Dave

Radisson RED unveils contemporary oasis in Helsinki’s historic Kaisaniemi Park

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Radisson RED, the vibrant hotel brand renowned for its contemporary design and art-centric ethos, has made its debut in Helsinki, the green capital of the world’s happiest country.

Nestled in a modernist masterpiece within the historic Kaisaniemi Park, Radisson RED Helsinki promises an inspiring blend of art, culture, and relaxation at the pulse of the Finnish capital.

Urban Oasis: Radisson RED Helsinki captures city sophistication and serenity

Designed by the acclaimed Finnish architecture firm Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit, the eight-story Radisson RED Helsinki boasts 195 stylish rooms and suites, each showcasing the brand’s signature cutting-edge design. With its strategic location within walking distance of Helsinki Central Station, the iconic Oodi library, and vibrant hotspots, the hotel is a gateway to the city’s architectural marvels and cultural hubs.

One of the standout features of Radisson RED Helsinki is its commitment to art. The lobby welcomes guests with a three-meter red artwork inspired by the monumental “lantern carriers” sculpture at Helsinki Railway Station. Hanging proudly in the hotel’s center is Finnish artist Jenni Rope’s 24-metre tall mobile masterpiece, “Gust of Wind,” bringing the verdant beauty of Kaisaniemi Park indoors.

The ground floor beckons with the RED Bar and Kitchen, offering a laid-back dining experience and a trendy bar with an outdoor terrace overlooking Kaisaniemi Park. This space, open from morning until late, becomes a hub for socialising, featuring DJs, local artists and availability for private events.

Radisson RED Helsinki also introduces the RED Guide, a curated insider’s guide to Helsinki’s authentic local sights and unique experiences, crafted in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and locals.

Unveiling in January 2024 at the grand opening party, the guide promises to reveal hidden gems and provide guests with a local’s perspective on the city.

Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Area Senior VP for Northern and Western Europe at Radisson Hotel Group, expressed excitement about the launch, stating,

Radisson RED Helsinki is our fourth Radisson RED in Scandinavia, following the success of our properties in Denmark and Oslo. Its focus on cutting-edge design and art, combined with a relaxed setting, has resonated well with Nordic travellers. We look forward to welcoming both local and international guests to this vibrant addition to our portfolio.

General Manager Mika Virtanen added,

We’re proud to open Finland’s first Radisson RED in Helsinki and work with prestigious designers, artists, and architects, reflecting Radisson RED’s award-winning design-focused ethos. Radisson RED Helsinki is an excellent base for exploring the design, architecture, and urban culture of Helsinki.

Radisson RED brand movie

For those eager to delve deeper into the authentic experiences Radisson RED Helsinki has to offer, the invitation is extended to contact their Global Travel Account Manager for further information. Discover the allure of Helsinki through the lens of Radisson RED, where bold design meets local immersion.

Dave

British Airways completes Heathrow Terminal 5B lounge refresh: a premium travel experience awaits

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British Airways has concluded the final phase of its lounge refresh at London Heathrow Terminal 5B, bringing a host of exciting enhancements for its premium customers.

This substantial makeover introduces a new servery area, deli station, updated furniture, and the addition of a serene quiet zone.

The latest upgrades come on the heels of British Airways’ launch of the exclusive Whispering Angel bar earlier in the summer within the T5B lounge.

The improvements extend across the airline’s First and Club lounges located at London Heathrow Terminal 3, delivering a superior experience for travellers.

In addition, a brand-new bar has been installed in the First lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5, further elevating the premium offering.

Expert garnishing: the live food preparation area

One of the most notable features in the T5B lounge is the live food preparation area, where customers can witness their meals being expertly garnished with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

This culinary innovation offers a delightful gastronomic experience for travellers.

For those who prefer a self-service dining experience, the redesigned deli area provides an extensive selection of hot and cold dishes, including a range of breakfast options, sandwiches, and light bites, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Bespoke furniture: the lounge’s makeover includes soft furnishings, flooring and seating

The lounge’s makeover extends beyond food and beverage offerings.

The refreshing of the lounge includes the introduction of bespoke furniture, new flooring, and soft furnishings.

These updates contribute to a more elevated and comfortable ambiance.

Additionally, the introduction of a quiet zone provides travellers with a serene space to relax before their flight.

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, emphasised the airline’s commitment to enhancing the airport experience, especially for premium customers, stating,

We want to ensure we offer something for everyone using our lounges, whether that’s providing an area for those who wish to relax, catch up on work, or somewhere for our customers to enjoy our British Original-inspired dishes. We hope these changes go a long way in making a difference to our customers’ experience before their flight.

Onboard, British Airways has introduced new seasonal winter menus for all customers and delightful snack boxes for those traveling in World Traveller (economy) and World Traveller Plus (premium economy) on long-haul routes.

These snack boxes contain a variety of sweet and savoury treats, including chocolates, biscuits and popcorn, and are offered to customers as a mid-flight snack.

The airline is not stopping at lounge enhancements.

They have plans to add new furniture and day beds to the Concorde Room and Arrivals lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5.

In the coming months, British Airways is set to implement further upgrades to its Edinburgh lounge and will unveil a brand-new bar and an enhanced menu in its Seattle lounge next year.

As part of its ongoing commitment to provide a truly exceptional experience, British Airways has also created the ultimate martini in its Concorde Room, in collaboration with mixologist Mr Lyan and designed by engineering experts, Bremont and CALLUM.

British Airways continues to lead the way in providing premium services and experiences for its customers, making each journey truly remarkable.

For further information on these exciting developments and to experience the upgraded lounge facilities, travellers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

Air Canada’s upgraded Airbus A321: redefining the business travel experience

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Air Canada introduces an upgraded Airbus A321 with cutting-edge cabin enhancements, including larger overhead bins, Bluetooth audio, real-time exterior cameras, and more, offering UK-based business travelers an elevated travel experience.

Air Canada has proudly introduced passengers to a new era of air travel comfort and technology, unveiling their first upgraded Airbus A321 with an entirely revamped interior and groundbreaking in-flight features. This milestone event promises to elevate the flying experience for UK-based business travellers.

The reimagined Airbus A321 boasts a series of innovative enhancements to ensure passengers enjoy unparalleled comfort and connectivity. Some of the key highlights of the cabin improvements include:

  • Larger Overhead Bins: The latest Airbus Airspace XL design features the largest overhead bins in its class, ensuring ample storage for passengers’ belongings. These spacious bins will also be incorporated into the Airbus A321XLRs.
  • Upgraded Seating: Business Class and Economy passengers will benefit from standardised seating designed to optimise personal space, enhance ergonomics, and provide more storage, ensuring a more comfortable journey.
  • Bluetooth Audio: Air Canada’s new In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system offers Bluetooth-enabled seatback monitors, allowing passengers to connect their personal headsets while enjoying video on demand, live TV, podcasts, or music. This initiative aligns with Air Canada’s commitment to sustainability by reducing single-use headphone waste.
  • New Exterior Cameras: Passengers can now enjoy real-time, high-definition views of their flight through a groundbreaking exterior camera system – a first for narrow-body aircraft.
  • Full-Colour LED Mood Lighting: The new cabin lighting system can set different ambiences based on the time of day and phase of the flight.
  • Fast and Reliable Wi-Fi: Enhanced satellite-based connectivity ensures passengers have access to high-speed internet during their journey.
  • Power Options at Every Seat: All passengers can conveniently access power outlets, USB-A, and USB-C to keep their devices charged.
Live view: industry-first exterior cameras on a narrow-body aircraft provide customers real time, high-definition flight views on IFE seatback screens

The new IFE system installed on the Airbus A321 and A320 fleets features Air Canada’s award-winning in-flight entertainment, offering the most extensive content of any airline in the Americas.

Passengers can also enjoy live TV on these flights, featuring popular channels such as BNN, CTV, LCN, RDS, TSN1, and TSN2.

The remaining 14 Airbus A321s and eight A320s in Air Canada’s fleet are set to undergo retrofitting from this autumn until the end of 2025.

With these upgrades, passengers will experience a consistent and elevated narrow-body cabin experience, in line with the quality offered on the Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that constitute the majority of Air Canada’s narrowbody fleet. 

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline and the country’s flag carrier. As a founding member of Star Alliance, it offers scheduled services to over 180 airports worldwide. The airline holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax and is committed to achieving a net-zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US.

In addition to enhancing passenger comfort and connectivity, the new cabin design will reduce the overall weight of the A321 by approximately 240 kilograms.

This weight reduction is expected to result in substantial fuel savings, estimated at more than 2.4 million litres, and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 4,185 Canadian homes.

For further information about these groundbreaking upgrades and how they will enhance your business travel experience, we invite you to get in touch with your Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

Unlocking luxury: The MICHELIN Key redefines hotel excellence

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The renowned MICHELIN Guide, celebrated worldwide for its recognition of top-tier dining establishments, is set to revolutionise the hotel industry with its latest creation – The MICHELIN Key.

The distinctive accolade is designed to shine a spotlight on hotels that offer truly exceptional experiences to travellers.

Starting in 2024, these distinguished hotels and accommodations will have the privilege of bearing The MICHELIN Key, joining a select group of establishments that stand out for their excellence.

Much like its esteemed restaurant ratings, The MICHELIN Guide aims to provide independent recommendations for hotels that are genuine destinations in their own right.

Unlocking extraordinary: The MICHELIN Key is a prestigious distinction awarded to exceptional hotels that offer truly outstanding and unique travel experiences

After four years of meticulous evaluation and research, The MICHELIN Guide now unveils a selection of more than 5,000 remarkable hotels across 120 countries.

The MICHELIN Guide emerged as a trusted beacon guiding travellers towards extraordinary experiences. In response to the prevailing standardisation in hotel design, interiors and amenities, The MICHELIN Guide strives to connect with travellers on an emotional level, directing them towards establishments that excel in architectural design and professional expertise, and possess a distinct and identifiable personality.

The new MICHELIN Guide selection encompasses more than 5,000 hotels worldwide, offering diverse options to suit various budgets and styles. The selection process is guided by five essential criteria:

  1. A Destination in Itself: These hotels contribute significantly to the local experience, enriching the traveller’s journey.
  2. Excellence in Interior Design and Architecture: These establishments set themselves apart with exceptional design and architectural features.
  3. Individuality and Authenticity: Each hotel reflects a unique personality and authenticity.
  4. Quality, Comfort, and Service: A commitment to providing consistent quality, comfort, and impeccable service.
  5. Value for Experience: These hotels offer a seamless balance between the experience they deliver and the price they command.

Importantly, this hotel selection stands independent of existing labels and quotas, catering to both seasoned MICHELIN Guide enthusiasts and those in search of well-informed advice.

The new approach to hotel recommendations by The MICHELIN Guide serves three key objectives:

  1. Enhancing Gourmet Experiences: Travellers can now complement their culinary adventures with memorable hotel stays.
  2. Character-Focused Accommodations: Guests are guided towards accommodations that offer more than just a place to sleep – they offer character and unique experiences.
  3. Comprehensive Independent Platform: The MICHELIN Guide’s website and mobile application provide an intuitive platform for inspiration, selection, reservation, payment, and sharing of travel experiences. The platform is ad-free, ensuring a seamless user experience, and offers round-the-clock customer service along with expert travel guidance.
  4. The MICHELIN Key – A New MICHELIN Guide Distinction

Within this groundbreaking selection, The MICHELIN Guide seeks to spotlight establishments that elevate hospitality to an art form, curating unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guides, explains,

The MICHELIN Key is a clear, reliable indicator for travelers. Just as the MICHELIN Star distinguishes top restaurants, the MICHELIN Key recognizes the world’s most exceptional hotels. It is also an acknowledgment of the dedication and passion of hospitality professionals.

Annually, The MICHELIN Key will honour exceptional establishments led by teams with unique expertise. The accolade will be bestowed following one or more anonymous stays by The MICHELIN Guide’s selection teams.

Currently in the field, The MICHELIN Guide teams are on the lookout for the finest hotel experiences, with the inaugural MICHELIN Key selection set to be unveiled in the first half of 2024.

Dave

Elevating the onboard dining experience: Virgin Atlantic’s Autumn-Winter menu revamp

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Virgin Atlantic is ushering in the cooler season with a fresh and diverse menu, set to roll out across its network from 4 October.

This revamped menu not only caters to the taste buds of travellers but also embraces inclusivity, offering an array of vegetarian and plant-based options.

In addition to the delectable dishes, a tantalizing selection of beverages, including wines, cocktails, matcha and kombucha has been introduced. And the airline’s Economy Delight customers can now enjoy the convenience of pre-selecting their meals.

Virgin Atlantic’s new Autumn/Winter menu, effective from 4 October, promises a warm and satisfying culinary experience for passengers in all cabins.

For Upper Class travellers, the menu boasts a delightful blend of British classics and global flavours.

Some highlights include succulent serrano ham with roasted squash, pickled red onion, and feta cheese, as well as herb-roasted chicken breast and roasted trout fillet.

Notably, the Extra Bites menu steals the spotlight, featuring a scrumptious cream tea complete with sultana scones, white chocolate and orange scones, clotted cream, morello cherry jam, and lemon curd.

Additionally, passengers can relish a delectable bao bun with cashew satay chicken and a spiced lamb flatbread.

This season’s menu also places a heightened emphasis on vegetarian and plant-based choices, such as carrot tartare with whipped ricotta, spinach and ricotta tortellini, spiced apple and parsnip soup, and a beyond burger with pickled onions, vegan cheese, and vegan mayonnaise.

To round off the meal, tempting new flavours of Northern Bloc plant-based ice cream await, including double salted caramel and lemon sorbet.

Upper Class passengers can also enjoy a new A La Carte breakfast menu, allowing them to tailor their breakfast with options like yogurt, fresh fruit, warm pastries, and a selection of cereals, including artisan granola and fruit and fibre.

Those looking to catch up on sleep can opt for the Express Breakfast, served 40 minutes before landing, featuring a choice between a bacon roll or a sweet pastry.

Complementing these offerings are a range of new well-being drinks, such as Real sparkling tea, Perfect Ted matcha and Lo Bros kombucha.

The onboard wine selection showcases a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, a Côtes du Rhône Rosé, and an Italian Villa Borghetti Valpolicella Classico.

In Premium cabins, passengers face a delightful dilemma when choosing between dishes like homely chicken lasagna, sage and thyme pork stew, and panko-coated tofu with katsu vegetable curry.

Well being: a range of drinks

Additionally, a British cheese plate featuring vintage cheddar, blacksticks blue, fig jelly, grapes, and olive oil and sea salt crackers has been added.

For dessert, a choice between sweet or savoury Mile High Tea is on offer, with options like coconut and blueberry financier, pistachio macaron mini patisseries, mini quiche Lorraine, and smoked salmon blini.

Economy Delight passengers will be thrilled to learn that they can now pre-order their entrees, a convenience previously available only in Premium and Upper Class.

The new Economy menu presents enticing options such as chicken, leek, and tarragon casserole, creamy spinach and butternut pasta, and accompaniments like Cathedral City cheddar and crackers, along with a Pots & Co plant-based chocolate pot.

Virgin Atlantic has also revamped its snack offerings across all cabins.

Economy passengers will be spoiled for choice with a selection that includes Walker’s shortbread fingers, vanilla Oreos, Cadbury mini fingers, and Penn State sour cream and chive pretzels.

Meanwhile, Upper Class and Premium passengers can indulge in Savoursmiths bubbly and serrano chili crisps, Yumma peach-flavored gummy sweets, Creative Nature blueberry muffin bars, Love Raw Vegan caramelised biscuit bars, and more.

Premium curry: panko-coated tofu with katsu vegetable curry

As the crisp autumn air sets in, Virgin Atlantic welcomes travellers with a comforting menu designed to tantalise the senses and kickstart their journeys.

The airline collaborates with catering partner Gate Gourmet to ensure the highest quality in-flight food and beverage offerings.

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic, expressed excitement about the new menu, stating,

We’re delighted to introduce our new onboard menu, marking the return of the season that makes our customers crave some winter sun. At Virgin Atlantic, we’re always looking to create memorable moments onboard, which is why we strive to offer an unmatched, contemporary, and extensive selection of dishes across our cabins. From the addition of well-being drinks in Upper Class to the extension of pre-select to Economy Delight, our focus on innovation means our customers experience nothing short of fantastic service and flavorful food, no matter where they’re travelling to.

Travellers can look forward to a memorable culinary journey on their next Virgin Atlantic flight, complete with a rich array of seasonal dishes, tantalizing snacks, and diverse beverage options.

Whether you’re jetting off for business or leisure, Virgin Atlantic is set to elevate your in-flight dining experience this autumn and winter.

Dave

Saudia unveils new brand identity and digital transformation

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Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has proudly unveiled its refreshed brand identity and livery.

Distinguished guests, including Royal Highnesses, prominent figures from both the public and private sectors, media correspondents and aviation experts gathered to witness the significant milestone.

This rebranding initiative aligns with Saudia’s broader strategic digital transformation plan, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by attracting global visitors to the Kingdom.

The introduction of this new brand identity heralds a fresh era for Saudia, characterised by innovative customer service concepts, a strong emphasis on digital enhancements and an unwavering dedication to enhancing the guest experience while celebrating Saudi culture.

This transformative journey seeks to engage all five senses, promising guests an authentic Saudi experience throughout their journey.

From a distinctive fragrance and sonic identity to locally-inspired cuisine crafted by skilled Saudi artisans, every detail aims to leave guests with a profound sense of the country’s warmth and hospitality.

This not only fosters a deeper appreciation of Saudi culture for both nationals and visitors but also firmly anchors Saudia’s national identity.

As part of the rebrand, Saudia has introduced new uniforms for its cabin crew and ground staff, symbolising a fresh start and a renewed commitment to excellence.

The airline’s new brand colours, featuring green, blue and sand, reflect its ambitious plans to expand its fleet and destinations, serving as a bridge connecting the world to Saudi Arabia while underscoring the Kingdom’s authenticity and cherished values.

Parallel to its rebranding efforts, Saudia has embarked on an extensive digital transformation journey to enhance the customer’s digital experience.

The airline is at the forefront of international carriers, leveraging generative Artificial Intelligence through its virtual assistant, aptly named “SAUDIA.”

This innovative AI solution is set to revolutionise the booking process, with the goal of enabling guests to complete transactions efficiently and seamlessly by year-end.

Beyond improving customer experiences, this ambitious digital transformation also streamlines operations and processes, while ensuring the highest levels of data security through strategic partnerships with leading global companies.

Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, shared his excitement about this transformative phase, stating,

We are experiencing a new era and a very exciting time for Saudia. Our airline has evolved significantly over the years, from a Douglas DC-3 aircraft in 1945 to a modern fleet of 140 aircraft, serving over 100 destinations, making us one of the largest airlines in the region. Our new identity pays homage to our rich heritage while reflecting our visionary approach that is poised to captivate the world.

Saudia’s commitment goes beyond just refreshing its look and digitizing its operations; it is also actively contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

By collaborating with industry stakeholders, Saudia is dedicated to achieving the goals of the National Aviation Strategy, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global industry leader.

This strategy focuses on enhancing the customer experience, improving safety measures, and advancing a more sustainable future, all in line with Saudia’s expansion objectives to welcome approximately 330 million visitors to the Kingdom by 2030.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management said,

Saudia’s rebranding and digital transformation initiatives signal not only a renewed commitment to excellence but also a clear path towards Saudi Arabia’s future as a global aviation leader. With a strong focus on enhancing the guest experience and showcasing the Kingdom’s rich culture, Saudia is well-positioned to make a lasting impression on the world of business travel.

Contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager next time you need to fly to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dave

British Airways and IndiGo forge partnership to enhance UK-India business travel connectivity

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In a significant move to enhance travel options and connectivity between the United Kingdom and India, British Airways and IndiGo, India’s leading airline, have entered into a strategic codeshare agreement.

The partnership promises to provide UK-based business travellers with improved access to a variety of destinations in Southeast Asia and Europe, starting from 12th October 2023.

Through this collaboration, British Airways will incorporate its flight code on several routes within the extensive IndiGo network.

Codeshare agreement: British Airways and IndiGo cabin crew

This development translates into enhanced convenience and connectivity options for travellers transiting through London Heathrow Airport and looking to explore a range of destinations in India.

This partnership introduces three previously unavailable destinations for British Airways customers, further expanding their horizons.

The newly accessible destinations via codeshare from London Heathrow Airport include:

  1. London Heathrow to Amritsar via New Delhi
  2. London Heathrow to Kochi via Mumbai
  3. London Heathrow to Ahmedabad via Mumbai
  4. London Heathrow to Goa via Mumbai
  5. London Heathrow to Thiruvananthapuram via Mumbai (new)
  6. London Heathrow to Kolkata via Mumbai
  7. London Heathrow to Rajkot (Hirasar) via Mumbai (new)
  8. London Heathrow to Vadodara via Mumbai (new)

Travellers can now conveniently book their entire journey, including connecting flights, on a single ticket, making for a hassle-free travel experience.

IndiGo, known for its extensive domestic and regional network, operates a fleet of A320 aircraft. British Airways customers travelling onwards with IndiGo will enjoy added perks, including a complimentary meal and the UK carrier’s generous baggage allowance in economy class. This includes two checked bags of up to 23 kilos per person.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, emphasising the long-standing relationship between British Airways and India. He stated,

Our partnership with IndiGo means that customers will be able to book their entire journey on one ticket, allowing seamless travel all the way from London to their final destination, offering more choice and flexibility for customers.

Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Revenue Management at IndiGo, said,

We are excited to announce our codeshare agreement with British Airways.

This partnership expands the choices available to British Airways customers for journeys to and from London Heathrow, using IndiGo’s extensive network in India.

This step to provide seamless connectivity will not only support trade and commerce between the two countries but also offer convenient travel options to students and tourists. With burgeoning demand for international travel, we will continue to enhance international connectivity and remain committed to our promise of providing on-time, affordable, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences to our customers.

British Airways’ commitment to India is evident in the fact that the airline now operates 56 flights per week to five key Indian gateways: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

Passengers travelling between Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore have the opportunity to experience the airline’s newly designed Club Suite in the business class cabin. This innovative cabin design offers direct-aisle access, suite doors for enhanced privacy, and luxurious flat-bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration.

Additionally, British Airways is rolling out its first new uniform in twenty years, which will be worn by cabin crew, pilots, and check-in agents, providing a fresh and modern look to its passengers.

The British Airways and IndiGo codeshare agreement is set to transform the travel landscape for UK-based business travellers, offering increased connectivity and a seamless travel experience to a wide range of exciting destinations in India and beyond.

With British Airways’ continued commitment to the Indian market, the future looks promising for travellers seeking convenience, comfort, and choice on their journeys between the UK and India.

Dave

Etihad Airways announces Bollywood star Katrina Kaif as brand ambassador

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Etihad Airways, the flagship airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled its exciting partnership with Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif as its new brand ambassador.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone as Etihad reinforces its presence in the Indian market while reuniting with one of India’s most beloved Bollywood icons.

Katrina Kaif, known for her global appeal and grace, perfectly embodies the shared commitment to excellence as she rejoins forces with Etihad. The announcement of her association with the airline will be brought to life through a captivating series of videos set to be featured across Etihad and Katrina’s social media channels.

Expressing her enthusiasm about this partnership, Katrina Kaif stated,

I am thrilled to be back with Etihad Airways, a brand synonymous with world-class travel experiences.

The airline’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to bringing people together resonate with my own values.

I am excited to be part of a team that aims to create thoughtful connections and memorable experiences.

I look forward to representing Etihad and being a part of their journey.

Amina Taher, Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Sponsorship at Etihad Airways, highlighted the significance of this collaboration:

We are thrilled to welcome Katrina Kaif to the Etihad Airways family as our brand ambassador.

Our partnership with Katrina is far from ordinary; it embodies the spirit of innovation and sophistication our airline represents while celebrating our commitment to uniting cultures and communities.

With her remarkable journey and global recognition, we’re not only showcasing Etihad’s offerings but also fostering authentic connections that genuinely resonate with Indian travellers and celebrating our commitment to India.

Katrina Kaif: thrilled to be back with Etihad Airways

This new partnership builds on Katrina’s previous collaboration with Etihad in 2010, where she was featured as a discerning traveller showcasing Etihad’s travel experience.

Her prior partnership showcased her appreciation for the airline’s commitment to comfort and top-notch service.

Returning to partner again, Katrina and Etihad are reinforcing Etihad’s growing relationship with Indian communities, both domestically and in significant global markets such as the UAE, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

As the brand ambassador for Etihad, Katrina will be prominently featured in a series of creative and engaging campaign videos that highlight the airline’s unwavering commitment to unparalleled comfort, flawless service, and seamless global connectivity.

Her association with the airline bolsters its presence in the Indian market, where it currently serves eight Indian cities, further solidifying Etihad as the preferred choice for travellers and aligning seamlessly with the airline’s strategy for sustained growth in India.

The debut video from this collaboration features Katrina Kaif aboard Etihad’s newest A350 aircraft, offering a cinematic journey filled with emotions akin to a Bollywood film – featuring drama, love, and delightful surprises.

The film also showcases the exclusive Armani-Casa dining wear, luxurious bedding, and complimentary in-flight Wi-Fly service, beautifully encapsulating the very essence of Etihad’s unwavering commitment to excellence. You can watch this captivating film on both Etihad and Katrina’s social media channels now.

For further information about this exciting partnership and Etihad Airways’ offerings, contact your Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

SWISS International Airlines and The Woodward Hotel: a taste of luxury for business travellers

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Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is taking its commitment to luxurious in-flight dining to new heights for its First and Business Class passengers traveling on long-haul flights from Switzerland.

In a delightful twist for discerning travellers, SWISS is collaborating with Canton Geneva’s renowned culinary maestro, Olivier Jean, executive chef at the illustrious The Woodward hotel, to bring an exclusive gastronomic experience on board.

Furthermore, SWISS Premium Economy Class travellers will also have the opportunity to savor the flavors of the Geneva region through a delectable three-course meal.

Olivier Jean: Executive Chef at The Woodward – L’ Atelier Joël Robuchon

For the next three months, SWISS will offer passengers the chance to indulge in the culinary wonders crafted by Chef Olivier Jean, known for his culinary expertise at The Woodward’s Michelin-starred L’Atelier Robuchon restaurant.

Drawing inspiration from French haute cuisine, Asian influences, and locally-sourced ingredients, Chef Jean’s creations have garnered acclaim with a Michelin star and 15 GaultMillau points.

Julia Hillenbrand, Head of Brand Experience at SWISS, expressed her enthusiasm for this culinary partnership:

We are delighted to offer our inflight guests the sophisticated creations of L’Atelier Robuchon at the five-star The Woodward hotel. In Olivier Jean, we have secured the services of one of the best culinary ambassadors of Canton Geneva. And as The Airline of Switzerland, we are particularly pleased to welcome the ‘Romandie’ back aboard.

For SWISS Business passengers, the dining experience will include poached char with lemongrass sauce, sesame sushi rice, sugar snap peas, and roasted squash.

SWISS First Class passengers will savor the delights of miso-marinated pike-perch with port wine sauce, baked polenta, shallot confit, and pak choi.

Even SWISS Premium Economy passengers can look forward to a delightful three-course meal featuring specialties from the Geneva region.

Among the culinary highlights is the Geneva-style chicken with spätzli and green beans.

SWISS has been pioneering gourmet dining experiences for its First, Business, and Premium Economy Class travellers on long-haul flights from Switzerland since December 2002.

Every quarter, the airline invites a distinguished Michelin-starred chef or a GaultMillau-pointed culinary artist to curate a diverse selection of top-tier dishes representing their home canton.

These menus prioritize regional and seasonal specialties and are thoughtfully paired with wines and cheeses from the respective regions.

Over its 20-year history, ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ has featured 81 guest chefs, each hailing from one of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, offering passengers a culinary journey that truly reflects the nation’s rich gastronomic diversity.

For those who appreciate the art of fine dining while traveling, SWISS Airlines continues to set the standard by blending luxury, culture, and taste at 30,000 feet. So, if you’re a UK-based business traveller with a penchant for exquisite cuisine, SWISS is your passport to an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Dave

Hilton to lead the way with massive electric vehicle charging network for business travellers

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In a groundbreaking move tailored to cater to the evolving needs of business travellers, Hilton has announced a far-reaching collaboration with Tesla.

Fueling innovation: Hilton’s EV charging stations in action

Beginning in early 2024, Hilton will embark on the installation of up to 20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors at 2,000 of its hotels.

This ambitious undertaking will establish Hilton as the leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure within the hospitality industry, serving the growing demand for overnight EV charging solutions during hotel stays.

Each of these selected hotels will be equipped with a minimum of six charging stations, cementing Hilton as the preferred choice for the ever-expanding community of electric vehicle owners.

This significant announcement coincides with the recent introduction of Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector, a versatile charging solution compatible with all North American vehicle models.

The hotel giant claims that Tesla’s commitment to universal charging aligns with Hilton’s mission to provide outstanding hospitality experiences that seamlessly blend with the routines of their guests.

Hilton’s Chief Brand Officer, Matt Schuyler, expressed the company’s dedication to meeting the evolving expectations of guests:

At Hilton, we are committed to meeting the changing needs of our guests who are looking for hotel experiences that complement their daily routines while offering exceptional hospitality. Through this expanded agreement with Tesla, we are significantly changing the landscape of universal EV chargers in North America in an incredibly short amount of time. Across Hilton’s family of award-winning brands, this network of EV chargers will offer our guests even more value with the convenience of much-needed overnight charging access in more locations.

Hilton’s extensive network of hotels, strategically situated along major routes and in key urban centres throughout the United States, uniquely positions the company to provide scalable charging access for travellers on long-distance journeys.

Rebecca Tinucci, Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure at Tesla, emphasised the importance of convenient and cost-effective AC charging solutions for electric vehicle owners:

A key priority for Tesla Charging is installing low-cost, convenient AC charging anywhere electric vehicles are parked for more than an hour or two. To ensure electric vehicle adoption at scale, our joint industry goal must be to vastly improve upon the traditional gasoline vehicle ownership experience, not just meet it. Installing infrastructure at popular destinations, like Hilton hotels, enables EV owners to charge where they park, meaning no unnecessary refuelling stops along their journey. We applaud Hilton for their leadership in the space and look forward to continuing to ramp this critical program with other industry leaders.

The surge in demand for EV charging options among travellers is evident through the increasing number of searches at Hilton’s website for hotels with charging capabilities. In 2023, the website’s EV charging search attribute experienced the fastest volume growth to date, jumping from fourth to the second highest in converting searches to bookings.

Hilton’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of travel aligns with its Travel with Purpose platform. This initiative offers eco-conscious travellers more convenient options to contribute positively to both people and the planet.