Emirates has unveiled its full Premium Economy offering onboard and on ground, and announced it will open this highly sought-after cabin for sale from 1 June 2022.
The new cabin class, which offers luxurious seats, more legroom, and a service to rival many airlines’ business offering, will be available to customers travelling on popular A380 routes to London, Paris, Sydney from 1 August, and Christchurch from December.
Emirates is the only airline in the region to offer a Premium Economy cabin.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said:
As with everything we do, Emirates Premium Economy will be exceptional in its class, with minute attention given to every aspect of the customer experience. Customers trading up from Economy will be getting excellent value.
Since we first introduced our Premium Economy seats in January 2021, the positive response and demand has been tremendous. We currently have six A380s equipped with this cabin class, which limits our initial deployment, but our intention is to offer this experience to many more markets across our network.
This November, we will begin our retrofit programme to install Premium Economy on 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s. At the end of the programme, Emirates will have 126 aircraft fitted out with Premium Economy cabins, as well as our latest interiors across other cabins. It is a major investment to ensure our customers continue to have the best experience in the sky.
Dedicated airport experience: Customers can look forward to a dedicated check-in area for Premium Economy at Dubai International airport, or utilise one of the many convenient self-service check in kiosks in the hall to avoid queues.
Luxurious seats: Once onboard,customers will immediately notice the quiet luxury in Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin. A wood panel finishing similar to Business Class sets the cabin’s mood, and each seat is designed to provide optimal comfort and support with 6-way adjustable headrests.
The cream-coloured leather seats have a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, is 19.5 inches wide, and reclines 8 inches into a comfortable cradle position with ample room to stretch out. It also offers calf rests and footrests for additional comfort, in addition to many other thoughtful touches such as easily accessible in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table.
Comfort: Customers can get comfortable under soft, sustainable blankets made from recycled plastic bottles, and snuggle into the generously sized pillow, both designed uniquely for Premium Economy. They can also refresh themselves with the complimentary amenity kits which come in reusable, sustainable bags, and contain items which are all made with some element of recycled or sustainable materials.
Dining experience: Incorporating elements inspired by Business Class, customers will be welcomed onboard with a welcome drink in fine glassware. During meal service, a selection of generous meals made with seasonal ingredients and regional influences will be served on chinaware, accompanied by stainless steel cutlery wrapped in linen napkin. The drinks menu will include a selection of beverages including premium wines and a sparkling Chandon wine. There are also liqueurs available after meals, with chocolates.
On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in 2-4-2 configuration.
On the Emirates Boeing 777, up to 24 Premium Economy seats will be installed in a dedicated cabin section between Business and Economy.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Web-Emirates-Premium-Economy.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-05-09 20:38:342022-05-09 20:44:15Emirates launches full Premium Economy experience
The International Air Transport Association has warned that a proposed 37% increase in airport charges in the Netherlands risks significant damage to the recovery of air connectivity in the country.
Following a formal review in which IATA and several airlines participated, the regulator for airport charges at Schiphol, ACM, released a decision on 21 April which accepted the airport’s position that due to losses incurred during the Covid-19 shutdown, it must raise airport charges by a cumulative 37% over the next three years.
Air travel has still not recovered from Covid-19, the greatest shock in aviation history. The impacts in the Netherlands were acute: at its height, Covid-19 caused passenger numbers to fall by more than 70%, at a cost of around 200,000 aviation-supported jobs. A gradual recovery is underway, but the foundations are weak.
IATA represents 290 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic.
IATA’s Connectivity Index shows the Netherlands is still 35% below its 2019 peak. At this crucial time, for the benefit of the Netherlands as a whole, air connectivity should be supported. Unfortunately, ACM’s decision puts the country’s position as one of the most competitive European air transport hubs at risk.
The Dutch regulator’s stance is in sharp contrast with the position taken by other independent regulators in the region, which are trying to fulfil their duties to protect the consumer.
In Spain, the regulator rejected the claims from the airport operator that it needed to recover its pandemic losses. The Spanish regulator calculated that the airport operator had sufficient cash reserves to cover the shortfall and that it would benefit from growing traffic in coming years – and it has frozen charges for the next three years.
Schiphol is in a similar situation, and the regulator should be similarly robust. Pre-pandemic, Schiphol declared €742 million of dividends over the 2015-19 period, and it has several options to cover its losses. Schiphol can easily finance short-term losses without increasing costs to its customers.
Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional VP for Europe said
Rafael Schvartzman: ‘Schiphol airport and its regulator have failed’.
Schiphol airport and its regulator have completely failed to consider the exceptional circumstances that were created by Covid-19. The cost recovery system was never expected to operate in circumstances where demand would totally collapse for an extended period due to government- imposed travel restrictions. It cannot be reasonable to dump a 37% increase on airlines and their passengers. Nor is it sensible to put such costs onto air transport in the Netherlands at a time when other cost pressures, including rising environmental taxes, are already damaging the competitive position of Dutch aviation.
The Qantas Group has announced several major fleet decisions that will reshape its international and domestic networks over the next decade and beyond.
These decisions will also improve journeys for millions of people every year, and create over 1,000 jobs as well as many career progression opportunities at the national carrier.
Project Winton
Domestically, Qantas will start the renewal of its narrow body jets as part of ‘Project Winton’ with firm orders for twenty Airbus A321XLRs and twenty A220-300s as its Boeing 737s and 717s are gradually retired.
The first of these aircraft will start to arrive in late 2023, with the order including purchase right options for another 94 aircraft for delivery through to at least 2034.
Project Sunrise
Internationally, twelve Airbus A350-1000s will be ordered to operate non-stop ‘Project Sunrise’ flights from Australia to other cities including New York and London.
These aircraft will feature market-leading passenger comfort in each travel class with services scheduled to start by the end of calendar 2025 from Sydney.
Major aircraft order: Airbus A350-1000, A321XLR and A220-300 included
All of these next generation aircraft – through their lower emissions, longer range, less noise and better economics – will improve how people travel around Australia and overseas.
Qantas customers can expect more direct routes and therefore less total travel time. They can expect higher levels of cabin comfort. And, particularly on domestic and regional routes, they can expect more choice of flights at different times of day due to different size aircraft for peak and off-peak times.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said:
Alan Joyce: A structurally different company
New types of aircraft make new things possible. That’s what makes today’s announcement so significant for the national carrier and for a country like Australia where air travel is crucial.
Throughout our history, the aircraft we’ve flown have defined the era we’re in.
The 707 introduced the jet age, the 747 democratised travel and the A380 brought a completely new level of comfort.
The A350 and Project Sunrise will make any city just one flight away from Australia. It’s the last frontier and the final fix for the tyranny of distance. As you’d expect, the cabin is being specially designed for maximum comfort in all classes for long-haul flying.
The A320s and A220s will become the backbone of our domestic fleet for the next 20 years, helping to keep this country moving. Their range and economics will make new direct routes possible, including serving regional cities better.
These newer aircraft and engines will reduce emissions by at least 15 per cent if running on fossil fuels, and significantly better when run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel. This order brings us closer to our commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Project Sunrise will be carbon neutral from day one.
We have come through the other side of the pandemic a structurally different company. Our domestic market share is higher and the demand for direct international flights is even stronger than it was before COVID. The business case for Project Sunrise has an internal rate of return in the mid-teens.
The Board’s decision to approve what is the largest aircraft order in Australian aviation is a clear vote of confidence in the future of the Qantas Group. Our strategy for these aircraft will see us generate significant benefits for those who make it possible – our people, our customers and our shareholders.
The phasing of this order means it can be funded within our debt range and through earnings, while still leaving room for shareholder returns in line with our financial framework.”
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Web-Qantas.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-05-03 16:42:242022-05-03 16:44:03Qantas Group announced major aircraft order to shape its future
Norse Atlantic Airways has opened ticket sales for flights between Norway and the United States marking what the airline calls ‘a new era for consumers seeking good value, choice and friendly service when choosing to travel across the Atlantic’.
Fares will start from $129 one-way, including all applicable taxes. The first flight departing from Oslo to New York (JFK) will take place on 14 June.
The airline will also serve Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO) and Los Angeles (LAX) from Oslo.
Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways said,
This is a major milestone for all of us at Norse Atlantic Airways and a testament to the dedication and determination of colleagues from across the airline who have made this possible.
Norse now offers the lowest one-way point to point transatlantic fares in the market.
Whether travelling on business, leisure or simply wishing to explore the world, Norse now makes it possible for everyone to explore for less.
Our modern, comfortable and more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners are ready to take to the skies and our pilots and cabin crew are looking forward to welcoming customers on board from June.
Customers are now able to book flights between Oslo, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Los Angeles.
Flights from Oslo to New York will commence on 14 June 14th ramping up to daily flights from 4 July.
Flights from Oslo to Fort Lauderdale will commence on 18 June operating three weekly flights.
Flights between Oslo and Orlando will commence on 5 July operating three weekly flights.
Flights from Oslo to Los Angeles will commence om 9 August operating three weekly flights.
Bjorn Torre Larsen: ‘The introduction of affordable Norse Atlantic Airways point-to point flights between Europe and the United States, will benefit both local tourism and businesses’.
Norse Atlantic offers two cabin choices, Economy and Premium.
Passengers can choose from a simple range of fares, Light, Classic and Plus, that reflect the way that they want to travel, and which options are important to them.
Light fares represent Norse’s value option while Plus fares include the maximum baggage allowance, two meal services an enhanced airport and onboard experience and increased ticket flexibility.
The large, spacious Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin offers passengers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience with each seat including a personal state of the art entertainment experience.
The Premium cabin offers an ‘industry leading’ 43” seat pitch and 12” recline allowing passengers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore their destination.
Routes and fares from London and Paris to the United States will be announced ‘soon’.
More destinations in the United States will be announced soon.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Web-Norse.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-05-03 09:30:172022-05-03 09:31:21Norse Atlantic Airways launches ticket sales between Norway and the United States
Air France is offering a new comfort kit to each of its La Première customers.
Inspired by a writing set, this elegant and timeless gift box is available in two colours that are characteristic of this prestigious travel suite – Air France red and pearl grey. The topstitching and embossed winged seahorse emblem, the company’s historic symbol, are a discreet nod to the designer codes of the La Première suites.
To create this kit, Air France has teamed up with the French beauty brand Sisley, already present in the company’s La Première lounge, to offer guests a genuine moment of well-being during the flight. Intended as a customised and tailor-made offer for guests, the kit encloses a range of five products carefully selected by the pioneering phyto-cosmetology company to offer a choice of two beauty care rituals –
an anti-age replenishing beauty care ritual;
an anti-age moisturising beauty care ritual.
The kit contains the following beauty products (sample size) –
A black rose cream mask;
A hydrating booster serum;
An anti-age hydration booster moisturising serum;
A black rose water balm;
An All day, All year anti-age day cream.
This kit also containing a La Première pen, a wooden comb, earplugs and a night mask can be taken home after the flight.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Web-easyJet-hydrogen.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-05-03 08:00:592022-05-03 08:34:03A new Air France La Première comfort kit
You can follow Global Travel Management on social media. This page explains where to find us, what we post and how to engage.
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https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Web-Iberia-2.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-05-02 08:00:052022-06-13 20:04:19Global Travel Management on social media
easyJet has announced it is working with GKN Aerospace, the world’s leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, to work toward reducing carbon emissions in aviation through the adoption of zero carbon emission technologies.
easyJet will support the development of GKN Aerospace’s Hydrogen Combustion (H2JET) and Hydrogen Fuel Cell (H2GEAR) technology, including exploring the options for flight demonstration, as part of the airline’s ambition to de-carbonise aviation.
easyJet will provide insights into operational requirements and economics.
H2GEAR is a GKN Aerospace led UK collaboration programme aiming to develop a liquid hydrogen propulsion system for sub-regional aircraft that could be scaled up to larger aircraft.
Liquid hydrogen is being converted to electricity within a fuel cell system. This electricity efficiently powers the aircraft, eliminating carbon emissions and creating a new generation of clean air travel.
The H2GEAR programme is supported by £27m of ATI funding, matched by GKN Aerospace and its industrial partners.
H2JET is a Swedish collaborative two-year programme led by GKN Aerospace to push development of key subsystems for gas turbine-based hydrogen propulsion of medium range civil aircraft.
David Morgan, Director of Flight Operations, easyJet, said:
At easyJet, we are committed to working towards a future with zero carbon emission flying. We know that technology is a key driver to achieve our decarbonisation targets, with hydrogen propulsion a frontrunner for short-haul airlines like easyJet.
Cross-industry partnerships are key to developing these promising new technologies and we look forward to collaborating with GKN Aerospace to support bringing this technology to maturity as early as possible.
Max Brown, VP Technology, GKN Aerospace, said:
At GKN Aerospace sustainability is at the heart of our business. Hydrogen-powered aircraft offer a clear route to keep the world connected, with dramatically cleaner skies. The UK is at the forefront of this technology.
We look forward to working with easyJet and our partners, to develop and industrialise the breakthrough technology to fly aircraft with zero CO2 emissions.
Championing the development of a zero carbon emission aircraft to de-carbonise aviation is a key focus for easyJet, and the airline is working with partners across the industry like GKN Aerospace, as well as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and Wright Electric, to accelerate the development of zero carbon emission technologies and supporting infrastructure. The airline is optimistic that it could begin flying customers on planes powered by hydrogen-combustion, hydrogen-electric or a hybrid of both by the mid to late-2030s.
In November 2021, easyJet joined Race to Zero, a global UN-backed campaign to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest. In joining Race to Zero, the airline committed to setting an interim science-based target for 2035 and to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, for which technology for zero carbon emission flying will play an important part.
Beyond carbon, easyJet is focusing on reducing plastic – more than 36 million single-use plastic items were eliminated – as well as reducing waste within its wider operations and the supply chain. The airline also introduced new crew uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles. With 45 bottles in each uniform this has the potential to prevent 2.7 million plastic bottles from ending up in landfill or in oceans over the next five years.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Web-easyJet-hydrogen.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-04-30 17:16:412022-04-30 17:16:44easyJet partners with GKN Aerospace to accelerate adoption of hydrogen
United Airlines has kicked off the launch of its largest transatlantic expansion in its history, in anticipation of a strong recovery in European travel.
Patrick Quayle: We have long anticipated a strong demand recovery
In total, United will launch or resume 30 transatlantic flights from mid-April to early June. This includes adding new nonstop flights to five destinations no other North American airline serves including Amman, Jordan; Bergen, Norway; Azores, Portugal; Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Tenerife in the Spanish Canary Islands.
The airline is also launching five new nonstop flights to some of Europe’s most popular business and tourist hubs including London, Milan, Zurich, Munich and Nice. United is also resuming fourteen Atlantic routes the airline has historically served and adding frequencies in six others.
United’s transatlantic route network will be more than 25% larger than it was in 2019.
With this expansion, United will serve more transatlantic destinations than every other U.S. carrier combined and will be the largest airline across the Atlantic for the first time in history.
Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of international network and alliances at United said,
We have long anticipated a strong demand recovery, evidenced by our large, strategic expansion in Europe, and with these new flights, we’re proud to offer our customers more options and access than ever before. United continues to leverage its leading global network in new and exciting ways to help our customers make meaningful memories and experience new cultures around the world.
In light of the increased demand for European travel, United is also launching new services to some of Europe’s most iconic cities, including:
New daily flights between Boston and London Heathrow, which began on 14 April, and is United’s only trans-oceanic point-to-point flight from Boston. This flight complements United’s nonstop service to London Heathrow from all seven of United’s hubs.
New daily flights between Denver and Munich, which began April 23 and joins existing service from Denver to Frankfurt and London. United is the only U.S. airline to offer transatlantic service from Denver.
New daily flights between Chicago and Zurich, which began April 23. United now offers more nonstop service between Switzerland and the U.S. than any other U.S. airline, and is the only U.S. airline with nonstop service to Geneva.
New daily flights between New York/Newark and Nice, beginning April 29. United will offer more premium seats to Nice than any other U.S. carrier.
New daily flights between Chicago and Milan, beginning May 6, joining existing seasonal flights between Chicago and Rome. United will be the only airline to offer nonstop service between Chicago and Milan, adding to its existing service between New York/Newark and Milan.
In addition to these new flights, United is increasing service to popular European travel destinations, including:
Second daily flights between New York/Newark and Dublin, which began 23 April.
Second daily flights between Denver and London Heathrow, beginning 7 May.
Second daily flight between New York/Newark and Frankfurt, beginning 26 May.
Second flight between New York/Newark and Rome five times weekly, beginning 27 May.
Adding a third daily flight between San Francisco and London Heathrow and increasing service between New York/Newark and London Heathrow to seven daily flights, beginning 28 May. With this additional service, United will offer 22 daily nonstop flights from the U.S. to London Heathrow.
To help generate excitement about these new routes, earlier this month United launched two unique out of home campaigns, including digital billboards in downtown Boston to highlight the airline’s new Boston-London Heathrow service. United also teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue for a series of window displays featuring fashion inspired by United’s five unique transatlantic routes.
In addition to these European routes, United is also growing its presence in Africa as part of this transatlantic expansion. On 8 May, United will increase its service to offer daily flights between Washington/Dulles and Accra, Ghana. The airline will also extend its existing seasonal service to Cape Town to year-round, with nonstop flights from New York/Newark resuming 5 June, subject to government approval.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Web-United.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-04-27 12:24:552022-04-27 12:24:59United kicks off largest transatlantic expansion in its history
Virgin Atlantic has launched a new brand and advertising campaign – the first in more than two years since the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
The campaign has been created with newly appointed advertising agency Lucky Generals and introduces the end line “See the world differently”, a line that draws on the airline’s heritage of challenging the status quo – as well as recognising that the travel industry is entering an exciting new era, after the disruption brought on by the pandemic.
You can see a behind-the-scenes view of the filming of the commercial which took place over five days, in three locations and starred Virgin Atlantic pilots, crew and front line team, below:
Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic CEO explained what is at the heart of the campaign:
At the core of our business is the understanding that every one of our people can be themselves at work and that they belong. They truly are the thing that sets us apart and the reason customers choose to fly with us.
We know that the touchpoints that matter most and the experiences that differentiate Virgin Atlantic, are driven by our people and that’s why it was so important they’re at the heart of this campaign.
It’s more important than ever that we reimagine the world and lead the way with fresh ideas. Virgin Atlantic is uniquely placed to do this because of the rich individuality of our people and our customers: the unique people who march to their own drumbeat, fly their own path, see things from a different angle.
So it makes sense to start by championing them – and then apply this spirit to everything we do. After two challenging years when life has been on pause, it’s time to see the world differently.
Virgin Atlantic was founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2021, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the fifth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 6,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 27 destinations across four continents.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Web-Virgin-Atlantic-BTS.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-04-26 16:05:502022-04-27 09:53:42Behind the scenes with Virgin Atlantic's new advertising campaign
Avanti West Coast’s first refurbished Pendolino has returned to service after being transformed as part of the UK’s biggest train upgrade.
The tilting, electric powered Pendolinos are among the most iconic trains in the UK, and transformed train travel between some of Britain’s biggest cities when they were introduced nearly two decades ago.
Customers onboard a recent 05:05 service from Manchester Piccadilly to London were the first to travel on the upgraded Pendolino. They experienced the new, more comfortable seats, a revamped shop and better on-board customer information.
After reaching London, the refurbished train made a quick round trip to Liverpool before being welcomed into Euston by invited guests and Avanti West Coast colleagues. It will visit other destinations such as Birmingham, the Lakes, Glasgow and Edinburgh during its normal course of work.
Rail Minister Wendy Morton said,
The iconic Pendolino is back and better than ever before. This refurbished version of the classic fleet is a fantastic example of our cutting-edge rail network and how our railways are leading the way in creating a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and modern transport system.
The £117m upgrade programme was two years in the making and involved experts in technology, customer information and ergonomics.
Customer improvements include:
25,000 new, ergonomic Standard Class seats
Conversion of one First Class carriage on each of the 35 eleven-carriage Pendolinos to provide more than 2,000 extra Standard Class seats
The introduction of a new onboard shop
Improved lighting and new interior carpets
Greater use of technology with customer-friendly passenger information screens
Additional luggage space in Standard Class
Power points at every seat
New carpets throughout using sustainable British wool
Refurbished toilets
New First and Standard Premium seats
Widely regarded as the UK’s ‘hardest working train fleet’, Pendolinos have served towns and cities along the West Coast Main Line for nearly twenty years, clocking up more than 270 million miles – enough to go to the moon and back more than 500 times.
Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, Phil Whittingham, said:
This investment has been one of the key promises to our customers and they will see a dramatic transformation of our well-loved fleet. The refurbished Pendolinos look and feel like new trains with state of the art technology as well as brand new seats that promise best-in-class comfort.
The remaining 55 trains are to receive the same treatment as part of the £117m programme with the second set due back in service early in May 2022. Rail manufacturer Alstom is undertaking the work at their new depot in Widnes in the North West, helping to secure 100 skilled jobs.
Peter Broadley, Managing Director Services, Alstom said:
We are delighted with the launch of the newly modernised Pendolino. Working closely with our partners at Avanti West Coast and Angel Trains, we have created something truly special for the customers travelling on the West Coast Mainline. Our team at Widnes have created something amazing and we are incredibly proud of the final product. We hope it secures the future of the Pendolinos on the West Coast for many years to come.
The newly refurbished Pendolinos offer a range of new, comfortable and useful services. From top left – Standard Premium seating; wireless charging points; water dispensers; table power options; passenger information screens; onboard shop From top left – seat occupancy information; seat occupancy cameras; First class seating; at-seat power sockets
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Web-Virgin-Australia-1.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2022-04-26 10:24:062022-04-26 10:24:08£117m investment in refurbished Pendolinos
