French ATC Industrial Action: 24-30 June.

There remains a possibility, despite conflicting media reports, that Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) in France are planning to strike from tomorrow, Tuesday 24 until Sunday 30 June 2014.

The level of disruption is likely to fluctuate in different parts of France at different times of the day. It is expected that industrial action will disrupt numerous airlines’ services during this period and, also, for other services which overfly French airspace.

Information from the French authorities on the number of mandated cancellations is expected later today, therefore, we (GTM) strongly recommend that even if you are not flying directly to France, but are also flying to Italy, Span & Switzerland, that you check-in online for your flight/s. We will also be monitoring all of our customer’s flights for updates from the airlines whose flights are affected.

A Very Proud Sponsor of Local Sports Clubs!

Global Travel Management is proud to sponsor two local sports clubs, Woking & Horsell Cricket Club and Goldsworth Park Rangers Under 10s football team.

Woking & Horsell Cricket Club is today (Friday 6th June 2014) celebrating the opening of its new club house, situated on Brewery Road in Woking, with a drinks reception attended by the town’s local MP Jonathan Lord.

Meanwhile Goldsworth Park Rangers’ U10 football team has had a very successful season, winning both the Premier division of the Surrey Primary League and the Senior Cup!

Congratulations to both clubs on their development and success from all at GTM.

Terminal 2 | The Queen’s Building Opens Today!

Heathrow Airport’s brand new Terminal 2 opens today, Wednesday 4th June 2014, with Her Majesty the Queen officially opening the building on Monday 23rd June 2014.

The first flight, a United Airlines’ flight from Chicago, arrived at Terminal 2 this morning shortly before 0600 BST. Officially known as the Queen’s Building, Terminal 2 will become home to all Star Alliance carriers, plus Aer Lingus, Germanwings & Virgin Atlantic Little Red.

It is important to note that there will be a phased approach, with all of the aforementioned airlines moving into T2 over the course of the next four months. United Airlines is the first airline to move in today, followed by Air Canada on 18th June, with Air New Zealand, Asiana, SAA & TAP Air Portugal being the last carriers to move across from Terminal 1 on 22nd October 2014.

Enjoy the new Terminal 2, I (PB) was fortunate enough to go on a tour of the building earlier in the year, and it will be a fantastic new terminal from which to fly into and out of.

If you travel through the new terminal in the nest few weeks, do let us know what you think.

Italy Milan Airports Baggage Handlers Strike

An Alitalia baggage handlers strike has been confirmed for Friday 30th May. This will affect both Linate and Malpensa airports in Milan. The below flights have been cancelled .

AZ7054 / AZ7055 / AZ238 / AZ7909

If you are affected by the strike or for more information please contact us.

Italy : Train Workers 21 – Hour strike on Thursday 29 May

Reuters in Rome reported on Wednesday that union workers of Trenitalia, the primary train operator in Italy, are planning to strike from midnight to 9:00 pm, local time, Thursday, 29 May.

A spokesperson for Trenitalia said its high-speed trains will travel as scheduled. The strike will instead have an effect on other national trains, such as local and intercity, for which some cancellations and delays are expected.

Essential regional train services will be guaranteed from 6-9 am, and from 6-9 pm on Thursday, the news source indicated.

Il Fatto Quotidiano reported the rail service linking the city of Rome with its largest airport, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, will be replaced by buses during the strike.

Train travellers are advised to confirm all reservations and monitor local updates / news.

Italy Industrial Action 16th May

There will be industrial action at Italian air traffic control today (16th May) Flights to and from Italy are likely to be affected. Please check your flight status before you leave for the airport or contact us for more information.

GTM Receives Recognition Yet Again!

We are very pleased to report that yet again Global Travel Management Ltd has been recognised by our industry and has been listed, for the tenth year in a row, in Buying Business Travel’s 50 Leading TMCs publication.

We believe this provides further proof that by offering a great level of service, via truly experienced Travel Consultants, our customers receive a reliable and high quality service year in and year out.

Buy Business, Fly First!

Etihad Airways has once again launched its ‘Buy Business, Fly First Class’ programme.

Simply book a return Business Class flight and receive a one-way upgrade to the world’s most private, luxurious flying experience in First Class (Etihad’s words not mine/GTM’s!). This promotion applies to passengers flying to Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Sydney or Melbourne. The upgrade will apply to your entire journey in one direction and is valid for all flights booked by the 23 May 2014 for travel until 1 August 2014.

This offer provides business travellers who perhaps haven’t flown with Etihad before, to experience their seat and on-board service; particularly in First Class which offers the following benefits:

  • Etihad chauffeur service
  • Lie-flat 6ft 8″ extra wide bed in a suite complete with sliding doors
  • A tailor made menu, prepared by an on-board chef at the Mezoon Grille
  • A 23″ cinematic widescreen
  • And when you want to sleep: loungewear, blankets, pure dupion silk and cotton duvet, fitted sheets and full-sized pillows.

British Airways Club World to First Upgrade Offer.

This upgrade offer is currently only available to companies who are registered On Business members and eligible for Business Bespoke fares – please do check with us if you are unsure.

It is also worth noting that this upgrade offer has been launched in advance of the main promotion to the general public; so get in early whilst the seat availability is good!

The upgrade offer is available from today (Tuesday 29th April 2014) and bookings can be made in the discounted classes (R, D & C) until 2359 on 23rd May 2014. All travel must be completed by 7th September 2014.

Please note that bookings cannot be made via BA.com and some routes/aircraft do not have a First Class cabin and, so, are ineligible.

Happy travels.

West Africa Ebola Virus Outbreak

There has been am outbreak of the Ebola virus reported in the West African States of Gambia, Ghana, Guinea and the Ivory Cost. If you are planning to travel to any of these countries please ensure your travel insurance is not invalidated. General travel advice can be found via the below link
www.nathnac.org/pro/clinical_updates/ebola_africa_170414.htm