Manchester Airport launches new Arctic routes, connecting UK business travellers to Tromsø

Travellers flying from Manchester Airport will soon have direct access to the Arctic, with Norwegian and easyJet launching new services to Tromsø, the world’s most northerly city, in the coming weeks.

Both airlines will offer flights directly from Manchester to Tromsø, with Norwegian starting their service this Wednesday and easyJet following suit from 19 November. Each airline will operate twice weekly, with Norwegian flying on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and easyJet on Tuesdays and Saturdays. With a flight time of just over three hours, these new routes will be particularly appealing for UK-based business travellers who may want to combine their work trips with an extraordinary experience, as Tromsø is renowned for its unique Arctic landscape and rich cultural heritage.

For Global Travel Management customers, these flights offer new opportunities to explore a destination not only popular for leisure but also important for business in industries such as renewable energy and Arctic research. The launch of these services from Manchester, a major hub for UK business travellers, highlights the increasing importance of connecting the UK with diverse global regions.

Tromsø’s appeal stretches beyond its title as the world’s most northerly city, offering a range of activities in one of the planet’s most stunning natural settings. Whether it’s whale-watching, catching a glimpse of the mesmerising Northern Lights, or exploring the local Sami culture on a reindeer sleigh ride, Tromsø provides business travellers with a chance to unwind in a completely different environment after meetings or conferences. Additionally, Tromsø’s strategic position inside the Arctic Circle makes it a prime destination for those interested in eco-tourism and sustainability.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented on the benefit these flights bring to business travellers:

With Manchester now offering direct flights to Tromsø, our clients have the chance to explore a unique Arctic destination that could be of particular interest for those working in the renewable energy or environmental sectors. The short flight time and twice-weekly schedule make it easy for UK-based business travellers to incorporate Tromsø into their itineraries, whether for business or leisure.

Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, emphasised the airport’s growing route network, noting that Tromsø is now the most northerly destination available from Manchester. He stated,

These new services to Tromsø are a really exciting addition and give people planning their next city break or adventurous holiday a truly unique option.

If you would like more information about how these new routes could benefit your business travel plans, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.


Qatar Airways introduces the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 flight, enhancing in-flight connectivity

Qatar Airways has launched the world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight, setting a new standard for in-flight connectivity that promises to revolutionise the travel experience for passengers.

On 22 October 2024, this milestone was marked by a flight from Doha to London, making Qatar Airways the first airline globally to offer Starlink’s ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet across its fleet.

Recognised as the World’s Best Airline by Skytrax in 2024, Qatar Airways is taking the lead in adopting cutting-edge technology in air travel. The airline is not only the first carrier in the MENA region to provide passengers with Starlink but is also set to exceed its initial goal of having three Starlink-equipped aircraft, with plans to introduce twelve Boeing 777-300s by the end of 2024. This ambitious rollout will see the technology implemented across the entire Boeing 777 fleet by 2025 – one year ahead of schedule – with the Airbus A350 fleet following in the summer of the same year.

Hi Elon: Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer’s video call with SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk

This significant initiative demonstrates Qatar Airways’ commitment to enhancing passenger experience by bridging the gap between the skies and the ground. With Starlink, passengers can enjoy reliable, high-speed internet access throughout their journey—from gate to gate. Whether streaming their favourite shows, watching live sports, playing online games, or working while in the air, travellers can remain connected without any charge.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, stated:

We are thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry. This milestone, paired with our commitment to rapidly roll out Starlink across our entire modern fleet, demonstrates our relentless pursuit of offering passengers an in-flight experience that transcends the constraints of traditional air travel. By providing Starlink reliable, seamless internet on board, we are connecting people to the things they love the most even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us a memorable one.

Qatar Airways has achieved several industry-firsts with this initiative, including being the first airline to operate a Starlink-equipped Boeing widebody 777, as well as securing the first Starlink Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a Boeing aircraft. These advancements signify a major leap forward in passenger connectivity, as the technology delivers high-speed internet across previously unreachable areas, including over oceans and remote locations.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, remarked,

Over time you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum and it only gets better from here.

As Global Travel Management aims to keep UK-based business travellers informed about the latest advancements in the industry, the introduction of Starlink-equipped flights by Qatar Airways highlights a pivotal shift towards improved connectivity while flying. Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented,

This innovative service will significantly benefit UK-based business travellers, enabling them to work efficiently and stay connected while in the air, transforming the way we think about travel.

The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will operate on select routes as Qatar Airways continues to implement its rollout plans. This move is set to elevate the airline’s award-winning on-board experience, providing a new benchmark for in-flight excellence.

For further information about how this advancement can enhance your travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.


Emirates supports education with upcycled backpacks for teachers

Emirates has recognised the dedication of teachers in one of Johannesburg’s most impoverished areas by gifting 100 teachers with limited-edition, upcycled backpacks, marking their contribution to education and society.

The backpacks, part of Emirates’ ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ repurposed luggage collection, were given to teachers at Carter Primary School and Gordon Primary School in Alexandra, as part of the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’. The airline’s team, based in Johannesburg, made the donation during the same month as World Teachers Day, demonstrating their ongoing support for the local community. Each backpack, made from leather upcycled from the airline’s A380 and 777 aircraft, was handmade at the Emirates Engineering facility in Dubai. The teachers also received a luxe leather notebook, an on-the-go tea tumbler, and teas from Dilmah.

Afzal Parambil, Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa, commented,

Since our first flight to Johannesburg in 1995, we have not only invested in scaling our operations and developing South Africa’s tourism sector but invested in the community too. Education, much like travel, broadens the mind and brings immeasurable value to society at large. Celebrating these shared values, we wanted to show our appreciation for the teachers in one of Johannesburg’s most impoverished townships. We are proud to enrich the communities we serve.

The initiative is part of Emirates’ long-standing support for education. Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline has supported schooling programmes globally, with a focus on improving education in underprivileged areas. In South Africa, Emirates has worked with projects such as Singakwenza, which supports early childhood education in low-income communities, and the Fikelela Children’s Centre, which helps children affected by HIV/AIDS. These projects align with Emirates’ broader mission to create a lasting impact on the communities it serves, both through education and charitable work.

Carter Primary School’s Principal Seemela expressed gratitude for the recognition:

It means a lot to us to have our hard work, dedication and sacrifices recognised. We are grateful to the Emirates team for hand-picking our school. We don’t often get recognition for the work we do, in the communities we work in. Emirates has shown our learners that through hard work they too can be recognised for their efforts and become key players and role models in their own communities regardless of their backgrounds.

The ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, which repurposes materials from the airline’s interior cabin retrofit programme, is set to be donated to more schools and organisations across Africa and Asia before the year’s end, underscoring Emirates’ commitment to education and sustainability.

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

Initiatives like this show the positive impact that global companies can have on local communities. For UK-based business travellers, it’s inspiring to see airlines like Emirates not only leading in travel but also giving back in meaningful ways. It reminds us that travel is about more than just getting from one place to another – it’s about building connections and enriching lives.

For more information on Emirates flights, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.


British Airways launches business class sale with great offers on global flights

The British Airways Business Class Sale has just launched, offering exceptional deals on flights in both Club World and Club Europe cabins, with destinations across the globe.

Travellers can take advantage of great offers on Club World (business class) flights to long-haul destinations like New York, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi and Buenos Aires, among others.

For those flying closer to home, Club Europe (business class) fares are also discounted across the short-haul network, covering cities from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City airports.

The sale runs until 5 November 2024, making this the perfect time for business travellers to upgrade to a more luxurious flight experience, with offers available for selected travel periods.

With Club World and Club Europe bookings, passengers enjoy a range of premium services, including dedicated check-in desks, Fast Track security access and access to British Airways’ exclusive lounges. Business travellers will also benefit from a generous baggage allowance of two checked bags (up to 32kg each) and ample cabin luggage space, ensuring they have everything they need for their trips.

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

This British Airways Business Class Sale is fantastic news for UK-based business travellers. The opportunity to fly in comfort, whether it’s for a short-haul European trip or a longer journey to destinations like the USA or the Middle East, makes it an ideal time to upgrade your business travel experience.

The sale includes destinations across the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe and beyond. Whether flying to New York, Singapore, or closer European hubs like Paris or Frankfurt, travellers can take advantage of competitive rates across both long-haul and short-haul routes. The sale offers are available for bookings made by 5 November 2024, and flights depart from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London City airports.

For those interested in elevating their travel experience, this is an ideal opportunity to book luxury flights at a reduced cost. Don’t miss out – if you’d like further information or assistance with your business travel arrangements, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.


UK airspace modernisation to deliver faster, cleaner flights and reduce travel disruptions

The UK government has launched a consultation on the largest reform to airspace design in 70 years, aimed at reducing flight delays, cutting emissions and supporting economic growth by modernising UK airspace.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled plans to establish a UK Airspace Design Service, a dedicated team of aviation experts tasked with updating the way planes fly in and out of the UK, starting with London’s congested airspace.

By upgrading these “highways of the sky”, the government aims to reduce bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability.

The consultation, open until 17 December 2024, seeks views on how to modernise UK airspace, a key manifesto commitment. The DfT and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are exploring how the proposed UK Airspace Design Service could deliver significant improvements, such as shorter flight routes, fewer delays and reduced noise pollution.

With over 2.6 million flights passing through UK airspace each year, the need for modernisation is clear. A particularly busy July saw over 8,239 flights on some days, putting a strain on outdated systems designed in the 1950s.

Mike Kane, Minister for Aviation, highlighted the need for modernisation:

UK airspace is one of the nation’s biggest invisible assets, but it’s been stuck in the past – a 1950s pilot would find that little has changed. Our once-in-a-generation creation of a UK Airspace Design Service will not only drive forward airspace modernisation and create a system that’s fit for the future, but it will help create quicker routes, ease delays and reduce harmful emissions – making air travel a better experience for all.

Modernisation will leverage advanced navigation technologies, reducing the need for planes to hold in the air and allowing more continuous climb and descent paths. London – the UK’s busiest airspace region – is a focal point for these reforms due to its impact on the rest of the country.

Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the CAA, added:

Modernising our airspace is crucial to delivering a more efficient, sustainable and resilient system. The proposals we’ve outlined today set out the next steps in our ongoing efforts to progress the modernisation of UK airspace.

This reform will align with the government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, aided by reductions in the time aircraft spend in the air. The airspace updates will also complement other sustainability initiatives, such as the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

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

The modernisation of UK airspace promises to transform the experience for business travellers, making flights quicker, quieter and greener. UK-based businesses can look forward to more efficient journeys, fewer delays, and a reduced environmental footprint.

The consultation represents an opportunity for stakeholders, including passengers, airlines, and local communities, to shape the future of air travel in the UK. Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS, welcomed the initiative:

Any initiative that can help speed up the modernisation programme for UK airspace is very welcome, especially in London and the South East. This is the next big step in modernising UK airspace following the work we have already completed in other parts of the country.

With strong support from the aviation industry, including AirportsUK and Airlines UK, the government is positioning the UK as a global leader in airspace modernisation. Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said the move “marks a positive step forward” and demonstrates the UK’s commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation technology.

You can respond to the consultation from 9am on 22 October until 11:59pm on 17 December 2024.


Emirates celebrates NBA partnership with striking new livery and onboard experiences

Emirates has unveiled a striking new livery in celebration of its partnership with the NBA, marking the start of the highly anticipated 2024-25 NBA season.

As the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and inaugural title sponsor of the Emirates NBA Cup, the airline’s new livery will soon be seen across its global network, starting next week.

The eye-catching design features a bold blue gradient across the fuselage with the NBA logo, while the iconic Emirates lettering appears in red alongside a basketball graphic linking the NBA and Emirates logos. Vibrant red engine cowls, featuring the airline’s signature white calligraphy, complete the fresh look.

The livery is one of only four bespoke nose-to-tail designs across Emirates’ fleet, created in-house by the Emirates Engineering Aircraft Appearance Centre. The entire process, including stripping, painting, and applying graphics, took 24 days to complete.

From 1 November to 17 December, to coincide with the Emirates NBA Cup, passengers on flights to and from 14 destinations across the U.S. and Canada will enjoy a variety of NBA-inspired experiences.

From co-branded headrests and themed menus to sports-inspired dishes and drinks, Emirates is incorporating basketball into all aspects of its in-flight service.

Passengers travelling on the iconic A380 will even be able to enjoy the courtside-themed menu while socialising in the Onboard Lounge, while basketball fans can watch live NBA Cup games via Sport24 on Emirates’ inflight entertainment system, ice.

Before departure, customers in Emirates’ lounges in Dubai, New York JFK, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston will also be treated to a limited-time NBA-themed menu.

Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, commented:

We are proud to be the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and the inaugural title partner of the Emirates NBA Cup. The new livery is a celebration of the marketing partnership and the game which brings people together from around the world, and we hope to spread the passion and connect with fans across basketball-loving nations across our network.

The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup kicks off on 12 November, with group play running until 3 December. Eight teams will then progress to the Knockout Rounds, culminating in the Championship on 17 December at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

NBA teams: The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup takes place in November and December, where the teams (above) will compete to emulate the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory in 2023.

Passengers and basketball fans can also pick up limited edition Emirates-NBA merchandise, including replica aircraft models in the new livery, available at the Emirates Official Store.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, added:

UK-based business travellers heading to the U.S. and Canada can look forward to these exciting, NBA-themed experiences on their flights. Emirates continues to offer innovative and engaging in-flight services, and this new collaboration will bring an added dimension to long-haul business travel.

For more information on how Emirates flights, schedules and fares, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.


American Airlines upgrades inflight experience with fresh content and exclusive partnerships

Customers flying with American Airlines now have even more choices to personalise their business travel experience, with enhanced entertainment options and a rotating amenity kit programme, providing something for every traveller’s taste.

American Airlines has expanded its inflight entertainment, offering business travellers a selection of 200 new titles each month.

With a curated collection of over 1,500 movies, TV shows, audio selections and lifestyle content, these choices are tailored to current entertainment trends, customer feedback and viewing habits.

Travellers can also access their favourite streaming services via personal devices when connected to onboard Wi-Fi, providing flexibility and convenience during their journeys.

The airline’s partnerships with platforms like Apple, Audible, FitOn and Hey Bear Sensory give travellers even more options to pass the time during long flights. These collaborations allow passengers to enjoy a variety of entertainment, from hundreds of TV shows and movies to hours of audio and even skill development opportunities.

Additionally, travellers can benefit from exclusive offers, such as continuing to access Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Audible after their flight, ensuring their entertainment doesn’t end upon arrival.

In celebration of heritage months and popular cultural trends, American Airlines curates special interest channels, offering unique content based on topics like Hispanic Heritage Month and True Crime, adding a touch of personalisation for business travellers.

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

UK-based business travellers flying with American Airlines can look forward to a more enjoyable and customised inflight experience. With new entertainment choices being refreshed monthly and access to exclusive content, these enhancements make long flights more productive and enjoyable.

For more information on how these inflight services can benefit your next business trip, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.


Eurostar transforms onboard dining with Michelin-starred chefs and sustainable menus

Eurostar is revolutionising its onboard dining experience by introducing a new, innovative culinary offering for its Premier passengers, available from 4 November 2024. For the first time, three renowned food and beverage experts – Two Michelin-starred Chef Jérémy Chan, award-winning pastry chef Jessica Préalpato and natural wine connoisseur Honey Spencer – have collaborated to create a unique dining experience on high-speed trains.

This gastronomic innovation coincides with the launch of Eurostar’s new travel classes: Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier. The new menu is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from countries within the Eurostar network. Eurostar is taking further environmental steps by removing an additional two million plastic bottles from its trains from November.

Jérémy Chan, Executive Chef of London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ikoyi, brings his expertise in blending bold, global flavours with locally sourced ingredients. His dishes, such as Baked Salmon with Coconut Rice and Tangy Potatoes, reflect a modern, daring approach to European travel dining.

Jessica Préalpato, known for her natural approach to pastry, offers desserts like Citrus Delight infused with green cardamom.

Honey Spencer curates a wine list featuring sustainable, organic wines, including Champagne Fleury and Domaine De La Dourbie, Oscar.

Eurostar CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, emphasised the transformative nature of this new dining experience:

Eurostar is more than just a train: it’s a promise of new discoveries and unique moments. Our new chefs bring this vision to life, making the journey as indulgent as the destination.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, highlighted the benefits for UK-based business travellers:

Eurostar’s new culinary offering adds an exciting dimension to business travel. For those travelling in Eurostar Premier, this elevated dining experience provides a chance to enjoy high-quality, sustainable cuisine, helping make even the busiest work trips more pleasurable.

The menu is composed of four courses, beginning with amuse-bouches and extending to main dishes, a cheese course, and dessert. For example, passengers might begin with Curried Cauliflower Mousseline, followed by a choice of hot or cold main courses such as Roasted Pumpkin with Honey and Cashew Miso. These dishes are complemented by carefully selected wines, with the list refreshed every three months to ensure a variety of choices.

Passengers can expect a “journey through flavours”, developed through collaborative workshops between the chefs and Eurostar’s in-house teams.

Eurostar Director of Development, Matthieu Quyollet, explained,

For the first time, we’ve brought together three visionary chefs to create a perfectly harmonised menu. This is a bold, modern concept designed to elevate the onboard dining experience to new heights.

With sustainability at the forefront, Eurostar’s new dining experience also aligns with the company’s broader environmental goals, reinforcing its commitment to being the backbone of eco-friendly travel in Europe.

For more information on how this new dining experience could enhance your next business trip, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.


Virgin Atlantic unveils new seasonal menu and wellness offerings for business travellers

Virgin Atlantic has launched a new Autumn/Winter menu, offering a range of seasonal, comforting dishes across all cabins, complemented by feel-good beverages in Upper Class and wellness amenities at the London Heathrow Clubhouse.

For business travellers flying Upper Class, the menu presents a premium culinary experience with indulgent options such as chicken and mushroom pie with truffle, pan-roasted cod or pumpkin girasoli.

Virgin Atlantic’s pre-select service enhances this further with exclusive mains, including roasted duck breast with potato gratin. Travellers can also enjoy a delightful brunch on select UK departures, with choices such as smashed avocado with poached egg, red velvet pancakes, or a chicken and treacle beer bacon club sandwich.

Recognising the importance of rest and rejuvenation for business travellers, Virgin Atlantic has introduced a selection of wellness drinks in Upper Class.

These include the soothing Three Spirit Nightcap, kombucha by Lo Bros, and TRIP Elderflower Mint Mindful Blend – all designed to promote relaxation during and after flights. For an immune-boosting option, Perfect Ted Juicy Peach, powered by matcha green tea, is also available.

The Upper Class wine selection has been refreshed, featuring a curated list of elegant wines, including a 2022 Grillo Viognier Bio and a 2023 Diermersdal Sauvignon Blanc, with red and rosé options also available.

Wine choices: the new Upper Class wine selection has been refreshed

Premium and Economy passengers are not left out, with a variety of delicious meals such as honey and mustard chicken or Cumberland sausage in Premium, and sausage with colcannon mash or tomato mascarpone pasta in Economy.

Pre-flight relaxation has also been taken up a notch at Virgin Atlantic’s London Heathrow Clubhouse. Passengers can now access calming essential oils by Aromatherapy Associates, designed to help them unwind before boarding.

The Clubhouse has introduced a Yoga Retreat in collaboration with Peloton, allowing travellers to meditate, stretch or work out before their flight.

Commenting on the launch, Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Customer and Operating Officer, said:

By combining seasonality and comfort with premium ingredients, we’re offering our customers an elevated in-flight dining experience to enjoy and indulge, while also recognising the importance of relaxation during travel. Feeling well-rested and cared for can make all the difference for our customers, whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime holiday or a business-as-usual trip.

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

Virgin Atlantic’s new menu and wellness offerings are a fantastic development for UK-based business travellers. The combination of premium dining options and relaxation-focused beverages and amenities ensures that travellers can arrive at their destination refreshed and ready to do business.

For further information on how Virgin Atlantic’s new offerings can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.


Whitbread secures planning for 693-bedroom hub by Premier Inn hotel near Trafalgar Square

Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business, has secured planning permission to build a 693-bedroom hub by Premier Inn hotel at 5 Strand, near Trafalgar Square, in a prime location just metres from Nelson’s Column.

This new hotel – construction begins in 2025 – will become one of London’s largest budget hotels and Whitbread’s largest hub by Premier Inn in its portfolio.

The development represents a £200 million investment and reinforces Whitbread’s commitment to expanding its affordable hotel offerings in the capital, where demand for budget hotel rooms continues to outstrip supply.

The hotel’s 16,000+ square metre site will span thirteen storeys, with a contemporary design aimed at delivering a modern guest experience in the heart of London.

Mark Anderson, Managing Director for Property and International for Whitbread, expressed the significance of this project, noting,

5 Strand is an excellent example of how we think the hub by Premier Inn brand can evolve in Central London. It also shows how we can use Whitbread’s strong balance sheet to acquire the best positioned, most accessible and high-demand locations in the capital to grow our brands.

The hotel will feature compact rooms, approximately half the size of a standard Premier Inn room, designed for modern travellers seeking both affordability and convenience.

Guests can expect a focus on technology and a relaxed lounge-style food and beverage offering.

Moreover, in line with Whitbread’s sustainability goals, the hotel will be powered entirely by renewable electricity, contributing to the company’s target of reducing its direct emissions to zero by 2040.

For UK-based business travellers, this development signals an enhanced offering of centrally-located, budget-friendly accommodation options. Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented on the impact this project will have:

The new hub by Premier Inn at 5 Strand will be an excellent addition for UK business travellers needing to stay in the heart of London. Its location and affordability will offer our clients greater flexibility when managing their business travel budgets.

This project further demonstrates Whitbread’s aggressive expansion in the London market, where they already operate more than 100 locations within the M25, with plans to add more in the coming years.

Once complete, the hotel will employ around 150 staff, with recruitment efforts focused within Westminster and surrounding boroughs.

For more information on how this development might benefit your company’s business travel needs, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.