Dave

UK Aviation Commits to Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050

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Members of the UK Sustainable Aviation coalition have united behind a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. At an event with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP in Central London, aviation industry executives signed a pledge committing to cut carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

This is based on a thorough review of the opportunities to cut aviation emissions and forms a central pillar of a new “Decarbonisation Road-Map: A Path to Net Zero” published by Sustainable Aviation. This sets out where reductions can come from, including through smarter flight operations, new aircraft and engine technology, modernising UK airspace, the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and high-quality market-based policy measures.

With these actions, the UK will be able to grow passenger numbers by 70% – in line with current projections – whilst reducing net emissions from 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year today down to zero.

A “Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road-Map” has also been released today alongside the Decarbonisation Road Map, which identifies the specific role that sustainable aviation fuels could play in meeting this commitment. It forecasts that the UK could become a world leader in developing sustainable aviation fuels, which could meet 32% of the nation’s demand for aviation fuel by 2050.

Neil Robinson, Chair of Sustainable Aviation, said:

Climate change is a clear and pressing issue for people, businesses and governments across the world. We know aviation emissions will increase if decisive action is not taken, and that’s why UK aviation today commits to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, through an international approach, working with governments around the world and through the UN.

The UK is well positioned to become one of the leaders in the green technologies of the future, including sustainable aviation fuels and electric flight, creating highly-skilled and well-paid jobs in the process, and we look forward to working in partnership with Ministers to help realise these opportunities.

Rt. Hon Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said:

The fight against climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the modern world, but the aviation sector’s commitment today is a huge step forward in creating a greener future.

Aviation has a crucial role to play in reducing carbon emissions, and with the help of new technologies, renewable fuels and our continued international co-operation through the UN agency, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, we’ll be able to strike that balance, creating a greener and cleaner future.


Dave

British Airways trials automated cocktail maker

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British Airways is exclusively trialling an automated cocktail maker in its San Francisco and Newark lounges. Cocktails are dispensed in under 45 seconds, adding a new dimension to the food and drink available for customers.

Available until March 2020, British Airways’ First and Club World customers travelling from San Francisco and Newark will be able to choose from a selection of 30 cocktails and customisable drinks from the robotic device. This includes locally-inspired cocktails that British Airways has created – Silicon Galley and Echo-Whisky-Romeo.

The machine has been created by mix-master Barsys using Artificial Intelligence.  As British Airways is the first UK airline to trial the technology, it gives the airline’s customers a first chance to try this autonomous machine.

Customers simply order their drink by clicking one button on the app, then place a glass on the conveyer belt and let the AI do the work.

Ricardo Vidal, British Airways’ Head of Innovation, said

We are always looking at innovative ways to enhance our customers’ journey on the ground and in the air. Barsys offers a new cocktail experience and what better way to trial this technology than in San Francisco, in our newly refurbished lounge, and Newark, two of the most cosmopolitan and tech-savvy metropolitan regions in the US.

Akshet Tewari, Barsys CEO and Founder, said

We are so excited to partner with British Airways as we have always felt that an airport lounge was the perfect place to create a unique and fun cocktail experience. We recognise that Barsys will never replace a good bartender but can free them up to make more complicated drinks and interact with customers.

Dave

PM confirms HS2 will go ahead alongside “revolution in local transport”

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HS2 will go ahead alongside radical improvements to local transport networks all across the country, the PM confirmed today.

In a statement to Parliament he set out that after careful consideration of the independent Oakervee review, the decision has been taken to proceed with HS2.

Alongside this, the PM outlined his vision for “a revolution in local transport to ensure that towns and cities in every region have the modern, joined up network needed to fire up economic growth”.

A multi-billion pound package to transform buses and cycling is set to deliver at least 4,000 new “Zero Emission” buses, higher frequency services (including evenings and weekends), more affordable, simpler fares, and new priority schemes to make routes more efficient. The £5 billion in new funding will also help build over 250 miles of new, high quality separated cycle routes, and dozens of ‘Mini-Holland’ schemes to make town centres safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

The PM also pledged further upgrades for local connections including:

  • Cutting congestion and boosting the local road network across the country by accelerating local schemes to the next stage of development, from Hartlepool and Cheadle in the North to Melksham to Salisbury in the South West
  • Upgrading Bristol East Junction station to tackle a major pinch point in the South West rail network, so that passengers can travel in and out of Bristol more easily
  • Taking forward work to improve the A1 north of Newcastle, strengthening the link to the Scottish Border

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

The Prime Minster made a statement to Parliament this afternoon

Delivering better, faster and more reliable transport connections is the way to close the opportunity gap across this country.

But it is not and never will be an ‘either/or’ between big projects and local services.

Dramatic improvements to local transport and the decision to proceed with HS2 will shift this country’s centre of gravity away from the capital and transform connectivity between our towns and cities.

I am drawing a clear line under the mismanagement of the past – HS2 must be delivered more efficiently and cost-effectively so that communities feel its benefits more quickly, particularly those in the North.

Douglas Oakervee’s independent review into HS2 has today been published in full. After thorough analysis of the benefits and impacts of the project, work on Phase 1 (the route between London and Birmingham) is set to start in April. Government will revive the legislation to deliver Phase 2a (connecting Birmingham to Crewe) as soon as possible so that preparation works can move forward.

The Prime Minister told Parliament that he is committed to Phase 2b of the project, extending high-speed rail from the West Midlands to the North. In order to work out how best to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail and Phase 2b more effectively, government will draw up an integrated plan for rail in the North, informed by an assessment from the National Infrastructure Commission.

This will work to identify the most effective sequencing of all relevant investments in the north, and look at how the two schemes can work together alongside wider investment in transport for the North and Midlands. It will also have a focus on ensuring that lessons are learned from Phase 1 of HS2 to drive down costs.

Recognising that better East-West connections are a priority for local leaders, the Government will look at how best to accelerate the delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail, including looking at options for a new delivery body. The decision to proceed with HS2 is accompanied by a clear commitment to drawing a line under past failures of leadership, transparency and cost control, and a recognition that to go forward, things must change.

The PM outlined a number of measures to instil discipline and financial order to the project, including:

  • Appointing a dedicated minister with specific oversight and accountability for HS2
  • Redefining HS2 Ltd’s role so that they can give maximum focus to successfully delivering Phase 1 and 2a, and making new delivery arrangements for Euston station and the design and construction of Phase 2b, to ensure better value for money and on time delivery
  • Improved transparency through regular reports to Parliament from the responsible minister

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

I’ve been clear that we needed all the facts to decide the way forward with HS2. Fully informed by a comprehensive and detailed scrutiny of all the facts, now is the time to drive HS2 forward, alongside a ‘High Speed North’ plan to give the North and Midlands the capacity and connectivity it vitally needs.

We are also clear that the project must reform and improve, with clearer accountability and transparency to ensure its incredible benefits are matched by a tight control of costs.

Our vision for increasing opportunity and prosperity across every part of our country doesn’t stop with HS2. We achieve that not only through investing in critical national projects to transform journeys in the future, but delivering on the vital connections people rely on today to ensure no community is left behind.

Douglas Oakervee, Chair of the independently-led review into HS2, said:

I am proud of the work that the Review Panel has carried out. The Review’s Report is a comprehensive appraisal of a challenging project. I believe the recommendations help offer it a way forward, a means of increasing scrutiny and oversight, protecting the interests of passengers and taxpayers, and rebuilding confidence in an important piece of critical national infrastructure which will do much to rebalance the economy.

I am delighted that a decision on the project has been made, and it is now the job of the government to take this ambitious project forward.

Dave

#WATFORDWednesday

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We like to celebrate businesses who, like Global Travel Management, have offices in Watford.

So, every week, we promote businesses that are based – or have offices – in Watford.

We simply choose one company each week and tweet a link to the Twitter account of that business, with the hashtag #WATFORDWednesday.

In this way, our followers on Twitter get to find out about some of the other great companies that make up the town.  And they may decide to follow them – and do business with them – too.

Follow us on Twitter to see which business we are shining a light on each week –
https://twitter.com/GlobalTravelMgt

And, if you know of any business that’s based in Watford that you think we should promote, let us know.  Send an email to sayhello@gtm.uk.com with the subject line #WATFORDWednesday – we will do our best to make sure they’re included. 

Dave

New Coronavirus travel restrictions announced

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published updated travel restriction information for passengers travelling to a number of international destination countries.

The restrictions vary by destination country and, in some cases, by nationality. They include details of mandatory self-isolation, immediate quarantine, completion of Health Clearance Forms on-board flights, visas and e-visas being invalidated and the ending of some visa exemptions.

The countries for which travel restrictions have been updated are Antiga and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Chinese Tapei, Cook Islands, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmr, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Paraguay, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

For the updated travel restriction information on each of these countries, please visit the IATA website, here https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm

Dave

South African Airways announces plans to close regional, international routes from 29 February

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SAA has announced a tranche of urgent measures to conserve cashflow, including the axing of several regional and international routes from the end of February 2020.

SAA will close the following regional and international services from Johannesburg to Abidjan via Accra, Entebbe, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Luanda, Munich, Ndola, and Sao Paulo. But will continue to operate all international services between Johannesburg and Frankfurt, London Heathrow, New York, Perth and Washington via Accra.

On the domestic route network, SAA will continue to serve Cape Town on a reduced basis. But all other domestic destinations, including Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth, will cease to be operated by SAA on 29 February 2020.

Domestic routes operated by Mango will not be affected by the changes.

The flight schedule for the rest of February 2020 remains unchanged and the airline states that it “does not intend to make any further significant network changes”.

Natalie

#WOKINGWednesday

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We like to celebrate businesses who, like Global Travel Management, have offices in Woking.

So, every week, we promote businesses that are based – or have offices – in Woking.

We simply choose one company each week and tweet a link to the Twitter account of that business, with the hashtag #WOKINGWednesday.

In this way, our followers on Twitter get to find out about some of the other great companies that make up our town.  And they may decide to follow them – and do business with them – too.

Follow us on Twitter to see which business we are shining a light on each week –
https://twitter.com/GlobalTravelMgt

And, if you know of any business that’s based in Woking that you think we should promote, let us know.  Send an email to sayhello@gtm.uk.com with the subject line #WOKINGWednesday – we will do our best to make sure they’re included. 

Natalie

“SAA continues operations as normal”

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MONDAY, 20 JANUARY 2020: Following media reports that South African Airways will cease operations, the airline has issued a media release.

The media release states the following:

South African Airways (SAA) wishes to assure its customers and stakeholders that flights to all its destinations continue as normal.
The airline is aware of media reports suggesting that it will cease operations. SAA is always committed to transparently communicate with all stakeholders, including customers, about any material or significant operational changes that may have an impact on flight schedules.
Where there may be flight schedule amendments, such operational changes will be managed and communicated in accordance with the industry norms and practices.

SAA released a statement to the media on Monday, 20 January

Global Travel Management continues to support clients with bookings on SAA or wishing to travel on any of the airlines’ routes.

We will update our website if the information in this story changes.

Natalie

Important advice for Flybe passengers

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UPDATE: 11:25 15 January 2019

Following an intervention by Cabinet ministers Grant Shapps (Transport Secretary), Andrea Leadsom (Business Secretary) and Sajid Javid (Chancellor), the Government has confirmed a package of measures aimed at ensuring the continued service of all Flybe routes and flights.

As a result of this deal, Global Travel Management can confirm that all customers will continue to be able to book Flybe services, either online (using GTM Online) or offline (via GTM’s teams of travel consultants). 

All usual forms of payment are accepted for Flybe flights booked through Global Travel Management.  And, of course, all trips will be managed and associated services such as additional flights, hotel bookings, taxis, car parking, rail journeys, etc, continue to be provided.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid said:

I welcome Flybe’s confirmation that they will continue to operate as normal, safeguarding jobs in UK and ensuring flights continue to serve communities across the whole of the UK. The reviews we are announcing today will help level up our economy. They will ensure that regional connections not only continue but flourish in the years to come – so that every nation and region can fulfil its potential.

Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said:

I am delighted that we have managed to reach an agreement with Flybe shareholders to keep the company in operation, ensuring that regions across the country can continue to be connected. My department and others across government have worked tirelessly in an incredibly short timeframe. This will be welcome news for Flybe, their customers and dedicated employees, as well as those in the supply chain. We will continue to work with Flybe and regional operators to find a sustainable long term future.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

I am delighted that we have been able to work closely with Flybe to ensure Europe’s largest regional airline is able to continue providing their valued services, connecting communities across the UK. The Department for Transport will undertake an urgent review into how we can level up the country by strengthening regional connectivity and will look at all the options that we have to make sure our airports can continue to play an important role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and greening aviation, across the country.

Mark Anderson, CEO of Flybe said:

Flybe is made up of an incredible team of people, serving millions of loyal customers who rely on the vital regional connectivity that we provide. This is a positive outcome for the UK and will allow us to focus on delivering for our customers and planning for the future.

Lucien Farrell, Chairman Connect Airways said:

We are very encouraged with recent developments, especially the Government’s recognition of the importance of Flybe to communities and businesses across the UK and the desire to strengthen regional connectivity.   As a result, the shareholder consortium has committed to keep Flybe flying with additional funding alongside Government initiatives. 

If you have any questions with regards to booking on Flybe, please contact your GTM Account Manager.

UPDATE: 10:35 14 January 2019

Flybe continues to operate all of its services, domestically and internationally. Flights can be booked on all routes, through Global Travel Management. However, passengers may choose to pay for their flights using credit cards, in order to benefit from the provisions of section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act should the airline fail.

The Government is holding meetings today in which a package of measures will be discussed, designed to help the airline.

The Prime Minister has confirmed:

We see the importance of Flybe in delivering connectivity across the whole of the United Kingdom.

Flybe has tweeted to confirm that it “continues to provide great service”. You can follow Flybe on Twitter

Original article, posted 13 January:

Due to the current uncertainty of Flybe’s future viability as a company, GTM recommends that, with immediate effect, customers should only purchase their tickets using a credit card which offers protection from airline failures.

Should Flybe cease operations – and we have no inside knowledge that this will be the case – any passenger whose ticket is purchased by cash or invoice, is unlikely to see a full refund of their ticket (as they will become an unsecured creditor). Hence, our recommendation that with immediate effect, tickets are purchased using a valid credit card.

We will, of course, endeavour to keep all customers updated as soon as we know more.

Natalie

Luis Gallego to succeed retiring Willie Walsh as CEO of IAG in March

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International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced that Willie Walsh has decided to retire as chief executive. He will stand down from the role and from the Board of IAG on 26 March 2020 and will retire on 30 June 2020. Luis Gallego, currently Iberia chief executive, will succeed Walsh.

Antonio Vázquez, IAG chairman, said:

Willie has led the merger and successful integration of British Airways and Iberia to form IAG.  Under Willie’s leadership IAG has become one of the leading global airline groups.

Willie has been the main driver of this unique idea that is IAG. I hugely admire his commitment, strong leadership and clear vision, always ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead of him. I am deeply respectful of what he has achieved as CEO of this Group, of his sense of fairness, his transparency and his capacity to integrate people regardless of nationalities or backgrounds.

Willie has established a strong management team and I am delighted that Luis will be promoted from this team to succeed Willie as CEO. The Board is confident that Luis is the right person to lead IAG in the next stage of its development and we look forward to working closely with Luis in his new role.

Willie Walsh said:

It has been a privilege to have been instrumental in the creation and development of IAG. I have had the pleasure of working with many exceptional people over the past 15 years at British Airways and at IAG. Luis has been a core member of the team and has shown true leadership over the years and I have no doubt he will be a great CEO of IAG.

Luis Gallego has been CEO of Iberia since March 2013 and Chairman of the airline since 2014. He will take over as CEO of IAG in March 2020.

Luis Gallego said:

It has been a great pleasure to work with Willie over the last seven years. It is a huge honour to lead this great company. It is an exciting time at IAG and I am confident that we can build on the strong foundations created by Willie.

IAG has not yet named Gallego’s successor at Iberia.

If you need to book flights on any of IAG’s airlines – Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL or Vueling – contact your GTM Account Manager.