Dave

Emirates unveils special Real Madrid livery on Boeing 777 ahead of Spanish Super Cup

/in /by

Emirates, the Official Main Partner of Real Madrid, has unveiled a special livery on one of its Boeing 777 aircraft, celebrating its long-standing partnership with the iconic football club. The aircraft landed in Madrid yesterday, flying Real Madrid’s first team players on a special chartered flight to Jeddah for the Spanish Super Cup tournament, which runs from 8 to 12 January.

This development is particularly exciting for UK-based business travellers who frequently fly with Emirates, as the airline continues to demonstrate its commitment to offering unique experiences and world-class service. Emirates has been a partner of Real Madrid since 2011 and became the club’s shirt sponsor in 2013, with the partnership now extending to 2026 – marking the longest shirt sponsorship in La Liga history.

The newly revealed livery showcases top Real Madrid players, including Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez and Federico Valverde, providing an added touch of exclusivity for passengers aboard the aircraft.

Real Madrid fans and frequent Emirates flyers can look forward to spotting the specially designed Boeing 777 as it flies to destinations such as Athens, Vienna, Miami, Seattle and Kuwait. For business travellers, this collaboration highlights Emirates’ continued efforts to connect travellers with unique opportunities while delivering exceptional service.

In addition to its innovative partnerships, Emirates has made significant investments in enhancing its fleet. With a multi-billion dollar retrofit programme, the airline has refurbished 40 aircraft, including the introduction of its highly praised Premium Economy cabins. Emirates has also expanded its fleet with the addition of its first A350, which currently serves routes including Edinburgh, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

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

This latest development from Emirates demonstrates the airline’s dedication to elevating the travel experience. UK-based business travellers flying with Emirates can enjoy not only world-class service but also the unique opportunity to engage with exclusive partnerships like this one, making their journeys even more memorable.

For further details about Emirates’ enhanced services and its latest developments, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

United Airlines speeds up Starlink deployment, offering faster inflight internet by spring 2025

/in /by

United Airlines has announced an accelerated timeline to equip its fleet with Starlink’s industry-leading inflight connectivity, promising faster and more reliable internet for business travellers by the end of 2025.

This news is particularly relevant to UK-based business travellers who frequently fly with United, as the rollout of Starlink will enhance inflight productivity and entertainment. High-speed, low-latency internet access will allow passengers to engage in seamless video conferencing, real-time collaboration, and entertainment streaming during their flights, significantly improving the overall travel experience.

United will begin testing Starlink on its Embraer E-175 aircraft next month, with the first commercial flight expected this spring. The airline plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025, while the first mainline aircraft equipped with Starlink is set to take off before the year’s end. Ultimately, United aims to bring Starlink connectivity to its entire fleet.

MileagePlus members will benefit from free access to this advanced connectivity, which will support a wide range of inflight entertainment options, including streaming services, online shopping and gaming. Membership to the loyalty programme is free, and customers can sign up now at united.com/starlink.

Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative:

We have a lot planned for our MileagePlus members this year and adding Starlink to as many planes as we can – as quickly as we can – is at the centre of it all. It’s not only going to revolutionise the experience of flying United, but it’s also going to unlock tons of new partnerships and benefits for our members that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the development:

Reliable, high-speed inflight internet is a game-changer for our clients who travel regularly for business. United’s partnership with Starlink will enable our customers to stay connected and productive throughout their flights, making business travel more efficient and enjoyable.

United’s commitment to providing robust inflight connectivity follows its landmark agreement with SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk, in September, representing the largest agreement of its kind in the airline industry. The Starlink system, designed and operated by SpaceX, uses a low Earth orbit satellite constellation to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and video calls, mirroring the speed and reliability of ground-based connections.

For more information about United flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Five more Airbus A350-1000s to join Lufthansa’s fleet as part of modernisation strategy

/in /by

The Lufthansa Group has announced an additional order of five Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, bringing the total number of A350s ordered to 75. This latest acquisition reinforces Lufthansa’s ongoing commitment to fleet modernisation and sustainability, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030.

For UK-based business travellers, the introduction of more state-of-the-art aircraft by one of Europe’s leading airlines translates to greater comfort, improved efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint on international routes frequently used by corporate clients.

Lufthansa’s expanding A350 fleet will replace older, four-engine models such as the Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A340 series, which are being gradually phased out. The new aircraft consume up to 35% less fuel and produce significantly lower CO₂ emissions, supporting Lufthansa’s goal of halving net CO₂ emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, highlighted the significance of this order, stating:

Today’s order underscores our great confidence in our long-standing, close and successful partnership with Airbus. With the state-of-the-art A350 long-haul jets, we are accelerating the largest fleet modernisation the Group has done so far. We are investing more than ever before to make air transport more sustainable, to achieve our CO₂ reduction targets and at the same time offer our customers the highest level of comfort with a first-class travel experience.

This latest investment of around two billion US dollars not only enhances Lufthansa’s fleet but also strengthens their competitive edge as one of the largest A350 customers globally. The A350-1000 offers approximately 15% more capacity compared to the A350-900, enhancing the airline’s ability to meet growing demand on high-traffic business routes.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the news:

Lufthansa’s continued investment in cutting-edge aircraft is excellent news for UK-based business travellers. The improved efficiency, lower emissions and enhanced passenger experience align perfectly with the evolving needs of corporate travellers who value sustainability and comfort in their journeys.

To date, Lufthansa has ordered 770 aircraft from Airbus, cementing its status as Airbus’ largest customer worldwide. The upcoming integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group in January will further expand the fleet by an additional 100 short- and long-haul aircraft.

If you would like further information about flights on Lufthansa Group airlines, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Less Orange, More Green – easyJet’s lighter paint delivers big environmental gains

/in /by

easyJet has become the first airline in the world to trial a revolutionary lower-weight aircraft paint, which is set to reduce fuel consumption and cut carbon emissions.

This innovative move is great news for UK-based business travellers who rely on easyJet for their domestic and international journeys. Lower fuel usage translates to cost efficiencies, helping to keep fares competitive while reducing the airline’s environmental footprint.

The cutting-edge paint, developed by Mankiewicz Aviation Coatings, requires less material to achieve the same bright and durable finish as traditional coatings. So far, easyJet has applied the new paint to 38 aircraft, with plans to extend the rollout across the entire fleet by 2030. This will lead to an estimated fuel saving of up to 1,296 tonnes annually, reducing carbon emissions by 4,095 tonnes.

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

Business travellers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of flying. It’s fantastic to see easyJet taking proactive steps to reduce emissions. Innovations like this lighter paint contribute to more sustainable travel options for our customers.

The new paint delivers a weight reduction of approximately 27kg per aircraft. While this might seem modest, when applied across an entire fleet and combined with other fuel-saving initiatives, the cumulative effect is substantial. EasyJet has paired this initiative with fleet renewal, operational efficiencies, and airspace modernisation as part of its broader roadmap to net zero by 2050.

Lahiru Ranasinghe, Director of Sustainability at easyJet, said:

easyJet is constantly exploring and developing innovative solutions to lower the impact of our operations. While this forms a small part of a bigger strategy, formulating a new lightweight paint with our partners at Mankiewicz Aviation Coatings exemplifies how we’re assessing every single part of our operation to find efficiency gains to help us achieve this mission.

Andrew Richardson, Aviation Sales Manager at Mankiewicz Aviation Coatings, expressed his pride in working alongside easyJet on this sustainability initiative:

Sustainability and environmental guardianship are at the heart of Mankiewicz’s core values. Being able to work closely with easyJet has been very rewarding.

The paint application process is handled by MAAS Aviation at its Maastricht facility. Richard Marston, Chief Commercial Officer at MAAS Aviation, highlighted the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility: “We work closely with our supply chain to ensure we use the latest technology products that deliver the highest standards of performance and finish, while reducing the impact on the world around us.”

For UK-based business travellers, easyJet’s adoption of sustainable practices ensures that essential business journeys can be completed with lower environmental impact. This initiative is one of many steps easyJet is taking to enhance sustainability while maintaining reliable and cost-effective services for business travellers.

If you would like further information about easyJet’s fares, routes and timetables, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Introducing The British Airways Club: More ways to earn Tier Points

/in /by

British Airways has announced significant updates to its loyalty programme, introducing new ways for members to earn Tier Points and progress through the tiers.

These changes, effective from 1 April 2025, will directly benefit UK-based business travellers, offering them more opportunities to reach higher status levels through everyday spend. The rebrand sees the British Airways Executive Club become The British Airways Club, introducing enhanced methods of accumulating Tier Points through ancillary spend, credit card usage, and British Airways Holidays packages.

From April, members will earn one Tier Point for every £1 spent on eligible extras such as seat selection, additional baggage and even contributions to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This shift means that business travellers can now boost their Tier status not just through flights but through associated travel expenses, ensuring faster progression and increased benefits.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, highlighted the advantage to UK-based business travellers:

These changes represent an exciting opportunity for our clients. The ability to earn Tier Points through seat selection, baggage fees and even holiday bookings makes it easier than ever to gain and maintain status. For business travellers, this creates a great way to maximise rewards, reflecting the diverse nature of corporate travel today.

A key enhancement is the permanent introduction of limitless Tier Point earning on British Airways Holidays. This follows the success of a double Tier Points promotion, now made permanent, enabling business travellers to achieve elite status with fewer trips.

Additionally, later in 2025, BA American Express Premium Plus Cardmembers will have the chance to earn up to 2,500 Tier Points by spending on their card, further enhancing the opportunities available.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said:

The changes we have announced today underline our continued investment in our loyalty programme and in our customers. Based on our Members’ feedback, we’ve built on the changes we’ve already made – including how customers collect Avios and their membership year – in a way that we believe better rewards their loyalty and reflects their changing travel needs.

To mark the launch, British Airways is offering bonus Tier Points for bookings made before 14 February 2025 for travel from 1 April 2025 onwards.

Global Travel Management clients with existing bookings for travel after 1 April 2025 will automatically have their Tier Points adjusted to the new earning method, ensuring they receive the same or higher rewards as under the current system.

If you would like to find out how these changes can benefit your business travel, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

Qatar Airways and Qatar Executive lead the way in inflight connectivity with Starlink

/in /by

Qatar Airways and Qatar Executive are both leading the way in providing exceptional inflight connectivity with the rollout of Starlink technology across their fleets. Qatar Airways has surpassed its target for 2024 by equipping fifteen Boeing 777 aircraft with Starlink, offering passengers high-speed internet access of up to 350 megabits per second. Meanwhile, Qatar Executive, the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways, has announced the integration of Starlink on its Gulfstream G650ER fleet, further enhancing the travel experience for its discerning clients.

This dual rollout is a significant milestone for both Qatar Airways and Qatar Executive, marking a new era of seamless connectivity in the skies. Business travellers will benefit greatly from the ability to stay connected throughout their journey. With Starlink on board, passengers can stream content, hold video conferences, and work uninterrupted while cruising at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet.

For UK-based professionals who frequently travel for business, this means staying productive and engaged, regardless of location.

Qatar Airways has now equipped fifteen of its Boeing 777 aircraft with Starlink, far surpassing its initial goal of twelve by the end of 2024.

This fleet enhancement positions the airline as the largest global carrier offering complimentary Starlink on board, providing passengers with a consistent and reliable connection during their flights. With Starlink, passengers can enjoy a superior inflight experience, whether they are working, streaming entertainment, or simply staying connected with friends and family.

Similarly, Qatar Executive’s decision to equip its Gulfstream G650ER fleet with Starlink will offer passengers on private jet charters an unparalleled inflight experience. From 14 December 2024, the first Starlink-equipped Gulfstream G650ER will begin operating, providing high-speed internet for business travellers who expect the best in luxury and connectivity.

High speed: Starlink at 45,000 feet, aboard a Qatar Executive Gulfstream G650ER

By May 2025, Starlink will be installed across the first five aircraft in the fleet, with plans to expand this to the entire Gulfstream fleet over the next eighteen months.

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

The introduction of Starlink on both Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777s and Qatar Executive’s Gulfstream G650ER fleet is a groundbreaking development for business travellers. As the demand for seamless connectivity continues to rise, these innovations will ensure that passengers can remain productive and connected, whether flying long-haul on a commercial flight or enjoying the privacy and luxury of a private jet.

Qatar Airways and Qatar Executive’s integration of Starlink technology underscores their commitment to delivering world-class service and cutting-edge technology for their passengers. The ability to access high-speed internet during flight allows business travellers to stay ahead of the curve, meeting deadlines and maintaining communication from anywhere in the world.

To find out how these advancements in inflight connectivity can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Lufthansa Group marks 30 years of climate research with innovative data collection on passenger flights

/in /by

The Lufthansa Group has been a key contributor to climate and atmospheric research for over 30 years, using its fleet of passenger aircraft to collect valuable data on the atmosphere. This ongoing commitment aids in refining climate models and improving weather forecasts, benefitting both the scientific community and the wider public.

This long-standing partnership with research institutions such as the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Jülich Research Center (FZJ) has seen Lufthansa’s aircraft equipped with scientific instruments that gather critical climate data during regular flights.

The data, including insights into ozone, water vapour, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides is made available for free to the global research community, supporting the work of more than 300 organisations around the world.

For UK-based business travellers, this is a significant development, as the data not only contributes to a better understanding of the environment but also supports more accurate weather forecasting – a crucial factor in flight planning, safety, and efficiency.

Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer of Lufthansa Group, highlights the company’s role in advancing climate research, saying:

We are proud to have been able to make a significant contribution to climate research for 30 years. The further development of aviation is deeply rooted in the DNA of the Lufthansa Group, and it is our aspiration to play a leading role in the development of new technologies. It inspires me to see the passion and experience with which Lufthansa Group colleagues continuously discover new ways to advance research. Through our commitment, we are helping to sustainably improve climate models and weather forecasts.

Since 1994, the Lufthansa Group has partnered in the MOZAIC and IAGOS projects, using its fleet of aircraft to collect continuous climate data. The company has recently expanded its research capabilities by converting a state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 into a flying research laboratory. This new initiative will measure over 100 different trace gases, aerosols, and cloud parameters from high altitudes, providing invaluable data that will support global climate research and contribute to the reduction of aviation’s environmental impact. Additionally, Lufthansa has implemented the AMDAR and WVSS-II systems across its fleet, which monitor meteorological data such as temperature, air pressure, and water vapour, aiding weather forecasting and climate modelling.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, comments:

The Lufthansa Group’s commitment to climate research highlights a positive shift in the aviation industry towards sustainability. For UK-based business travellers, this focus on improving climate models and weather forecasting means more accurate flight operations, greater efficiency, and a reduced environmental footprint, all of which align with the goals of today’s corporate travel programmes.

As the Lufthansa Group continues to expand its research capabilities and contribute to scientific advancements, its efforts underscore the potential of aviation to support a more sustainable and climate-conscious future.

For more information on Lufthansa Group flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

easyJet launches its 50th onboard collection to raise funds for UNICEF’s education initiatives

/in /by

easyJet and UNICEF have launched their winter onboard collection as part of the ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign, offering easyJet customers the opportunity to support UNICEF’s mission of achieving every child’s universal right to learn by 2030. This initiative, now in its 50th onboard collection, aims to raise vital funds for global education programmes.

This news is particularly relevant to UK-based business travellers who frequently fly with easyJet, as it provides them with an easy way to contribute to a meaningful cause while travelling. Through these donations, travellers can help address the global learning crisis, a pressing issue that impacts millions of children worldwide.

Starting 7 December, passengers on over 72,000 flights spanning 32 countries are encouraged to donate during the six-week campaign.

Since 2012, the easyJet-UNICEF partnership has raised over £17 million, which has been used to support children by providing access to education, protecting them from diseases, and ensuring safety during emergencies. The funds raised during this campaign will contribute to UNICEF’s goal of providing quality education to 114 million children and digital learning resources to nearly 150 million children by 2025.

easyJet’s Director of Cabin Services, Michael Brown, highlighted the campaign’s impact, saying:

It is a privilege to be launching our 50th onboard collection for UNICEF this winter as part of our ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign, to support UNICEF’s aspiration to achieve every child’s universal right to learn by 2030. Since our partnership launched over a decade ago, we are incredibly grateful to our customers for their kindness and generosity in helping to raise over £17 million to support UNICEF’s work – and of course our fantastic crew who make these collections possible. We cannot thank them enough for all that they do to help change the lives of countless children across the world.

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

UK-based business travellers often look for ways to make a positive impact while navigating their busy schedules. This partnership between easyJet and UNICEF provides a seamless opportunity to contribute to a significant cause while travelling, reinforcing the importance of corporate social responsibility within the business travel community.

Donations collected onboard will help UNICEF provide educational materials like textbooks and classroom kits, ensuring that children can continue learning, even in emergencies. Mohini Raichura-Brown, UNICEF’s Chief Partnerships Officer, noted, “This collection builds on more than £3 million easyJet contributed over the years towards UNICEF’s education programmes, helping to provide every child with an opportunity to access quality and inclusive learning.”

If you’d like to book flights on easyJet, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Vienna becomes the latest European city to welcome Emirates’ four-class Boeing 777

/in /by

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced that its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft will be deployed on flights EK125/126 between Dubai and Vienna starting 3 January 2025, marking Vienna as the fourth European city to feature this enhanced, four-class service.

This development will be of particular interest to Global Travel Management’s UK-based business travellers, as it offers a premium travel experience with enhanced comfort and services across all classes.

The retrofitted Boeing 777 introduces Emirates’ award-winning Premium Economy cabin, alongside refreshed interiors in First, Business and Economy, ensuring every traveller experiences the airline’s best-in-class products.

With eight luxurious First Class suites, 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 24 spacious Premium Economy seats and 256 ergonomically designed Economy seats, Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777 provides an upgraded travel experience.

Four-class: the Emirates Boeing 777 features 40 Business class seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement

The Premium Economy cabin offers added comfort with six-way adjustable headrests and extra space, catering to both business and leisure travellers. Business Class features Emirates’ signature flatbed seats, direct aisle access and a 23-inch HD screen for ultimate in-flight entertainment.

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

This announcement by Emirates is fantastic news for UK-based business travellers. With its enhanced four-class configuration, the retrofitted Boeing 777 offers an unparalleled travel experience, making journeys to Vienna more comfortable and productive than ever.

Vienna joins Geneva, Zurich and Brussels in receiving Emirates’ upgraded Boeing 777 as part of the airline’s largest fleet retrofit project, which has already introduced 10 enhanced aircraft to destinations worldwide. This milestone reflects Emirates’ commitment to continually improving its service offerings for both regional and long-haul routes.

Emirates has a strong relationship with Austria, celebrating 20 years of operations in the country and carrying more than 5 million passengers since launching its Vienna route in 2004. The airline also plays a crucial role in supporting Austrian exports and imports, transporting nearly 250,000 tonnes of freight over the past decade.

For further information on this development, or to learn how it could benefit your next business trip, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

JetBlue enhances business travel with new seasonal offerings and luxury onboard experiences

/in /by

JetBlue has unveiled a range of new inflight offerings, designed to enhance the winter travel experience for its passengers. With upgraded food and drink options, new entertainment features and a focus on quality and innovation, JetBlue is bringing festive cheer to the skies this season.

These updates are particularly relevant for business travellers flying with JetBlue who appreciate high-quality inflight experiences that make journeys more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether it’s indulging in fine wines, enjoying tailored dining options, or relaxing with festive entertainment, JetBlue is delivering thoughtful touches that align with the needs of discerning travellers.

JetBlue’s premium Mint cabin now offers a refreshed wine list curated to pair with Bar Pasquale’s Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Highlights include JetBlue’s first-ever orange wine and a selection of sparkling, red and white wines from renowned producers. The addition of boutique teas from Smith Teamaker, such as British Brunch and Jasmine Silver Tips, further enhances the onboard dining experience, catering to those who enjoy a sophisticated teatime at 30,000 feet.

Seasonal delights: Stream Peacock movies and tv shows, enjoy a selection of drinks and even participate in a watch party

For those travelling in the main cabin, JetBlue has introduced a new for-purchase drink option: Black Button Distilling’s Bespoke Bourbon Cream liqueur, a luxurious addition perfect for creating boozy coffee or fizzy cocktails. Passengers can also enjoy the updated EatUp Café menu, featuring options like a Turkey Pretzel Sandwich and a Harvest Salad with seasonal ingredients such as roasted butternut squash and pomegranate seeds.

Seasonal entertainment adds to the festive atmosphere onboard. Through JetBlue’s partnership with Peacock, passengers can watch the first three episodes of Love Island USA season six. JetBlue’s Holiday Classics collection includes beloved titles like Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life, alongside animated favourites such as The Polar Express.

From 1 December, passengers can also enjoy Frozen 2 and heartwarming holiday TV movies through JetBlue’s Made-for-TV Holiday Flix collection. Travellers can even host inflight watch parties using the Blueprint by JetBlue™ feature.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the updates:

JetBlue’s commitment to elevating the travel experience is great news for UK-based business travellers. Whether it’s the premium wine selection in Mint, the thoughtful seasonal touches, or the upgraded inflight entertainment, these enhancements make long journeys more enjoyable and productive.

To learn more about how JetBlue could improve your next trip, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.