Dave

British Airways increases transatlantic services with 400+ flights per week next Summer

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British Airways will operate a record number of flights from London to the US, Canada and Mexico in Summer 2025, with over 400 direct flights per week during peak weeks, including flights to 26 US cities.

British Airways continues to expand its transatlantic services, solidifying its position as the UK’s leading carrier to North America.

The airline, which operates more flights across the Atlantic than any other European carrier, is also the only European airline to offer a First-class cabin on flights from London to the US.

UK business travellers will benefit from increased connectivity, with the expanded schedule including additional flights to key business destinations. British Airways has added several flights from London Heathrow, all of which are available to book now on ba.com:

  • Miami, Florida (MIA): An additional seven flights per week, increasing the total to 14 flights weekly.
  • Miami will become a twice-daily service year-round. The airline will also open a new lounge in Miami in 2025, showcasing its latest lounge design concept.
  • Austin, Texas (AUS): Six more flights per week, raising the total to 13 weekly services.
  • Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS): An extra three flights per week during peak months, for a total of 10 flights weekly.
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT): The route increases from six to seven flights weekly, becoming a daily service for the first time.
  • Washington DC (IAD): Seven additional flights per week, bringing the total to 21 flights weekly.
  • Vancouver, Canada (YVR): Up to seven more flights weekly from Heathrow, totalling up to 14 flights per week during the peak summer period. With the airline’s daily flight from Gatwick, customers can choose from three flights per day from June to September.

Passengers travelling to the US can also connect to more than 100 destinations within the country, thanks to British Airways’ partnerships with US airlines, providing seamless onward connections for UK business travellers.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, commented:

The US remains a priority market for us, and we know these network changes will be welcomed by both our business and leisure customers, providing more options than ever before to travel between the UK and the USA.

British Airways’ expanded summer schedule comes as interest grows in popular events for 2025, including Rod Stewart’s The Encore Shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and the Miami Grand Prix.

British Icons: Rod Stewart plays at The Colosseum in 2025 and Lando Norris will look to repeat his 2024 Miami GP win in 2025.

In addition to the increased transatlantic services, British Airways has announced enhancements to its global route network:

  • A third daily flight to Delhi (DEL) has been added for Summer 2025, with a total of 63 flights per week across five destinations in India.
  • Flights from Gatwick to Cancun (CUN) will increase from six to seven per week, becoming a daily service next summer.
  • A second daily flight has been added from Heathrow to Florence (FLR).
  • New services to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Jeddah (JED), both launching in November 2024, will continue into the Summer 2025 season, alongside frequency growth in Riyadh (RUH).

Moreover, for the Winter 2024 season, the direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok (BKK) will resume on 28 October 2024, operating three times per week and increasing to up to five times per week between January and March 2025. Customers travelling to Doha (DOH) now have the option to fly in the airline’s First class cabin, with one of the twice-daily flights from Heathrow operated on a Boeing 787-10 aircraft.

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

This expanded schedule is great news for UK business travellers. More flights means more flexibility, more choice and more opportunities to connect with key business hubs across the US, Canada and beyond. At Global Travel Management, we’re here to help our customers make the most of these new travel options.

For further information on how these changes could benefit your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Finnair marks 70 years of London-Helsinki flights with increased daily UK departures

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Celebrating 70 years of connecting London and Helsinki, Finnair has marked a significant milestone in its history this September.

On Sunday, 1st September, Finnair commemorated seven decades since launching its London-Helsinki route in 1954.

Originally, the route connected London and Helsinki via Düsseldorf and Copenhagen, with a total journey time of around eight hours. At that time, the flight operated three times per week, and a return ticket cost £67.50, the equivalent of approximately £1,900 today.

Fast forward 70 years, and Finnair is preparing to increase its frequency from four to six daily flights between London Heathrow and Helsinki, with return tickets starting from as little as £160.

Despite all the changes over the years, one thing has remained constant: the importance of London in Finnair’s route network and the significance of the UK market for the airline.

Today, around 2,000 passengers daily either start their journey from London, connect at Heathrow, or return to the UK from global destinations with Finnair.

Anssi Partanen: proud to celebrate

For the upcoming winter season, Finnair is also reinstating its Manchester route to its full capacity, with double daily departures. Additionally, the Edinburgh-Helsinki route will operate seven times a week, with double daily flights on Thursdays and no flights on Saturdays.

Anssi Partanen, UK, Ireland and Benelux Market Director of Finnair said,

I am proud to be able to celebrate the long history of our London route.

You might remember that the direct Manchester-Helsinki flights turned 30 last spring and Finnair celebrated its centenary late last year – so there really is a lot to be proud of!

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

Finnair’s increased frequency on the London-Helsinki route offers even greater convenience and flexibility for UK-based business travellers. With more daily departures, business travellers can better tailor their travel plans to meet their specific needs, whether they are attending meetings, conferences, or visiting clients.

For more information on how these changes could benefit your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Aspiring models given a chance to shine as Heathrow becomes a fashion hub

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Aspiring models passing through Heathrow Airport have been given a unique opportunity to launch their careers in the fashion industry, thanks to a new partnership with the inclusive model agency, The MiLK Collective.

In the lead-up to London Fashion Week, Heathrow Airport is playing host to scouts from The MiLK Collective, who are on the lookout for new faces among the record 1.75 million passengers expected to travel through the airport this season.

Successful candidates will have the chance to sign an exclusive contract with the agency for at least a year, joining a prestigious roster of models who have graced the covers of top fashion magazines like Vogue and worked with the most sought-after fashion brands.

Fashion Unveiled: Models walk the runway at Heathrow

The initiative kicked off with a surprise fashion show at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 Arrivals, where four of The MiLK Collective’s models showcased high fashion looks alongside travel essentials such as eye masks and suitcases. Onlookers waiting for their loved ones became an impromptu audience on the ‘front row’, or ‘FROW’, while passengers passing through the terminal joined the spectacle, displaying a variety of styles from casual airport attire to vintage dresses.

The MiLK Collective, known for its focus on diversity and challenging industry conventions, is looking for individuals of any age who have a distinct personality and style.

Talent Search: Model scouts assess arriving travellers

Scouts will return to Terminal 5 on Friday, 13th September, offering more passengers the chance to be discovered during Fashion Week, one of the busiest times for Heathrow, which has already seen over 30 million passengers since June.

Reflecting on the airport’s role in the fashion industry, Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow, said:

London Fashion Week is one of the UK’s most iconic cultural events, and industry leaders, designers, and models will soon be passing through our doors to attend. But the impact of the UK fashion industry goes far beyond just one week or one city.

It’s a powerhouse for the British economy, driving billions in value and sharing the work of creatives from all over Britain with the world – and we’re proud that Heathrow plays a unique role within this sector.

We’re excited to partner with The MiLK Collective to give aspiring models a chance to ‘take off’ right here at the airport.

The partnership follows a long tradition of models being discovered in airports, such as Kate Moss, who was famously scouted at New York’s JFK airport in 1988.

Anna Shillinglaw, Founder and Managing Director at The MiLK Collective, noted:

You can find a huge mix of people at airports, and so many who would be brilliant models. I’ve personally scouted passengers waiting for a flight or checking in a bag on recent trips abroad. Airport fashion is also a very unique thing.

Every time I’m at the airport I’ll see a mix of wonderful outfits that people choose to travel in, and it’s those individual looks and personalities that we’ll be looking out for as passengers take to the Heathrow runway. We’re expecting to see thousands of people in total and I can’t wait to see who eventually makes it onto our books.

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

For UK-based business travellers, this partnership between Heathrow and The MiLK Collective presents an exciting opportunity to see fashion and business travel intersect in a unique way. It’s not just a chance to experience the vibrancy of London Fashion Week but also a moment to witness the innovation and diversity that the UK fashion industry brings to the world stage.

Stylish Arrival: Model showcases fashion on the runway

With thousands of fashion executives, designers, and brands set to arrive from global destinations like Milan, Paris, New York, Shanghai, and Dubai, the collaboration between Heathrow and The MiLK Collective highlights the airport’s pivotal role in the fashion industry’s global ecosystem.

For information about flights from Heathrow or the best ways to reach the airport, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Wyndham Rewards and credit card triumph again in USA Today awards

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Wyndham Rewards® – ‘the world’s most generous rewards programme’ – has once again been recognised as the top hotel loyalty scheme by USA Today readers, while the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Card has been named the best hotel credit card.

This achievement marks the seventh consecutive year that Wyndham Rewards has topped the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for hotel loyalty programmes and the sixth consecutive year its credit card has won the same accolade. The awards are determined by a panel of industry experts, with winners chosen through daily votes cast by USA Today readers.

The recognition from USA Today is just the latest in a series of accolades for Wyndham Rewards, which was recently named the best hotel rewards programme by U.S. News & World Report and the most valuable rewards programme by NerdWallet.

These honours complement an impressive year for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which has also been recognised as one of Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces, one of Ethisphere’s Most Ethical Companies, and one of Fair360’s Top 50 Companies for Workplace Fairness.

Scott Strickland, Chief Commercial Officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, stated,

Simple and generous—that’s what Wyndham Rewards is all about. Day-in, and day-out, no other hotel rewards programme gives their members more for their money or offers more places to redeem. From seaside escapes to buzzing urban cities, wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do, Wyndham is there to welcome you. Congratulations to our team members, to our franchisees and to our partners—without your hard work and continued dedication, these accolades simply wouldn’t be possible.

Wyndham Rewards boasts approximately 110 million enrolled members globally and remains the only hotel loyalty programme where members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay.

These points can be redeemed for free nights at over 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts, and vacation rentals worldwide, or exchanged for a variety of rewards, including tours, activities, gift cards, and shopping.

The programme offers three simple redemption tiers, with free nights starting at just 7,500 points per room per night and discounted nights starting at 1,500 points per room per night.

To enhance the value for members, Wyndham Rewards offers a suite of credit cards, including the Wyndham Rewards Earner Card, Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card and the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card, which is designed specifically for small businesses. These cards provide enhanced rewards, such as up to 8x points on gas purchases and Wyndham hotel stays, up to 5x points on marketing, advertising, and utility purchases (for business cardholders), and up to 4x points on restaurant and grocery purchases.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the recognition, saying,

For UK-based business travellers, the benefits of a top-tier loyalty programme like Wyndham Rewards cannot be overstated. Whether travelling for business in the UK or abroad, our clients can now enjoy greater flexibility, more value, and the reassurance of being rewarded generously for every stay.

For more information about how Wyndham Hotels can benefit your business travel, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

‘A Sunflower Sojourn’ transforms Changi Airport with more than 5,000 sunflowers

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Changi Airport has transformed into a floral spectacle with its first-ever flower-themed showcase, ‘A Sunflower Sojourn’, featuring over 5,000 sunflowers in more than 20 locations across all four terminals until 30th September.

The showcase, the largest of its kind ever held in an airport, includes stunning displays of sunflowers from classic bright yellow varieties like ‘Sunrise’ to rare breeds such as the red and yellow ‘Florenza’ and pastel pink ‘Strawberry Blonde’.

These blooms, meticulously cultivated in Changi Airport’s own plant nursery, are exhibited both indoors and outdoors, extending to Hub & Spoke.

Sunflower Display: Vibrant blooms across terminals.
Pics: Changi Airport Group

Visitors can enjoy captivating floral displays at the Departure Halls of Terminals 2 and 3, where sunflower topiary sculptures tower at five and eight metres tall, respectively.

This celebration of sunflowers is particularly significant for Changi Airport, which has been associated with these radiant flowers since the opening of the Sunflower Garden at Terminal 2 in 2002.

Mr Ang Siew Min, Senior Vice President of Airport Operations Development, Changi Airport Group said

Our lush gardens at Changi Airport have always been more than just a feature – they are an experience that embodies the warmth and hospitality of our airport.

We are thrilled to unveil this vibrant Sunflower Sojourn display as an extension of the Sunflower Garden to other parts of the airport.

Beyond their bright and cheerful appeal, sunflowers have been significant in various cultural, artistic, and ecological contexts. Visitors can learn about their influence on art, from poetry and painting to their vital role in the ecosystem and their diverse human uses, such as in agriculture, where sunflower seeds are an essential crop. Used for animal feed, snacks and the production of sunflower oil, sunflowers have remained a valuable resource for over 3,000 years.

Additionally, Changi Airport offers exclusive sunflower-themed merchandise, including the limited-edition Buddy bear in a sunflower outfit, pens, coasters, and more, available at Terminal 3’s Main Event Outpost and themed vending machines. Transit passengers can also participate in sunflower-themed activities, such as paper sunflower-making workshops and temporary tattoo stickers, scheduled over select weekends in Terminals 1 and 3.

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

This unique showcase at Changi Airport offers UK-based business travellers a refreshing and memorable experience during their journey. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy something extraordinary while travelling, reflecting Changi’s commitment to customer delight.

For those visiting Hub & Spoke, sunflower-inspired dishes, including sunflower-flavoured soft-serve yoghurt and sunflower butter toast, are also available, offering a delightful treat to complement the floral displays.

If you plan to experience ‘A Sunflower Sojourn’ at Changi Airport, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

IHG Hotels & Resorts opens first Hotel Indigo Resort in the Middle East at Oman’s Jabal Akhdar

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IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched its first Hotel Indigo resort in the Middle East with the opening of the Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa in Oman, offering UK-based business travellers a unique destination for combining business with leisure in an extraordinary setting.

Situated 2,000 metres above sea level in the majestic Jabal Akhdar range, the new resort promises a perfect blend of modern luxury and authentic Omani experiences, just a two-hour drive from Muscat or a six-hour drive from Dubai.

Green Mountain: the hotel’s range of rejuvenating treatments draw inspiration from ancient Omani traditions and contemporary techniques

Jabal Akhdar, or the “Green Mountain” in Arabic, is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, terraced gardens, ancient villages, and dramatic canyons.

The Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa boasts 173 tastefully designed rooms, suites, and chalets, each providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This new property is more than just a place to stay; it is a gateway for business travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture, reconnect with nature, and rejuvenate in a serene environment.

James Reeves, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa, highlights the essence of the hotel’s appeal:

Our team has poured their heart and soul into creating a place that captures the very essence of Jabal Akhdar. Every detail and every experience have been carefully curated to immerse guests in the story of this remarkable destination, connect with the local culture and create memories that will stay long after you leave. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the magic of this place. We can’t wait to welcome guests to our neighbourhood and share the wonders of Jabal Akhdar.

The design of the resort reflects the colours and textures of the surrounding mountains and incorporates elements of Omani heritage, creating a unique environment that brings to life the stories of the local communities.

Business travellers can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking in the terraced gardens and exploring historic villages to savouring authentic Omani cuisine at the resort’s three distinctive dining venues. These include the Vue Rooftop & Lounge, the highest rooftop in the Middle East, offering panoramic canyon views and a selection of craft cocktails and signature dishes; Wadi Habib, which serves traditional Omani dishes in a warm setting; and Zaatar, an all-day dining option perfect for socialising with fellow travellers.

For those looking to unwind, the resort’s Jala Spa & Wellness offers a range of rejuvenating treatments inspired by ancient Omani traditions, featuring Himalayan salt rooms, thermal zones, and vitality pools. This wellness sanctuary provides an ideal escape for business travellers to recharge, surrounded by the pure air and natural beauty of the Green Mountain.

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

The Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa is a fantastic new option for UK-based business travellers looking to extend their business trips with some leisure time. With its stunning location, unique design, and exceptional wellness facilities, it offers an opportunity to combine work with relaxation in one of the Middle East’s most captivating destinations.

The Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa is part of IHG’s Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio and is the group’s first Hotel Indigo property in the region. Known globally for capturing the spirit of local neighbourhoods, Hotel Indigo has over 158 hotels worldwide and a further 133 in the pipeline. The Jabal Akhdar property begins welcoming guests in September 2024.

For more information about incorporating the Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa into your next business trip, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

A British original: BA introduces new safety video featuring colleagues and iconic British settings

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British Airways has launched a new safety video, “A British Original Period Drama,” to keep customers engaged with vital safety messaging during flights.

The five-minute film, directed by Sharon Maguire, known for “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” features more than 40 British Airways colleagues and takes viewers on a journey through Britain’s rich history, showcasing grand country houses and iconic period drama elements. The safety video debuts on long-haul flights starting 1 August.

Recognising the popularity of British period dramas, British Airways has created this unique video to resonate with both its UK and international customers.

The film portrays scenes from a bygone era with lords, ladies and household staff going about their daily lives in lavish country estates, only to be interrupted by present-day British Airways crew members demonstrating essential safety procedures. This blend of humour and historical charm aims to capture the attention of passengers, ensuring they are fully engaged with the safety messages.

Period Drama: British Airways’ new safety video features scenes reminiscent of popular television costume dramas

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, explained the rationale behind this creative approach:

We know that these videos deliver vital safety information, and it is so important that we do everything we can to keep our customers engaged throughout. When it came to selecting a genre, we wanted something that would enable us to do this while resonating with global audiences, so a period drama with a little bit of humour seemed like the perfect fit.

Sharon Maguire, the director of the new safety video, praised the collaborative effort that went into the production:

We put together a dream team of industry legends, from Jenny Beavan to Kave Quinn and Erik Wilson to Jack Ravenscroft. We definitely wouldn’t have pulled it off without them. They just loved the idea created by the talented and lovely creative teams at Uncommon and British Airways.

The video was shot across some of Britain’s most picturesque country houses, including Hatfield House in Hertfordshire and Englefield House Estate in Berkshire. Costumes were designed by three-time Oscar-winning British costume designer Jenny Beavan and colleagues were coached by renowned dialect coach Jill McCullough to perfect their period accents, adding authenticity to the production.

In line with British Airways’ commitment to showcasing British talent, the video reflects the unique aspects of British culture. Passengers can also enjoy menus featuring the best of British cuisine and inflight entertainment starring British talent, further enhancing their experience on board.

Reflecting on the benefits for business travellers, Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said:

For UK-based business travellers, staying engaged and informed during flights is crucial. British Airways’ new safety video is not only a creative masterpiece but also a testament to their dedication to passenger safety. It ensures travellers, whether frequent flyers or first-time passengers, are both entertained and well-prepared.

British Airways continues to focus on putting its people at the heart of its campaigns. The safety video features a diverse range of colleagues, from pilots and cabin crew to engineers and airport staff, all playing themselves. This approach underscores the airline’s message that it is their people who make them unique.

Helen Lau, a British Airways First Officer who plays herself in the video, shared her excitement:

As a First Officer, my job means I am in the flight deck during the safety briefing, so to know that I will be appearing on the video in the cabins feels very surreal. I love the closing line which says stay safe, look after one another and never change, which featured in the previous video, and I hope is carried onto the next. It’s such a touching and uniting phrase.

For more information on British Airways flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

London City Airport gains approval to boost passenger capacity to 9 million annually

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The UK Government has approved London City Airport’s plans to increase its annual passenger cap from 6.5 million to 9 million, alongside allowing three additional flights in the first half-hour of weekday operations, providing greater capacity and convenience for business travellers.

However, proposals to extend the airport’s Saturday afternoon operating hours have been rejected.

The increase in the passenger cap is set to enhance London City Airport’s role as a vital hub for business travel, offering more options and flexibility for UK-based business travellers.

This move does not involve an increase in the number of annual flights or any additional infrastructure but is focused on optimising current operations. The approval also aligns with London City’s commitment to environmental responsibility by allowing only cleaner, quieter, next-generation aircraft during extended operating periods—a first for a UK airport.

Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, expressed mixed reactions to the decision:

While we welcome the approval to increase our passenger numbers, we are disappointed with the Government’s decision to reject our proposal to fly from 12:30pm to 6:30pm on Saturday afternoons.” She added, “As the Government has recognised in its decision, rejecting our request to extend our Saturday afternoon operating hours will slow down airlines bringing cleaner, quieter next generation aircraft to the airport. Local residents would have had the added benefit of these aircraft operating at the airport throughout the week, not just in the extended operating hours.

The proposal to extend operating hours on Saturday afternoons aimed to provide more choice and flexibility for passengers, including business travellers who rely on weekend flights. The current closure time of 12:30pm on Saturdays will remain unchanged following the decision. The airport had sought a new closing time of 6:30pm after an extensive consultation process but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, highlighted the benefits of this decision for business travellers:

The increase in passenger capacity at London City Airport is a welcome development for UK-based business travellers. It ensures more flight options during the week, helping to accommodate the needs of busy professionals who rely on efficient and flexible travel schedules. London City’s commitment to deploying quieter, next-generation aircraft is an added advantage for our clients who prioritise sustainability in their business travel.

The decision to reject the Saturday afternoon extension means airlines may face challenges in introducing the latest, most efficient aircraft into service at London City Airport. Nevertheless, the increase in the passenger cap is expected to bring considerable benefits to business travellers seeking better connectivity and convenience.

For more information on how these changes might affect your business travel plans, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Western Sydney International Airport secures Singapore Airlines as first international carrier

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Western Sydney International Airport has secured its first international airline, with Singapore Airlines confirming its intention to operate at Sydney’s new 24-hour airport.

This milestone marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between Western Sydney Airport and the Skytrax certified 5-Star Airline, as commercial discussions continue regarding the airline’s future operations at Australia’s first greenfield airport in more than fifty years.

Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney International Airport, highlighted the significance of this arrangement, emphasising the airport’s unique scheduling opportunities:

This inaugural international airline arrangement is a fantastic milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and reflects the positive response we’ve had from airlines, especially in regard to the unprecedented opportunities our 24-hour capability unlocks.

Hickey also pointed out the advantages for business travellers, noting that the airport’s late-night departure capacity could enable Singapore Airlines passengers to complete a full day’s work in Sydney, take an overnight flight, and arrive in Singapore in time for a morning meeting.

Additionally, these late-night departures will offer passengers more efficient transit options via Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport, connecting them to one of the 125 destinations served by the Singapore Airlines Group. The airport’s commitment to a smooth and simple customer experience, supported by the latest technology, has been another key factor in attracting Singapore Airlines.

Hickey explained,

Our combined international and domestic terminal will give Singapore Airlines customers a seamless transfer experience, while our state-of-the-art baggage system and efficient design, including five-minute taxi times on the tarmac, means passengers will be able to get on their flight faster and relax and enjoy the award-winning service on board

The new airport, located in Western Sydney’s culturally diverse region, home to more than 150 different ancestries, will also open up new travel opportunities for local residents who frequently visit family or friends overseas. With the airport construction now more than 80 per cent complete, including the recent terminal roof installation, Hickey expressed excitement about the progress and the future experience for passengers flying from WSI in late 2026.

Global Travel Management Sales Director Paul Baker said,

This new partnership between Western Sydney International Airport and Singapore Airlines is great news for UK-based business travellers. It opens up more flexible travel options, allowing our clients to maximise their productivity with convenient late-night departures and seamless connections through Singapore’s Changi Airport. This development will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for our customers who do business in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Louis Arul, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to enhancing network connectivity and providing additional services for Australia, a major market for the Singapore Airlines Group.

This agreement reflects our commitment to enhancing network connectivity for travellers to and from Sydney, and providing additional services for Australia,” said Mr Arul. He also highlighted the unique opportunity to collaborate with a greenfield airport to set a new standard for customer experience throughout the airport ecosystem.

This agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023, which set the framework for exploring the airport’s future functionality, customer experience, sustainability, operational efficiency, and mutual commercial opportunities. Western Sydney International Airport is on track to commence domestic, international, and air cargo services by late 2026.

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

Dave

Oman Air unveils new Business Studio, replacing First Class

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Oman Air has unveiled its new Business Studio, a revamped cabin designed to replace its First Class offering and cater to evolving global consumer trends.

This new premium experience, set to debut predominantly on flights to London and Bangkok, combines a spacious cabin layout, classic lie-flat seats, and complimentary Wi-Fi with more competitive pricing and a refreshed service approach tailored to the needs of modern business travellers.

Business Studio: a redefined service approach at a more competitive price point

Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Con Korfiatis, explained the rationale behind the transition:

Inspired by valuable guest feedback and to adapt and evolve in line with global market trends, we have strategically refined our premium offering to deliver greater value and appeal.

The traditional First Class experience has seen diminished demand, and after careful analysis and benchmarking against industry standards, we decided to retire the product.

This decision allows us to focus on delivering an exceptional Business Class experience that better meets modern traveller expectations and is more closely aligned with the demographics targeted by the national tourism objectives, such as wellness, adventure and MICE.

Moreover, we’re offering it all at a more competitive price point.

The new Business Studio is designed to offer one of the most generous pitches in the region at 82 inches, ensuring enhanced comfort and privacy with dedicated privacy walls for each seat.

Passengers can enjoy a 23-inch personal screen, free Wi-Fi connectivity and à la carte dining, providing a seamless blend of work, connectivity and relaxation.

The Business Studio will be available for booking from 9 September 2024, offering an elevated travel experience that aligns with Oman Air’s commitment to exceptional service and hospitality.

For further information about Oman Air’s new Business Studio or to discuss how it might benefit your travel needs, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.