Paul

NATS trials Artifical Intelligence solution for Air Traffic Control at Heathrow

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In a move aimed at boosting punctuality at Heathrow, NATS is trialling an Artificial Intelligence solution that could help reclaim the 20% of capacity lost by low cloud reducing visibility from the Control Tower. 

A project is underway, within NATS’ bespoke Digital Tower Laboratory, at Heathrow Airport to test whether a combination of ultra HD 4K cameras along with AI and machine learning technology can be used to help improve the airport’s landing capacity in times of low visibility and improve punctuality.

Heathrow’s 87 metre tall control tower is the highest in the UK and provides commanding views of the airport and surrounding landscape, but its height can also mean it disappears into low cloud, even when the runways below are clear.  In those conditions, extra time is given between each landing to ensure its safety. The result is a 20% loss of landing capacity, which creates delays for passengers and knock-on disruption for the rest of the operation.

NATS is deploying 20 ultra high-definition cameras at the airfield, the views from which are then fed into an AI platform. The platform can interpret the images, track the aircraft and then inform the controller when it has successfully cleared the runway. NATS believes the system will help the airport reclaim all the lost capacity.

Andy Taylor, NATS Chief Solution Officer, said,

Safety is always our top priority and Artificial Intelligence is about supporting air traffic controllers. While they remain the decision makers at the heart of the operation, we can help them make the best possible decisions and improve efficiency and safety.

Right now we’re focusing on when the control tower is in low cloud, where I’m confident we can make a very positive difference, but I am convinced that this technology can totally revolutionise how air traffic is managed at airports around the world.

The trial is part of a £2.5 million investment NATS has made in a ‘digital tower laboratory’ located inside the Heathrow control tower. There, it is working with the airport to understand how technology could support the air traffic operation now and in the future.

Kathryn Leahy, Director of Operations at Heathrow Airport said,

We’re delighted to be working with NATS to bring this pioneering technology to the UK’s only hub airport. Our capacity challenges are unique to our operation and we’re always exploring new and innovative techniques to help us overcome these constraints and improve the passenger experience in a safe and resilient manner.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on this trial, as the technology could have a major role as we prepare for the expanded airport. We will watch how AI and digital towers could be used to monitor all three of the expanded airport’s runways in future.

 

Kelly

Air New Zealand extends free Wi-Fi offer

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Air New Zealand’s complimentary inflight Wi-Fi summer offer to customers has been such a hit the airline is extending it. 

Wi-Fi is now available on 12 international aircraft, including six Boeing 777-200s and four Boeing 777-300s which predominantly fly the airline’s trans-Tasman, US and London routes and two A321neo aircraft which operate Tasman and Pacific Island services. 

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Anita Hawthorne says more than 80,000 people have connected to complimentary Wi-Fi on international flights since 1 December, which is the equivalent to the population of Palmerston North. 

We’re so pleased with the uptake of our summer Wi-Fi offer and the feedback we’ve received from customers during this period that we’ve decided to extend it until the end of March.

 Standard Wi-Fi on Air New Zealand services is charged at $30 NZD for a full flight to Australia and the Pacific Islands and $40 for the duration of a flight to North America, Europe and Asia destinations.  There is also a 1-hour pass available for $9 on North America, Europe and Asia services.

Paul

Manchester Airport to introduce “private terminal”

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Manchester Airport has revealed plans to be the first major UK airport to open a private terminal, offering passengers a “private jet experience” while flying on commercial airlines.

The airport has released preview designs of the new terminal, which will be called PremiAir.  The PremiAir experience will be available to purchase for passengers irrespective of class of travel or the destination they are flying to – and prices start at £50.

The terminal will be entirely separate from the existing three terminals at Manchester Airport and there will be a number of different services available depending on individual passengers’ preferences.

The services offered at PremiAir include include a personalised welcome, speedy baggage processing, an elegant lounge with complimentary food and drink and a dedicated security channel.  Passengers will then be driven straight to their plane in a private car transfer.

Passengers arriving back into Manchester will also be able to use PremiAir, either as part of a round trip booking or as a standalone service. They will benefit from a car transfer direct from their plane and use of a dedicated passport control service. They will also be able to relax in the PremiAir lounge while their luggage is returned personally to them.

Andrew Harrison, CEO, Airport Services, MAG, said:

By introducing PremiAir, we’re offering something unique for all of our passengers, and creating a completely new way to travel.

It is something a large number of customers have been telling us for some time they would be interested in and we hope the services it will offer will appeal to a wide range of passengers, whether they are travelling for business, want to mark a special occasion or just want to add something different to their experience.

The PremiAir terminal is designed by Jacobs.  Ross Powell, Director of Operations, Jacobs, said:

Jacobs are absolutely delighted to have supported MAG bring this exciting and unique new product to the market.

We have worked hard with the Airport to create a simple yet elegant design, utilising natural materials, full height glass and visual connection to the airfield to offer the guest a warm, relaxing and personalised environment.

PremiAir is the latest investment by MAG in transforming the customer experience at Manchester Airport. The £1bn transformation of the UK’s third-largest gateway continues at pace, with the first phase of the project set to open in April this year. This scheme will see new piers and car parks developed and the latest technology installed to deliver a smooth and efficient journey for passengers through the airport.

Dave

British Airways to celebrate centenary by painting a Boeing 747 in retro B.O.A.C. colours

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British Airways has announced it will be painting one of its aircraft in the design of its predecessor British Overseas Airways Corporation (B.O.A.C.) as part of its centenary celebrations.

The livery from the 1964 – 1974 B.O.A.C. era will adorn a Boeing 747. The aircraft will arrive at Heathrow on 18 February, before entering service one day later. This will also mark the 50th anniversary of the first Boeing 747 flights.

British Airways plan to repaint more aircraft with retro liveries, which will fly on British Airways routes.

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said,

So many British Airways customers and colleagues have fond memories of our previous liveries, regularly sharing their photos from across the globe, so it’s incredibly exciting to be re-introducing this classic BOAC design.

Our history has shaped who we are today, so our centenary is the perfect moment to revisit our heritage and the UK’s aviation landscape through this iconic livery.

Happy anniversary to British Airways, from all of us at Global Travel Management.

Drone chaos overcome for GTM’s clients
Dave

Drone chaos overcome for GTM’s clients

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At Global Travel Management, we make sure our clients’ travel plans go as smoothly as possible.  Occasionally, there are events outside our control which result in delays and cancellations for travellers.  It’s at times like this that our team steps up to do everything we can to fix travel problems as they occur.  A good example of this was in December when Gatwick was forced to close due to sightings of drones near the runway.  That was an international news story.  But we prevented further drama for our clients.

Our Operations Director Kelly Packington explained how we dealt with the situation.  “The team immediately ran a report to see who was travelling to or from Gatwick on the day of the drone sightings. Once we had that information, we could start working out how to manage each passenger’s situation”.

Jane Marrison, Team Leader and Senior Travel Consultant, saw that one of her clients was caught up.  “One of my clients was due to return back to Gatwick that day. But any delay would cause him problems as he had another flight out the following day.”

“I checked his flight status with the airline, and his flight was shown as delayed but not cancelled. As a precaution I checked availability to Heathrow for my client, held a seat and then notified him what was happening and what I had done.”

“Throughout the day his flight status changed a couple of times. At one point his status changed to ‘departing on time’ and the airline asked me to cancel the seat I was holding back to Heathrow, which I did. However, his flight was eventually cancelled.”

“When the airline cancelled the flight, they ‘reprotected’ him on a flight returning the next day. But, as I knew he wouldn’t be able to return the next day I quickly went on to our reservations system and got the last seat back to Heathrow on the last flight of the day.”

This is just one example of how we manage clients’ travel, even when there are unforeseen problems impacting travel, worldwide.

What did this particular client think of the quiet, efficient way in which we made sure his travel was as smooth as possible?  Jane summed it up neatly: “My client was very happy!”

Guildford College
Paul

Inspiring the next generation of business travel experts

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Guildford College invited Global Travel Management to present to a group of first and second year students this week.

Managing Director Scott Pawley gave a presentation to an attentive audience taking a break from their Travel and Tourism BTech and City and Guilds Level 3 studies.   The talk covered a number of topics concerning business travel, including

  • Reasons for business travel
  • What are the different “types” of business travel agent?
  • What products and services are offered
  • What specific requirements business travellers have

In addition, Scott covered his own personal journey through the business travel industry, including setting up GTM and seeing the business grow, year after year.

Scott explained why he gives these presentations.   “It’s important to inspire and inform the next generation of business travel industry experts”, he said.   “At GTM we are very aware of the vital role our great staff play in our company’s success.   So it’s important that anyone entering the industry has as much knowledge as possible about what to expect when they start work”.

GTM has offered places to two of the Guildford College students to gain work experience in the industry.   Scott explained that the candidates will be joining the business for two weeks later in the year and will be given hands-on experience on a number of aspects of how an award-winning, international business travel management company operates.

Paul

Virgin Atlantic & Stobart agree Flybe takeover.

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Virgin Atlantic and Stobart Group have combined to rescue British airline Flybe with a cash offer for the entire share capital of the airline.

Flybe will continue to serve passengers across the UK and Ireland, but it has been announced that the airline will be re-branded to Virgin Atlantic.

Ultimately, this will mean GTM customers will be able to book flights that link regions in the UK and Ireland to Virgin Atlantic’s extensive long-haul network through improved connectivity at London’s Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester Airport.

For schedules, availability fares and to book on Flybe or Virgin Atlantic, please contact your GTM Travel Consultant.

Paul

LOT Polish To Launch New London City – Warsaw Route.

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LOT Polish Airlines is pleased to begin operating a new service between its base at Warsaw Chopin Airport and London City Airport.

Starting this coming Monday, 7th January 2019, LOT Polish will begin twice daily services using four new Embraer 190 aircraft with 106 seats and configured in a 2 x 2 set-up and a 3 cabin service of Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

The airline’s schedule from London City will be as follows:

LO288 (daily except Sunday)  0930-1300 & LO290 (daily) 1820-2200

And on the return, departures from Warsaw Chopin Airport leave at:

LO287 (daily except Saturday)  0715-0900 & LO289 (daily)  1605-1750.

Please contact your GTM Travel Consultant for availability and fares.

Paul

ESTA Application Processing Time.

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Please note that you must now apply for your ESTA, if applicable, no later than 72 hours before departing for the US. Previously real-time approvals were possible, however, this is no longer the case.

For more information, please click here.

Paul

Free Copy Of Your Quarterly Hotel Market Report!

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I am very happy to announce the publication of the HOTELS QUARTERLY MARKET REPORT.

The publication, compiled in association with our partners, Advantage Travel Partnership, provides an insight into the hotel market in 2018 and contains fascinating industry insight, particularly for anyone who needs to book business travel in the year ahead.

With detailed research and analysis, the report contains important information for any business booking hotel rooms for business travel in the next year. The data includes details on the average daily rate paid in hotels worldwide; research into how many hotels are being built; how many additional hotel rooms are coming on-stream; the increase in hotel nights booked worldwide – and the extent to which the UK market leads the world; plus many other data points that are critical in determining how and where next year’s travel spend can best be utilised.

The report analyses which hotel industry trends should be watched in the year ahead. Including the effect Brexit will have on Average Day Rates in hotels in London and elsewhere in the country; the best way to book stays in order to ensure securing hotel group loyalty points; and advice on how to make sure bookings are made at the best rates.

The top 40 locations in the UK are analysed to show which places are the most popular and where the highest and lowest Average Daily Rates can be found. And there is information on the top 40 places outside the UK too.

This report is a vital set of research to help ensure you can optimise your hotel spend in the coming year. If you would like a copy of the report, please drop me an email – pb@GTM.uk.com – and I will send you a PDF version, free of charge.