Dave

Western Sydney International Airport secures Singapore Airlines as first international carrier

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Western Sydney International Airport has secured its first international airline, with Singapore Airlines confirming its intention to operate at Sydney’s new 24-hour airport.

This milestone marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between Western Sydney Airport and the Skytrax certified 5-Star Airline, as commercial discussions continue regarding the airline’s future operations at Australia’s first greenfield airport in more than fifty years.

Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney International Airport, highlighted the significance of this arrangement, emphasising the airport’s unique scheduling opportunities:

This inaugural international airline arrangement is a fantastic milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and reflects the positive response we’ve had from airlines, especially in regard to the unprecedented opportunities our 24-hour capability unlocks.

Hickey also pointed out the advantages for business travellers, noting that the airport’s late-night departure capacity could enable Singapore Airlines passengers to complete a full day’s work in Sydney, take an overnight flight, and arrive in Singapore in time for a morning meeting.

Additionally, these late-night departures will offer passengers more efficient transit options via Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport, connecting them to one of the 125 destinations served by the Singapore Airlines Group. The airport’s commitment to a smooth and simple customer experience, supported by the latest technology, has been another key factor in attracting Singapore Airlines.

Hickey explained,

Our combined international and domestic terminal will give Singapore Airlines customers a seamless transfer experience, while our state-of-the-art baggage system and efficient design, including five-minute taxi times on the tarmac, means passengers will be able to get on their flight faster and relax and enjoy the award-winning service on board

The new airport, located in Western Sydney’s culturally diverse region, home to more than 150 different ancestries, will also open up new travel opportunities for local residents who frequently visit family or friends overseas. With the airport construction now more than 80 per cent complete, including the recent terminal roof installation, Hickey expressed excitement about the progress and the future experience for passengers flying from WSI in late 2026.

Global Travel Management Sales Director Paul Baker said,

This new partnership between Western Sydney International Airport and Singapore Airlines is great news for UK-based business travellers. It opens up more flexible travel options, allowing our clients to maximise their productivity with convenient late-night departures and seamless connections through Singapore’s Changi Airport. This development will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for our customers who do business in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Louis Arul, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to enhancing network connectivity and providing additional services for Australia, a major market for the Singapore Airlines Group.

This agreement reflects our commitment to enhancing network connectivity for travellers to and from Sydney, and providing additional services for Australia,” said Mr Arul. He also highlighted the unique opportunity to collaborate with a greenfield airport to set a new standard for customer experience throughout the airport ecosystem.

This agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023, which set the framework for exploring the airport’s future functionality, customer experience, sustainability, operational efficiency, and mutual commercial opportunities. Western Sydney International Airport is on track to commence domestic, international, and air cargo services by late 2026.

For more information on how this development could impact your business travel, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.

Dave

Oman Air unveils new Business Studio, replacing First Class

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Oman Air has unveiled its new Business Studio, a revamped cabin designed to replace its First Class offering and cater to evolving global consumer trends.

This new premium experience, set to debut predominantly on flights to London and Bangkok, combines a spacious cabin layout, classic lie-flat seats, and complimentary Wi-Fi with more competitive pricing and a refreshed service approach tailored to the needs of modern business travellers.

Business Studio: a redefined service approach at a more competitive price point

Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Con Korfiatis, explained the rationale behind the transition:

Inspired by valuable guest feedback and to adapt and evolve in line with global market trends, we have strategically refined our premium offering to deliver greater value and appeal.

The traditional First Class experience has seen diminished demand, and after careful analysis and benchmarking against industry standards, we decided to retire the product.

This decision allows us to focus on delivering an exceptional Business Class experience that better meets modern traveller expectations and is more closely aligned with the demographics targeted by the national tourism objectives, such as wellness, adventure and MICE.

Moreover, we’re offering it all at a more competitive price point.

The new Business Studio is designed to offer one of the most generous pitches in the region at 82 inches, ensuring enhanced comfort and privacy with dedicated privacy walls for each seat.

Passengers can enjoy a 23-inch personal screen, free Wi-Fi connectivity and à la carte dining, providing a seamless blend of work, connectivity and relaxation.

The Business Studio will be available for booking from 9 September 2024, offering an elevated travel experience that aligns with Oman Air’s commitment to exceptional service and hospitality.

For further information about Oman Air’s new Business Studio or to discuss how it might benefit your travel needs, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

L’art du vin: Emirates launches exclusive wine courses for cabin crew

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Emirates has launched a bespoke wine training programme for its cabin crew, known as L’art du vin, further enhancing its renowned in-flight wine service.

This initiative, launched in June 2024 at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College in Dubai, is designed to elevate the knowledge and appreciation of fine wines among the airline’s cabin crew.

The programme is set within a classroom replicating the luxury of Emirates’ A380 Onboard Lounge, providing an immersive and educational environment.

The L’art du vin programme is divided into three courses: Introduction, Business Class and First Class, each tailored to different levels of experience and knowledge.

  • The introductory course covers basic wine knowledge, including Emirates’ investment in wine, wine-making processes, and pouring techniques.
  • As cabin crew progress to the Business Class course, they delve deeper into the structural characteristics of wine, exploring global wine regions and perfecting wine and food pairing skills.
  • The pinnacle of the programme, the First Class course, offers an in-depth study of Premier and Grand Cru Classé wines, with a focus on prestigious vineyards from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and beyond.
Emirates Wine: Launching L’art du vin dedicate wine courses for Emirates cabin crew

The training is complemented by study guides, an interactive app, and detailed tasting notes, allowing cabin crew to immerse themselves fully in the world of wine.

To date, over 1,000 Emirates cabin crew have completed a course, with the airline aiming to train more than 22,000 additional crew members by 2026.

Emirates’ commitment to providing exceptional service is evident in the quality of wines offered in every class.

First Class passengers enjoy a range of rare and vintage wines from top regions worldwide, including the Louis Latour Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru Les Demoiselles 2014 and the Opus One Napa Valley 2012.

Business Class passengers are treated to mature Bordeaux selections from the 2009 vintage, alongside impressive wines from Burgundy, Spain, and Australia.

Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers also experience high-quality wines, such as the sparkling Domaine Chandon 2017 in Premium Economy and Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2021 in Economy.

Every level: each level of L’art du vin is designed to support varying levels of knowledge and experience

Emirates’ wine ambassadors, who hold WSET Level 2 and 3 certifications, lead the L’art du vin courses. Participants who complete a course receive a certificate of achievement and may apply for more advanced training during their career with Emirates.

For more information about Emirates flights’, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Delta expands free streaming quality Wi-Fi to transatlantic flights

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Delta Air Lines has begun rolling out fast, free Wi-Fi on select long-haul international routes, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s journey towards offering complimentary, reliable, streaming-quality connectivity across its entire global fleet. This development is expected to cover most transatlantic flights by the end of the summer.

Starting this summer, Delta passengers on certain Viasat-equipped international flights can enjoy free Wi-Fi, presented by T-Mobile, as part of the airline’s broader initiative to extend this service globally.

Streaming quality: passengers on Delta Air Lines flights can enjoy free, high speed Wi-Fi

Currently, free Wi-Fi is available on nearly 700 aircraft, covering more than 90% of Delta’s domestic mainline fleet. The airline anticipates that most customers will have access to this service by the end of the year.

Ranjan Goswami, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience Design at Delta, highlighted the significance of this rollout, stating,

As we continue to roll out fast, free Wi-Fi and the in-flight experiences it powers, we’re able to serve customers travelling both domestically and internationally in new, in-the-moment ways. The scale at which we’re bringing free Wi-Fi to customers is unmatched in the airline industry, and it’s a testament to the incredible efforts of Delta teams across the business that have expertly navigated an extremely complex rollout.

Delta is implementing this service on Viasat-equipped widebody aircraft on a route-by-route basis to ensure it meets the high standards expected by customers.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management said,

Delta’s introduction of fast, free Wi-Fi on transatlantic routes is a significant benefit for UK-based business travellers. The ability to stay connected and work efficiently during long-haul flights will greatly enhance productivity, making it easier to manage international business commitments without interruption. This advancement underscores the ongoing improvements in business travel, ensuring our clients can maximise their time in the air.

Additional routes will be gradually introduced as reliable, high-quality service becomes available, following a phased strategy similar to that used for domestic installations in 2022.

Ranjan Goswami: the scale at which we’re bringing free Wi-Fi to customers is unmatched in the airline industry

Initially, the international Wi-Fi portal will not require passengers to log in with their SkyMiles account. However, later this year, all Viasat Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft will transition to the Delta Sync Wi-Fi experience, offering personalised onboard experiences and exclusive offers to SkyMiles members.

Timeline

Fast, free Wi-Fi started rollout on most flights between the US and France (Paris and Nice). The following list shows the start of rollout for further countries.

  • August 2024 United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Italy
  • September 2024 Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland
  • October 2024 Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru; followed by Hawaii
  • December 2024-January 2025 Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal   
  • Mid-Late 2025 Transpacific region (including Asia, Australia and New Zealand) and South Africa

For information on Delta Air Lines flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

BWH Hotels Expands global footprint with over 100 new openings in key markets

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BWH Hotels, a global leader in hospitality, has achieved significant growth by adding over 100 new properties to its portfolio in the first half of 2024.

This expansion spans key markets across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, highlighting the brand’s robust momentum in the hospitality sector. Among the notable new openings are a boutique hotel in Palm Beach, Aruba, which features a curated art gallery, a resort located amidst Kenya’s renowned natural landscapes and a sophisticated property in the vibrant city of Adelaide, Australia.

These developments underline BWH Hotels’ commitment to providing diverse and unique experiences through its nineteen distinctive brands, catering to various market segments from economy to luxury.

The company’s global presence now extends to approximately 4,300 hotels across more than 100 countries and territories, making it one of the most extensive hospitality enterprises worldwide.

BWH Hotels is comprised of three major hotel companies: WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels. Each brand within the group is tailored to meet the needs of both developers and guests, ensuring a comprehensive offering that can satisfy the demands of different markets.

The full list of openings

North America and Caribbean

  • Aiden by Best Western Hotel Black Boutique
  • Aruba Boutique and Art Hotel, BW Signature Collection
  • Best Western Bryan College Station
  • Best Western Buffalo Inn and Suites
  • Best Western Carlisle South
  • Best Western Childress West Hotel
  • Best Western Doswell Hotel
  • Best Western Erie Inn & Suites
  • Best Western Halito Inn
  • Best Western Helena/Capitol Hotel
  • Best Western Heritage Inn & Suites
  • Best Western Hopkinsville Inn and Suites
  • Best Western Kernersville
  • Best Western Limon
  • Best Western Niantic Inn
  • Best Western North Side Inn
  • Best Western Park City Wichita North
  • Best Western Plus Heritage Rail Inn & Suites
  • Best Western Plus Meadowlands
  • Best Western Rutgers University Hotel
  • Best Western Schaumburg – O’Hare NW
  • Best Western Sea World Inn and Suites
  • Best Western Texas City
  • Boca Suites Deerfield Beach, SureStay Collection by Best Western
  • Caribe Royale Orlando, WorldHotels
  • Cod Cove Inn, BW Signature Collection
  • Executive Residency by Best Western Philadelphia-Willow Grove
  • Green Mill Village Hotel and Suites, BW Signature Collection
  • Heartland Inn & Suites, SureStay Collection by Best Western
  • Hotel Becket, BW Signature Collection
  • Hotel Manhattan, BW Signature Collection
  • Mithila San Francisco, SureStay Collection by Best Western
  • SureStay by Best Western Cameron
  • SureStay by Best Western Chambers Petrified Forest
  • SureStay by Best Western Fresno Central
  • SureStay by Best Western Gulfport
  • SureStay by Best Western Huntsville University Area
  • SureStay by Best Western Kansas City Country Inn North
  • SureStay by Best Western Livingston Merced County
  • SureStay by Best Western Sacramento South Natomas
  • SureStay Hotel by Best Western Groves
  • SureStay Plus by Best Western Corydon
  • SureStay Plus by Best Western Mobile I-65
  • SureStay Plus by Best Western Montrose
  • SureStay Plus by Best Western San Antonio Fiesta Inn
  • SureStay Plus by Best Western St. James Donaldsonville
  • SureStay Plus by Best Western Woodbury Inn
  • The Atlantic, Best Western Signature Collection
  • The Midtowner Hotel, SureStay Collection by Best Western
  • The Prussia Hotel, BW Signature Collection
  • Tree City Inn, BW Signature Collection
  • Vista Suites Pigeon Forge, SureStay Collection by Best Western

Europe, Middle East and Africa

  • Aiden by Best Western Karlstad Arena
  • Aiden by Best Western Lolland
  • Antico Sipario Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
  • Best Western Appleby Park Hotel
  • Best Western Colmar Expo
  • Best Western Flers Centre Gare
  • Best Western Glasgow Hotel
  • Best Western Hotel Green City
  • Best Western Hotel Kobalt
  • Best Western Hotel Spinnerei Linz
  • Best Western Parkhotel Hagenberg
  • Best Western Plus Batumi
  • Best Western Plus Danat Almansak Hotel
  • Best Western Plus Moat House Reading
  • Best Western Plus Tabuk City Center
  • Best Western Plus The Hub Hotel
  • Best Western Premier DJ Hotel
  • Best Western Premier M Four Hotel
  • Best Western Premier Malta
  • Best Western Premier Ottoperla Hotel
  • Best Western Premier Royal Hotel Blue
  • Best Western Premier Suites Hotel & Spa
  • Best Western River C Hotel
  • Dockside Aparthotel, BW Signature Collection
  • Fjelsted Skov Hotel & Konference, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
  • Grand Hotel Des Lecques, Best Western Signature Collection
  • Hotel Al Caminetto, WorldHotels
  • Hotel Gut Matheshof, Best Western Signature Collection
  • Hotel Imperial Dusseldorf, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
  • Hotel Shelley e delle Palme, BW Signature Collection
  • Hotel Tonderhus, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
  • Kinsarvik Fjordhotel, BW Signature Collection
  • Le Carline, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
  • Le Vincennes Hotel & Suites, BW Signature Collection
  • N1 Hotel Johannesburg, BW Signature Collection
  • The Stables Lodge, BW Signature Collection

Asia Pacific

  • Aiden by Best Western Guangzhou
  • Best Western Elysees Paris Centre
  • Best Western Plus iCity Hotel
  • Best Western Premier Cangzhou
  • Best Western Premier Cangzhou Hotel & Suites
  • Best Western Premier Hotel Central
  • Best Western Premier Hotel Plaza
  • Best Western Premier Kaifeng
  • Best Western Premier Xi’an
  • Hotel Wing International Select Shin-Osaka
  • Jinjiang Inn Select Wuhan Guanggu University
  • Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel, Xi’an City Center

Latin America

  • Best Western Costa Rica San Jose
  • Best Western Hotel Acapulco
  • Best Western Hotel Cancun
  • Best Western Hotel Mirador Chihuahua
  • Best Western Plus Ciudad Juarez
  • Best Western Plus El Paso Hotel & Suites
  • Best Western Plus Hotel Plaza
  • Best Western Plus Reforma Mexico City
  • Best Western Plus San Luis Potosi
  • Best Western Premier Guadalajara Hotel & Spa
  • Best Western Premier Irapuato

To book a stay in any of BWH Hotels’ properties worldwide, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Leeds Bradford Airport unveils £200 million Vision 2030 Strategy to boost Yorkshire’s connectivity

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Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has unveiled its ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, which includes a £200 million investment from the private sector aimed at transforming passenger experience, driving sustainable growth and enhancing Yorkshire’s international connectivity. This strategic plan is set to generate up to 5,500 new jobs and contribute nearly £1 billion to the local economy, with an anticipated growth to seven million passengers per year by 2030.

The Vision 2030 strategy is a significant step forward, building upon LBA’s recent LBA:REGEN development.

The plan includes a strong focus on sustainability, aligning with the airport’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 – one of the most ambitious targets of any UK airport.

Key initiatives include the decarbonisation of transport links, investment in solar-powered infrastructure on-site and the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities.

The airport also reaffirms its support for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s mass transit system proposals, which aim to connect the airport to an integrated cycling, walking, bus, and rail network.

Mayoral praise: Tracy Brabin hails a better-connected West Yorkshire

A central feature of the Vision 2030 plans is the expansion of terminal floorspace by 38%, alongside significant investment in the airfield to introduce up to ten new aircraft stands. These new stands are intended to attract quieter, more efficient aircraft, boost the number of destinations served and enhance existing routes.

The airport is also keen to secure additional routes to European hub airports, as well as new destinations in the North Atlantic and the Middle East.

Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, described the strategy as “a new era of travel for the region,” highlighting its potential to enhance international connectivity, support local economic growth, and attract global investment. He emphasised the airport’s commitment to a net-zero carbon future, stating,

Our commitment is bold and ambitious, but we are firm in our stance to build a net-zero carbon future for the airport.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, praised the Vision 2030 strategy,

Leeds Bradford Airport’s ‘Vision 2030’ document clearly states how the airport will improve Yorkshire’s connection to the rest of the world. This substantial private investment will benefit local communities and the wider Yorkshire region, serving as a catalyst for considerable, long-term economic growth.

The airport’s plans promise to create a range of skilled jobs and bolster connectivity among key international markets, creating new opportunities for Yorkshire business overseas.

The commitment to net zero carbon emissions for the airport’s ground operations is a great first step.

Industry-wide, there’s much still to do to decarbonise aviation as a whole, and I look forward to seeing how Leeds Bradford can contribute to that. We have performed competitively as a region for several decades, despite longstanding issues with connectivity.

But, alongside my plan for significantly improved public transport in a better-connected West Yorkshire, now is the perfect time to improve the international gateway to our region.

Vincent Hodder: “a new era of travel for the region”

Looking beyond 2030, Leeds Bradford Airport has also outlined longer-term ambitions, including the potential development of a new purpose-built terminal, the construction of a new hotel within walking distance of the airport, and the expansion of specialist air freight services.

For more information on flights from Leeds Bradford Airport, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

SkyTeam expands environmental initiative with The Aviation Challenge

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SkyTeam has announced a significant evolution in its environmental initiative by renaming The Sustainable Flight Challenge to The Aviation Challenge, signalling its broader vision to drive meaningful change across the airline industry.

This year marks a significant expansion of the programme, as SkyTeam has invited non-SkyTeam airlines to participate for the first time, reflecting the alliance’s commitment to fostering industry-wide innovation.

Patrick Roux: a proactive stance to help address the environmental impact of flying

The Aviation Challenge, now in its third year, brings together 24 global airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, Air France, China Airlines and SAS.

The airlines share a common goal: to discover and implement innovative ideas that can reduce the environmental impact of air travel. This expansion highlights SkyTeam’s determination to create a collective movement towards sustainability in aviation, with participants aiming to scale up and implement solutions that have been generated in previous challenges.

Patrick Roux, SkyTeam CEO, commented on the initiative’s broader scope:

By scaling up and implementing solutions generated in previous years and widening its scope, we expect The Aviation Challenge to realise increased potential to reduce flying’s environmental impact, helping participants to further their own sustainability goals. While we await greater production of SAF and the future technology our industry needs, The Aviation Challenge is bringing together global airlines and stakeholders from across aviation in a proactive stance to help address the environmental impact of flying.

Since its inception in 2022, the challenge has inspired participating airlines to generate 465 innovative solutions aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. These solutions span various aspects of airline operations, including the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), flight path optimisation, waste reduction and improved cargo handling.

Unlike its predecessors, this year’s challenge focuses on the practical implementation and scaling of these solutions, with airlines demonstrating their effectiveness through showcase flights. Virgin Atlantic, for example, will highlight key learnings from its Flight100, the first flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel.

The Aviation Challenge’s impact will be assessed by a diverse panel of global sustainability and aviation experts. These experts will evaluate the submissions based on their effectiveness and scalability, with criteria developed in collaboration with leading aerospace professionals, including PA Consulting and the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR).

The 72 flights operated as part of last year’s challenge saw an average improvement of 19% in CO2 intensity, resulting in the elimination of 30 tons of emissions. These impressive results underscore the potential of The Aviation Challenge to drive significant environmental improvements across the industry.

The airlines participating in The Aviation Challenge 2024 include Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air Europa Express, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Corendon Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Endeavor Air, Garuda Indonesia, JamboJet, Kenya Airways, KLM, KLM Cityhopper, Korean Air, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Saudia, Shanghai Airlines, TAROM, TUI Airline, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and XiamenAir.

For more information on booking flights on SkyTeam airlines, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Qantas Partners with Rio Tinto and BHP in $250m Carbon Fund

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Qantas has solidified its commitment to sustainable business practices by joining forces with Rio Tinto and BHP as foundational investors in a pioneering new fund designed to develop high-integrity, nature-based carbon projects across Australia. This collaborative effort is aimed at advancing Australia’s environmental sustainability while addressing the pressing challenges of carbon emissions in hard-to-abate industries such as aviation.

The fund, known as the Silva Carbon Origination Fund, is managed by Silva Capital—a joint venture between Roc Partners and C6 Investment Management. It seeks to raise $250 million to originate and manage Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) on a large scale, generated primarily through land reforestation projects and integrated agricultural initiatives. The investment is significant as it positions the fund as one of the first in Australia to offer investors access to a robust supply of high-integrity ACCUs.

Andrew Parker: carbon offsets to continue to grow

Qantas, through its AUD$400 million Climate Fund established in 2023, has committed $80 million to this groundbreaking initiative. The Climate Fund was created to support the Qantas Group’s decarbonisation efforts, which include significant investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in partnership with Airbus. These efforts underscore Qantas’ broader strategy to combat climate change and contribute to the global push for emissions reduction.

The Silva Carbon Origination Fund will be instrumental in helping Qantas meet its compliance obligations under the Australian Government’s Safeguard Mechanism Policy and the Paris Agreement’s global emissions reduction targets. As demand for high-quality, nature-based carbon credits is expected to rise, particularly in sectors where emissions are difficult to eliminate entirely, Qantas’ involvement in this fund is both timely and strategic.

Andrew Parker, Qantas’ Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted the importance of this investment in enhancing Qantas’ carbon market strategy:

For hard to abate sectors, such as aviation, high-integrity carbon offsets will play an important role in achieving climate targets. We expect the demand for carbon offsets to continue to grow into the future and it’s going to take partnerships across industries to enhance the overall availability of high-quality, high-integrity carbon credits.

Mr. Parker further emphasised Qantas’ commitment to nature-based solutions, stating,

The Silva Carbon Origination Fund will enable us to continue to elevate our carbon market strategy while also helping to positively shape the development of the overall industry. Through our Climate Fund, we continue to turn our attention to Australian projects that create ecological and economic benefits.

Silva Capital’s approach to acquiring agricultural land in Australia is unique in its dual focus on carbon sequestration and sustainable land management practices. By prioritising projects that reforest cleared land while ensuring it remains productive for farming, the fund aims to deliver significant biodiversity, economic, and conservation benefits to local communities.

This investment is part of a broader momentum within Qantas’ sustainability initiatives. The airline has recently made strides through its Climate Fund by investing in various projects, including the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Financing Alliance (SAFFA) to boost global biofuel production, and a biofuel production facility in Queensland being developed by Jet Zero Australia in collaboration with LanzaJet.

For more information on Qantas’ flights or on the GTM Carbon Offset Programme, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Record-breaking July: Heathrow tops Europe’s airports with 8 million passengers

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Heathrow Airport welcomed nearly 8 million passengers in July, cementing its position as Europe’s busiest airport for the first half of 2024, outpacing other major hubs such as Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Madrid and Paris Charles de Gaulle by millions of passengers.

For the first time in its history, Heathrow surpassed 1.8 million passengers in a single week – an achievement it managed for three consecutive weeks from 8th to 28th July. This remarkable milestone came as the airport experienced six of its busiest ever departure days during the summer holiday period, with over 140,000 passengers and almost 140,000 bags passing through the airport daily.

The airport’s success during this period can be attributed to strong collaboration with its partners, ensuring smooth operations despite global challenges such as a recent IT outage and protest activity.

Popular destinations like Venice and Larnaca saw a surge in travellers, while routes to Doha, Dublin, Dubai and New York’s JFK Airport each recorded over a million passengers this year. US destinations including Orlando, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston and Dallas also experienced significant boosts in passenger numbers.

In addition to passenger traffic, Heathrow reported an 8% year-on-year increase in cargo tonnage for July 2024, further solidifying its role as the UK’s leading air cargo hub. This growth in cargo underscores Heathrow’s vital contribution to the UK economy, supporting exports, tourism, and investment across the country.

However, despite these successes, Heathrow has faced challenges. Since the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme in 2023, the airport has lost 90,000 transfer passengers on routes to and from the seven countries affected by the scheme. This decline appears to be a blow to Heathrow’s competitiveness as a global hub, and the airport is urging the UK Government to reconsider the inclusion of airside transit passengers in the scheme.

Commenting on the airport’s achievements, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said,

Team GB’s performance in Paris has been an inspiration to the nation and to Team Heathrow. In July, we were smashing a passenger record almost every single day and we’re chasing down our never before seen goal of serving 8 million passengers in a single month. I’m proud that although there were a few potential challenges which could have caused us to stumble, our team remained focused on the prize of making every journey better and delivered a medal-winning start to the summer getaway.

For further information on flights from Heathrow, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Heathrow introduces new Summer experiences to enhance travel

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UK-based business travellers who frequently pass through Heathrow may find this summer’s offerings particularly appealing. While the airport is a familiar stop for many, Heathrow has introduced a range of new experiences, retailers, and dining options that provide fresh opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment before a flight.

With an anticipated 30 million passengers this Summer, these additions are set to enhance the experience for those looking to make the most of their time at the airport..

Here are the top ten experiences that await passengers at Heathrow this summer:

1. Engage in Pre-Flight Ping Pong and Table Football
Travellers can dive into some friendly competition while waiting to board, with classic tabletop games like Pong and table football now available in each of Heathrow’s departure lounges. These free-to-play games celebrate the sport-filled British summer and are available until 12 August.

Wiff waff: table top games including ping pong (above) and table football (below)

2. Get Creative with Kids’ Crafts
Back by popular demand, Heathrow’s arts and crafts trolleys are perfect for keeping young travellers entertained. Activities such as colouring, origami and magic painting offer a mess-free way for children to unleash their creativity before take-off.

3. Fast Track Security for a Smooth Start
Travellers can breeze through security by pre-booking Heathrow’s Fast Track service for just £12.50 per person. This convenient option is available for booking up until midday the day before travel, ensuring a stress-free start to any journey.

Fast Track: breeze through security

4. Enjoy Free Kids’ Meals Across All Terminals
Heathrow is helping families save this summer with its Kids Eat Free offer. Until 1 September, parents can enjoy a free kids’ meal for every main course purchased at participating restaurants throughout the airport, making it easier than ever to treat the whole family.

5. Sip on English Wines at The Vinery
For those seeking a touch of luxury, Terminal 2’s new wine bar, The Vinery, offers a curated selection of English wines, along with a seasonally tailored menu. The bar’s tasting flights provide an opportunity to sample a range of sommelier-selected flavours, perfect for a pre-flight indulgence.

The Vinery: fine dining meets modern convenience

6. Marvel at Olympic-Themed Living Statues
From 26 to 31 July, Heathrow’s terminals will host stunning Olympic-themed living statues. These performers, who bring sporting prowess to life with incredible poses, are sure to amaze passengers as they spring to life unexpectedly.

7. Travel in Style with a Personal Shopper
Heathrow’s complimentary Personal Shopper service is available for passengers seeking expert fashion and gifting advice. Located in dedicated lounges across Terminals 2, 3 and 5, this service offers a luxurious, tailored shopping experience.


Private shopper: experience the stress-busting benefits of a private shopping experience, free of charge

8. Refuel at Heathrow’s New Starbucks
Terminal 5 now boasts a brand-new Starbucks, offering a relaxing space for travellers to enjoy a cappuccino before their flight. The new store’s design, inspired by coffee-growing landscapes, provides the perfect atmosphere for a quick refresh.

Caffeine Corner: a new Starbucks in T5

9. Savour Artisanal Dishes at Jones The Grocer
The UK’s first Jones The Grocer store has opened in Terminal 2, offering passengers a chance to enjoy artisanal meals in a serene setting. The store also features an Express counter for those in need of a quick, gourmet bite.

Foodie Paradise: Jones the Grocer, founded in Australia in 1996, is a haven for artisan food lovers

10. Discover The Macallan Boutique’s Sensory Journey
Whisky enthusiasts can explore The Macallan Boutique in Terminal 5, the first of its kind in Europe. The boutique offers a sensory experience that celebrates The Macallan’s rich heritage, with a unique collection of whiskies available for purchase.

Whisky Haven: The passion and peerless spirit of The Macallan Estate is brought to life in Europe’s first Macallan Boutique, located in Heathrow Terminal 5

Heathrow’s latest additions are designed to cater to a diverse range of tastes and interests, ensuring that every passenger can find something to enjoy before their flight. From sports fans to foodies and families, there’s something for everyone at Heathrow this summer.

For more information on flights from Heathrow, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.