Paul

Significant Eurotunnel Delays.

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Hundreds of passengers have had to be evacuated from a broken-down train in the Channel Tunnel this morning, in an incident which has led to long delays for travellers today (Monday 7th July).

The French-bound Eurotunnel passenger shuttle train came to a halt about a quarter of the way through the tunnel after a problem with the overhead power line. As it was likely to be some time before the train could be moved, the 382 passengers and four dogs were evacuated and taken on to the French terminal.

Services through the tunnel, using one of the two running tunnels, were able to continue but Eurotunnel warned that services were being delayed, with hold-ups possibly lasting for the rest of the day.

The problem has also affected Eurostar’s services, with four services already being cancelled today.

Paul

Belgian Railway Workers Strike 30 June.

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Belgium’s national union of railway workers will participate in 24-hour strike action today, Monday 30th June 2014. The strike which actually started last night at 10pm CET, is due to finish tonight at 2200 CET.

Due to the strike Belgium’s rail networks are closed and are unable to operate services to and from Brussels. The strike is also affecting Eurostar services, which will terminate and commence at Lille Europe. In addition, a reduced timetable will operate for Eurostar services between London and Lille in both directions.

Paul

French ATC Industrial Action: 24-30 June.

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There remains a possibility, despite conflicting media reports, that Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) in France are planning to strike from tomorrow, Tuesday 24 until Sunday 30 June 2014.

The level of disruption is likely to fluctuate in different parts of France at different times of the day. It is expected that industrial action will disrupt numerous airlines’ services during this period and, also, for other services which overfly French airspace.

Information from the French authorities on the number of mandated cancellations is expected later today, therefore, we (GTM) strongly recommend that even if you are not flying directly to France, but are also flying to Italy, Span & Switzerland, that you check-in online for your flight/s. We will also be monitoring all of our customer’s flights for updates from the airlines whose flights are affected.

Paul

A Very Proud Sponsor of Local Sports Clubs!

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Global Travel Management is proud to sponsor two local sports clubs, Woking & Horsell Cricket Club and Goldsworth Park Rangers Under 10s football team.

Woking & Horsell Cricket Club is today (Friday 6th June 2014) celebrating the opening of its new club house, situated on Brewery Road in Woking, with a drinks reception attended by the town’s local MP Jonathan Lord.

Meanwhile Goldsworth Park Rangers’ U10 football team has had a very successful season, winning both the Premier division of the Surrey Primary League and the Senior Cup!

Congratulations to both clubs on their development and success from all at GTM.

Paul

Terminal 2 | The Queen’s Building Opens Today!

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Heathrow Airport’s brand new Terminal 2 opens today, Wednesday 4th June 2014, with Her Majesty the Queen officially opening the building on Monday 23rd June 2014.

The first flight, a United Airlines’ flight from Chicago, arrived at Terminal 2 this morning shortly before 0600 BST. Officially known as the Queen’s Building, Terminal 2 will become home to all Star Alliance carriers, plus Aer Lingus, Germanwings & Virgin Atlantic Little Red.

It is important to note that there will be a phased approach, with all of the aforementioned airlines moving into T2 over the course of the next four months. United Airlines is the first airline to move in today, followed by Air Canada on 18th June, with Air New Zealand, Asiana, SAA & TAP Air Portugal being the last carriers to move across from Terminal 1 on 22nd October 2014.

Enjoy the new Terminal 2, I (PB) was fortunate enough to go on a tour of the building earlier in the year, and it will be a fantastic new terminal from which to fly into and out of.

If you travel through the new terminal in the nest few weeks, do let us know what you think.

Richard

Italy Milan Airports Baggage Handlers Strike

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An Alitalia baggage handlers strike has been confirmed for Friday 30th May. This will affect both Linate and Malpensa airports in Milan. The below flights have been cancelled .

AZ7054 / AZ7055 / AZ238 / AZ7909

If you are affected by the strike or for more information please contact us.

Richard

Italy : Train Workers 21 – Hour strike on Thursday 29 May

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Reuters in Rome reported on Wednesday that union workers of Trenitalia, the primary train operator in Italy, are planning to strike from midnight to 9:00 pm, local time, Thursday, 29 May.

A spokesperson for Trenitalia said its high-speed trains will travel as scheduled. The strike will instead have an effect on other national trains, such as local and intercity, for which some cancellations and delays are expected.

Essential regional train services will be guaranteed from 6-9 am, and from 6-9 pm on Thursday, the news source indicated.

Il Fatto Quotidiano reported the rail service linking the city of Rome with its largest airport, Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, will be replaced by buses during the strike.

Train travellers are advised to confirm all reservations and monitor local updates / news.

Richard

Italy Industrial Action 16th May

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There will be industrial action at Italian air traffic control today (16th May) Flights to and from Italy are likely to be affected. Please check your flight status before you leave for the airport or contact us for more information.

Paul

GTM Receives Recognition Yet Again!

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We are very pleased to report that yet again Global Travel Management Ltd has been recognised by our industry and has been listed, for the tenth year in a row, in Buying Business Travel’s 50 Leading TMCs publication.

We believe this provides further proof that by offering a great level of service, via truly experienced Travel Consultants, our customers receive a reliable and high quality service year in and year out.

Paul

Buy Business, Fly First!

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Etihad Airways has once again launched its ‘Buy Business, Fly First Class’ programme.

Simply book a return Business Class flight and receive a one-way upgrade to the world’s most private, luxurious flying experience in First Class (Etihad’s words not mine/GTM’s!). This promotion applies to passengers flying to Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Sydney or Melbourne. The upgrade will apply to your entire journey in one direction and is valid for all flights booked by the 23 May 2014 for travel until 1 August 2014.

This offer provides business travellers who perhaps haven’t flown with Etihad before, to experience their seat and on-board service; particularly in First Class which offers the following benefits:

  • Etihad chauffeur service
  • Lie-flat 6ft 8″ extra wide bed in a suite complete with sliding doors
  • A tailor made menu, prepared by an on-board chef at the Mezoon Grille
  • A 23″ cinematic widescreen
  • And when you want to sleep: loungewear, blankets, pure dupion silk and cotton duvet, fitted sheets and full-sized pillows.