Tunnel: a set of three parallel railway tunnels, 534m long, carrying the main line tracks out of London’s King’s Cross, about a mile north of the station.

Notoriously challenging ‘not-spots’ experienced by travellers passing through the tunnels are expected to be eliminated, offering a seamless digital experience.

LNER, in partnership with Network Rail and key mobile network operators, has invested in this crucial infrastructure project, which is set to make the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels the first on the country’s operational railway to be equipped with this innovative mobile connectivity solution.

The installation, executed by rail connectivity and technology integration specialist Linbrooke, underwent rigorous testing at Network Rail’s Innovation and Development Centre in collaboration with mobile phone companies before being introduced to the network.

From later this year, business travellers and commuters alike can anticipate maintaining uninterrupted direct voice and data access to their mobile providers.

This enhancement will ensure that calls remain connected and online meetings stay seamless as passengers approach and depart from the bustling capital.

For UK-based business travellers seeking a more reliable and enhanced digital experience during their journeys, this collaborative effort signifies a significant step forward. The project not only addresses current connectivity challenges but also sets a precedent for improved mobile infrastructure on the nation’s railway network.

Helen Cavanagh, Head of Passenger Experience for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said:

This is a fantastic example of the rail industry and mobile operators working together to improve services and experience for passengers. “This project will keep most passengers connected with family and friends on the approach to King’s Cross station, helping boost their enjoyment when travelling on the East Coast Main Line.

A Virgin Media O₂ spokesperson explained that Virgin Media O₂ is focused on improving the network experience for its customers and closing any “not spots” that exist for them:

This project will help to ensure they are able to get quality mobile coverage on the move and enable them to stay connected when leaving and approaching London King’s Cross Station.

Dave

KLM unveils Southampton to Schiphol evening flights

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In a bid to offer greater flexibility to business and leisure travellers, KLM is set to introduce a new daily evening service between Southampton and Schiphol Airport starting from Sunday, 31st March.

This latest addition will complement KLM’s existing daily morning and evening services from Southampton.

The evening flights, operated by KLM’s modern Embraer aircraft fleet, are scheduled as follows:

  • Departure from Amsterdam (AMS): 19:00
  • Arrival at Southampton (SOU): 19:10
  • Departure from Southampton (SOU): 19:40
  • Arrival at Amsterdam (AMS): 21:50

This move aims to provide passengers with an extended range of options to connect with one of Europe’s busiest hub airports. Southampton Airport, having recently completed a £17-million runway extension, continues to grow and improve its connectivity.

Christopher Tibbett, Head of Airline Relations and Marketing for Southampton Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of the evening service, stating,

The additional service will be welcomed not only by passengers traveling to the Dutch capital but also by those wishing to travel globally to one of 332 direct destinations in 97 countries served by one of Europe’s most popular hub airports.

This new service follows the successful completion of the runway extension program in August last year, with Glasgow and Belfast already enjoying new connections. Furthermore, exciting announcements for summer include flights to popular destinations such as Mallorca, Alicante and Faro.

For UK-based business travellers seeking increased options and seamless connectivity, this enhancement is a testament to KLM’s commitment to serving the needs of its passengers. As Southampton Airport continues to expand its offerings, this additional evening service further cements its position as a key player in the regional travel landscape.

To explore how this new service can benefit your business travel plans or for more information, reach out to your Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

Enhanced flexibility: LNER Introduces Simpler Fares for business trips

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London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has introduced a groundbreaking Simpler Fares pilot scheme set to redefine the customer experience along the East Coast route.

The initiative focuses on providing a more straightforward ticketing system, making travel more accessible for UK-based business travellers.

The trial, covering select routes such as London King’s Cross to Newcastle, London to Berwick-upon-Tweed and London to Edinburgh, aims to simplify ticket purchasing and enhance flexibility.

Building on the success of the Single Leg Pricing across most of the LNER route, the Simpler Fares pilot offers customers the ability to mix and match fares with three straightforward options.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, emphasised the importance of simplifying fares to make rail travel more attractive. He stated,

This exciting new pilot is the next step in our plans to overhaul complicated and outdated ticketing options, and we look forward to hearing feedback from our customers.

Key Changes in Simpler Fares:

  1. Advance (Fixed): The ‘best value’ fare, booked in advance for a fixed journey with a guaranteed reserved seat for travel with LNER.
  2. ’70min Flex’ (Semi-Flexible): A new type of ticket offering customers the flexibility to travel on other LNER services, which can be 70 minutes before or after their originally booked journey.
  3. Anytime (Fully-Flexible): This ticket can be used at any time of day.

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak fares, representing only 11% of journeys included in the pilot, will be removed from 5 February, 2024.

LNER’s Managing Director, David Horne, expressed confidence that the changes, including pricing journeys more closely to demand, will make rail travel even more attractive. The introduction of a new semi-flexible ticket further adds modern flexibility to the fare structure. He said,

LNER remains at the forefront of rail reform. Simplifying fares is vital in making rail travel more attractive. Customers tell us they find fares confusing. 

This exciting new pilot is the next step in our plans to overhaul complicated and outdated ticketing options and we look forward to hearing feedback from our customers.

We believe that making fares simpler, smarter and fairer, while introducing value for money and modern flexibility, will encourage more people to choose to travel by rail, the most sustainable travel choice.

The pilot will run for two years and LNER will continue to collaborate with industry partners to understand how it is working for customers, also ensuring a wide range of affordable tickets are available.

The two-year pilot is designed to gather valuable customer feedback.

LNER will collaborate with industry partners to understand its impact, ensuring a wide range of affordable tickets remains available.

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, commented,

We are delivering on our commitment to reform the railways, working with operators to provide passengers with simpler and more flexible tickets that better suit their needs.

Stewart Fox-Mills, Fares, Ticketing, and Retail Programme Director at GBRTT, applauded the initiative, stating,

This pilot will move the dial towards simpler and better fares for customers.

For further information on the Simpler Fares pilot scheme and how it can benefit your business travel, contact your Global Travel Account Manager.