Posts

Travel industry leaders explain how they plan to meet their carbon targets

This month, world leaders are gathering in Glasgow to determine policies and commitments to reduce global warming, reverse climate change and ameliorate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Leading the way in these efforts are some of the world’s leading airlines and travel suppliers, including Global Travel Management.  

We asked a number of airlines and travel companies to tell us how they intend to meet their emission targets.  And we asked them to do so in a very brief video clip.  Below, you can see each of the responses.  

First was British Airways who intend to meet their self-imposed target of net zero emissions by 2050 thanks to fuel efficient aircraft, carbon offsetting and sustainable aviation fuel. 

Lufthansa Group aims to cut its CO2 emissions by 50% by the end of this decade as a step to becoming net zero by 2050.  Kevin Young explains how passengers can select the way their preferred method of delivering these targets. 

United Airlines aims to become carbon neutral by 2050 by using sustainable aviation fuel, carbon sequestration and the use of new aeroplanes, including electric aircraft.  

Emirates intends to drive down CO2 emissions by the use of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, as well as the use of more efficient logistical and operational techniques, such as the use of ground-supplied power where possible. 

Air Canada highlights aircraft and engine efficiency as the most important factor in driving down greenhouse gas emissions.

And it’s not just airlines that are driving down carbon emissions in the travel sector.  Travel data supplier Travelogix is on track to becoming net zero as soon as 2025, including the exclusive use of green, renewable energy across global data centres.  

Global Travel Management’s Carbon Offset Programme enables businesses to offset the carbon cost of their business travel by sponsoring reforestation efforts.
You can find out more about the GTM Carbon Offset Programme, above.


British Airways adds former red list countries to its network

Following the welcome news that a significant number of countries have been removed from the UK Government’s red list, British Airways is resuming services and increasing frequencies to a number of destinations.

British Airways is set to ramp up services to popular winter sun destination South Africa, with double daily services to Johannesburg expected by mid-December. The airline will also restart services to Cape Town, offering three flights a week in November, before moving to a double daily service in December.

The airline’s services to Mexico City will also be increasing to five services a week from November 6, and Cancun flights will resume from October 22 and operate daily.

Elsewhere popular South American destinations Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires are set to return in time for Christmas.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:

It finally feels like we are seeing light at the end of a very long tunnel. Britain will benefit from this significant reduction in red list countries, and now it’s time to turn our attention to eradicating testing for fully vaccinated travellers to ensure we don’t lose our place on the global stage.

Once we have a firm date for the reopening of US borders in November, we look forward to reconnecting our two countries, reigniting transatlantic businesses and reuniting families who have been separated for the best part of two years. We are ready, and we look forward to operating our first flights and welcoming back our customers.

The news of frequency increases and additions to its flight schedule, follows an announcement from British Airways yesterday that is planning on operating its biggest schedule since March 2020. Despite no firm date from government on US borders reopening, the airline is planning to increase flights to the US from early November and will even be bringing back its much loved A380 to operate some of these services.

Customers booking with British Airways can do so with absolute confidence, thanks to the airline’s flexible booking policy. Customers are able to exchange their booking for a voucher or move their dates without incurring a change fee if their plans change.

Seven of the best

Twenty five years ago, Frankie Dettori achieved the remarkable feat of riding seven out of seven winners at British Champions’ Day at Ascot Racecourse.

Dettori’s achievement – winning aboard Wall Street, Diffident, Mark of Esteem, Decorated Hero, Fatefully, Lochangel and Fujiyama Crest – became known as The Magnificent Seven.

And now, to help Ascot Racecourse and Frankie Dettori to celebrate the quarter century anniversary, we have asked our clients, partners, colleagues and friends to tell us their favourite airlines and airports, in order to produce our own Magnificent Seven.

Here’s what they came up with…

Magnificent Seven airlines

British Airways, easyJet, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar Airways, SAS, Swiss

And some selected comments about these airlines

British Airways “I like to travel with British Airways personally especially for long flights as I find them more comfortable and they provide  decent food and drinks”.

easyJet “Of course low-cost is what it is, but I believe they are a cut above the rest in how you are treated, and how fair and clear they are about their policies and extra charges. With most of the other low-cost carriers, I always get the feeling that they are trying to somehow trick you into spending extra at every single step, be it online check in, or lack thereof, constantly changing cabin bag size limits, etc, but easyJet are much more upfront about everything, and you know where you stand”.

Lufthansa “Lufthansa offers everything I need for business trips and seems to get better and better every year”.

Qantas “Modern cabins, good schedules, but above all, their people are amazing throughout, from check in to baggage reclaim through, of course their cabin crew. I´ve flown both business and economy with them, and they treat you like a star all the way, every time, every class of service”.

Qatar Airways “Long haul I like Qatar Airlines – definitely the best business class I have experienced.  Only once been upgraded to first which was brilliant!”

SAS “Efficient. On time. The routes serve my purposes perfectly”.

Swiss “I have only ever had excellent services when flying on Swiss”.

Some of the other airlines mentioned in the favourite category include Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair and, pre-pandemic, Flybe.

Magnificent seven airports

London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Dublin, Manchester, Singapore Changi, Southampton

The poll was unscientific and based entirely on opinions. Do you agree with the lists? Do you have a different favourite airline or airport? If so, join the conversation on Twitter, with the hashtag #MagnificentSeven and tweet us on @globaltravelmgt

British and Irish Airways

British Airways welcomed the 37-strong British & Irish Lions squad on board a special charter flight, as they travelled from Edinburgh to Johannesburg for the start of their eagerly-awaited South African Tour.

Following their clash against Japan for The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup at BT Murrayfield Stadium yesterday, they were greeted with warm words of encouragement by the crew of flight BA9111, including their pilot Captain Richard Allen-Williams, British Airways’ Chief Pilot, Training.

Enjoying the safety and comfort of a British Airways’ 777-300, the players were served with a selection of hot meals and snacks during the 11-hour 30-minute flight to ensure they arrive match fit and ready to take on all-comers.

The eight-game tour of South Africa will see the best players from the UK & Ireland pitted against the World Champions, the Springboks, in three Tests. The Lions and Springboks squads will both be carried across the country during the Tour by British Airways’ franchise partner, Comair.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:

We are honoured to be flying The British & Irish Lions to South Africa ahead of their Tour. After a difficult year, we look forward to uniting the nation through sport and cheering them on. From everyone at British Airways, we wish them the best of luck and hope to carry them home as champions.

Ben Calveley, Managing Director for The British & Irish Lions, said:

We are delighted to be flying with British Airways for the 2021 Castle Lager Lions Series. We know the squad and management will receive a warm welcome from British Airways staff and enjoy a safe, comfortable journey to South Africa, landing in Johannesburg ready to take on the world champions.

British Airways is also reinforcing its commitment to sport as the airline is currently the Principal Partner to Twickenham Stadium, Official Airline Partner to England Rugby and has been the Official Airline Partner to Team GB and Paralympics GB since 2008.

British Airways doubles reward seat availability

British Airways has significantly increased the number of seats that can be booked using Avios, the reward currency used by the airline, on every flight.

The airline has always guaranteed that at least a certain number of reward seats – seats available to book using Avios – will be available on each flight. The airline has doubled this guaranteed minimum number of reward seats in Euro Traveller (short-haul economy), Club Europe (short-haul business class), World Traveller (long-haul economy) and Club World (long-haul business class). It has also added guaranteed availability in World Traveller Plus, British Airways’ popular long-haul premium economy cabin, for the first time. The extra availability is on flights from 28 July 2021.

Number of guaranteed bookable reward seats available on any British Airways flight doubled: more than 250,000 additional reward seats made available, for travel from 28 July

Reward seats are seats that can be booked using Avios, paying a cash amount covering just taxes, fees and carrier charges. On short-haul, return flights start from as little as £1 plus Avios, and on long-haul, £100 plus Avios. The cash and Avios amounts can be flexed to account for people with differing Avios budgets. They are separate from Avios part payment, where Avios is used to reduce the cost of any ticket, in all cabins, on all flights.

In addition to the guaranteed seats, British Airways regularly makes millions of extra reward seats available to destinations across its network. The recent changes mean that over 250,000 extra reward seats have been added to British Airways’ booking system.

As summary of the changes is as follows

  • Cabin – change – guaranteed reward seats pre 8 July flights – flights 8 July onwards
  • Euro Traveller – doubling – 4 – 8
  • Club Europe – doubling – 2 – 4
  • World Traveller – doubling – 4 – 8
  • World Traveller Plus new guaranteed availability – 0 – 2
  • Club World – doubling – 2 – 4

Tom Stevens, Director of Brand and Customer Experience at British Airways, said

Our Members appreciate the benefits their Executive Club membership brings, but the feedback we hear is that people would like us to make it easier to book flights using Avios. We have listened and acted on this, and today’s announcement directly addresses this feedback, opening up six extra reward seats on a short-haul flight, and eight on a long-haul flight. We hope this means that a family holiday, or that big friendship group trip away, will be much easier to book using Avios.

Adam Daniels, Chief Executive at IAG Loyalty which manages the Avios currency, said

This is an exciting change that we have worked closely with the British Airways team to deliver. We hope it offers Executive Club Members even more opportunities to spend their hard earned Avios.

This is the latest step in a series of improvements British Airways has made to its Executive Club. In March, the airline announced it was protecting the Tier status of Executive Club Members for a further year. In February, British Airways announced a six-month extension to all Executive Club vouchers, due to expire before 31 December 2021. This was the third extension to have been applied, following similar extensions in March 2020 and October 2020. British Airways is also adding an additional six-months validity to all new Companion Vouchers or Travel Together tickets earned between June 2020 and the end of December 2021.

British Airways continues to reduce the amount of Tier Points needed to reach each Tier by 25% for those whose Tier Point collection year ends before July 2022.

British Airways trials ‘world first’ 25-second Covid-19 test

British Airways is the first airline in the world to conduct a trial with medical tech company Canary Global, to assess how its Pelican Covid-19 Ultra Rapid Covid-19 test, which displays a result within 25 seconds, can play a role in opening up travel. 

The airline will be inviting flight and cabin crew to take the Pelican Covid-19 test and will compare the performance of the result against existing tests that they are already taking.  Recently approved for use in Europe and UK, the test is currently going through U.S. FDA approval and the airline is the first in the world to trial the new technology. Subject to successful evaluation the airline hopes to be able to offer the test technology on applicable routes where tests have to meet the stated specificity and sensitivity standards.



Pelican Covid-19 Ultra Rapid Covid-19 test: Highly intelligent saliva test can detect symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2, including variants

The test is a non-invasive saliva ultra-rapid digital antigen test that delivers 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2. Users simply take a sample of their saliva into a disposable sensor unit, shake and insert it into a re-usable digital reader which is connected to a blue-tooth enabled device like a smartphone, and then wait for the results that appear through a mobile app. The test which probes for both the S and N SARS-Cov-2 protein is optimized to detect variants that have originated across the globe.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said:

As we  start to see the opening up of travel we remain committed to exploring easy and affordable testing solutions to help our customers travel again, whether it’s for business, to reunite with family and friends or take a much-needed break abroad. We think this new ultra-rapid test is a game changer so we are delighted to work with the team at Canary to begin initial trials with our flight and cabin crew, before exploring what role it could play as a customer testing option.

Raj Reddy, Canary’s CEO and inventor of the technology said:

Raj Reddy is CEO of
Ontario-based Canary Global

Combining the power of nanosensor and digital detection technology, the Pelican CV19 test is the first ultra-rapid test that can return a PCR-like accuracy of 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity. We developed the test with the travel industry in mind where speed, accuracy and ease of use are paramount. We are very excited to partner with BA as pioneer and industry leader to trial this test; and we hope the Pelican test can soon be used as a standard test for travellers and crew around the world.

Canary Global is in discussions with other travel, hospitality and events organisers around the world to help them safely open up with the Pelican ultra-rapid Covid-19 test. The test could also help to safely open up other business and schools. Canary is currently ramping up its production to meet the global demand.

British Airways has consistently championed testing as a way to re-open travel safely, and has ensured its customers have access to a wide range of discounted Covid-19 pre-departure, return to the UK and arrivals testing options.

BA trials Qmatic queueing

British Airways will be trialling new intelligent queuing technology from Qmatic, that will enable customers to queue, virtually, at check-in by pre-booking their slot time in advance of arriving at the airport.

The technology, that is optional for customers, will be trialled by British Airways for three months on selected flights departing from Heathrow Terminal 5. Customers will be sent an email before travel inviting them to book their personal check in time.  

When it is time for a customer to check-in, the Qmatic system will notify them that it is their turn, allowing them simply to go to the dedicated desk and the airline’s customer service team will be able to assist. Customers who have not booked a check-in slot through Qmatic, can proceed as normal, or have the option to join a virtual queue when they arrive at the airport by scanning a QR code.

Jade Solutions is the exclusive supplier of Qmatic’s intelligent journey management solutions into the UK

British Airways will be the first airline to trial Qmatic, which is currently used extensively in public sector, retail, healthcare and financial organisations around the world, including BP Service Stations, Tate Modern and the Post Office,  to help manage the flow of customers.

Declan Pollard, British Airways’ Head of Heathrow Customer Experience, said

In this new Covid-19 era we know that customers have been travelling less frequently than they normally would, and in most cases not at all. We understand many people will feel unfamiliar with the airport journey, so we are committed to exploring how technology can simplify that experience for them. This technology means that our customers can plan their departure knowing that they have a personalised check-in time. We think this technology, coupled with digital travel apps, will help efficiently manage the flow of customers in the airport at any one time and give our customers reassurance.

Mark Brackley, Managing Director of Jade Solutions, the exclusive supplier of Qmatic in the UK, added

The intelligent queuing solution will provide British Airways’ customers with the ability to add themselves to a virtual queue and see their position change in real-time, all from their phone. We are excited to be working with British Airways to trial this technology.

Elsewhere, British Airways is also trialling digital travel apps to ensure customers meet the entry requirements for their destination before arriving at the airport. The airline’s customers can currently use VeriFLY on all flights to the US, Canada and France as well as on all inbound flights and the airline has been assisting in the development of IATA’s Travel Pass.

British Airways says that it will continue to explore how it integrates other technologies, such as VeriFLY, into its systems ‘to further streamline the customer experience’.

British Airways is flying 27 tonnes of medical aid to Delhi

As the humanitarian crisis in India worsens, British Airways has announced it will fly a Boeing 777-200 aircraft loaded with emergency aid to Delhi to support the Indian government as the country continues to battle rising Coronavirus cases with dwindling oxygen supplies.

1,349 items of aid will depart on an aircraft specially chartered by British Airways and supported by volunteers from the airline to ensure life-saving supplies reach the country urgently. British Airways Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle says the airline has offered the support free.


Khalsa Aid is an international NGO with the aim to provide humanitarian aid in disaster areas and civil conflict zones around the world

The airline commissioned a special project team to organise the flight, due to leave on Wednesday 5 May at 5pm, landing in Delhi at 5.45am (local time) on Thursday 6 May. The aircraft is loaded with more than a thousand items from the High Commission of India and charities including Khalsa Aid International and the largest Hindu Temple outside of India, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Neasden, London.

The load includes hundreds of urgent life-saving oxygen cylinders and shipments of oxygen concentrators, respirators and blood oxygen saturation monitors.  British Airways is also donating care packages for families in need.

While IAG Cargo and British Airways have maintained a vital air link between London and India throughout the pandemic, sending aid on scheduled flights, this air lift is a special charter, fully funded by the two companies.  


Captain Minesh Patel, commanding the relief service, is a member of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chief Executive and CEO, said:

The British Airways family has been deeply affected by the terrible scenes in India of the deepening humanitarian crisis that has impacted the lives of many of our people. We are fortunate to be in a position to help transport aid and I am so proud of the volunteers from across the airline and IAG Cargo who have stepped up to make this happen. We continue to stand with our friends in India as the country endures one of the worst crises it has ever known.

British Airways works in partnership with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is organising the UK’s humanitarian response.  Saleh Saeed, Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee, said: 

The DEC brings together 14 leading UK aid charities to respond quickly and effectively to disasters, with the fantastic support of partners in the corporate sector, including British Airways. We are hugely grateful to British Airways for springing into action to support our emergency appeals, enabling us to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to people in India and elsewhere across the world when disaster strikes.

Captain Minesh Patel has been instrumental in helping to organise the flight and is commanding the relief service.  He said:

It seemed natural to connect British Airways with the wealth of aid and relief material amassed by BAPS in the UK to enable the medical supplies to reach the organisation’s volunteers in India who can provide relief, medical and social aid to the victims in the worst affected regions.

The airline’s people have also raised several thousand pounds for the DEC’s appeal through internal online donations.  

You can find out more about the Disasters Emergency Committee coronavirus appeal here:
www.dec.org.uk/appeal/coronavirus-appeal

British Airways protects Tier status for Executive Club members

British Airways has announced it will be protecting the Tier status of Executive Club members for a further year. This means that any member renewing in 2021 will enjoy their status for another year, irrespective of how many Tier Points they earn.

Eligible members will receive an additional 12 months on their Tier status expiry date which will be updated in their Executive Club accounts this week.

Niall Rooney, Head of the British Airways Executive Club, said:

As we await the Government’s decision in April and plan for the safe restart of travel as soon as possible, we want to thank our Executive Club members for their loyalty during the most difficult time in the airline’s history.

We know many of our members haven’t been able to travel, but today’s news means they can keep their benefits for longer and use them when they’re able to fly again. We hope this complements a number of measures we’ve already introduced, including our book with confidence commitment, which provides flexibility and reassurance for our customers.


No British Airways Executive Club member, including Bronze, Silver and Gold card holders will lose their Tier status in 2021.

The announcement means that qualifying members will have received two years of protection. It also means that no British Airways Executive Club member will lose their Tier status in 2021.

On top of this Tier extension, in February, British Airways announced a six-month extension to all Executive Club vouchers, due to expire before 31 December 2021. This was the third extension that was applied, following similar extensions in March 2020 and October 2020 and included Gold Upgrade Vouchers and American Express Companion Vouchers. British Airways is also adding an additional six-months validity to all new Companion Voucher or Travel Together tickets earned between June 2020 and the end of December 2021. 

Finally, British Airways continues to reduce the amount of Tier Points needed to reach each Tier by 25% for those whose Tier Point collection year ends before July 2022.

British Airways offers discounted, portable rapid Covid-19 test kits

British Airways has announced customers can order discounted global antigen tests from Government-approved COVID-19 testing provider, Qured, at an exclusive price of £33.

The convenient rapid test kits are can be ordered to any UK address. Customers can take the kits, which are designed to be portable, with them abroad, in preparation for their return journey to the UK.

The test is remotely administered by a professional health advisor over a scheduled video call. The health advisor will guide the customer through taking a nose and throat swab and processing the sample. Verified results are available after twenty minutes, and the customer can download a ‘fit to fly’ certificate if the test is negative.

British Airways’ CEO Sean Doyle, said:

As we look forward and prepare for a safe return to travel, we remain focused on finding and offering the most convenient and affordable testing options for our customers.

Our teams were pleased to discover Qured, a unique new option which removes uncertainty and unnecessary expense for customers who may be concerned about sourcing a pre-departure test while away from home.

Qured’s CEO Alex Templeton, said:

Our accessible rapid testing service takes the hassle out of finding a test abroad. As a trusted healthcare provider we look forward to delivering an exceptional patient experience to British Airways’ customers and to working with them on a safe return to travel.

To find out more information on Qured, and all the other testing options and discounts available, customers can visit British Airways’ testing page on ba.com.

Rapid Covid-19 tests use a diagnostic lateral flow device to confirm the presence or absence of the virus.  Qured’s rapid tests use a nose and/or throat swab to transfer the sample onto a lateral flow cassette. The lateral flow devices Qured uses have all been independently validated by Public Health England.

What is the Qured lateral flow test process?

  • Once a test is purchased, the customer will receive the test kit via next-day delivery.
  • Customers will be sent a unique link to sign up and book their virtual clinic slot.
  • Prior to the virtual appointment the patient will receive a link to access Qured’s secure video consultation platform. They will then be asked to enter their name.
  • The customer will enter the virtual waiting room and an expert health advisor will start the call at their chosen time.
  • The customer is then guided through the test procedure and the whole process takes around 10 minutes.
  • Result is available 20 minutes after the customer has completed the test. They will then email a photo of their ID and the LFD to Qured for verification.
  • The customer is notified via text and email that their test result is available, and if negative, they can download a ‘fit to fly’ certificate to be presented at the airport or uploaded to the VeriFly app.