Dave

Save time and hassle: British Airways introduces digital wayfinding for London Heathrow travel

/in /by

British Airways is unveiling its latest innovation to enhance the travel experience for its customers – the trial of its new digital wayfinding technology at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and Terminal 3.

Seamless navigation: ensuring a stress-free journey through the airport

The cutting-edge tool is designed to provide travellers with seamless navigation assistance, ensuring a stress-free journey through the bustling airport.

Navigating through a busy airport can be overwhelming, especially for business travellers who value time efficiency. Recognising this, British Airways has introduced the new wayfinding tool to offer maps of Terminal 5 and Terminal 3 at London Heathrow.

This innovative technology equips customers with the information they need to locate their departure gates effortlessly, as well as discover nearby amenities, such as shops, lounges, and restaurants.

The interactive map feature allows travellers to explore the airport layout, click on areas of interest, and obtain relevant information, including opening hours and available products.

Whether it’s finding a quick snack or locating the nearest restroom, the tool ensures that customers can access the amenities they need with ease.

For those with connecting flights, the wayfinding tool goes the extra mile by allowing users to input their inbound and connecting flight details. It then provides step-by-step instructions along with animated maps to guide travellers seamlessly from their arrival gate to their connecting flight’s departure gate. No more fretting about missed connections…

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, expressed his excitement about the new wayfinding tool:

We always want to make travelling through the airport as easy as possible for our customers, so we’re really excited to be trialling a new wayfinding tool this summer. The interactive map is simple to use, allowing our customers to easily locate their departure gates and discover nearby restaurants and shops for some last-minute duty-free shopping, and for those customers who are eligible, our lounges. Of course, our fantastic colleagues will still be on hand to help as well.

The trial, which began in June, is open to all customers travelling through London Heathrow.

To access the tool, travellers can simply scan QR codes on digital screens within the airport or visit wayfinding.maps.ba.com.

Wayfinding Tool: simple to use, allowing customers to locate their departure gates easily and discover nearby restaurants and shops
Dave

Chiltern Railways unveils transformative ‘Right Route’ Vision for 2030

/in /by

Chiltern Railways, a prominent UK-based train operator, has revealed its ambitious ‘Right Route’ to 2030 vision during a presentation in Westminster, engaging with key stakeholders and parliamentarians.

This strategic proposal outlines Chiltern’s commitment to delivering improved, environmentally friendly, and more efficient rail services through substantial investments in new trains over the next decade.

Greg Smith: MP for Buckingham and member of the Transport Select Committee

The comprehensive vision emerged from extensive research commissioned by Chiltern, seeking input from customers, stakeholders, and colleagues to envision the company’s trajectory by 2030.

The collective feedback emphasised the urgent need to modernize the network by introducing a new fleet of trains. Notably, statistics from the Office of Rail and Road underscored that Chiltern currently operates the third oldest trains by operator, with an average age of 28.9 years.

Richard Allan, Managing Director at Chiltern Railways, expressed the company’s determination to enhance the customer experience by 2030. He stated,

We are determined to provide an easier, greener and better experience for our customers by 2030.  
Replacing our ageing diesel fleet with new, environmentally-friendly trains is at the heart of our Right Route vision. This is needed to unlock essential benefits including more capacity and better quality for customers, improved air quality for all, and to support economic growth. 
We are looking forward to working with partners to make a strong economic case for the necessary investment to make our 2030 vision possible.

The Right Route 2030 report features endorsements from various stakeholders along the route, including VisitBritain, the West Midlands Rail Executive, Experience Oxfordshire, Baker Street Quarter Partnership, and Shakespeare’s England.

This broad support spans diverse sectors, from tourism to business groups, reflecting the widespread backing for Chiltern’s 2030 vision across all regions it serves.

Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South and Chair of the Transport Select Committee, welcomed Chiltern Railways’ ambitious plans, emphasizing the importance of passenger input in shaping the design of new rolling stock. He said,

I welcome the ambition Chiltern Railways has set for the future and I look forward to working with them to help realise them. Chiltern has a strong track record in investing in the future, from the Total Route Modernisation back in the 1990s to the more recent Evergreen project to expand the network. 

I particularly welcome the planned investment in new and greener rolling stock. The views of current and future passengers should shape their design. Too often new trains are introduced which, while giving an improvement in performance, do not result in an upgrade to passenger comfort. This is a great opportunity for Chiltern to design a best in class new train interior.

Greg Smith, MP for Buckingham and Transport Select Committee member, expressed his pleasure in hosting Chiltern Railways in Parliament to discuss fleet modernisation.

Smith acknowledged the positive impact of Chiltern’s clear plan for fleet renewal in addressing crowding issues and enhancing the overall commuter experience.

It was a pleasure to host Chiltern Railways in Parliament to continue the discussion of how they modernise their fleet. There is no doubt that ageing trains are leading to some of the crowding issues my constituents are enduring and this clear plan to fleet renewal is very welcome.

As part of its forward-looking strategy, Chiltern, owned by Arriva, is set to invite proposals from manufacturers for new trains.

These would replace the 33-year-old diesel fleet, primarily operating on the commuter route between Aylesbury and London.

Proposals may include innovative solutions like battery or battery-electric hybrid trains.

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central route director, voiced full support for Chiltern Railways’ Right Route 2030. She highlighted the importance of collaboration to ensure that the infrastructure aligns and remains fit for the future through a comprehensive modernisation program.

For further information on Chiltern Railways’ routes, fares and timetables for business travel, please reach out to your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Introducing Ecojet: emission-free air travel powered by renewable energy

/in /by

The world’s first electric airline is set to revolutionise business travel with its retrofitted hydrogen-electric planes, offering emission-free journeys powered by renewable energy.

Ecojet, the groundbreaking brainchild of Ecotricity founder Dale Vince,will launch as the world’s inaugural Electric Airline, ushering in a new era of sustainable and emission-free air travel.

Aviation revolution: the world’s first electric airline powered by renewable energy

This monumental development paves the way for net-zero journeys, ensuring a greener future for business travellers.

Ecojet’s fleet will consist of retrofitted conventional aircraft equipped with cutting-edge hydrogen-electric powertrains.

This transformation will enable these planes to maintain their original power output while achieving a remarkable 100% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Unlike building entirely new aircraft, the decision to repurpose existing planes should yield extraordinary environmental benefits, saving a staggering 90,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Moreover, the only byproduct generated will be water, which can be captured and released into the lower atmosphere, effectively mitigating the detrimental effects of contrails.

In collaboration with seasoned pilot Brent Smith and a team of accomplished aviation specialists, Dale Vince has spearheaded the establishment of Ecojet.

The airline is scheduled to commence operations in early 2024, with initial flights operating on the Edinburgh to Southampton route. Subsequently, Ecojet plans to expand its services to mainland Europe, while long-haul flights are also envisioned for the future.

Ecojet is committed to adopting further innovative measures on board to reduce the aviation industry’s ecological footprint. These include serving plant-based meals, eliminating single-use plastic, and equipping the staff with environmentally-friendly uniforms. By implementing these radical changes, Ecojet aims to make a lasting positive impact.

The aviation sector currently contributes approximately 3% of global CO2 emissions, but its overall climate impact is estimated to be three times higher due to the release of fossil fuel pollution at high altitudes. Ecojet’s ground-breaking initiative aims to eliminate this colossal negative impact, setting the stage for the aviation industry to embrace electric planes on a larger scale. Ecojet is poised to lead this transformation, with the airline estimating it is a decade ahead of its industry counterparts in pioneering what Dale Vince describes as “the biggest revolution in the aviation industry since the invention of the jet engine.”

To secure routes and obtain the necessary license from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Ecojet will initially launch using conventionally-fueled planes as a short-term measure.

Ecojet: passenger-carrying planes powered by electricity

The airline will deploy two types of retrofitted turboprop aircraft (19-seat and 70-seat variants) to commence operations.

These aircraft will subsequently be fitted with hydrogen-electric powertrains once approved for service by the CAA, with the retrofitting process commencing in 2025, a year after the launch of flights.

Dale Vince shares his vision, stating,

The question of how to create sustainable air travel has long plagued the green movement. Ecojet represents the most significant stride toward a solution to date. The innate human desire to explore our incredible world will finally be fulfilled without causing harm, as we embark on flights that are free from CO2 emissions and powered by renewable energy.

With Ecojet’s visionary approach and commitment to a sustainable future, the landscape of business travel is set to be revolutionised, making every journey an opportunity to protect and preserve our planet.


Dave

Simplified Avios collection: British Airways unveils game-changing benefits for UK business travellers

/in /by

British Airways has announced a revolutionary change to the way Avios points are collected by Executive Club Members, effective from 18th October 2023.

This update introduces a transparent, consistent, and simplified approach, specifically suitable for UK-based business travellers.

Under the new collection model, Members will now have the opportunity to earn up to nine Avios points for every £1 spent, based on their Tier status. This innovative system ensures that the more one invests in their travel experience, the more Avios points they will accumulate.

Furthermore, British Airways has introduced additional enhancements that allow Members to collect Avios points on ancillary purchases. Starting from the same date, Members can earn Avios points when choosing upgrades and pre-paid seat selections. This serves as a recognition and reward for their loyalty beyond the flight itself.

This groundbreaking change means that, for the first time, British Airways customers can collect Avios points on a wider range of purchases, including upgrades, pre-paid seat selections and even excess baggage fees.

The amount of Avios points collected will be based on the amount spent rather than the distance travelled, ensuring a consistent and transparent approach that Members will appreciate.

From 18th October 2023, Members will enjoy the following Avios point accrual rates based on their Tier status:

  • Blue members 6 Avios points per qualifying* £1 spent
  • Bronze members 7 Avios points per qualifying £1 spent
  • Silver members 8 Avios points per qualifying £1 spent
  • Gold members 9 Avios points per qualifying £1 spent

It’s important to note that this enhanced collection model will also apply to flights marketed by our valued partner, Iberia**.

Ian Romanis, Director of Retail and Customer Relationship Management at British Airways, expressed his enthusiasm for these changes,

We value our customers’ feedback and ideas, which inspire us to evolve our Executive Club. Our updated system offers a simplified and transparent approach, providing more opportunities than ever to collect Avios points. By rewarding loyalty based on our customers’ cash spend, we’re adopting a proven model used by several global airlines, including our sister airline, Iberia.

This update to the collection model is the latest in a series of improvements to the Executive Club, demonstrating British Airways’ commitment to continuously enhance the loyalty programme for esteemed Members. Earlier this year, Avios-Only flights were introduced, with 100% of seats exclusively available to Members as Reward Seats. The overwhelming response was evident when the first Avios-Only flight to Sharm El Sheikh sold out within 24 hours.

In addition to flights, Executive Club Members have the opportunity to accumulate Avios points in various aspects of everyday life.

Whether it’s spending with the British Airways American Express Credit Card, travelling with Uber, converting Nectar points, or shopping on the British Airways Avios eStore, the possibilities to earn and maximise Avios points are almost endless.

Paul Baker: fantastic opportunity for GTM customers

Paul Baker, Sales Director of GTM explained how customers should automate their collection of Avios,

This is a great opportunity for you to add to your collection of Avios.

You should make sure that GTM has your BA Executive Club membership details so we can ensure each qualifying flight is immediately rewarded with Avios accrued to your account.

For more information, please visit the British Airways website.

*Qualifying spend refers to eligible purchases that contribute to Avios point accrual.
**The new collection model also applies to flights marketed by Iberia, British Airways’ partner airline.

Dave

Unveiling the Whispering Angel experience: British Airways’ newest luxury offering for UK business travellers

/in /by

British Airways has opened its exclusive Whispering Angel rosé bar, located in the airline’s lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5B, offering a superb experience for UK-based business travellers.

Setting a new standard in luxury, British Airways becomes the first airline to feature a dedicated Whispering Angel bar. Passengers can now indulge in a chilled glass of this renowned rosé, hailing from the esteemed vineyards of Château d’Esclans in Provence, France, prior to their flight.

Whispering lounges: Customers can enjoy a variety of Whispering Angel Rosé in all British Airways First and Club (business class) lounges, at both London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports

The inauguration of the Whispering Angel bar serves as the initial phase of British Airways’ lounge refurbishment project, set to unfold throughout the summer season. Travellers can anticipate a refreshed ambiance with new and reupholstered furniture, as well as an improved layout, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience of the lounge.

British Airways has also introduced Rock Angel, the elder sibling of Whispering Angel, in its First cabin, further enriching the airline’s wine menu. This exciting addition allows passengers in the First cabin to savor a more robust and structured rosé experience.

Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating,

We are really excited to open the doors on our new original Whispering Angel bar, just in time for the start of the summer season. What’s more, the opening coincides with the exciting news that customers now have the option to pre-order Whispering Angel across all short-haul flights, to take the experience with them, from the ground to the skies

The team at Château d’Esclans shared their excitement, commenting,

We are ecstatic to finally be able to share our beautiful Whispering Angel bar with British Airways’ customers, and bring a touch of glamour to Heathrow as the world’s most glamorous rosé. We look forward to travellers being able to enjoy a delicious glass of Whispering Angel before they fly, in a space that really embodies the effortlessly chic nature of our brand.

Rose renaissance: Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel is today’s worldwide reference for Provence rosé

In addition to the Whispering Angel bar, British Airways’ Club (Business Class) lounges at Heathrow and Gatwick offer customers the opportunity to savour The Pale rosé, crafted by the same winemakers behind Whispering Angel.

Whispering Angel is currently available in British Airways’ Concorde, First, and Club lounges.

British Airways continues to expand its premium drinks selection, having recently appointed a dedicated Master of Wine, one of only 415 worldwide and believed to be the only one in the airline industry.

Elevating the onboard wine experience, British Airways introduced four new English Sparkling Wines in March 2023, available to Club World passengers on a rotating quarterly basis.

Notably, the current Champagne offering is the esteemed Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Silver Top Non-Vintage Champagne, accompanied by an exclusive English Sparkling Wine selection.

Whispering Angel, with its delicate Provençal pink hue, captivates discerning palates with its sun-kissed creamy flavors of peach and raspberries, complemented by refreshing citrus undertones and a smooth, dry finish.

This captivating rosé is set to delight UK-based business travellers seeking a taste of summer, whether they are jetting off to Europe or venturing further afield.

With the introduction of the Whispering Angel bar, British Airways continues to redefine the travel experience, bringing elegance and sophistication to its esteemed clientele of business travellers.

Sacha Lichine acquired Château d’Esclans in 2006 and set about introducing innovative winemaking techniques to Provence which revolutionised the styles of rosés being produced from the region. This led to the creation of Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel, a world class rosé which presents both ease and accessibility making for enjoyment and pleasure.

All lounge customers can enjoy a variety of Whispering Angel rosé in all British Airways First and Club (business class) lounges, at both London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports. Whispering Angel rosé is available for pre-order on all short haul flights across the British Airways network

Dave

British Airways transatlantic sale

/in /by

The British Airways sale has started and Global Travel Management customers can take advantage of big discounts on BA flights across the Atlantic.

From today – 12 July – you can enjoy discounts of up to 20% or more in Business Class cabins to selected destinations in North America from London.

The discounts apply to flights between 19 July and 30 August 2023 and must be booked by 25 July.

Destinations include Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, Mexico City, Montreal, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Jose and Washington.

British Airways offers enhanced comfort, privacy and personalised service to help you reach your destination relaxed and refreshed.

Are you ready to explore new cities and new adventures? Or do you just want to pick up a great flight at an even better price? Call your GTM Account Manager for details.

Dave

Air France: new summer flavours in La Première and Business

/in /by

From now until October 2023, Air France is continuing to promote fine French dining with a new series of original dishes.

On flights departing Paris, in the long-haul La Première and Business cabins, the renowned French Michelin-starred chefs Régis Marcon and Thierry Marx, will be working alongside the Meilleur Ouvrier de France pastry chef Philippe Urraca to create delicious dishes for the airline’s customers.

To prepare these menus for Air France passengers in these prestigious cabins, the chefs have worked together with Servair, a world leader in in-flight catering, to create dishes that change with the seasons using fresh, local produce.

The meat, poultry, dairy products and eggs on each menu are sourced in France, and the fish comes from sustainable fisheries. In addition, vegetarian menus are systematically available in each travel cabin on all the airline’s flights.

Thierry Marx: In early 2023, the Chef opened his new gourmet restaurant “ONOR” at 258 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the 8th arrondissement of Paris

For the first time, Air France is collaborating with Parisian Thierry Marx, a renowned, two Michelin-star chef, one of the most renowned culinary talents of his generation.

He has created unique dishes for Air France customers, inspired by the diversity of France’s culinary heritage. His dishes focus above all on plant-based ingredients in a flexitarian approach.

Thierry Marx said,

Just like travelling, cuisine brings people together. These are values that I share with Air France for its customers’ pleasure

In total, the chef has created eight dishes, available on board over the next 4 months: 

  • Cream of spelt soup, black olive crumble, sautéed courgettes;
  • Cod, prawns, saffron rice, piquillo coulis;
  • Guinea fowl, carrot, butternut purée;
  • Pork loin, langoustine coulis, cauliflower purée, chanterelles;
  • Pasta conchiglie, pear, Fourme d’Ambert cheese and walnuts;
  • Prawns, risoni pasta with squid ink, crunchy vegetables;
  • Chicken, boulangère potatoes, mushrooms, Jura wine sauce;
  • Beef chuck, Bordeaux sauce, celery ravioli.

As part of the fight against food waste, Air France is offering its customers travelling in the Business cabin the option of pre-selecting their hot dish up to 24 hours before their flight. This service combines the guarantee of availability of the customer’s choice with fairer consumption on board.

Air France’s La Première cabin offers each customer a gourmet dining experience comparable to the finest restaurants. Voted “World’s Best First-Class Onboard Catering” at the latest Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023, it now offers menus created by renowned triple Michelin-starred chef Régis Marcon.

Régis Marcon: one of the greatest chefs of our time

Nature continues to inspire this chef, who draws his inspiration from the Ardèche and Auvergne regions to create his dishes. He has concocted eight dishes to be enjoyed over the coming months:

  • Fillet of beef with cherries, mashed potatoes with smoked salt;
  • Royale of courgettes with oyster mushrooms and truffle, strawberry tomato coulis;
  • Pigeon fillet with apricot sauce, lemon bulgur, mushrooms and butternut;
  • Fillet of sea bass and prawns with chanterelle mushrooms, bouillabaisse style;
  • Guinea fowl fillet with blueberries, roast potatoes and baby carrots;
  • Fillet of sea bream with verbena, sautéed baby spinach and chanterelle mushrooms;
  • Braised veal shank, sage sauce, potato gratin with porcini mushrooms; 
  • Cream of red bean soup with root vegetables.
Philippe Urraca: His reputation has earned him requests in France and abroad to create pastries for ceremonies and other events.

As for the desserts, pastry chef Philippe Urraca, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and a leading exponent of the French pastry tradition, has devised four delicious desserts to choose from on the à la carte menu available on board on a rotating basis:

As for the desserts, pastry chef Philippe Urraca, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and a leading exponent of the French pastry tradition, has devised four delicious desserts to choose from on the à la carte menu available on board on a rotating basis:

  • Délice du sud;
  • Tea, orange and Kalamansi;
  • Le méditerranéen;
  • Le Moka. 

Throughout 2023, Air France is working together with a total of seventeen chefs to promote French culinary excellence. These culinary experts offer exceptional dishes on departure from Paris and certain international destinations in the La Première and Business cabins, as well as in the airport lounges in Paris.

The only airline to partner with so many Michelin-starred chefs, Air France is reaffirming more than ever its role as an ambassador for fine French dining and expertise throughout the world.

Dave

Norse Atlantic Airways introduces flights from Gatwick to Los Angeles and San Francisco

/in /by

Norse Atlantic Airways, the pioneering low-cost long-haul airline, has announced the launch of its services to Los Angeles and San Francisco from London Gatwick.

The new direct routes mark the fifth and sixth destinations to the US from Norse Atlantic’s London base, solidifying its position as the largest long haul operator to the US from London Gatwick.

Bjørn Tore Larsen: proud to offer an affordable and convenient way to explore these two iconic cities

Travellers now have affordable and convenient options to explore the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco from the United Kingdom.

With fares starting from £460 return, including taxes and fees, passengers can embark on their West Coast adventures without breaking the bank.

Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO Norse Atlantic Airways said,

Los Angeles and San Francisco have now become the fifth and sixth destinations to the US from our London base.

With the addition of these two destinations Norse Atlantic is now the largest long haul operator to the US from London Gatwick.

We are proud to offer an affordable and convenient way to explore these two iconic cities and experience the renowned sights and cultural landmarks that make each destination unique.

From the picturesque beauty of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and the bustling streets of Fisherman’s Wharf to the magic of Hollywood and the famous Santa Monica Beach, these two destinations have something for everyone.

Flights to Los Angeles from London Gatwick operate daily, with departure at 10:35 and arrival at 14:10 on the same day. Return flights from Los Angeles depart at 14:25 and arrive at 11:00 the following day. Economy fares start from £460 return, including all taxes and fees.

For travellers heading to San Francisco, flights from London Gatwick operate three times a week. Departure is at 10:10, with arrival at 13:25 on the same day. Return flights from San Francisco depart at 15:25 and arrive at 09:50 the following day. Economy fares start from £455 return, including all taxes and fees.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Norse Atlantic exclusively operates the Dreamliner

Norse Atlantic exclusively operates modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers.

Each seat is equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment, allowing travellers to relax and unwind during their journey. In addition, Norse Atlantic offers two cabin choices: Economy and Norse Premium. The Norse Premium cabin boasts an industry-leading 43″ seat pitch and 12″ recline, ensuring passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

Passengers can select from a range of fare options, including Light, Classic, and Flextra, which cater to their individual travel preferences and needs. Light fares represent Norse’s value option, while Flextra fares offer additional benefits such as increased baggage allowance, two meal services, an enhanced airport and onboard experience, and greater ticket flexibility.

With the launch of these new routes, Norse Atlantic Airways continues to redefine long-haul travel by providing UK-based business travellers with affordable and convenient connections to key US destinations. Whether it’s for business or leisure, the airline offers an enticing gateway to the bustling cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Book your tickets today and embark on a memorable journey with Norse Atlantic Airways.

Norse Atlantic Airways is a pioneering low-cost long-haul airline based in London Gatwick. With a focus on providing affordable and convenient travel options, Norse Atlantic operates modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for passengers. The airline offers two cabin choices, Economy and Norse Premium, and a range of fare options to cater to travellers’ preferences.

Dave

British Airways and Heathrow team up with London Wildlife Trust to enhance nature reserves

/in /by

British Airways and Heathrow have joined forces in a new partnership with London Wildlife Trust to embark on a significant conservation and outreach project.

The initiative, titled ‘Connecting with Nature in Hillingdon,’ will focus on protecting and improving seven nature reserves and country parks in the Hillingdon area of west London.

This collaboration marks the largest corporate partnership to date for the London Wildlife Trust.

Bisected: Yeading Brook Meadows is a large green open space, divided by the Yeading Brook

The project aims to preserve and enhance the natural habitats within the region, ensuring that Hillingdon residents can appreciate and enjoy the abundant wildlife that surrounds them.

The selected sites for this initiative include Minet Country Park, Cranford Country Park, Huckerby’s Meadows, Yeading Brook Meadows, Ten Acre Wood, Gutteridge Woods, and Ickenham Marsh.

Through their joint investment, British Airways and Heathrow will support the project’s endeavors, which include various conservation activities and community engagement initiatives.

Working closely with Hillingdon Council, the project will also provide volunteering opportunities for individuals to actively contribute to the preservation and maintenance of these sites.

Hillingdon boasts numerous hidden treasures where residents and visitors can encounter fascinating wildlife such as kingfishers and kestrels along the picturesque Yeading Brook and Crane River.

Minet Country Park: 36-hectare park, originally part of the Coldharbour Estate, owned by the Minet family from 1766 to the mid-20th century

As part of the project, the London Wildlife Trust will oversee conservation efforts, including cattle grazing, path and fence maintenance, habitat restoration, new planting, and wildlife surveying.

To ensure effective progress monitoring, the project will recruit a ranger who will work closely with volunteers to safeguard and manage the sites.

Recruitment for these exciting opportunities will be announced shortly.

Additionally, the project will organise regular events, including guided walks and outdoor learning sessions, to facilitate the reconnection of residents with their local green spaces.

Mary Brew, Head of Community Investment and Responsible Business at British Airways, expressed pride in the BA Better World Community Fund. Over the past year, the fund has provided support to over 170 charities and organisations throughout the UK.

Mary Brew said,

This latest partnership with London Wildlife Trust is another brilliant project we’re delighted to support through the Community Fund. We’re looking forward to seeing ‘Connecting with Nature in Hillingdon’ deliver its programme of community engagement activities and volunteering opportunities across the borough.

Becky Coffin, Communities and Sustainability Director at Heathrow, highlighted the importance of supporting the launch of ‘Connecting with Nature in Hillingdon.’

Becky Coffin said,

Helping projects like this is exactly what our Giving Back Programme is all about, helping to make this area a great place to live and work

Richard Barnes, Head of Conservation at London Wildlife Trust, spoke about the significance of this new partnership:

This new partnership will enable us to build upon our 40-year investment in Hillingdon with a more ambitious programme of capital works, volunteering and engagement activities on five of our reserves and two of Hillingdon’s; delivering a step change in connecting communities with these sites.”

This partnership between British Airways, Heathrow, and London Wildlife Trust signifies a remarkable commitment to conservation, community engagement, and the preservation of natural heritage.

The ‘Connecting with Nature in Hillingdon’ project promises to foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the environment while providing opportunities for individuals to actively participate in safeguarding these invaluable spaces.

Dave

KLM takes business travel to new heights with cutting-edge World Business Class seats

/in /by

KLM has unveiled its latest innovation for business travellers: the all-new World Business Class seats.

These cutting-edge seats have been meticulously designed to provide unparalleled comfort and privacy, catering to the discerning needs of modern business travellers.

Sliding doors: with a simple slide, the seat can be closed off, creating a secluded space for working, relaxing, or enjoying uninterrupted sleep.

Through extensive customer research and collaboration with renowned seat manufacturer Jamco, KLM has introduced a range of remarkable features in its new World Business Class seats.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of a sliding door, which not only enhances privacy but also ensures a more serene and undisturbed environment for passengers.

With a simple slide, the seat can be closed off, creating a secluded space for working, relaxing, or enjoying uninterrupted sleep.

KLM’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the design of these new seats.

Leveraging various innovative techniques, the seats and their fittings are impressively 10-15% lighter than other business class seats in the market, aligning with KLM’s sustainability objectives. This lighter weight not only contributes to reducing the airline’s environmental footprint but also enhances fuel efficiency, offering a ‘greener’ travel experience.

In addition to the sliding door feature, the new World Business Class seats offer an array of personalisation options and user-friendly functionalities.

Fully adjustable: the seats come with an adjustable lower-back support for optimal comfort and even provide a relaxing setting with a subtle back-massage feature

Passengers can enjoy direct aisle access from every seat, ensuring seamless movement throughout the cabin.

The seats come with an adjustable lower-back support for optimal comfort and even provide a relaxing setting with a subtle back-massage feature.

For those seeking ultimate rest, the seat reclines fully flat, transforming into a luxurious 198cm-long bed.

Recognising the importance of staying connected during travel, KLM has integrated multiple accessible charging sockets into the seats, accompanied by a wireless charging option.

Furthermore, passengers can conveniently store their belongings in a lockable compartment, which includes a built-in mirror for added convenience.

The seats are also equipped with a recessed bottle holder, ensuring that passengers can securely place their water bottles on the tabletop even during turbulence.

The introduction of these exceptional World Business Class seats marks a significant milestone for KLM.

The airline’s Boeing 777-300 and 200 fleet will be gradually fitted with these innovative seats, providing an elevated travel experience to its business class passengers.

Boet Kreiken, EVP Customer Experience said,

Based on extensive customer and competitor research, we improved our World Business Class seats to ensure that customers have more privacy and comfort during their flight.

The new seats are better in terms of design, technology and sustainability features.

KLM meets a wide array of its passengers’ wishes with the new seats in World Business Class, Premium Comfort, Economy Comfort and Economy Class.

We are delighted to offer these new products and related services to our customers worldwide.

Simultaneously, KLM will introduce the latest Premium Comfort cabin, completing the full revamp within the coming year.

While KLM’s World Business Class undergoes a remarkable transformation, passengers can still enjoy the exceptional services that have made the airline renowned.

The renowned catering concept and SkyPriority services will remain unchanged, ensuring a seamless and luxurious journey for business travelers.

Business travellers can look forward to embarking on a new era of luxury and tranquility with the introduction of KLM’s impressive World Business Class seats.