News
Explore the latest news stories within the travel industry.
What Virgin Atlantic’s new CEO means for the future of UK business travel
Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that Chief Executive Shai Weiss will step down at the end of 2025, with Corneel Koster set to take over from 1 January 2026.
The leadership change ensures continuity for UK-based business travellers who rely on Virgin Atlantic’s reliability, innovation and premium service. Koster’s appointment signals a smooth handover and a continued focus on enhancing the business travel experience across the airline’s global network.
Airlines gain new sustainability framework as IATA unveils Integrated Sustainability Program
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched its Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP), providing airlines with a comprehensive certification framework to manage and assess sustainability performance.
The ISP marks a significant step towards more transparent and sustainable air travel worldwide.
UK and US Passports Drop in Global Rankings as Asia Leads Mobility Gains
The power of the US passport has fallen to its lowest level in two decades, slipping out of the world’s top ten for the first time in the history of the Henley Passport Index.
The decline highlights a major shift in global mobility, with Asia-Pacific nations such as Singapore, South Korea and Japan now leading the world in travel freedom - a key consideration for international business travellers.
Global Travel Management named Business Travel Team of the Year 2025
At the 2025 Business Travel People Awards, Global Travel Management was named Business Travel Team of the Year, celebrating the company’s dedication to excellence in corporate travel. The award recognises the team’s hard work, professionalism, and expertise in supporting UK-based business travellers, ensuring every trip – whether across the UK or overseas – is planned, managed, and executed to the highest standards.
Next-generation British Airways lounges open in Miami and Dubai
British Airways has unveiled a new generation of airport lounges in Miami and Dubai, setting a fresh benchmark for comfort, design and service in international business travel. As part of the airline’s £7 billion transformation programme, these state-of-the-art spaces offer premium dining, dedicated work zones and distinctive local touches — enhancing the airport experience for business travellers flying to and from the UK.
Record-breaking passenger numbers highlight Heathrow’s importance for business travel
Heathrow’s record-breaking September, welcoming nearly 7.4 million passengers, demonstrates its commitment to supporting UK business travellers, with seamless operations and ongoing investments enhancing the travel experience.
Virgin Atlantic adds English sparkling wine Hambledon Classic Cuvée permanently to Upper Class
Virgin Atlantic has made English sparkling wine Hambledon Classic Cuvée a permanent feature in Upper Class, offering business travellers a distinctly British touch at 35,000 feet.
The move reflects the airline’s commitment to premium quality and enhances the in-flight experience for UK-based corporate travellers.
Pilotless electric air travel takes off in Africa with EHang’s EH216-S
EHang has successfully completed Africa’s first pilotless human-carrying eVTOL flight with its EH216-S aircraft in Kigali, Rwanda, at the 9th Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition.
Emirates Introduces Exclusive Dom Pérignon Rosé 2009 for First Class Business Travellers
Emirates has introduced the rare Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2009 to its First Class offering, available on all flights departing Dubai for a limited time.
Through its exclusive partnership with Moët Hennessy, Emirates is the only airline in the world able to serve this celebrated vintage directly from the winery.
Bristol Airport’s Escape Lounge Transforms Business Travel with Style and Function
Bristol Airport’s new Escape Lounge, opened as part of its terminal transformation, offers business travellers 140 additional seats, quiet work zones, and dining options with West Country flair.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and high-speed Wi-Fi, it ensures UK-based professionals enjoy a productive, comfortable space before flights.
£60m Transport Hub Opens at Bristol Airport for Seamless Business Travel
Bristol Airport’s new £60 million Public Transport Interchange, opened this month, enhances business travel with more frequent, sustainable bus and coach services.
Featuring 16 dedicated bays, live transport screens, and a covered bridge, it supports UK business travellers’ need for efficient, eco-friendly connections, with fully electric A1 and A3 Flyer services from 2026.
Ten Reasons To Fly With… Lufthansa
For UK business travellers, Lufthansa offers a seamless blend of efficiency, comfort and innovation often overlooked. With hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, Lufthansa connects to over 200 global destinations, ideal for multi-city itineraries. The new Allegris Business Class suites provide privacy and productivity, while FlyNet Wi-Fi keeps you connected. Priority services, generous baggage allowances and the Miles & More program add value, making Lufthansa a top choice for professionals.
Blacklane Launches Luxurious Sightseeing Tours for Business Travellers in London and Paris
Blacklane’s new four-hour private sightseeing tours in London and Paris provide UK-based business travellers with a luxurious, flexible way to explore iconic landmarks, guided by accredited chauffeurs.
Combining comfort, local expertise and high-specification vehicles, these tours enhance business trips with seamless cultural experiences.
World Cup of Stations 2025 Launches to Find Britain’s ‘Most Life-Changing Station’
The 2025 World Cup of Stations has kicked off.
Nominations for the Rail Delivery Group’s annual search for Britain’s “most life-changing station” are now open.
A New Chapter for Global Travel Management: Our Rebrand Unveiled
From our humble beginnings as a family-owned firm in Woking, we’ve grown into a globally respected travel management partner, still independently owned and driven by a passion for exceptional service. Today, we’re excited to unveil our rebrand - a bold reflection of our evolution into a leader that empowers UK businesses to thrive on the global stage.
Heathrow’s £10 billion plan to transform business travel
Heathrow Airport has unveiled a £10 billion private investment plan for 2027–2031 to enhance operational resilience, improve passenger experience and boost the UK economy by accommodating up to 10 million additional passengers annually.
London Gatwick welcomes first electric flight in push for sustainable business travel
The first electric aircraft to land at London Gatwick touched down on 9 July as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of sustainable business travel.
American Airlines enhances business travel rewards with new AAdvantage Business Select tier
American Airlines has enhanced its AAdvantage Business programme by introducing a new AAdvantage Business Select™ tier, effective from 21 July, 2025, offering UK-based companies and their business travellers increased rewards and benefits for booking eligible travel.
Enhanced connectivity and comfort for business travel with Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic is set to transform business travel by becoming the first UK airline to offer free, streaming-quality, unlimited Wi-Fi across its entire fleet using Starlink technology by 2027, alongside a major cabin refurbishment of its Boeing 787-9 fleet starting in 2028 and the introduction of ten A330neo aircraft with expanded premium cabins from Q3 2026.
LNER celebrates National Railway Museum’s 50th with vibrant train livery
LNER has unveiled a vibrant new livery on one of its InterCity 225 trains to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Railway Museum, celebrating a significant milestone in railway heritage. The locomotive, named ‘National Railway Museum 50 Years 1975-2025’, showcases a colourful ribbon and iconic exhibits like Mallard and Duchess of Hamilton, symbolising the enduring partnership between LNER and the museum, supported by Eversholt Rail.