Dave

Virgin Atlantic unveils new seasonal menu and wellness offerings for business travellers

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Virgin Atlantic has launched a new Autumn/Winter menu, offering a range of seasonal, comforting dishes across all cabins, complemented by feel-good beverages in Upper Class and wellness amenities at the London Heathrow Clubhouse.

For business travellers flying Upper Class, the menu presents a premium culinary experience with indulgent options such as chicken and mushroom pie with truffle, pan-roasted cod or pumpkin girasoli.

Virgin Atlantic’s pre-select service enhances this further with exclusive mains, including roasted duck breast with potato gratin. Travellers can also enjoy a delightful brunch on select UK departures, with choices such as smashed avocado with poached egg, red velvet pancakes, or a chicken and treacle beer bacon club sandwich.

Recognising the importance of rest and rejuvenation for business travellers, Virgin Atlantic has introduced a selection of wellness drinks in Upper Class.

These include the soothing Three Spirit Nightcap, kombucha by Lo Bros, and TRIP Elderflower Mint Mindful Blend – all designed to promote relaxation during and after flights. For an immune-boosting option, Perfect Ted Juicy Peach, powered by matcha green tea, is also available.

The Upper Class wine selection has been refreshed, featuring a curated list of elegant wines, including a 2022 Grillo Viognier Bio and a 2023 Diermersdal Sauvignon Blanc, with red and rosé options also available.

Wine choices: the new Upper Class wine selection has been refreshed

Premium and Economy passengers are not left out, with a variety of delicious meals such as honey and mustard chicken or Cumberland sausage in Premium, and sausage with colcannon mash or tomato mascarpone pasta in Economy.

Pre-flight relaxation has also been taken up a notch at Virgin Atlantic’s London Heathrow Clubhouse. Passengers can now access calming essential oils by Aromatherapy Associates, designed to help them unwind before boarding.

The Clubhouse has introduced a Yoga Retreat in collaboration with Peloton, allowing travellers to meditate, stretch or work out before their flight.

Commenting on the launch, Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Customer and Operating Officer, said:

By combining seasonality and comfort with premium ingredients, we’re offering our customers an elevated in-flight dining experience to enjoy and indulge, while also recognising the importance of relaxation during travel. Feeling well-rested and cared for can make all the difference for our customers, whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or a business-as-usual trip.

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

Virgin Atlantic’s new menu and wellness offerings are a fantastic development for UK-based business travellers. The combination of premium dining options and relaxation-focused beverages and amenities ensures that travellers can arrive at their destination refreshed and ready to do business.

For further information on how Virgin Atlantic’s new offerings can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Whitbread secures planning for 693-bedroom hub by Premier Inn hotel near Trafalgar Square

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Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business, has secured planning permission to build a 693-bedroom hub by Premier Inn hotel at 5 Strand, near Trafalgar Square, in a prime location just metres from Nelson’s Column.

This new hotel – construction begins in 2025 – will become one of London’s largest budget hotels and Whitbread’s largest hub by Premier Inn in its portfolio.

The development represents a £200 million investment and reinforces Whitbread’s commitment to expanding its affordable hotel offerings in the capital, where demand for budget hotel rooms continues to outstrip supply.

The hotel’s 16,000+ square metre site will span thirteen storeys, with a contemporary design aimed at delivering a modern guest experience in the heart of London.

Mark Anderson, Managing Director for Property and International for Whitbread, expressed the significance of this project, noting,

5 Strand is an excellent example of how we think the hub by Premier Inn brand can evolve in Central London. It also shows how we can use Whitbread’s strong balance sheet to acquire the best positioned, most accessible and high-demand locations in the capital to grow our brands.

The hotel will feature compact rooms, approximately half the size of a standard Premier Inn room, designed for modern travellers seeking both affordability and convenience.

Guests can expect a focus on technology and a relaxed lounge-style food and beverage offering.

Moreover, in line with Whitbread’s sustainability goals, the hotel will be powered entirely by renewable electricity, contributing to the company’s target of reducing its direct emissions to zero by 2040.

For UK-based business travellers, this development signals an enhanced offering of centrally-located, budget-friendly accommodation options. Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the impact this project will have:

The new hub by Premier Inn at 5 Strand will be an excellent addition for UK business travellers needing to stay in the heart of London. Its location and affordability will offer our clients greater flexibility when managing their business travel budgets.

This project further demonstrates Whitbread’s aggressive expansion in the London market, where they already operate more than 100 locations within the M25, with plans to add more in the coming years.

Once complete, the hotel will employ around 150 staff, with recruitment efforts focused within Westminster and surrounding boroughs.

For more information on how this development might benefit your company’s business travel needs, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Qatar Airways to acquire 25% stake in Virgin Australia, boosting competition and connectivity

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Qatar Airways Group has announced plans to acquire a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia, marking a significant development in the Australian aviation sector. This strategic move is set to enhance competition in the market, providing Australian travellers with more choice, better value, and improved connectivity both domestically and internationally.

Qatar Airways, one of the world’s largest and most highly awarded airlines, will deepen its existing partnership with Virgin Australia through this investment, pending regulatory approval. The equity stake is expected to boost Virgin Australia’s financial resilience, unlock synergies and lay the groundwork for long-haul international flights by mid-2025, offering Australians new travel opportunities to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa via Doha.

Virgin Australia’s CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, emphasised the long-term benefits of the investment, noting that it strengthens Virgin’s ability to compete, creates more jobs in Australian aviation, and brings consumers additional value and choice in airfares. She said,

This partnership brings the missing piece to Virgin Australia’s longer-term strategy and is a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation.

Qatar Airways has been a valued codeshare partner of Virgin Australia since 2022. This investment by the world’s best airline will deepen an already strong partnership by bringing critical scale and the best industry expertise to support our long-term competitiveness and growth.

This proposed investment is subject to regulatory approval. We do not take this for granted and have made submissions outlining the benefits of the transaction for Australian aviation, Australian travellers and the Australian economy.

The collaboration will also expand the airlines’ existing codeshare agreement, benefiting members of both Virgin Australia’s Velocity and Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club loyalty programmes. This will offer enhanced earning and redemption opportunities, along with access to a wider range of destinations and improved schedule options for business and leisure travellers alike. The investment is part of Qatar Airways’ broader strategy to bolster its presence in Australia, adding significant value to Australian consumers and businesses.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the benefits to UK-based business travellers:

This enhanced partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways presents exciting opportunities for our customers, offering greater connectivity between the UK and Australia. It promises to deliver more competitive fares and streamlined travel options, which is great news for UK-based business travellers.

The partnership also holds potential for collaboration in sustainability initiatives, including the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), an area of growing importance for both airlines. Virgin Australia has been a key player in the Australian government’s Jet Zero Council and expects this partnership to support the country’s sustainability goals.

Qatar Airways Group CEO, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, expressed pride in the alignment of the two airlines, stating:

The investment further demonstrates our strategic alignment with Virgin Australia and our collective ambition to deliver the best possible service and value to Australian passengers.

Not only that, we believe competition in aviation is a good thing and it helps raise the bar, ultimately benefiting customers. This agreement will also help support Australian jobs, businesses and the wider economy.

As Virgin Australia eyes a return to public ownership, this investment from Qatar Airways positions the airline for continued growth and competitiveness, offering long-term benefits to consumers and the broader economy.

For more information on how this development could impact your travel arrangements, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

LNER introduces new First Class Autumn menus for business travellers, featuring locally sourced dishes

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LNER has unveiled its new First Class menus for Autumn, offering UK-based business travellers a selection of warm, hearty dishes, crafted by local food and drink suppliers along its route.

Business travellers heading to meetings or conferences aboard LNER’s First Class can enjoy complimentary meals across a variety of services, including Dine, Dish, Deli and Brunch, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience throughout the day.

The new menus include chef-prepared favourites like ‘Frittata with posh baked beans’ for breakfast, and for later in the day, hearty meals such as ‘Toulouse sausage and mash’ or ‘lamb rogan josh with mini naan bread’.

For vegetarians, there are options like the ‘pearl barley mushroom risotto’, and a variety of vegan choices, including a Bombay potato salad or Coronation chickpea wrap.

These new offerings highlight LNER’s commitment to supporting local suppliers, sourcing ingredients from award-winning producers along the train route from London to the Scottish Highlands.

Vegan options: pearl barley mushroom risotto’ with caramelised roasted banana shallot

First Class passengers travelling on any service can also look forward to roast pulled chicken brioche rolls, vegan-friendly wraps and desserts such as a salted caramel pot or fresh fruit.

Richard Judge, Head of Customer Experience at LNER, expressed his enthusiasm about the new launch:

Just as the seasons are changing, we’re delighted to launch our new onboard menus featuring hearty comfort dishes with warming flavours. As always, we’re extremely proud that our menus showcase some of the brilliant, award-winning local suppliers we have across the route and in doing so continue to benefit the communities that we serve.

For UK-based business travellers, these new menu options offer the perfect opportunity to combine comfort with convenience during travel. Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, explained:

LNER’s new First Class menus bring a real touch of luxury to business travel. With delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients, business travellers can now experience excellent food while travelling in comfort and style, making every journey more productive and enjoyable.

For further information on how LNER’s new onboard First Class menus could enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Eurostar joins SkyTeam to revolutionise seamless air and rail travel for business travellers

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Eurostar and SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will revolutionise the way millions of customers experience integrated intermodal journeys via air and rail.

With Eurostar becoming SkyTeam’s first non-airline partner, business travellers can now book itineraries that combine long- and medium-haul flights with sustainable rail journeys in a single reservation, all while enjoying the benefits associated with the SkyTeam alliance.

This new partnership expands Eurostar’s network, opening up exciting opportunities for multi-city travel between the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Travellers can fly into SkyTeam’s primary hubs in France, the Netherlands and the UK, as well as other major European airports, before seamlessly transitioning to Eurostar services.

Currently, approximately 13% of Eurostar passengers are long-haul air travellers who arrive at key SkyTeam hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow before connecting to Eurostar destinations.

Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar, stated,

Offering travellers the choice to see Europe in the most sustainable and convenient way by rail is a key component of Eurostar’s vision for growth. We are creating a future where travellers can connect between Eurostar trains, domestic railways, and long-haul flying, opening up our services to new markets across the globe. Today is a major step forward towards this mission and we look forward to working with SkyTeam to develop the customer proposition so more travellers can experience Eurostar’s unique service.

Patrick Roux, CEO of SkyTeam, echoed this sentiment, saying,

Working with Eurostar as our first non-airline partner underscores SkyTeam’s commitment to delivering a more integrated and responsible travel experience by incorporating intermodal travel. One of the world’s most-loved train operators, with a reputation for customer service, Eurostar is a natural fit for SkyTeam. I look forward to developing our partnership and offering customers greater choice in how they travel across SkyTeam’s global network.

In the coming months, both companies will collaborate to create a more integrated experience for air-to-rail travel, ensuring that customers can fully enjoy the advantages of both transport modes. This exciting partnership is expected to launch in the first half of 2025.

In line with their sustainability efforts, Eurostar and KLM are also progressing with their air-rail product for customers travelling between Amsterdam and Brussels, which has already led to a reduction in flights between the two cities.

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

This partnership represents a significant advancement in sustainable travel options. It provides UK business travellers with the flexibility and convenience they need to navigate Europe efficiently while reducing their carbon footprint.

For more information about how this partnership may benefit your travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Virgin Atlantic to open new Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport

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Virgin Atlantic has announced the opening of its newest Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the first quarter of 2025, bringing its award-winning lounge experience to the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The Los Angeles Clubhouse will offer a premium experience, complete with a spacious bar and social area, table service dining and exclusive spaces like ‘The Royal Box,’ a VIP booth.

Travellers can enjoy local artwork and lighting inspired by California sunsets, while amenities such as wireless charging, private pods and showers ensure business travellers can relax and stay productive before their flight.

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer & Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said,

We’re thrilled to bring our award-winning Clubhouse to the vibrant, entertainment capital Los Angeles, where we know business and leisure travellers alike will enjoy our experience before their flight across the pond.

Designed to support a relaxing pre-flight routine, the Clubhouse will encourage mindfulness and rest, helping travellers prepare for a restful journey.

Business travellers will benefit from workspaces with Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets throughout and private areas to catch up on calls or emails. The space will also feature mixologists at the cocktail bar serving Virgin Atlantic favourites, including the iconic Virgin Redhead.

Access to the Virgin Atlantic LAX Clubhouse will be available to Upper Class passengers, Flying Club Gold members, and select SkyTeam travellers. The lounge will be open daily for those looking to unwind, work, or freshen up before departure.

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

For UK-based business travellers, this is an excellent addition to the Virgin Atlantic offering. The new Clubhouse at LAX will provide a comfortable, productive space, ensuring travellers can relax or work right up to boarding.

For more information on Virgin Atlantic flights to Los Angeles, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

New Emirates lounge at London Stansted offers premium UK business travellers world-class amenities

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Emirates has opened its new, £4 million lounge at London Stansted Airport, providing First and Business Class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards members, with premium hospitality before their flights.

This new lounge, the airline’s sixth in the UK, marks an important expansion of Emirates’ dedicated lounge network, which now covers London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and now London Stansted.

Emirates’ premium customers can now enjoy the airline’s world-class service across all London airports, underlining the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its on-ground experience. This significant investment further strengthens Emirates’ offering in one of its key global markets.

The new 900-square-metre facility accommodates up to 125 guests and offers a range of exclusive services, from complimentary Wi-Fi to luxurious shower facilities and gourmet dining. In keeping with Emirates’ tradition of excellence, the lounge is conveniently located adjacent to the departure gates, allowing for a short 2–3-minute walk to board the aircraft.

Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services at Emirates, commented:

Emirates has been serving London Stansted since 2018, and the airport remains a very important gateway for our customers across the southern region of the UK. The new lounge is a testament to our brand promise of always flying customers better – in the air and on-ground.

The lounge’s food and beverage offering will spotlight the best of British cuisine, thanks to a partnership with Sussex-based Full Circles Farms. Customers will be treated to a ‘farm to table’ menu, featuring organic, seasonal produce, along with an array of premium wines, spirits, and Moet & Chandon champagnes.

Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, Gareth Powell, praised the new development:

The opening of Emirates’ new world-class lounge is fantastic news for London Stansted and passengers using Emirates services to Dubai and beyond… Offering an experience of luxury and comfort for the airline’s First and Business Class customers, its location in Satellite 1 boasts excellent views over the airport and allows boarding access to the aircraft directly from the lounge.

Emirates’ decision to invest in this lounge reinforces its commitment to both UK business and leisure travellers, offering 133 weekly flights to the UK, including a double-daily service from Stansted.

Business travellers will benefit from seamless connections to over 140 destinations worldwide, making this lounge a significant upgrade to the travel experience for professionals flying from Stansted.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, highlighted the value this new lounge brings to business travellers:

The new Emirates lounge at Stansted is a welcome addition for UK-based business travellers. It provides a much-needed space to relax, dine, and work in comfort, ensuring a smooth and productive travel experience right from the moment they arrive at the airport.

To learn more about how this new Emirates lounge at Stansted can enhance your next journey, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager for further details.

Dave

Fiji Airways leads initiative to produce sustainable aviation fuel from sugarcane by-products

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Fiji Airways has launched a groundbreaking partnership with The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited (FSC) and Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC) to explore the feasibility of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Fiji.

The collaboration, backed by funding from The Asian Development Bank (ADB), could significantly enhance sustainability in aviation and agriculture across the Pacific, while creating new economic prospects for local farmers and communities.

The project’s objective is to determine whether Fiji can sustainably produce SAF using its sugarcane industry by-products, such as molasses, bagasse, sugar, and biomass. The potential for this initiative is vast, not only for Fiji but for the wider region. It aims to create a fully integrated SAF production model that capitalises on Fiji’s agricultural resources and the expertise of international leaders in bioenergy and sustainable fuels.

Sweet success: The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited is the largest sugar milling company in the South Pacific region and a significant contributor to the Fijian economy

Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC), renowned globally for its work in biofuels and alternative energy, will lead the study to assess the technical and economic feasibility of converting Fiji’s sugarcane by-products into ethanol-based SAF. This process, known as alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) production, is a proven method of creating sustainable aviation fuel.

LEC’s CEO, Jason White, commented:

This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnerships in addressing global challenges such as climate change. By bringing together industry leaders and local stakeholders, we are not only advancing the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel but also promoting economic resilience and environmental stewardship in the Pacific.

The FSC, the largest sugar milling company in the South Pacific, plays a pivotal role in the project by providing the sugarcane-based feedstocks. These renewable and sustainable sources of biomass form the backbone of the SAF production effort. Meanwhile, Fiji Airways, committed to reducing its carbon footprint, sees this project as a significant step towards transitioning away from fossil fuels. As Fiji’s national carrier, it hopes to set a regional example for sustainable aviation.

Peter Seares, Fiji Airways’ Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, said:

This is a landmark project for Fiji and the South Pacific Region. The feasibility assessment will lay a foundation for Fiji’s national airline to meet its sustainability goals while utilising local resources that will help to reinvigorate and transform the domestic sugar industry, create new jobs, and improve the lives of Fijians.

This project is poised to deliver numerous benefits. Sugarcane’s rapid growth and high biomass yield make it an ideal feedstock for SAF, offering reduced carbon emissions, high productivity, and energy efficiency. By using sugarcane by-products, the production of SAF could significantly lower aviation’s carbon footprint, further supported by the energy efficiency of sugarcane ethanol production. Bagasse, a by-product of the sugar extraction process, can also be used as a bioenergy source, powering the SAF production itself, thereby minimising overall carbon emissions.

In the long term, this project could position Fiji as a leader in the production and use of SAF across the Pacific. The success of this initiative could serve as a replicable model for other regions, contributing to the global effort to reduce aviation emissions, promote sustainable agriculture, and create economic opportunities for local industries.

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

This project marks an exciting development for UK-based business travellers flying with Fiji Airways, as it signals the airline’s commitment to sustainability. The potential introduction of SAF aligns with the growing demand for greener travel options, benefitting not only Fijian communities but also our clients who are seeking more environmentally conscious choices in business travel.

To book flights on Fiji Airways, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

JetBlue to launch exclusive airport lounges at JFK and Boston for premium travellers

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JetBlue has announced plans to open its first-ever airport lounges, beginning at New York’s JFK Terminal 5 in late 2025, followed by Boston Logan’s Terminal C. This marks a key step in the airline’s JetForward strategy, which aims to meet increasing demand for premium experiences among business travellers.

The new lounges will primarily cater to JetBlue’s top-tier TrueBlue Mosaic® members and holders of a soon-to-be-launched premium credit card, offering enhanced services for its most loyal customers.

Marty St. George, President of JetBlue, highlighted the significance of the new lounges:

Customers have asked for a JetBlue lounge for years and we can’t wait to unveil our take in New York and Boston. Lounges have become an essential offering for the growing numbers of customers seeking premium experiences, and JetBlue’s lounges will further boost the value of our TrueBlue loyalty program as we expand our portfolio of JetBlue credit cards.

As New York’s “Hometown Airline®” and Boston’s favourite airline, JetBlue plans to enhance customer experience in its two largest hubs. The lounges will provide travellers with spaces to relax, work, and socialise, complementing JetBlue’s affordable premium services both on the ground and in the air.

Recognising that many lounges have become overcrowded, JetBlue is ensuring access to its new spaces will be reserved for key customers.

Complimentary entry will be provided to TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members, premium credit cardholders and transatlantic Mint customers, with Mosaic 4 members and premium credit cardholders also able to bring a guest.

There will also be options for day passes and annual passes, widening accessibility to more travellers.

As part of JetBlue’s ongoing commitment to adding value to its TrueBlue loyalty programme, Mosaic 4 members will enjoy complimentary lounge access for themselves and a guest. In addition, Mosaic members can anticipate future programme upgrades, such as the ability to earn uncapped “Move to Mint” certificates, allowing them to enjoy JetBlue’s premium Mint experience more frequently.

JetBlue’s new lounges will embody the airline’s distinctive brand identity, with spaces designed around three key themes: Play, Work, and Lounge. The New York lounge will cover 8,000 square feet, while Boston’s will span 11,000 square feet. Both lounges will feature local artwork, comfortable seating, private workspaces, complimentary food and beverages, and a full-service bar.

Marty St. George, emphasised how JetBlue plans to translate its in-flight comfort and service to the ground experience:

We’re pulling through those thoughtful touches you find onboard our flights into the lounge experience

JetBlue’s investment in premium leisure travel continues to reinforce its position as a leader on the East Coast. The airline offers 20% more lie-flat seats from Boston than any other carrier, and has recently expanded its New England routes to meet growing demand.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented on the impact for UK-based business travellers:

JetBlue’s new lounges in New York and Boston are a game changer for British business travellers flying across the Atlantic. The exclusive access for Mosaic members and the enhanced relaxation and work spaces will make transatlantic business travel more comfortable and efficient than ever.

For more details about how these developments could enhance your business travel experience, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

British Airways invests £9 million in carbon removals to accelerate net zero journey

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British Airways has announced a significant move in its journey to net zero by becoming the largest purchaser of carbon removals in the UK and the largest airline globally to invest in such projects. This comes as part of the airline’s wider strategy to reduce emissions by 2050, focusing heavily on carbon removal credits.

The initiative is part of British Airways’ commitment to accelerate climate action by 2030, and it includes £9 million in carbon removals purchases over the next six years.

One of the innovative projects includes capturing CO2 emissions from whisky distilleries in Scotland and repurposing them into building materials. Other schemes include enhanced rock weathering across multiple UK locations, storing carbon in trees and soils and carbon removal from rivers and oceans using alkaline rock particles in Canada.

Additionally, British Airways is supporting a biochar project in India that empowers female farmers while enhancing soil biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

In partnership with CUR8, a UK-based firm specialising in sourcing high-quality carbon removal credits, British Airways has purchased 33,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits. These projects, though small in comparison to the airline’s overall emissions, are crucial for advancing the carbon removal sector, which is seen as an essential tool in the fight against climate change.

Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, highlighted the importance of the initiative:

Achieving net zero by 2050 requires bold, innovative action today, as well as long-term transformation, and our latest investments in carbon removals reflects this commitment. By supporting pioneering solutions, we’re not only contributing to immediate progress but also laying the groundwork for the large-scale changes needed to meet our climate goals. There is no pathway to net zero for aviation without carbon removals.

British Airways’ partnership with CUR8 and other companies is part of the airline’s strategy to source carbon removal solutions from both nature and engineered technologies. These initiatives complement other sustainability efforts, such as investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), flying more fuel-efficient aircraft and improving operational efficiency on the ground, where more than 90% of vehicles and equipment at Heathrow are now zero emissions or hybrid.

As part of its commitment to innovation, British Airways has also partnered with The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, to discover and support scalable climate solutions. This partnership aims to highlight and invest in projects ranging from alternative aviation fuels to reducing single-use plastics.

The airline has previously worked with Earthshot Prize winner LanzaTech, which focuses on sustainable aviation fuel technology.

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

For UK-based business travellers, British Airways’ pioneering efforts in carbon removal will make a tangible difference in reducing the environmental impact of air travel. This commitment not only supports the development of a vital market but also offers reassurance to businesses that their travel is aligned with a responsible, sustainable future.

Airlines like British Airways are forging ahead in the battle to protect the environment. And business travellers in the UK can play their part by participating in the GTM Carbon Offset Programme.

British Airways’ ambitious approach, including its focus on carbon removal projects and partnerships with innovators like The Earthshot Prize, marks a crucial step towards sustainable aviation. Roughly one third of the airline’s emissions reductions by 2050 will come from carbon removals, underlining the significance of these efforts in tackling climate change.

For more information on how this initiative could impact your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.