Virgin Atlantic and the renowned Yotes Court vineyard have joined forces to celebrate English wine week (17th-25th June) in a truly exceptional manner.
This exciting partnership entails Virgin Atlantic exclusively featuring Yotes Court’s acclaimed English Bacchus, aptly named ‘On the Nod,’ throughout the month of June in its Upper Class cabins.
Situated in the picturesque Kent countryside, Yotes Court vineyard sprawls across 75 acres of well-drained soil enriched with Kentish ragstone, creating the perfect environment for cultivating exquisite grapes.
Under the ownership and stewardship of Susannah Ricci, Yotes Court is renowned for its commitment to 100% sustainable practices.
As one of the pioneering vineyards to obtain the esteemed Sustainable Wine of Great Britain certification, Yotes Court prides itself on employing “living-soil” viticultural techniques, fostering biodiversity, and conserving the environment, thereby significantly reducing their carbon footprint per hectare.
Virgin Atlantic has a proud history of championing and implementing sustainable innovations.
As part of this ongoing commitment, the airline seeks to showcase exceptional brands that share its mission of sustainability.
In this regard, Yotes Court stands as a perfect match. The vineyard’s signature Bacchus, affectionately known as ‘On the Nod,’ derives its name from the thrilling world of horse racing. This term refers to a race so closely contested that the winner is determined by a photo of the finish, creating a truly captivating spectacle.
By featuring Yotes Court’s ‘On the Nod’ Bacchus on its flights, Virgin Atlantic not only provides a delightful and unique experience for its Upper Class passengers but also pays homage to the rich heritage and outstanding quality of English wines.
Business travellers flying with Virgin Atlantic during English wine week will have the opportunity to savour the exceptional craftsmanship of Yotes Court, immersing themselves in the captivating flavors and aromas that define this remarkable wine.
Shiada Drysdale, Beverage Lead for Virgin Atlantic said,
It’s no secret I am a huge fan of English wine, so I have been waiting for the right moment to introduce a zesty English Bacchus into our onboard range at Virgin Atlantic. I am delighted we will be offering Kent-based ‘On the Nod’ from Yotes Court in June as a ‘nod’ to English Wine Week.
Susannah Ricci, Owner of Yotes Court said,
It’s a real thrill and honour to have had our Bacchus chosen by Virgin Atlantic to celebrate English Wine Week this year. Their dedication to adopting sustainable practices where possible, without compromising on quality, aligns very much to ours. It’s such a great opportunity to introduce passengers to this amazing grape variety and I hope they thoroughly enjoy it.
Whether it’s the commitment to sustainability, the meticulous viticultural practices, or the captivating story behind the ‘On the Nod’ Bacchus, this partnership between Virgin Atlantic and Yotes Court epitomises the dedication to excellence and memorable experiences that business travellers seek.
As the airline continues to embrace sustainable and remarkable brands, passengers can look forward to a truly distinctive and environmentally conscious journey.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WEB-Austrian-1.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-06-01 08:00:172023-06-15 08:42:53Virgin Atlantic is marking English wine week by flying an English Bacchus in Upper Class across its network throughout June
British Airways introduces a stylish and practical new uniform collection designed by Ozwald Boateng for its operational ground colleagues, marking a significant step forward in the airline’s commitment to modernization and sustainability.
BA has unveiled its brand-new uniform, marking the beginning of a rollout that will see more than 5,000 colleagues in the airline’s engineering, maintenance, and airport operations teams donning the new garments.
Pioneers: ground crew are among the first BA employees to don the new uniforms
Designed by renowned British-Ghanaian fashion designer and master tailor Ozwald Boateng OBE, the uniforms will eventually be worn by over 30,000 British Airways employees worldwide by the end of this year.
UK-based business travellers will be particularly interested in the development. The next phase of the rollout, in September, will include cabin crew, pilots, and customer-facing colleagues.
The new uniform collection represents a significant step forward, offering a wider range of options and flexibility. With over 128,000 garment items ordered for operational ground colleagues alone, this wardrobe refresh presents more choices than ever before.
The collection features more than 20 unique garments, including a cutting-edge quilted jacket with a contemporary design showcasing a bespoke airwave print—a consistent element throughout the collection.
Engineered design: 30,000 BA employees will have the new uniforms this year
Designed with practicality in mind, the jacket comes with a fleece lining, is showerproof, and incorporates additional pockets for tools, detachable tool belts, and gloves with touch screen technology.
What sets this uniform apart is the extensive collaboration and input from British Airways colleagues over a span of five years.
More than 1,500 employees from across the airline volunteered their time to shape the look and feel of the collection. Through numerous design workshops, prototype feedback sessions, and garment trials—over 50 in total—colleagues provided invaluable insights to create the iconic British designs that embody both style and functionality.
To ensure the utmost suitability and durability, Ozwald Boateng immersed himself in the world of British Airways by shadowing various airport roles. This firsthand experience enabled him to understand the unique requirements of each role and integrate them into the designs.
Once the garments were developed, they underwent rigorous secret trials, including exposure to deluge showers and temperatures as low as -18 degrees Celsius to test their water resistance and durability.
René de Groot, Chief Operating Officer of British Airways, expressed his excitement about the new uniform rollout, stating,
This uniform has been multiple years in the making, and colleagues are genuinely excited to wear the collection, which they’re calling a step change from the previous garments, offering much more practicality. I’m delighted that airport operations, cargo, engineering and maintenance colleagues across our airports and bases worldwide will be the first to transition into the new designs
Style icon:Ozwald Boateng
In line with British Airways’ sustainability programme, BA Better World, sustainability was a key consideration in the design process of the new uniforms, as well as in the recycling of the old ones.
As operational ground teams begin wearing their new uniforms, they will return their current uniforms, which will either be donated to selected charities or recycled.
The airline is exploring various options for recycling the garments, including the creation of a sustainable range of merchandise and the allocation of certain items to the British Airways Heritage Centre.
The launch of British Airways’ new uniform collection signifies a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to modernisation, practicality and sustainability.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WEB-BA-Boateng.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-05-26 14:30:342023-05-26 14:31:21British Airways Commences global rollout of new uniforms, elevating the style of 30,000 employees
The world’s best airlines – according to on-time performance – have been revealed.
For the first time in the 14-year history of Cirium’s On-Time Performance, a Latin American airline has achieved the remarkable feat of winning the global mainline award.
On time: Azul took first place, globally
Azul Airlines has received the prestigious title of the most punctual airline globally and in Latin America, securing the top position in both the Mainline and Network classifications.
Maintaining an exceptional track record, the Brazilian carrier demonstrated an impressive punctuality rate of 88.93% within the Global Mainline Category. Similarly, it achieved remarkable punctuality rates of 88.93% within the Latin America Mainline category and 88.37% in the Network category.
To celebrate their remarkable accomplishments, an award ceremony was held on 1 March at Sao Paulo’s Viracopos Airport.
During the ceremony, Jeremy Bowen, the CEO of Cirium, had the honor of presenting Azul Airlines’ awards to John Rodgerson, the CEO of Azul Airlines, as well as a group of eight dedicated frontline staff members who exemplify Azul’s commitment to on-time performance. Mike Malik, the Chief Marketing Officer of Cirium, and Lydia Webb, the Marketing Director of Cirium, were also present to witness the occasion. Additionally, the event was graced by the presence of government officials from Brazil and members of the Brazilian press.
Jeremy Bowen said
Congratulations to Azul for its excellent performance in Cirium’s 2022 On-Time Performance Review, as well as for its success in Latin America, getting its passengers to their destinations on time as the sector revived during 2022
At Cirium we have a team that is passionate about airline operations. Many have decades of airline experience; we understand the complexity and challenge of getting people to their destinations safely and on-time. Ramping back up operations so quickly after an enforced slowdown is not easy to do and the top-ranked airlines in Cirium’s 2022 On-Time Performance Review deserve their recognition for this well-orchestrated achievement.
Azul’s award comes weeks after Europe’s most on-time airline was announced by Cirium.
Iberia has been named Europe’s most punctual Mainline and Network airline.
A tiempo: Iberia and Iberia Express named among Europe’s most punctual airlines
Iberia Express has also received an award alongside its parent company, ranking third in the Europe Mainline airline category. An award ceremony took place at the Fitur 2023 – International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, Spain, to commemorate their outstanding achievements.
Mike Malik, Cirium’s Chief Marketing Officer, presented Iberia’s award to Javier Sánchez-Prieto, Chief Executive Officer of Iberia, and the Iberia Express award was presented to Carlos Gómez, Chief Executive Officer of Iberia Express. Rafael Jimenez Hoyos, Head of Production at Iberia, was also in attendance.
Malik said
Operational excellence is in Iberia’s DNA, but it is not limited to them, and is shared with Iberia Express. Iberia Express is another high performer who was frequently among the best of the best in low-cost carriers finished strong in 2022 taking the number three most on-time European mainline airlines. The responsibility for this excellent performance is the hard work of every employee at Iberia and Iberia Express.
According to Cirium’s 2022 On-Time Performance review, Iberia demonstrated an impressive punctuality rate of 85.87% within the European Mainline category and 86.60% for the Europe Network.
In the same vein, Iberia Express achieved an on-time performance score of 83.80% for the Europe Mainline category.
Expressing gratitude to the representatives of the 17,000 Iberia employees present Javier Sánchez-Prieto, the CEO of Iberia acknowledged and appreciated their contributions in the airline’s day-to-day operations, particularly in navigating the challenges faced by the aviation industry in recent times.
He said,
Punctuality is the most evident symbol of the cultural change in Iberia and the good labor climate that we have maintained over the last eight years. Together with the good performance of Spanish airports, the commitment of our employees has been key to reaching this milestone in a particularly difficult year in the European and US airports where we operate. My sincere thanks to all Iberia employees for their enormous involvement in this great achievement and also thanks to Cirium for transforming and helping the aviation community monitor, manage and meet our goals.
Elsewhere, the Middle East and Africa award was announced in London this month.
Oman Air has been awarded the title of the most punctual mainline airline in the Middle East and Africa region.
With a remarkable achievement, Oman Air attained an exceptional punctuality rate of 91.38% within the Mainline Category of the Middle East and Africa region. This outstanding performance was accomplished as the airline expanded its operations to cater to the increased demand for the 2022 World Cup traffic.
To celebrate their remarkable achievement, an award presentation ceremony was held on 30 April at the headquarters of Oman Air in Muscat, Oman.
In Japan, the airlines and airports continue to demonstrate exceptional punctuality, ensuring passengers reach their arrival gates on time.
Cirium’s CEO, Jeremy Bowen, accompanied by Mieko Kosaka, Cirium’s Sales Manager, extended their congratulations to airline and airport officials for their outstanding accomplishments and presented them with the On-Time Performance awards.
All Nippon Airways (ANA), the prominent Japanese airline, has been named the most punctual airline in both the Global and Asia Pacific regions within the Network category. ANA achieved an impressive punctuality rate of 89.79% in the Global Network Category and maintained exceptional punctuality within the Asia Pacific Network category. The award ceremony took place on 29 March at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, where Mr. Shinichi Inoue, Representative Director, President, and CEO of ANA, Mr. Katsuo Yokoyama, Member of the Board of Directors and Senior Executive Vice President, Mr. Yoichi Katsuoka, Executive Vice President (President of ANA WINGS CO., LTD.), and Mr. Hideki Mineguchi, President & Chief Executive Officer, received the awards.
StarFlyer Airlines, recognized as the most punctual low-cost carrier, achieved an extraordinary punctuality rate of 95.23%. A ceremony was held on 28 March at Kitakyushu Airport in Japan to celebrate StarFlyer’s remarkable achievement and acknowledge its global excellence in On-Time Performance in 2022. The award was received by Mr. Osamu Machida, President and CEO of StarFlyer.
Additionally, Japanese airports secured top positions in all categories (Global, Large, Medium, and Small) for their exceptional punctuality performance. Award ceremonies were conducted during the final week of March at each respective airport location, commemorating their outstanding accomplishments.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WEB-SAA-2.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-05-22 14:02:332023-05-22 14:02:39Which airlines are best at getting you there on time?
South African Airways (SAA) has announced plans to lease six new Airbus aircraft, including a wide-body plane, to expand its fleet, relaunch international routes, and increase seat capacity for regional and domestic destinations, offering new business opportunities for UK-based travellers.
South African Airways has been given the green light to expand its fleet with the approval of a plan to lease six new aircraft by the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Public Enterprises.
The expansion is aimed at paving the way for the national carrier to relaunch international routes and increase seat capacity for its regional and domestic destinations.
Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, expressed his excitement about the development, stating that the aircraft will be delivered before the end of this calendar year and will include a wide-body aircraft as well as five narrow-body aircraft, all of them Airbus equipment.
He said,
We are excited, as SAA, to lay the groundwork for the relaunch of our first international route since coming out of business rescue and since the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We will announce the new route in the coming few weeks, and we will open commercial marketing and sales for it
The terms and conditions attached to the deals for the new aircraft are along the same competitive, transparent, and cost-effective lines that have characterised the ‘new’ SAA since it emerged from Business Rescue in September 2021, Lamola added.
The four aircraft that we are ordering will all be deployed by September 2023. This is a significant boost for the domestic and regional markets and underscores our commitment to expanding our route network and increasing our frequency in the African market. It will also ensure that the equilibrium between the supply of seats and the flow of traffic will benefit our passengers.
The move is set to benefit UK-based business travellers who will have greater access to African markets, including South Africa.
Commenting on the development, Professor John Lamola said
This expansion represents a significant boost for the African market and underscores our commitment to expanding our route network and increasing our frequency. With this new fleet, we are confident that we will offer our customers a world-class flying experience, with the highest levels of safety and comfort. We are excited to be able to relaunch our first international route since the pandemic, and we look forward to welcoming business travellers from the UK to explore the many business opportunities that Africa has to offer.
The airline is also currently inviting proposals for four A320 narrow-body aircraft, with the other two, an A330 and A320, having already been secured from the lessor community on the same terms as the ones issued in the RFP.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WEB-SAA.jpg312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-05-12 15:00:582023-05-12 15:01:02South African Airways to expand fleet and relaunch international routes
Air New Zealand has announced the launch of Skynest, the world’s first sleep pods in the sky, which will be available from September 2024.
The airline is responding to overwhelming customer feedback on the importance of sleep and the need for more comfort and space during long-haul flights.
The Skynest will be a six-pod configured sleep zone located between Premium Economy and Economy cabins. It will provide economy passengers with the opportunity to lie flat and rest during longer flights, adding more flexibility to the economy travel experience.
Each Skynest pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, earplugs, a separate reading light, personal device USB outlet, ventilation outlet, and lighting designed for rest. The bedding will be changed between each session, and a 30-minute transition time will be allowed for this. The lights will gently come on at the end of each session, and crew will politely wake any passengers who sleep through this. Each passenger will be limited to one session, with families travelling on the same ticket able to book a session for each passenger, pending availability.
The Skynest concept has been a world-first since it was first announced in 2020.
Skynest: the world’s first sleep pods in the sky, offering economy passengers a new way to rest on long-haul flights
Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says Skynest is going to be a real game changer, adding more flexibility to the economy travel experience. Skynest provides economy passengers with another opportunity to lie flat and rest during longer flights, making it a particularly attractive option for UK-based business travellers.
Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners, due to arrive in 2024, will provide “the most choice of any airline in the world”, offering the best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in.
The new cabin experience has been driven by innovation from nose to tail, and the Skynest is just one of the exciting new offerings. The interior design of the cabin is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand, so customers will experience New Zealand as soon as they step onboard.
The new cabin experience includes a new Business Premier Luxe suite, a new Business Premier seat, and the Skynest. The Business Premier Luxe seat is designed for customers looking for more space and privacy, while the Skynest is the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for economy travellers.
For economy customers, the Skynest concept may well be a game changer.
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran points to the airline’s ambition to create the greatest flying experience, and the new cabin, combined with world-leading Kiwi hospitality, is the winning formula.
Sustainability has been at the heart of the design process, and the use of modern fabrics has saved around one kilogram in weight per Business Premier and Premium Economy seat, reducing overall carbon emissions.
Air New Zealand’s Skynest is set to revolutionise the economy travel experience, providing a game-changing option for UK-based business travellers. With Skynest, Air New Zealand is offering the most choice of any airline in the world, providing the best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in. The Skynest is just one of the exciting new offerings in the airline’s innovative new cabin experience, which includes a new Business Premier Luxe suite, a new Business Premier seat, and other options for customers looking for more space and privacy.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WEB-Coronation-1.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-05-10 14:36:132023-05-10 14:39:36Air New Zealand introduces Skynest Sleep Pods for Economy passengers
As the United Kingdom prepares to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, British Airways is joining in the festivities by offering its customers a royal experience both on the ground and in the air.
British Airways has teamed up with VisitBritain to welcome visitors with a giant mural on the London Heathrow flight path. The mural was designed by local children and is located in Thornbury Park in Hounslow.
Eton Mess: British Airways will be serving bespoke popcorn to lucky passengers
The two young artists, Jasmine Prajapati and Raya Prajapati, aged 9 and 12 respectively, sketched the designs around the theme of ‘a natural world,’ which is a passion of the King’s and a key theme of the King’s Coronation emblem.
The airline is also offering a celebratory flight on 5 May, which will be operated by a crew of Charles, Camilla, and variants of their names.
Customers onboard the flight from Heathrow to Cape Town, in South Africa, a Commonwealth member state, will be looked after by a team of ten cabin crew, including three people called Camilla, five called Charles, a Kamila, and a Millie. The 777-200 aircraft will be flown by three pilots called Charles.
Customers with the surname ‘King’ or ‘Queen’ departing from Heathrow or Gatwick on 6 May will receive the royal treatment with access to the airline’s luxury lounges.
At 35,000 feet, British Airways is offering customers bespoke Eton mess popcorn and Coronation-themed desserts, including a bespoke lemon and white chocolate Coronation tart, an afternoon tea with a trio of royal desserts, and a lemon and white chocolate mousse topped with a chocolate crown, inspired by King Charles’ well-known love of lemon cream. Customers will also be able to watch a live stream of the Coronation through onboard WiFi.
First name terms: BA cabin crew
To mark this historic occasion, British Airways has partnered with The Prince’s Trust to offer 11 young adults spaces on one of the airline’s apprenticeship schemes.
The airline is also an official business sponsor of The Big Help Out, a voluntary initiative aimed at raising awareness and providing volunteering opportunities for people throughout the UK.
Lisa Tremble, British Airways’ Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said,
We are excited to be able to celebrate this significant moment in history.
As Britain’s flag carrier, we are proud to be welcoming visitors to our home and celebrating with our customers on board, offering a selection of Coronation-themed surprises to mark the occasion.
We are also celebrating with our fantastic colleagues across our airports and offices and crewing a flight full of colleagues called Charles and Camilla, so it will definitely be a weekend we won’t forget!
British Airways’ celebrations will add to the excitement and joy of the Coronation celebrations. With their exceptional service and unique offerings, the airline continues to maintain its reputation as a premier airline in the United Kingdom.
So, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, British Airways is the perfect way to join in the Coronation celebrations and experience a royal welcome fit for a king or queen.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WEB-Coronation.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-05-05 09:26:572023-05-05 09:51:21British Airways celebrates the Coronation of King Charles III with royal treatment for passengers
Dubai-based airline flydubai, has announced the launch of its latest premium business class seat, the Business Suite. This new product is designed to provide passengers with added comfort, privacy and an exceptional onboard experience.
The Business Suite, which has been exclusively designed for single-aisle aircraft, represents the latest evolution in flydubai’s Business Class offering. The carrier plans to introduce ten of these suites on some of its newest aircraft before the end of 2023.
Business Suite: the first aircraft featuring the new Business Suite is expected to join the flydubai fleet in November
The new seat will offer all passengers in Business Class direct aisle access, rivaling the Business Class experience on many wide-body aircraft.
Flydubai is the launch customer for this new seat. Close collaboration with Safran Seats, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, and JPA Design, a multinational design company operating in the transportation, interiors, and product design arenas, has resulted in a uniquely flydubai and best-in-class Business Class seating product.
The Business Suite features enhanced privacy and comfort, making it an ideal choice for business travellers seeking a premium travel experience.
With its elegant design and spacious layout, passengers can enjoy a relaxing and productive journey, with a range of features and amenities that include a fully-flat bed, in-flight entertainment, and ample storage space for personal belongings.
Furthermore, the direct aisle access ensures that passengers can easily move around the cabin without disturbing others. This feature is particularly beneficial for business travellers who need to work on the go, as it provides easy access to the cabin crew and allows them to remain productive throughout their flight.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said:
flydubai is committed to exceeding expectations. Our business and product offerings have evolved from the initial no-frills model over the past 14 years to cater to the ever-growing needs of our customers and the markets we operate to. We have come a long way since the introduction of our first Business Class offering in 2013, which has served us well. Today, we are proud to unveil a new premium product which rivals the Business Class experience offered by many airlines on wide-body aircraft. We will continue to invest in innovation to enhance the customer experience across our growing fleet.
Daniel Kerrison, Vice President of Inflight Product at flydubai, said:
The new business suite will take comfort on board to the next level. The increased height of the back-shell, a sliding suite door and direct aisle access for every passenger create a level of privacy never before seen on Boeing 737s.
We have been working with Safran Seats and JPA Design over the past three years to develop an experience that meets the growing demand for premium air travel services across our network, offering passengers wide-body comfort on our narrow-body fleet.”
Flydubai’s latest premium business class offering is tailored to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of UK-based business travellers.
The carrier’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality travel experience that combines style, comfort and functionality.
The Business Suite represents a significant upgrade to flydubai’s existing Business Class offering, providing enhanced privacy, comfort, and an exceptional onboard experience. With its range of features and amenities, including a fully-flat bed, in-flight entertainment, and direct aisle access, the Business Suite is should become a favourite among discerning business travellers.
Victoria Foy, CEO of Safran Seats, said,
We are very excited to have flydubai as our launch customer for flydubai’s “The Business Suite” VUE seat, it has been an exciting journey working together to bring this product to the market for the first time on a Boeing aircraft. flydubai will operate with an outstanding Business Class seat designed for the best onboard experience on single-aisle longer haul flights.
In summary, the Business Suite is a welcome addition to flydubai’s already impressive Business Class offering, providing passengers with enhanced comfort, privacy and an exceptional onboard experience.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WEB-flydubai.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-05-03 09:42:102023-05-03 13:33:57Flydubai unveils new Premium Business Class seat with enhanced comfort and privacy
Virgin Atlantic is set to restart its highly anticipated flights to Shanghai, renewing vital business and leisure connections between the United Kingdom and China.
The daily service will resume on 1 May, 2023, with fares starting from £432 per person, making it an affordable option for UK business travellers looking to connect with their Chinese counterparts.
This move comes in the wake of relaxed travel restrictions between the two countries, which now allow foreign nationals to enter China for the first time since 23 December 2020.
Melting pot: Shanghai is one of the world’s most important financial centres
Shanghai is Virgin Atlantic’s final route to be reinstated following the global pandemic, having been affected by suspensions and closures since 1 February, 2020.
Since the restart announcement earlier this year, there has been a surge in demand for both business and leisure travel in both directions.
China is a crucial trading partner for the UK, and as the country’s largest city, the relaunched route will be an important connector for the UK and China. Shanghai boasts a world-renowned commercial and financial centre with one of the world’s largest cargo hubs. Furthermore, the city offers UK tourists a melting pot of culture, from the futuristic skyline of Pudong district to the traditional pavilions in Yu Gardens.
Virgin Atlantic’s Shanghai flights will operate on a Boeing 787-9, offering a range of experiences across three cabins; Upper Class, Premium, and three classes of Economy – Delight, Classic, and Light. This means that UK business travellers can enjoy a comfortable and affordable journey to China’s most populous city.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic said,
The restart of our services to Shanghai is a major milestone for Virgin Atlantic. Shanghai was the first of our routes to be suspended in 2020 at the start of the global pandemic and the last to return, making it the final piece to restore our flying programme to full capacity.
After such a long hiatus, we’re looking forward to welcoming our customers back to Shanghai and providing vital links to one of the UK’s largest trading partners, for both passenger and cargo services.”
In addition to its direct flights to Shanghai, Virgin Atlantic also offers connections to its new SkyTeam partner, China Eastern, which has a hub in the city. This partnership provides Virgin Atlantic customers with a wide range of connections throughout China and beyond, making it easier for UK business travellers to reach their destination.
Flying Club members will soon have the opportunity to earn and redeem Virgin Points across China Eastern’s flying programme, along with many other SkyTeam partners. This makes it even easier for UK business travellers to earn rewards while travelling for work.
In conclusion, the resumption of Virgin Atlantic’s flights to Shanghai is a welcome development for UK business travellers looking to connect with their Chinese counterparts. With competitive fares, comfortable flights, and access to a wide range of connections, this route is set to become an essential part of any UK business traveller’s itinerary.
Customers travelling to China will need to show proof of a negative PCR test before they enter the country, alongside a health declaration form.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WEB-Gatwick-rebrand-1.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-04-28 08:18:092023-04-28 08:18:14Virgin Atlantic to resume daily flights to Shanghai, boosting travel opportunities for UK business travellers
London Gatwick has unveiled its new brand identity and refreshed vision, reflecting its strong ongoing recovery from the pandemic, providing a platform for the airport’s next phase of growth and supporting significant economic opportunities for the region.
Acknowledging the airport’s proud history, the new, modernised brand is designed to reaffirm and showcase London Gatwick’s position as a major international gateway. It also recognises the airport as part of the broader VINCI Airports network.
Gatwick rebrand: launch aligns with significant investment in improvements across the airport
The vision – To be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey – focuses on delivering a personalised experience to meet passengers’ individual needs.
Underpinning the vision is a strengthened focus and investment on simplifying the journey through the airport by focusing on ease, efficiency and experience. This will allow passengers more time to shop, have a drink, or finish some last-minute work calls or emails.
Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said,
This is a perfect time for us to launch our new brand and refreshed vision, as we head into our second year of recovery from the global pandemic and look to embark on a very promising chapter of growth.
We are taking a multi-dimensional approach, combining investment in airport development, along with a new visual identity, to rejuvenate the image of London Gatwick.
We expect this will translate to more people choosing to fly from the airport, with even more exciting destinations for passengers.
Our previous brand served us well for over ten years, but it’s now the right time to modernise and update our airport.
As we look ahead to future growth, our refreshed brand celebrates the past and brings us into the future.
Accompanying the new brand and vision is an exciting multi-million pound development programme.
Social: new branding appears across Gatwick’s digital channels
This significant programme of investment includes the expansion and refurbishment of departure lounges to create more modern, appealing spaces for passengers, while at the same time considering the airport’s sustainability goals.
It will also focus on accelerating automation in cutting-edge improvements across check-in and boarding, as well as enhanced airfield technology. A multi-million-pound upgrade of Gatwick Airport railway station is also on-track for completion later this year.
The new branding can already be seen across many of Gatwick’s digital and social channels, as well as key focal points within the airport. Over the coming months passengers, airport partners and colleagues will see it come to life across the airport.
Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and is a vital piece of national infrastructure that helps drive both the regional and national economy.
More than 40 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 45 long-haul destinations. The airport is focused on rebuilding and growing sustainably in the long term. It has ambitious plans to be a net zero airport by 2030 and increase capacity by bringing its Northern runway into routine use.
VINCI Airports owns a 50.01% stake in the airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99% interest. The world’s leading private airport operator, VINCI Airports operates more than 65 airports in twelve countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Thanks to its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds and manages airports by providing its investment capacity and its know-how in optimising operational performance, modernizing infrastructures and managing their operations and environmental transition.
VINCI Airports is the first airport operator to have committed to a global international environmental strategy in 2016, to achieve the goal of net zero emission across its entire network by 2050.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WEB-Gatwick-rebrand.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-04-27 14:17:492023-04-27 14:17:53London Gatwick Airport unveils new brand identity and vision
Alaska Airlines has announced a partnership with its newest global airline partner, STARLUX Airlines, which is great news for UK-based business travellers looking to travel to Taipei or Los Angeles.
STARLUX is a premium carrier based in Taipei and has recently launched its inaugural transpacific service between Taipei and Los Angeles, making it an excellent choice for those travelling on business.
City of Angels: Los Angeles is one of Alaska’s hubs along the West Coast.
When redemptions become available this summer on STARLUX flights between Los Angeles and Taipei, they will start at:
20,000 miles for economy,
40,000 for premium economy and
60,000 for business class for a limited time.
STARLUX operates the transpacific route with its new-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured in a four-class layout: First, business, premium economy and economy.
Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines said,
STARLUX Airlines has marked a successful three-year operation of our Asian routes, revolutionising the aviation industry with our exceptional service and innovative cabin design that have been highly commended by passengers. In a new milestone, we launched our inaugural flight to Los Angeles, offering convenient and comfortable long-haul premier services to passengers traveling to the City of Angels.
Alaska Airlines, the fifth largest airline in the United States with a wide network covering over 100 cities across the country, is partnering with STARLUX Airlines to deliver more exquisite and convenient flights for travellers journeying between North America and Asia. The partnership will enable seamless connections for STARLUX Airlines customers traveling to destinations across the U.S., making it easier and more convenient to navigate the country’s extensive domestic air network. With this partnership, we are committed to ensuring that travellers enjoy a hassle-free journey and arrive at their final destinations feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Inflight service on STARLUX includes Taiwanese signature dishes and amenities prepared for passengers in all classes.
STARLUX will be offering first and business guests a selection of the best top chefs’ creations and local Taiwanese delicacies, including the popular STARLUX signature dish yakiniku donburi served on board.
To bring greater individuality to their air travel experience, all passengers can pre-order meals online, so they can enjoy the meal they want. The news of Alaska’s partnership with STARLUX follows last year’s partnership announcement with Air Tahiti Nui.
This partnership between Alaska Airlines and STARLUX Airlines is excellent news for UK-based business travellers looking for a premium carrier with a strong transpacific presence. With the ability to earn and redeem miles on STARLUX flights, business travellers can now enjoy a more seamless and rewarding travel experience. Furthermore, the inflight service and signature dishes offered by STARLUX are sure to impress even the most discerning business traveller.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WEB-BA-Euroflyer-1.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-04-27 09:29:262023-04-27 09:29:29STARLUX Airlines' premium service now available for UK business travellers through Alaska Airlines partnership
