Natalie Pawley clinches Travel Businesswoman of the Year 2024

Global Travel Management is thrilled to announce that Natalie Pawley, Director and Founder, has been awarded the title of Travel Businesswoman of the Year 2024.

This accolade, part of the nationwide Women in Business Awards 2023, recognises Natalie’s exceptional leadership and invaluable contributions to the business-to-business travel sector.

Natalie Pawley: Winner, Businesswoman of the Year; finalist, Leadership Award

Nominated by her Global Travel Management colleagues, Natalie emerged as a finalist in the “Leadership Award” category, ultimately securing the Travel Businesswoman of the Year 2024 honour.

The judging panel, comprised of business experts with diverse industry knowledge, commended Natalie’s outstanding leadership qualities.

Established in 1997 by Natalie, Global Travel Management has thrived under her guidance.

As the company’s first employee and Director, Natalie played a pivotal role in overcoming industry challenges, including navigating downturns post-9/11, Icelandic volcano disruptions, and the recent global business travel shutdown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Natalie has been a driving force behind the creation of a groundbreaking carbon offset programme aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of business travel.

Her commitment to sustainability aligns with Global Travel Management’s dedication to responsible business practices.

Scott Pawley, GTM Managing Director and Natalie’s husband said,

We are immensely proud of Natalie’s achievement as Travel Businesswoman of the Year. Her resilience and strategic vision have been instrumental in steering Global Travel Management through challenging times

Expressing her gratitude, Natalie Pawley stated,

I am honoured to receive the Travel Businesswoman of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire Global Travel Management team and our commitment to innovation and sustainability in the travel industry.

The Women in Business Awards celebrate outstanding women leaders across the UK, with over 4,800 travel agencies qualified to be for recognised. Natalie’s win underscores her remarkable contributions to the travel industry and her commitment to excellence.


Air France unveils exquisite in-flight dining experience for business travellers

Since the start of February 2024, Air France has been treating its Business customers on short-haul flights to a ‘gastronomic delight’, in collaboration with Servair Corporate Chef François Adamski, renowned Bocuse d’Or and Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

The airline’s revamped catering offer features a dynamic menu that evolves throughout the day.

For flights departing before 10 am, a sumptuous breakfast is served, showcasing sandwiches with carefully curated fillings like smoked salmon and cream cheese with dill on white bread, accompanied by a delightful breakfast pastry.

Gourmet lunchbox: François Adamski has created tasty sandwiches which are easy to eat on short flights

Post 10 am, passengers can indulge in Chef Adamski’s ‘signature’ sandwiches, including smoked paprika chicken and tarragon vegetables on granary bread, complemented by quintessentially French sweets and desserts like calissons, cannelés, or a tropézienne.

Chef Adamski has designed these delectable sandwiches to be easily enjoyed during the brief flight, incorporating local and seasonal produce, French-origin meat, poultry, and dairy, PDO cheeses, and sustainably sourced fish – all aligning with Air France’s stringent quality standards.

This culinary journey is refreshed monthly, packaged elegantly in a specially designed meal box exclusively for the airline’s Business customers.

Accompanying this gastronomic experience is a meticulously curated list of wines and champagnes, now served in a glass, along with an array of hot and cold beverages.

In an exemplary move towards responsible catering, the meal boxes and their waste undergo onboard sorting. Pioneering sustainability, Air France, with the support of Servair, subjects the boxes to methanisation – the process of breaking down organic waste into methane and other byproducts – for effective reprocessing.

The meal box not only represents Air France’s commitment to moving upmarket but also serves as a platform for promoting the richness of French cuisine.

Chef François Adamski’s culinary creations are not confined to the air; they extend to the Air France lounge in terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and grace the Business cabin on the airline’s medium-haul flights.


François Adamski, a distinguished chef with an illustrious career, began his culinary journey in the kitchens of the Hôtel de Matignon, followed by stints at prestigious establishments such as the Plaza Athénée, the Ritz, the Maison Prunier, and the Hôtel Intercontinental. His culinary prowess was affirmed in 2001 when he clinched the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, and in 2007, he earned the esteemed title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

After contributing six years to the Abbaye Saint-Ambroix in Bourges, where he maintained and upheld the Michelin star earned by his predecessor, Adamski ventured westward to Bordeaux in 2009. There, he assumed control of the kitchens at Gabriel’s, situated in a private hotel at Place de la Bourse. His impeccable command of classic French cuisine resulted in the well-deserved acquisition of his first Michelin star.

In 2012, driven by his dedication to the culinary profession and a passion for imparting knowledge, Adamski assumed the role of president of Team France Bocuse d’Or until 2020. His commitment to culinary excellence further manifested in 2021 when he was appointed vice-president of the esteemed Toques Françaises.

Embarking on a new challenge in early 2019, Adamski joined Servair, France’s leading airline catering company, as Corporate Chef. Tasked with promoting the company’s culinary identity and fostering the exchange of expertise, he also serves as the Secretary General of the Servair Culinary Studio. This innovative laboratory comprises starred chefs and culinary experts, and in this capacity, Adamski spearheads the company’s culinary innovations, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the art of gastronomy.


For those wishing to explore this elevated culinary experience further, please contact your dedicated Global Travel Account Manager.

On-the-go connectivity upgrade: LNER’s bespoke solution for East Coast Main Line

In a groundbreaking collaboration, LNER, Network Rail, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are joining forces to revolutionise mobile connectivity on the East Coast Main Line, with a particular focus on enhancing the travel experience for UK-based business travellers.

The latest development in this joint venture sees the successful installation of a bespoke antenna in the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels outside London King’s Cross station.

This milestone signifies a major stride towards ensuring a more reliable and consistent mobile phone and on-train Wi-Fi connection for passengers.

Copenhagen Tunnel: a set of three parallel railway tunnels, 534m long, carrying the main line tracks out of London’s King’s Cross, about a mile north of the station.

Notoriously challenging ‘not-spots’ experienced by travellers passing through the tunnels are expected to be eliminated, offering a seamless digital experience.

LNER, in partnership with Network Rail and key mobile network operators, has invested in this crucial infrastructure project, which is set to make the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels the first on the country’s operational railway to be equipped with this innovative mobile connectivity solution.

The installation, executed by rail connectivity and technology integration specialist Linbrooke, underwent rigorous testing at Network Rail’s Innovation and Development Centre in collaboration with mobile phone companies before being introduced to the network.

From later this year, business travellers and commuters alike can anticipate maintaining uninterrupted direct voice and data access to their mobile providers.

This enhancement will ensure that calls remain connected and online meetings stay seamless as passengers approach and depart from the bustling capital.

For UK-based business travellers seeking a more reliable and enhanced digital experience during their journeys, this collaborative effort signifies a significant step forward. The project not only addresses current connectivity challenges but also sets a precedent for improved mobile infrastructure on the nation’s railway network.

Helen Cavanagh, Head of Passenger Experience for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said:

This is a fantastic example of the rail industry and mobile operators working together to improve services and experience for passengers. “This project will keep most passengers connected with family and friends on the approach to King’s Cross station, helping boost their enjoyment when travelling on the East Coast Main Line.

A Virgin Media O₂ spokesperson explained that Virgin Media O₂ is focused on improving the network experience for its customers and closing any “not spots” that exist for them:

This project will help to ensure they are able to get quality mobile coverage on the move and enable them to stay connected when leaving and approaching London King’s Cross Station.

KLM unveils Southampton to Schiphol evening flights

In a bid to offer greater flexibility to business and leisure travellers, KLM is set to introduce a new daily evening service between Southampton and Schiphol Airport starting from Sunday, 31st March.

This latest addition will complement KLM’s existing daily morning and evening services from Southampton.

The evening flights, operated by KLM’s modern Embraer aircraft fleet, are scheduled as follows:

  • Departure from Amsterdam (AMS): 19:00
  • Arrival at Southampton (SOU): 19:10
  • Departure from Southampton (SOU): 19:40
  • Arrival at Amsterdam (AMS): 21:50

This move aims to provide passengers with an extended range of options to connect with one of Europe’s busiest hub airports. Southampton Airport, having recently completed a £17-million runway extension, continues to grow and improve its connectivity.

Christopher Tibbett, Head of Airline Relations and Marketing for Southampton Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of the evening service, stating,

The additional service will be welcomed not only by passengers traveling to the Dutch capital but also by those wishing to travel globally to one of 332 direct destinations in 97 countries served by one of Europe’s most popular hub airports.

This new service follows the successful completion of the runway extension program in August last year, with Glasgow and Belfast already enjoying new connections. Furthermore, exciting announcements for summer include flights to popular destinations such as Mallorca, Alicante and Faro.

For UK-based business travellers seeking increased options and seamless connectivity, this enhancement is a testament to KLM’s commitment to serving the needs of its passengers. As Southampton Airport continues to expand its offerings, this additional evening service further cements its position as a key player in the regional travel landscape.

To explore how this new service can benefit your business travel plans or for more information, reach out to your Global Travel Account Manager.


Enhanced flexibility: LNER Introduces Simpler Fares for business trips

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has introduced a groundbreaking Simpler Fares pilot scheme set to redefine the customer experience along the East Coast route.

The initiative focuses on providing a more straightforward ticketing system, making travel more accessible for UK-based business travellers.

The trial, covering select routes such as London King’s Cross to Newcastle, London to Berwick-upon-Tweed and London to Edinburgh, aims to simplify ticket purchasing and enhance flexibility.

Building on the success of the Single Leg Pricing across most of the LNER route, the Simpler Fares pilot offers customers the ability to mix and match fares with three straightforward options.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, emphasised the importance of simplifying fares to make rail travel more attractive. He stated,

This exciting new pilot is the next step in our plans to overhaul complicated and outdated ticketing options, and we look forward to hearing feedback from our customers.

Key Changes in Simpler Fares:

  1. Advance (Fixed): The ‘best value’ fare, booked in advance for a fixed journey with a guaranteed reserved seat for travel with LNER.
  2. ’70min Flex’ (Semi-Flexible): A new type of ticket offering customers the flexibility to travel on other LNER services, which can be 70 minutes before or after their originally booked journey.
  3. Anytime (Fully-Flexible): This ticket can be used at any time of day.

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak fares, representing only 11% of journeys included in the pilot, will be removed from 5 February, 2024.

LNER’s Managing Director, David Horne, expressed confidence that the changes, including pricing journeys more closely to demand, will make rail travel even more attractive. The introduction of a new semi-flexible ticket further adds modern flexibility to the fare structure. He said,

LNER remains at the forefront of rail reform. Simplifying fares is vital in making rail travel more attractive. Customers tell us they find fares confusing. 

This exciting new pilot is the next step in our plans to overhaul complicated and outdated ticketing options and we look forward to hearing feedback from our customers.

We believe that making fares simpler, smarter and fairer, while introducing value for money and modern flexibility, will encourage more people to choose to travel by rail, the most sustainable travel choice.

The pilot will run for two years and LNER will continue to collaborate with industry partners to understand how it is working for customers, also ensuring a wide range of affordable tickets are available.

The two-year pilot is designed to gather valuable customer feedback.

LNER will collaborate with industry partners to understand its impact, ensuring a wide range of affordable tickets remains available.

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, commented,

We are delivering on our commitment to reform the railways, working with operators to provide passengers with simpler and more flexible tickets that better suit their needs.

Stewart Fox-Mills, Fares, Ticketing, and Retail Programme Director at GBRTT, applauded the initiative, stating,

This pilot will move the dial towards simpler and better fares for customers.

For further information on the Simpler Fares pilot scheme and how it can benefit your business travel, contact your Global Travel Account Manager.

Sky-high rewards: AAdvantage elevates travel experiences for business travellers

TThe AAdvantage® programme by American Airlines continues to provide a superb rewards initiative for its members, maintaining its leadership in the travel rewards industry throughout 2024.

In the highly competitive landscape of travel rewards, the AAdvantage® program stands out as the largest and world’s first loyalty program, providing members with unparalleled experiences, diverse ways to earn and utilise miles and an array of rewards and status benefits.

Scott Chandler, American’s Senior Vice President of Loyalty and Revenue Management, highlights the exceptional value the AAdvantage program offers, stating,

There has never been a better time to be a member in the award-winning AAdvantage program. American has built a travel rewards program that’s simple and rewarding for everyone.

The AAdvantage® programme’s commitment to delivering top-notch rewards and experiences is evident in its continuous enhancements. From 1 March 2024, American Airlines plans to elevate the programme further, ensuring AAdvantage® members enjoy extended benefits.

Admirals Club: AAdvantage members will be able to purchase a one-day pass

AAdvantage® members are provided with myriad opportunities to earn miles and Loyalty Points.

Recent additions to the programme, such as AAdvantage Hotels™ and AAdvantage Events™, offer members faster routes to rewards.

Soon, members can also earn miles when opting to pay with cash for an upgrade to a premium cabin.

A new addition to the Loyalty Point Rewards includes earning additional Loyalty Points towards AAdvantage® status, starting at the 15,000 Loyalty Point Reward level. The qualification year for 2024 begins on 1 March 2024, and runs until 28 February 2025, with the breakdown of status and reward levels available on aa.com.

Introduced in 2022, Loyalty Points contribute towards status and unlock Loyalty Point Rewards, starting at 15,000 Loyalty Points.

AAdvantage® members now have more ways to use their miles for unforgettable experiences.

A new “Enhance with Miles” opportunity allows Platinum Pro® status members to redeem miles for Flagship® First Dining passes, providing a luxurious dining experience at the airport.

Furthermore, in 2024, members can redeem miles for upgrades with select airline partners.

As always, AAdvantage® miles can be used for flights, upgrades, lounge memberships, hotels, car rentals and more.

In 2023, AAdvantage members redeemed approximately 14 million awards for flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotel bookings, club memberships and merchandise.

Being an AAdvantage® member comes with exclusive benefits. Starting later in 2024, American Airlines will introduce benefits exclusive to its members, including:

  • Same-day Standby: Stand by for an earlier domestic flight free of charge.
  • Extended Trip Credit: Enjoy six more months to use Trip Credit than non-members when cancelling travel online.
  • Admirals Club® One-Day Passes: Purchase a One-Day Pass to access Admirals Club lounges.
  • Flagship Lounge® Single Visit Passes: Buy a pass to enjoy the premium Flagship Lounge.
  • 24-hour Trip Hold: Put flights on hold free of charge for up to 24 hours.

Starting later this month, AAdvantage® members can also cancel non-refundable Basic Economy tickets and receive a partial trip credit for a fee.

American Airlines is committed to exploring avenues to create a more exclusive and rewarding experience for AAdvantage® members.

For more information about American Airlines flights, contact your dedicated Global Travel Account Manager.

Business travel boost: London Southend Airport unveils new route to Milan

London Southend Airport is set to elevate travel options for UK-based business travellers with a newly forged partnership with Aeroitalia, Italy’s second-largest airline.

The collaboration includes the introduction of a compelling new route to Milan Bergamo, with plans for additional routes in the pipeline.

Starting on 25 March, business travellers can embark on a six-times weekly journey with Aeroitalia to Milan Bergamo, commencing at an attractive fare of €79.99 one-way.

The strategically timed morning departures cater to both business and leisure travellers, ensuring a seamless connection to Milan, the epitome of Italy’s fashion and cultural scene.

London Southend Airport’s CEO, John Upton, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating,

We are delighted to announce this new and exciting collaboration with Aeroitalia, the second-largest Italian airline in Italy, bringing near-daily flights to Milan Bergamo.

Upton emphasised the significance of this partnership, positioning the airport as a convenient gateway for passengers in East London and Southeast England to access the heart of Italian fashion and culture.

Gaetano Intrieri, CEO of Aeroitalia, echoed the sentiment, expressing determination to enhance and expand operations to deliver high-quality services. Intrieri remarked,

We are confident that this new route will become a bridge between cultures, connecting our beautiful Italian cities with the vibrant energy of London.

For those planning to embark on this Italian adventure, London Southend Airport offers a convenient and quick journey. Just 52 minutes by train from London Liverpool Street or 43 minutes from Stratford (via the Elizabeth Line), passengers can reach the airport terminal with ease, located ‘a mere 100 paces from the station door’.

This announcement comes on the heels of London Southend Airport’s successful winter schedule, featuring the return of multiple routes. With the addition of Aeroitalia, the airport’s summer offerings will be further enriched, complementing existing partnerships with easyJet, Balkan Holidays, and Santa’s Lapland. In 2024, travellers can choose from a total of eleven destinations, solidifying London Southend Airport’s status as a preferred hub for many business travellers.

For further information, contact your Global Travel Account Manager today.Note: Quotes in this article are word-for-word from the original press release.

LNER advances carbon capture technology in rail industry sustainability drive

LNER is making significant strides in its commitment to decarbonisation with the expansion of a pilot project in collaboration with science and technology startup Algacraft.

The pilot initiative aimed to assess the feasibility of utilising microalgae bioreactors to capture carbon around railway stations.

Carbon capture: LNER is investing in microalgae as part of its journey to net zero

Microalgae, claimed to be even more efficient at capturing carbon dioxide than some trees, was tested for its adaptability to the UK climate without the need for temperature control.

The five-month trial period successfully demonstrated the growth of microalgae outdoors and its ability to capture carbon on a small scale.

Building on the success of the initial trial, LNER and Algacraft are now entering a second phase of testing at Berwick-upon-Tweed station.

The project utilises disused land adjacent to the railway, aiming to determine if the bioreactors developed during the pilot can be scaled up for more efficient carbon capture.

Each bioreactor occupies approximately the same amount of land as two parking spaces, making it a practical option for deployment in densely populated areas and stations.

This groundbreaking Algacraft pilot was selected as part of LNER’s flagship accelerator programme, FutureLabs. Designed to introduce innovative concepts to the rail industry, FutureLabs addresses key challenges, including the pursuit of a more sustainable railway.

Danny Gonzalez, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer at LNER, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s success, stating,

The early success of this first trial phase shows real promise. We strongly believe that technology holds the key to discovering novel ways to reduce our impact on the planet.

The research project aligns with LNER’s long-term sustainability plan, which includes achieving at least two carbon-neutral stations by 2025 and aiming for complete net-zero emissions by 2045.

In 2024, LNER plans to collaborate with Algacraft to optimise the system, demonstrating that on-site microalgae production can outperform other plant-based solutions in capturing CO2 in a given area.

Gonzalez added,

Given we have reached this first milestone, we look forward to developing our research further with Algacraft and sharing our learnings more widely with the rail sector and beyond.

For further information on LNER’s services and to book any rail journey at home or overseas, please contact your Global Travel Account Manager.


Intermodal ingenuity: Air Canada unveils air-to-rail connections across Europe

Air Canada has unveiled an innovative air-to-rail booking option, enhancing the travel experience for its customers connecting at European airports.

This initiative allows passengers seamlessly to book onward rail trips, providing convenient access to a multitude of destinations in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Intermodal journeys: Air Canada has increased air-to-rail connection options across Europe

The move reflects Air Canada’s commitment to enriching the travel experience, promoting sustainability and creating intermodal hubs.

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada, emphasised the airline’s dedication to providing more than just flights. He said,

In offering easy onward airport connections with the national rail systems in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, we are creating intermodal hubs and opening the door for customers to reach stations at major cities and popular destinations throughout these countries

Through partnerships with Lufthansa Express Rail Product, AccesRail and WorldTicket, Air Canada passengers can seamlessly book rail travel when purchasing their flights.

This collaboration allows a streamlined booking process, connecting Air Canada flights with trains operated by renowned rail systems, including France’s TGV-SNCF Voyageurs, Germany’s Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways, and Austria’s ÖBB.

The European intermodal initiative not only simplifies the booking process but also offers added convenience.

Passengers can check in for all segments of their journey before departure, eliminating the need to obtain a train ticket at the station. In the event of any flight disruption, Air Canada ensures rebooking for both air and rail segments, providing peace of mind to travellers.

  • France: Customers can now purchase a single ticket connecting them at France’s Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris to up to 22 SNCF Voyageurs high-speed rail destinations across France, including Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Strasbourg.
  • Germany: Expanding on existing intermodal rail connections with Lufthansa Express Rail, Air Canada now provides access to over 5,600 railway stations across Germany using Deutsche Bahn’s Rail and Fly products from Frankfurt and Munich. Codeshare on the German rail is set to launch in 2024 via the Lufthansa express rail product.
  • Switzerland: Travellers flying to Zurich or Geneva on Air Canada can connect at the airport to Swiss Federal Railways trains, reaching up to 11 stations throughout Switzerland, including popular destinations like Basel and Lucerne.
  • Austria: ÖBB services are now available from Vienna airport, connecting to up to nine railway stations across Austria, including Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.

This strategic expansion aligns with Air Canada’s goal of providing travel choices for customers.

The airline’s partnership portfolio has doubled over the past decade, with 39 codeshares, 120 interline agreements and four intermodal rail options. With an extensive network, Air Canada is making thousands of exciting destinations easily accessible.

Air Canada encourages its customers to embrace the new intermodal offering, putting thousands of exciting destinations within easy reach while offering sustainable travel options to major European destinations.

For details of all Air Canada flights and for rail bookings in the UK, Canada, Europe, North America and elsewhere, contact your Global Travel Account Manager.

Two awards for Global Travel Management

Global Travel Management received two prestigious awards last week, awarded by the Advantage Travel Partnership. 

The annual Big Celebration Lunch is the spectacular annual gathering of suppliers and partners to Advantage, which is the third-largest travel consortium in Europe.  

Marketing win: the Advantage trophy for Best Marketing Initiative/Campaign

Hosted by television presenter Mark Durden-Smith and opened by Advantage CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said, the 2023 event took place at the London Hilton Bankside and marked the return to the face-to-face celebration for the first time since the pandemic. 

Global Travel Management’s first award of the event was the “Marketing Campaign/Initiative 2023”, for GTM’s Sales and Marketing Teams.  

Mark Wilson, Global Travel Management’s Marketing Director said, 

This award celebrated the work we do to engage with businesses around the UK.  Our weekly email newsletters have proved a very popular way to provide news updates to business travellers, travel bookers and individuals for whom corporate travel plays an important part in their day-to-day business.  Not everyone can expect to spend the time keeping up to date on the ever-changing business travel landscape, so a weekly digest has proven to be a well-read, much appreciated resource.

Individual subscribers to the newsletter can find out all they need to know about business travel from the weekly newsletter.  And, if they need more information, they can reach out to our team. 

The biggest award of the event, however, was the final announcement of the day.  

Spotlight Award: Scott Pawley with the 2023 Advantage Spotlight Winner’s trophy

The Advantage Spotlight Award is reserved for the individual who has demonstrated a positive contribution to the industry. 

Scott Pawley, Managing Director of Global Travel Management was named as the 2023 winner. 

Scott was described as having gone above and beyond throughout the course of 2023. 

The dedication went on to say Scott “has led his business with ambition and dynamism” and recognised Scott’s “drive to fully maximise the use of technology to drive a first-class service to his corporate customers”.  

Scott said, after the event, 

I am delighted to receive this award. And I am particularly pleased that it has been presented for the way in which Global Travel Management has been able to deliver a first class service to every customer, by combining state of the art travel technology products and a team of experienced professional travel consultants with unrivalled experience in the business travel sector. 

The dedication for Scott’s award also highlighted other areas of Global Travel Management’s business.  

Scott added 

We have worked hard to neutralise the environmental impact of doing business with Global Travel Management.  That’s why we have devoted so much time and expense in ensuring that we go beyond net zero by expanding the forest of trees planted by Global Travel Management and our customers to sequester all the carbon created by everything we do, every day. 

You can find more about the GTM Carbon Offset Programme here.  And, if you would like to subscribe – free of charge – to the weekly Global Travel Management business travel newsletter, drop us an email to sayhello@gtm.uk.com.