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.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/WEB-Gatwick-Airport-station-1.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2024-01-05 12:27:532024-01-05 12:28:09Business travel boost: London Southend Airport unveils new route to Milan
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.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WEB-LNER-Chemists.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-12-06 09:04:282023-12-06 09:04:30LNER advances carbon capture technology in rail industry sustainability drive
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.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WEB-Air-Canada-intermodal.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-12-05 14:00:182023-12-08 14:12:49Intermodal ingenuity: Air Canada unveils air-to-rail connections across Europe
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.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WEB-Advantage.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-12-04 13:11:362023-12-04 13:11:39Two awards for Global Travel Management
LNER has added a touch of festive flair to its First Class dining experience with the launch of a Christmas menu, complete with a seasonal cocktail.
‘Sausage’ roll: The turkey and cranberry savoury snack is filled with turkey and chicken with added cranberry and stuffing.
The exclusive blood orange Christmas Cosmo cocktail, crafted by mixologist Tom Savano, blends zesty lime, cranberry and crisp vodka, offering passengers a unique and delightful winter tipple.
Available until 3 January 2024, the delectable menu features a range of mouthwatering options.
Passengers can indulge in a turkey and cranberry ‘sausage’ roll, elevated with sage and black onion seeds, accompanied by an orange, spiced carrot and pumpkin Christmas ketchup.
For those with a taste for something different, there’s a cheese and Christmas slaw sandwich served on malted wheat grain bread.
For the ultimate indulgence, ravioli pasta pillows filled with creamy burrata, truffle and a spinach sauce are also on offer.
Sweet treats abound with options like a heavenly dessert pot of smooth, rich chocolate and hazelnut or a portion of Baileys Chocolate Truffles.
The festive menu reflects LNER’s commitment to local suppliers along its east coast route, showcasing the passion and quality of producers in London, York and Newcastle, who source exceptional local ingredients.
Richard Judge, Head of Customer Experience at LNER, expressed the significance of the festive menu, stating,
Nothing helps you get into the spirit of Christmas quite like food and drink, and this menu provides passengers with a complimentary festive feast. Thanks to a dedicated team at LNER, it features some of the finest culinary suppliers from across our route, and we’re proud to be supporting local businesses.
Passengers in Standard class are not left out, as LNER offers a ‘Let’s Eat At Your Seat‘ service. This includes a ham and Christmas slaw sandwich, truffle crisps and Yummycomb – a locally made vegan and gluten-free honeycomb enrobed in dark chocolate orange.
The culinary offerings are part of LNER’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience and ensuring a pleasant journey for passengers traveling during the winter season.
For further information on the festive delights and dining experiences with LNER, passengers are invited to contact their Global Travel Account Manager.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WEB-LNER.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-12-01 12:00:442023-12-06 08:14:27First class festivities: LNER launches an exclusive first class Christmas menu
In a festive extravaganza, British Airways is celebrating Christmas like never before, spreading holiday cheer to its customers with a myriad of delightful surprises.
Anticipating an impressive 380,000 Christmas dinners served, the airline has transformed its flights into winter wonderlands, ensuring a memorable experience for all its passengers.
Christmas dinner: First class passengers can enjoy chestnut stuffed British roast turkey with all the trimmings
Decking the halls from the check-in counters to the onboard experience, British Airways has gone the extra mile to create a Christmas spectacle at London Heathrow, Gatwick, and City airports.
Festive check-in screens, Christmas decor, and seasonal music greet travelers, setting the tone for a magical journey.
Lounges have been adorned with bespoke Christmas menus, cookies, gingerbread, and mulled wine, accompanied by a special festive scent featuring cinnamon and spices.
Collaborating with Hotel Chocolat, the Concorde Room offers a hot chocolate winter warmer, while the First lounge tempts passengers with a festive chocolate cream cocktail.
An exclusive winter wonderland, crafted by a British Original artist using ‘snow graffiti,’ welcomes customers on the walkway between main lounges in Heathrow Terminal 5, showcasing a snowy British skyline scene.
Bespoke bauble: British Airways has a special gift for premium passengers on 24 and 25 December
Upon boarding, passengers are serenaded by Christmas music and seated on festively adorned seats featuring specially designed headrest covers with the airline’s bespoke Christmas ribbon design.
As a sweet farewell, all passengers receive chocolates upon departure.
Taking the festive spirit to 35,000 feet, long-haul travellers can indulge in traditional Christmas dinners served on themed trays, totaling a staggering 380,000 meals.
With over 1,500 hours of inflight entertainment, including 20 classic Christmas films and 50 TV Christmas specials on the dedicated ‘Christmas countdown’ channel, British Airways ensures a jolly time in the air.
Festive scented soap in the onboard restrooms adds to the holiday ambiance.
For its most premium customers traveling on December 24 and 25, British Airways presents a special gift – a beautifully hand-painted, bespoke glass Christmas bauble.
Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer of British Airways, expressed the airline’s excitement, saying,
Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year – customers and colleagues alike – and we’re all really excited to spread some holiday cheer over the coming weeks, both at the airport and in the skies.
We hope these special touches, both big and small, help make our customers’ journey, wherever it may be, as original and extra special as possible. To all our customers, however you are celebrating, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Those in Euro Traveller on short-haul flights won’t miss out, with a selection of festive treats available for purchase through the airline’s High Life Café. Options include Tom Kerridge’s turkey feast sandwich, Pullin’s Gingerbread Muffin, and LoveRaw’s vegan M:lk Choc Cre&m bar, along with Christmas spirits like Black Cow’s Christmas Spirit vodka and Brewdog’s Elf lager.
For more information about this festive experience and other personalized travel services, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WEB-BA-Xmas.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-12-01 10:00:202023-12-04 10:11:38British Airways unveils spectacular 'British Original Christmas' celebrations for 2023
In a groundbreaking achievement for the aviation industry, Virgin Atlantic has successfully completed Flight100, a historic journey from London Heathrow to New York JFK, powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The milestone flight, conducted on a Boeing 787 with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, is a testament to the viability of SAF as a safe and efficient replacement for traditional fossil-derived jet fuel.
Sir Richard: Virgin Atlantic founder Branson said “The world will always assume something can’t be done, until you do it”
This unprecedented accomplishment, marking the first commercial airline flight across the Atlantic fueled exclusively by 100% SAF, was the result of a year-long collaboration led by Virgin Atlantic.
The consortium, which included key partners such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, ICF, and Rocky Mountain Institute, worked in conjunction with the Department for Transport to make this historic journey possible.
The SAF used in Flight100 is a unique dual blend, consisting of 88% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) supplied by AirBP and 12% Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene (SAK) supplied by Virent, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Notably, HEFA is derived from waste fats, while SAK is produced from plant sugars, with the remaining plant proteins, oil, and fibres continuing into the food chain. This combination not only demonstrates the versatility of SAF but also contributes to the airline’s commitment to sustainability.
The significance of Flight100 extends beyond its symbolic nature. Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Atlantic said:
Flight100 proves that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be used as a safe, drop-in replacement for fossil-derived jet fuel and it’s the only viable solution for decarbonising long haul aviation. It’s taken radical collaboration to get here and we’re proud to have reached this important milestone, but we need to push further.
There’s simply not enough SAF and it’s clear that in order to reach production at scale, we need to see significantly more investment. This will only happen when regulatory certainty and price support mechanisms, backed by Government, are in place.
Flight100 proves that if you make it, we’ll fly it.
SAF has emerged as a crucial element in the decarbonisation of long-haul aviation, providing CO2 lifecycle emissions savings of up to 70%.
Unlike other technologies such as electric and hydrogen, SAF is available for immediate use.
Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Atlantic said:
The world will always assume something can’t be done, until you do it. The spirit of innovation is getting out there and trying to prove that we can do things better for everyone’s benefit. Virgin Atlantic has been challenging the status quo and pushing the aviation industry to never settle and do better since 1984. Fast forward nearly 40 years, that pioneering spirit continues to be Virgin Atlantic’s beating heart as it pushes the boundaries from carbon fibre aircraft and fleet upgrades to sustainable fuels. I couldn’t be prouder to be onboard Flight100 today alongside the teams at Virgin Atlantic and our partners, which have been working together to set the flight path for the decarbonisation of long-haul aviation.
Mark Harpper: The Transport Secretary said ““This Government will continue to support the UK’s emerging SAF industry as it creates jobs, grows the economy and gets us to Jet Zero”
Currently representing less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes, the success of Flight100 underscores that scaling up production is a matter of policy and investment.
The industry and government have the opportunity to collaborate to foster a thriving UK SAF industry.
Flight100 also serves as a platform to assess the impact of SAF on non-carbon emissions.
Consortium partners, including ICF, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Imperial College London, and the University of Sheffield, will contribute to research that enhances scientific understanding of contrails and particulates, subsequently influencing flight planning processes.
Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to sharing data and research with the industry underscores its dedication to fostering sustainable practices.
Global Travel Management has received accolades for its industry-leading efforts to decarbonise business travel. Scott Pawley, Global Travel Management managing director explained
Our customers tell us that one of the crucial factors that influences their decisions as to when, how and where to travel is the environmental impact. That’s why we launched the GTM Carbon Offset Programme to build an ever-expanding forest of trees to sequester carbon from the atmosphere when customers travel on business.
But I share Sir Richard Branson’s view that we should prove we can do things better for everyone’s benefit. That’s why we at GTM now offset all the carbon emissions from the day-to-day running of the business. Not just our flights and hotels, but our electricity consumption, commuting, power, heating, lighting and even the carbon costs of colleagues working from home.
Transatlantic SAF-only flights are another step in the right direction and I commend Virgin Atlantic for the actions they are taking.
Virgin Atlantic, known for operating one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets, reaffirms its dedication to finding more sustainable ways to fly.
Flight100 builds on the airline’s 15-year track record of leading SAF development at scale.
Looking ahead, the industry and government must intensify efforts to create a UK SAF industry and achieve aviation’s ambitious 10% SAF target by 2030.
This pursuit is expected to contribute significantly to the UK’s economy, with an estimated £1.8 billion in Gross Value Added and the creation of over 10,000 jobs.
As Virgin Atlantic continues to champion sustainable aviation, business travellers are encouraged to reach out to their Global Travel Account Manager for more information on how these advancements impact their future travel experiences.
Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology & Safety, Rolls-Royce plc, said:
We are incredibly proud that our Trent 1000 engines are powering the first ever widebody flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel across the Atlantic. Rolls-Royce has recently completed compatibility testing of 100% SAF on all our in-production civil aero engine types and this is further proof that there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100% SAF. The flight represents a major milestone for the entire aviation industry in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions.
The successful completion of Flight100 marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly aviation industry.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/WEB-Flight-100.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-11-29 09:45:442023-11-29 09:45:46Flight100: Virgin Atlantic's epic journey proves SAF as viable jet fuel replacement
In a significant milestone for the Qantas Group’s fleet renewal initiative, the first brand new Airbus A220 has emerged from the paintshop at Airbus’ facility in Mirabel, Canada.
The aircraft, set to touch down in Australia before the year’s end, is the inaugural unit of 29 A220s slated for delivery to the Group, marking a strategic move in its domestic fleet renewal plan.
This modern generation of QantasLink A220s is designed to gradually replace the Boeing 717s currently servicing flights across Australia. Boasting double the range of the 717, the A220 is poised to open up novel domestic and short-haul international routes, expanding the airline’s operational reach as additional aircraft are incorporated into the fleet.
QantasLink A220: 137 passenger seats in a two-cabin configuration with 10 Business seats and 127 seats in Economy
This delivery represents the twelfth new aircraft within the past 12 months for the Qantas Group, showcasing their commitment to a more sustainable and efficient fleet.
The A321LR aircraft for Jetstar and the Boeing 787 Dreamliners for Qantas International have already joined the ranks, all contributing to reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and a quieter travel experience compared to their predecessors.
Over the last six months, the QantasLink A220 has taken shape at the Mirabel facility, with key components sourced from various global facilities, including wings manufactured in the United Kingdom.
Adorned in a striking Aboriginal paint scheme during its two-week stint in the paintshop, this aircraft is the sixth addition to Qantas’ longstanding Flying Art Series.
Launched in 1994, the Flying Art Series has been a canvas for Indigenous Australian artwork, with the latest livery featuring the creations of senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker.
Named “Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa – The Two Sisters Creation Story,” the aircraft showcases a Dreaming narrative of two sisters traversing remote Australia together. The collaboration with Indigenous Australian design agency Balarinji and First Nations artists underscores Qantas’ ongoing commitment to celebrating Australia’s rich cultural heritage.
Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, envisions the QantasLink A220s as a game-changer for domestic and regional travel. She said,
These aircraft have the potential to change the way our customers travel across the country, with the ability to connect any two cities or towns in Australia
The enhanced speed and convenience are poised to redefine business and leisure travel, presenting new opportunities for both passengers and the airline’s operational staff.
The Airbus A220 (registration VH-X4A) will undergo post-production test flights and be equipped with Qantas-specific features before officially joining the airline’s fleet by year-end.
It will ferry from Quebec to Australia, initially servicing flights between Melbourne and Canberra, with an additional six A220s scheduled for delivery by mid-2025.
For further information on this groundbreaking development or to explore the enhanced possibilities for your business travel, feel free to reach out to your dedicated Global Travel Account Manager.
Heathrow Airport has achieved a milestone as the 4th largest global hub after a bustling October with nearly 7 million passengers.
Heathrow is gearing up for the peak festive travel season, boosted by strong demand that propelled it to the 4th largest globally.
The airport witnessed 2.2 million passengers during the October half-term, with popular destinations including Dubai, New York, and Los Angeles.
Despite weeks of heavy rain and two named storms, Team Heathrow colleagues ensured excellent service, keeping the airport operations smooth.
Hong Kong, reopening its borders, became Heathrow’s 12th “millionaire route” for the year, surpassing 1 million passengers, joining the ranks of Doha, JFK, and Delhi.
As winter approaches, sun-seekers have an expanded choice with 11 new airline routes from Heathrow, including the UK’s only direct connection to Peru.
Additionally, Heathrow now offers more flights to ski destinations globally than any other UK airport, serving 239 destinations in 89 countries.
Preparations for the upcoming holiday peaks are underway at Heathrow, with the launch of various retail offerings in the coming weeks. Passengers can anticipate opportunities to win Christmas vouchers for retailers such as Watches for Switzerland, inMotion, Rituals, and World Duty Free. A Christmas ad campaign is also in the works, highlighting festive travel stories that underscore the significance of traveling to see loved ones during the holidays.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye commented on the airport’s recent success, saying,
I’ve learned a lot about Heathrow in my first few weeks, but one thing that really stands out to me is the passion and drive of colleagues to get people away smoothly on their journeys. We look forward to welcoming passengers from across the world over the upcoming festive season with a friendly face to lend a helping hand. If your journey sees you traveling through Heathrow, we’ve got you covered, from attractive shops to meet your gifting needs to restaurants for all the family; we will ensure a seamless start to your holiday plans.
For more information on Heathrow’s offerings and services, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/WEB-Heathrow.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-11-14 09:49:142023-11-14 09:49:16Heathrow's October Triumph: Soaring to 4th on Global Aviation Map
Radisson RED, the vibrant hotel brand renowned for its contemporary design and art-centric ethos, has made its debut in Helsinki, the green capital of the world’s happiest country.
Nestled in a modernist masterpiece within the historic Kaisaniemi Park, Radisson RED Helsinki promises an inspiring blend of art, culture, and relaxation at the pulse of the Finnish capital.
Designed by the acclaimed Finnish architecture firm Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit, the eight-story Radisson RED Helsinki boasts 195 stylish rooms and suites, each showcasing the brand’s signature cutting-edge design. With its strategic location within walking distance of Helsinki Central Station, the iconic Oodi library, and vibrant hotspots, the hotel is a gateway to the city’s architectural marvels and cultural hubs.
One of the standout features of Radisson RED Helsinki is its commitment to art. The lobby welcomes guests with a three-meter red artwork inspired by the monumental “lantern carriers” sculpture at Helsinki Railway Station. Hanging proudly in the hotel’s center is Finnish artist Jenni Rope’s 24-metre tall mobile masterpiece, “Gust of Wind,” bringing the verdant beauty of Kaisaniemi Park indoors.
The ground floor beckons with the RED Bar and Kitchen, offering a laid-back dining experience and a trendy bar with an outdoor terrace overlooking Kaisaniemi Park. This space, open from morning until late, becomes a hub for socialising, featuring DJs, local artists and availability for private events.
Radisson RED Helsinki also introduces the RED Guide, a curated insider’s guide to Helsinki’s authentic local sights and unique experiences, crafted in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and locals.
Unveiling in January 2024 at the grand opening party, the guide promises to reveal hidden gems and provide guests with a local’s perspective on the city.
Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Area Senior VP for Northern and Western Europe at Radisson Hotel Group, expressed excitement about the launch, stating,
Radisson RED Helsinki is our fourth Radisson RED in Scandinavia, following the success of our properties in Denmark and Oslo. Its focus on cutting-edge design and art, combined with a relaxed setting, has resonated well with Nordic travellers. We look forward to welcoming both local and international guests to this vibrant addition to our portfolio.
General Manager Mika Virtanen added,
We’re proud to open Finland’s first Radisson RED in Helsinki and work with prestigious designers, artists, and architects, reflecting Radisson RED’s award-winning design-focused ethos. Radisson RED Helsinki is an excellent base for exploring the design, architecture, and urban culture of Helsinki.
Radisson RED brand movie
For those eager to delve deeper into the authentic experiences Radisson RED Helsinki has to offer, the invitation is extended to contact their Global Travel Account Manager for further information. Discover the allure of Helsinki through the lens of Radisson RED, where bold design meets local immersion.
https://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/WEB-RED.png312820Davehttps://gtm.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Smarter-Better-Fairer-GTM-logo_02.pngDave2023-11-13 10:43:472023-11-13 10:46:27Radisson RED unveils contemporary oasis in Helsinki’s historic Kaisaniemi Park
