Finnair completes €200 million long-haul fleet upgrade

Finnair has completed a €200 million refurbishment of its long-haul fleet, introducing new Business, Premium Economy and refreshed Economy Class cabins.

Finnair’s refurbishment of all long-haul aircraft is designed to underscore the airline’s commitment to elevating the customer experience.

The comprehensive project introduced a new Business Class seat, a brand-new Premium Economy cabin and a refreshed Economy Class.

The state-of-the-art cabins, initially launched in 2022, are now available across Finnair’s entire long-haul fleet of A350s and A330s. This refurbishment ensures a consistent and superior travel experience on all long-haul routes between Finnair’s hub in Helsinki and destinations in the US, Middle East and Asia.

Ole Orvér, Chief Commercial Officer of Finnair, remarked:

After just two years, it is fantastic to have completed the rollout of our new award-winning long-haul cabin. Since its launch in 2022, customer feedback on our revolutionary Business Class seat and brand-new Premium Economy cabin has been excellent, so we are proud to be able to offer the renewed cabin on flights to all our long-haul destinations. We also know our customers value consistency and reliability, so to offer a uniform cabin concept across our whole fleet is a huge step on our customer experience journey. Customer satisfaction with our long-haul cabins has increased significantly with the cabin renewal.

Finnair’s new long-haul cabin has received several prestigious accolades, including ‘Cabin Concept of the Year’ by Onboard Hospitality, ‘Best Cabin Innovation’ by APEX, and ‘Best Cabin (First & Business Class)’ at the Yacht and Aviation Awards. The product has also been commended by the Crystal Cabin Awards and Skytrax, the ‘global benchmark for airline excellence’.

The new Business Class seats were developed in collaboration with Collins Aerospace, featuring a unique fixed shell lounge seat designed to maximise space and offer a variety of sitting and sleeping positions. This design enables customers to personalise their space for a relaxing long-haul flight.

Reflecting Finnair’s Nordic design language, the cabins feature a warm, dark, and comforting colour scheme, in line with the design of the airline’s non-Schengen lounges unveiled at Helsinki Airport before the pandemic.

Looking ahead, Finnair will continue investing in its customer experience and fleet. The airline has announced plans to renew the cabins of its regional E190 aircraft, which serve popular Nordic destinations. These jets will feature a new cabin inspired by the design of Finnair’s long-haul fleet. Additionally, Finnair will soon open a new, larger lounge in the Schengen area of Helsinki Airport, available to Business Class customers and Finnair Plus tier members, with access also available for purchase as a travel extra.

For further information about Finnair flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Qantas Reveals ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner for 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Teams

Qantas has unveiled a ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner to support the 2024 Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

Qantas has shown its support for the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams by revealing a special ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ message on both sides of one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, emphasising its role as the official carrier for the 2024 Games.

Go Australia: Qantas 787 Captain Tom Bissland, Paralympian Emily Petricola, Paralympian Jaryd Clifford, Australian Paralympics Team Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin, Qantas Customer Service Agent Sofia De Freitas

This custom graphic encapsulates Australian pride on a global stage, reflecting the iconic green and gold spirit.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson highlighted the long-standing relationship between Qantas and the Australian Olympic Team, which spans over 70 years. She remarked,

Qantas has a long and proud history of supporting the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams, from first flying Olympic athletes to the London Games in 1948 to our engineers designing custom cushions and support devices for our Australian Paralympians to travel comfortably on long-haul sectors.

Hudson added,

We are so proud to support our Australian athletes and supporters to get to the Games once again and hope our special cheer squad 787 will help spur on our teams and supporters to put on a great show in Paris.

Anna Meares, Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, expressed her appreciation for Qantas’ continued support, saying,

Qantas has been supporting Australian Olympic dreams for generations. We are thrilled Qantas will be proudly sharing their support of Australian Olympians on their 787 Dreamliner. As an Olympian, flying on that Qantas plane home from a Games, to meet friends and family in the Qantas hangar welcome home, is such a special memory. I’m looking forward to our 2024 Olympic Team making their own Qantas memories on their journey to and from the Paris Games.

Kate McLoughlin, Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission, also praised Qantas’ contributions, stating,

Our relationship with Qantas is so important to the Australian Paralympic Team. Qantas offers flexibility around the travel requirements of people with a disability and the equipment they carry, and it’s great the way Paralympics Australia and Qantas collaborate to understand the needs of our team. The flight home from the Games is always special. Qantas has delivered our Paralympians on charter flights home from London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 and we’re thrilled that our team will again be flown home to Australia by Qantas after the Paris Paralympics.

In addition to unveiling its ‘GO AUSTRALIA’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Qantas is gearing up to launch its new Perth to Paris route next month and will resume its direct Perth to Rome flights for the third consecutive year this weekend. Notably, Qantas remains the sole airline offering direct flights between Australia and continental Europe.

For further information about flying with Qantas, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Air transport industry sees reduced baggage mishandling despite record passenger traffic

SITA reports a significant drop in the air transport industry’s baggage mishandling rate to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023, despite a surge in passenger numbers, highlighting the positive impact of technology investments.

SITA, a global leader in technology solutions for the air transport industry, has reported a significant improvement in the industry’s baggage handling performance. According to the newly released SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024, the rate of mishandled baggage has fallen from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023. This achievement comes despite passenger numbers exceeding 2019 levels for the first time in five years, reaching 5.2 billion.

The long-term trend highlights the positive impact of technology investments. Since 2007, the mishandling rate has plummeted by 63%, even as passenger traffic has surged by 111%. Nonetheless, the industry continues to face challenges, particularly in managing peak baggage volumes. The report underscores the necessity of advancing the industry’s digitalisation agenda, focusing on AI for data analysis and computer vision technology in automated baggage handling.

The push for improved baggage handling must include full automation, robust communication, and comprehensive visibility of each bag’s journey. SITA’s research reveals that passenger anxiety about delays and cancellations stood at 32% in 2023. The data shows that two-thirds of airlines now offer unassisted bag drop services, and 85% of airports provide self-service bag drop options. This shift reflects a growing industry demand for self-service technology to enhance passenger flows. Furthermore, passengers increasingly prefer to use their mobile phones throughout their journey, with 32% relying on bag collection information sent directly to their devices. Enhanced communication and visibility will foster greater adoption of digital self-service, giving passengers more control over their travel experience.

Collaboration remains crucial. While airlines and airports share baggage data, there is room for improvement. Currently, only 58% of airlines share data at baggage collection, whereas 66% of airports share baggage delivery data with airlines. SITA’s Baggage IT Insights survey cites IATA’s Resolution 753 initiative, which calls for full baggage tracking and real-time status data sharing across the baggage journey. Additionally, Airports Council International advocates for self-service, real-time communication, and visibility for passengers to reduce stress and anxiety.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, commented:

The improved mishandled baggage rate in 2023 is great news for passengers and for aviation. It’s especially impressive as global passenger traffic grew strongly in 2023 and is set to double by 2040. We clearly see from the SITA Baggage IT Insights results that baggage automation is the way forward, with more collaboration, more communication with passengers, and investments in new technologies such as AI and computer vision to make the journey smoother. From my own travel experiences, I can say this will be really welcome. Technologies like these are essential because they help us gather, integrate, and share data effectively. This means we can uncover important insights that make decision-making easier and more automated.

Regionally, the SITA Baggage IT Insights report reveals varying trends. In North America, the mishandling rate decreased modestly from 7.1 per 1,000 bags in 2007 to 5.8 in 2023. U.S. airlines achieved a 9% year-on-year reduction in mishandled baggage in 2023, attributed to increased frontline workers and investments in baggage equipment and IT.

In Europe, the region experienced the most significant long-term reduction globally, with the mishandling rate dropping from 16.6 per 1,000 bags in 2007 to 10.6 in 2023.

In Asia Pacific, the mishandling rate has remained steady at 3.0 per 1,000 bags in 2023, down slightly from 3.1 in 2007, representing the best performance globally. The report commends the region’s consistent success, despite recovery challenges, attributing this to effective digitalisation of baggage handling processes.

To book flights on any airline, worldwide, contact your Globall Travel Management Account Manager.

Lufthansa boosts flights for European Championships, flying fans to Germany

Lufthansa is flying football fans to Germany for the European Championship with additional flights and special onboard experiences.

Lufthansa is set to fly football fans to Germany for the European Football Championship, with an additional 200,000 bookings recorded from 14 June to 14 July, and numerous extra flights scheduled, particularly between Germany and Great Britain.

Fanhansa flights: six A320s display the “Fanhansa” lettering

As excitement builds, Lufthansa has transformed six of its A320 aircraft into “Fanhansa” planes, fully decked out to immerse passengers in a football atmosphere from the moment they board. This includes themed headrests, food trays labelled “Breakfast for Champions” and special European Championship chocolates served on all flights.

Heiko Reitz, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Airlines, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm:

As a partner of the German men’s national soccer team, we are eagerly awaiting the event. We are particularly looking forward to flying soccer fans from all over the world to Germany.

For those keen to stay updated on match progress, Lufthansa offers a live ticker service on domestic German and European flights. Passengers on Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines can follow real-time match updates in German and English via the FlyNet® portal on their electronic devices, free of charge, throughout the tournament. This feature is also available on Lufthansa’s A350 flights with the new Allegris cabin interior and on Discover Airlines long-haul flights through the FlyNet® portal.

Additionally, passengers can enjoy player videos and quizzes featuring the German national team and gather information about the ten German host cities through the new Lufthansa Insights content system, accessible onboard. Flight crews will keep passengers updated with the latest scores during all Lufthansa flights.

Adding to the festive spirit, Lufthansa has introduced a special European fan scarf, symbolising the airline’s route network. This souvenir will be distributed free of charge at host city airports during Germany matches. A giant version of the scarf will adorn the facade of Terminal 2 in Munich, setting the tone for a summer of major events including the European Championships, European elections, and the Paris Olympic Games. The display will be visible until mid-August.

For more details on travelling to Germany during the European Championships, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Travelodge adds 635 rooms in Spain with latest hotel launches

Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, is expanding its Spanish portfolio with five new hotels, adding 635 rooms to cater to business and leisure travellers.

Travelodge has expanded its presence in Spain by opening five new hotels in Alicante Puerto, Barcelona del Valles, Madrid Alcala de Henares, Malaga Aeropuerto and Murcia, adding a total of 635 rooms to its portfolio.

The hotels, which began operations under the Travelodge brand on 31 May, were acquired from Louvre Group. This addition enhances Travelodge’s Spanish portfolio, offering more choices for business and leisure travellers seeking quality, affordable accommodation across the country.

Travelodge’s expansion is part of a strategic development plan announced last year, based on extensive research by Christie & Co. The research highlighted Spain as a top global destination with a rapidly growing hotel market, but identified a gap in branded, budget-friendly accommodation in the midscale and economy segments. Travelodge’s long-term fixed lease model, which has been successful in the UK, aligns well with the needs of investors seeking stable income streams in Spain’s booming tourism industry.

Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge, stated,

We are delighted to expand our offering across Spain by opening these new hotels, including our first hotels in Alicante, Murcia, and Malaga, as well as adding to our existing estate in Madrid and Barcelona. Each location is carefully selected to suit the needs of the modern business and leisure traveller, and we look forward to welcoming our guests at these fantastic new additions to our growing hotel portfolio.

Travelodge has identified 20 target locations for further expansion, including major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, as well as popular tourist destinations such as Seville, Bilbao, and Palma Mallorca. This strategy aims to fill the gap in quality, affordable accommodation in these areas.

The management team in Spain, led by Ángel Beleño, who has extensive experience in the hotel sector, is focused on leveraging Travelodge’s established brand and operational expertise to grow its presence. Beleño joined Travelodge in 2013 and became General Director for Spain in 2014, bringing valuable insights from his previous roles at Meliá Hotels International and Barceló Hotels & Resorts.

With nearly four decades of expertise in operating budget hotels, Travelodge is well-positioned to offer investors and landlords a reliable long-term income stream in Spain, either through lease agreements or acquiring freeholds. Travelodge’s successful model and strong brand promise significant opportunities for further expansion in the Spanish market.

For more information on Travelodge properties in the UK or Spain please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Virgin Atlantic’s ruby anniversary: new products and experiences for loyal customers

Forty years ago, on 22nd June 1984, Virgin Atlantic carried its first customers from London to New York, promising a travel experience that was both exciting and different.

Since then, the airline has continuously innovated and set itself apart in the travel industry. In June, Virgin Atlantic is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a series of unique initiatives designed to delight its customers.

To mark this milestone, a special 40th birthday logo inspired by the bold stripe on Virgin Atlantic’s first aircraft, Maiden Voyager, will appear on new products throughout June. This distinctive logo is just one of the many ways the airline is bringing a splash of colour to air travel, emphasising its commitment to personalised service delivered by its incredible team.

The celebrations begin at Virgin Atlantic’s award-winning London Heathrow Clubhouse, which first opened in 2006. Upper Class customers can unwind with a special 40th birthday beer, a zesty pale ale brewed in Wimbledon, available exclusively at the London Heathrow Clubhouse from 1st June. The beer features English Maris Otter and Cara malt, offering a juicy aroma and smooth finish.

Ruby celebrations: a range of commemoration comestibles

All Clubhouses will also feature a new cocktail named Maiden Voyager, a modern twist on the classic 80s ‘Woo Woo’ cocktail. This fruity concoction includes vodka, peach puree, fresh lime, grenadine, egg white, and peach bitters, providing a refreshing experience for travellers. To complement the celebratory drinks, a signature 40th birthday red velvet cake with whipped cream and berries will be served, along with hit 80s tracks to enhance the festive atmosphere.

In a nod to its rich history, Virgin Atlantic will display a collection of its cabin crew uniforms from the past four decades at the London Heathrow Clubhouse. This exhibit includes designs by Arabella Pollen, Elizabeth and David Emmanuel, John Rocha, and the current iconic uniform by the late Vivienne Westwood, which debuted in 2014.

Adding to the in-flight experience, Virgin Atlantic’s signature cocktail, the Virgin Redhead, will now be available onboard in all cabins. Complimentary in Upper Class and for purchase in Premium and Economy, this vibrant drink features gin, mixed berries, a twist of lemon, and a splash of prosecco, making it a delightful addition to the drinks menu.

The airline’s renowned Mile High Afternoon Tea is also getting a ruby-themed makeover. Upper Class customers will enjoy an elderflower and blueberry scone, a lemon and blackcurrant birthday cake slice, and a raspberry macaron with the 40th birthday logo. Premium and Economy customers will also have themed treats, including a refreshing glass of English sparkling wine and a selection of delectable cakes and pastries.

Finally, Virgin Atlantic has partnered with Bottega to offer limited-edition prosecco bottles featuring a bespoke 40th birthday design. Available in both 75cl and 20cl sizes, the larger bottles can be pre-ordered through Virgin Atlantic’s Retail Therapy, while the smaller bottles will be available for purchase onboard in all cabins starting late June.

Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Experience Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented on the celebrations:

As we gear up to our Ruby anniversary, we are delighted to celebrate this milestone with our loyal customers, in our Clubhouses and onboard. For four decades, we’ve been there for the moments that matter and are committed to giving our customers the very best experience in the skies.

In our 40th year, our spirit is stronger than ever and the things that set us apart will keep us ahead. We look forward to the next 40 years as we continue flying to some of the greatest cities on earth, finding new ways to delight our customers with brilliantly different experiences, delivered by our amazing people.

For more information about these exciting initiatives and to experience Virgin Atlantic’s exceptional service, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Taste of Scotland: world’s first Walker’s shortbread vending machine at Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport has unveiled a groundbreaking addition to its amenities: the world’s first interactive Walker’s Shortbread vending machine.

This innovative machine offers travellers a delightful taste of Scotland’s beloved treat while they explore the airport.

The vending machine, situated in the World Duty Free area, features a digital display that allows passengers to delve into the rich 125-year history of Walker’s Shortbread.

Scottish Treats: capturing the attention of global visitors

Travellers can take an engaging quiz to discover which shortbread product best matches their taste preferences. Upon completing the quiz, users are rewarded with a complimentary shortbread finger – a delightful treat whether you’re setting off on your journey or need a crumb of comfort as you head home.

In addition to the interactive quiz, the vending machine stocks a variety of Walker’s products. This makes it an ideal stop for those looking to bring a taste of Scotland home, pick up some treats for their travels or find a special gift to share with friends and family.

This unique offering at Edinburgh Airport highlights the fusion of tradition and technology, providing a memorable experience for travellers.

Whether you’re a seasoned business traveller or on a leisurely trip, this innovative machine adds a touch of Scottish charm to your journey.

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


Heathrow Airport reintroduces Fast Track security

Heathrow Airport has announced the reopening of its Fast Track Security service for all passengers starting 1 June, just in time for what is expected to be its busiest summer ever.

With over 30 million passengers anticipated between June and September, this service will facilitate a smooth start to journeys across all Heathrow terminals.

Available daily from 06:00 to 22:00, Fast Track Security enables passengers to breeze through security checks, allowing more time to shop, dine and relax before their flights.

The service, which costs £12.50 per person and travellers can select a one-hour window for security clearance.

Fast Track is already included for those with a business first Heathrow Express ticket, eligible frequent flyer cardholders or passengers travelling in premium cabins.

Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer at Heathrow Airport, commented,

We’re thrilled to bring back our Fast Track Security booking service for all passengers ahead of the summer getaway. Fast Track offers a premium security experience, cutting down queue times, getting journeys off to smooth starts and giving passengers extra peace of mind ahead of their trips.

Fast Track Security is part of Heathrow’s broader commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. In the first quarter of the year, almost 99% of passengers waited less than 10 minutes for security clearance, underscoring the airport’s efficiency.

In addition to Fast Track Security, Heathrow offers several airport lounges for passengers to relax before departure. To ensure a hassle-free experience, Heathrow advises passengers to check-in online, wear comfortable clothing, keep travel documents easily accessible, and fully charge electronic devices.

For long-haul flights, arriving at least three hours before departure is recommended, while two hours is sufficient for domestic and European flights.

For more information on Heathrow’s Fast Track Security and other services, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.


Milestone for Travelodge as 600th hotel launches at iconic cricket venue

Travelodge, the UK’s pioneering budget hotel chain, has proudly opened its 600th hotel, situated at the iconic London Oval Cricket Ground.

The significant milestone was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Travelodge Chairman Martin Robinson, CEO Jo Boydell, ex-England Cricket Captain and Surrey County Cricket Club Director Alec Stewart OBE and Surrey County Cricket Club CEO Steve Elworthy.

The new London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge is a 95-room establishment developed in collaboration with Surrey County Cricket Club. Positioned conveniently for both business and leisure travellers, the hotel is just a minute’s walk from the Oval Underground Station.

This opening not only marks Travelodge’s 600th hotel but also its 81st in London, creating over 30 new jobs in the process.

Featuring Travelodge’s new premium look and feel design, the London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge includes a redesigned reception area, next-generation rooms and the new restaurant concept, 85 Bar Café. This ensures that business travellers, leisure guests and cricket fans have a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Sustainability has been a critical focus in the hotel’s design, achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A. The hotel boasts numerous sustainable features such as Air Source Heat Pumps for water heating, EV car charging points, roof-mounted solar PVs, green roofs, low energy lighting with motion sensors, and aerated showers and taps to reduce water usage.

This hotel is Travelodge’s first new UK opening of the year, with six more hotels currently under construction in Rotherham, Colchester, and Bristol, and three additional locations in London – Bermondsey, Beckenham and Chiswick. The company also plans to commence construction on a new hotel in Stratford, London later this year.

Travelodge is committed to expanding its UK network, with over 300 target locations identified for new hotel sites, including more than 100 in London.

This expansion aims to drive investment and create local jobs, supporting local economies.

Darren Bennett, the hotel manager at the new London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge, has been with the company for seven years. He began as an Assistant Hotel Manager at London Stratford Hotel and has since managed several Travelodge hotels across London.

Jo Boydell, Chief Executive of Travelodge, commented:

London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge is a special opening for us, as our 600th hotel. Since opening our first hotel in the UK in 1985, Travelodge has grown across the UK, Ireland, and Spain, and we now operate over 46,000 rooms, employ 13,000 colleagues and welcome over 22 million business and leisure customers to our hotels each year.

We are very proud to open this hotel at the iconic Oval Cricket Ground, in partnership with Surrey County Cricket Club. This hotel has been built to high standards, with sustainability an important factor of the design. It features our new premium look and feel design with our redesigned reception area and next generation rooms, as well as our brand new restaurant concept, 85 Bar Café. We are already receiving great feedback from guests, and we look forward to welcoming lots of new guests through a busy cricket season this year.

We are focused on continuing to grow our portfolio, with over 300 locations identified for new hotels across the UK as well as 20 target locations in Spain – which would create even more jobs and provide further choice and great value to more business and leisure travellers.”

Steve Elworthy, CEO at Surrey CCC, added:

It’s great news that the brand new London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge has opened its doors to the public. The partnership between ourselves and Travelodge will provide cricket fans and visitors to the area with a quality option to stay in the area that is minimising its impact on the environment.

For further information about the new London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge or any other Travelodge locations, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.


Air France introduces premium concierge services at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

Starting 11 June 2024, Air France will be enhancing the travel experience for its customers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle with the introduction of new concierge services.

These services will be available for all bookings on Air France-operated flights or those code-shared with partner airlines.

Air France Conciergerie will offer a variety of bespoke services for travellers in Economy, Premium Economy and Business classes. The aim is to provide a smooth, stress-free journey through the airport, from departure to arrival and even during layovers.

For those departing from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, the concierge service includes a private transfer for journeys within a 40km radius of Paris-Charles de Gaulle to the airport; assistance upon arrival outside the terminal; porter services for baggage handling; and priority lane access. Eligible customers will also be guided to the lounge and subsequently to the boarding gate, ensuring a seamless transition through the airport.

Upon arrival, a concierge will greet customers at the aircraft door, accompany them through priority lanes, and assist with baggage collection. Customers will then be escorted to their pre-arranged private transfer vehicle*, offering a swift and hassle-free exit from the airport.

Travellers with connecting flights will benefit from assistance right from the jetway. They will be guided to the lounge, if eligible, and then escorted through priority lanes to the boarding gate of their next flight.

For those not normally eligible for lounge access, the concierge service offers the option to purchase lounge entry at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. This ensures that even more passengers can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing environment while waiting for their flight. When it’s time to board, the concierge will escort them from the lounge to their gate.

These services are available to book today for flights from 11 June 2024 onwards. Travellers can make reservations via the Air France website, airfrance.fr, or by telephone up to 18 hours before departure.

The private transfer service is available for journeys within a 40km radius of Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.

For more information about these new concierge services and how they can enhance your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.