Posts

Dave

Norwegian Air partners with Anuvu to launch enhanced high-speed WiFi for European flights

/in /by

Norwegian Air has renewed its partnership with Anuvu, making it the first airline outside North America to launch Anuvu’s high-speed WiFi technology, improving the internet experience onboard and enhancing the customer experience for UK-based business travellers.

Norwegian Air has renewed its partnership with Anuvu, a leading provider of high-speed WiFi technology, to bring reliable and fast internet access to its fleet of aircraft.

Pioneering: Norwegian Air Shuttle will become the first Anuvu Dedicated Space™ connectivity customer outside of North America

Norwegian will be the first airline outside of North America to launch Anuvu’s cutting-edge technology, which will provide stable and fast WiFi that is 20 times faster than what is currently available.

This move is aimed at enhancing the customer experience and offering a seamless in-flight WiFi experience to the UK-based business travellers.

The technology will be installed on Norwegian’s new aircraft deliveries and will gradually be rolled out across the fleet, giving passengers the ability to browse, stream, upload, and download at high speeds. In addition, Anuvu’s technology has extra bandwidth, which allows up to ten times as many customers to access the internet simultaneously without impacting performance.

Norwegian’s Chief Marketing and Customer Officer, Christoffer Sundby, said,

We are very excited about this renewed partnership with Anuvu.

We expect to be able to start rolling out the new solution within the next year, significantly improving the WiFi solutions we offer our customers.

We are constantly working on developing and improving our services on board and having a seamless, stable WiFi experience in the air is critical to many of our customers – making it one of our most important priorities

The implementation of Anuvu’s WiFi technology is expected to enhance customers’ internet experience onboard and enable the crew to deliver more onboard services by improving the information flow between the aircraft and airport operations.

Norwegian was the first airline to offer WiFi on single-aisle aircraft in Europe in 2011, and the renewal of the partnership with Anuvu shows their commitment to delivering excellent customer experience through cutting-edge technology.

As business travel resumes post-pandemic, reliable WiFi on board will become a crucial factor for UK-based business travellers, and Norwegian’s decision to renew their partnership with Anuvu will certainly appeal to this market.

With the rollout of Anuvu’s technology, Norwegian aims to improve its customers’ travel experience and stay ahead of the competition in the aviation industry.

In summary, Norwegian’s renewed partnership with Anuvu will enable the airline to offer stable and fast WiFi, enhancing the customer experience for UK-based business travellers. With the implementation of Anuvu’s technology, Norwegian aims to stay ahead of the competition and provide excellent in-flight WiFi service to its passengers.

Dave

Spectacular new gourmet dishes in Air France lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle

/in /by

Air France is offering new culinary delights in its lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.

The Ducasse Paris teams have developed new dishes to be enjoyed in the long-haul lounges in terminal 2E. For the short and medium-haul lounge in Terminal 2F, Servair corporate chef François Adamski, Bocuse d’Or and Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF), has teamed up with the young and talented chef Chloé Charles to create gourmet dishes with a summer flavour.

Ducasse Paris in the long-haul lounges

In the long-haul lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle located in terminal 2E, halls K, L and M, customers can now enjoy the new “Burgal” signed by Ducasse Paris, a fully veggie and healthy alternative to the traditional hamburger made from locally produced French cereals and vegetables. It is composed of a vegan brioche bun, a vegetable and legume patty, a spicy vegan mayonnaise with pickles and an aubergine caviar condiment, and the recipe is compatible with all dietary needs.

Ducasse Paris also offers a salad and a signature condiment featuring unrefined produce and seasonings with no added fat or sugar. For dessert, a chocolate praline finger from the Manufacture Ducasse is offered, prepared exclusively for the company’s customers.

Ducasse Paris burgal
Ducasse Paris dessert

François Adamski and Chloé Charles in the short and medium-haul lounge at terminal 2F

In the short and medium-haul lounge in terminal 2F, Air France has teamed up with Servair corporate chef François Adamski, an undisputed emblematic name in French cuisine (winner of the Bocuse d’or and Meilleur Ouvrier de France), and the young and talented chef Chloé Charles at the forefront of responsible catering. Through this alliance, Air France is both illustrating its determination to take inspiration from the very roots of French haute cuisine, which it has supported since the company’s beginnings, and its ambition to promote the promising young talent behind today’s inventive cuisine with a view to transferring and sharing know-how. The two chefs are presenting new hot dishes, including a vegetarian offer, which will be unveiled progressively over the coming months for lunch or dinner.

Chloé Charles (left) and François Adamski

On the menu in September 2022 –

  • Smoked shrimp, tangy sauce and seasonal vegetables by François Adamski;
  • Shoulder of lamb with spices, reduced juice, semolina with candied vegetables by François Adamski;
  • Camargue rice sautéed and flavoured with West Indian spices and spring vegetable brunoise by Chloé Charles.

Before a flight or while waiting for a connecting flight, Air France welcomes its Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers in spacious and quiet lounges where they can relax and rest, eat or work in peace. In these privileged spaces, gastronomy is in the spotlight with a rich and varied catering offer, highlighting French cuisine. The culinary offer available in the lounges changes throughout the day.

In the spirit of French bistros, a large choice of hot and cold dishes is available at all times, with cocktails, simmered casseroles, pancakes for breakfast, etc.

Special culinary events are regularly organised.

A wine and champagne list presented by Paolo Basso, world’s best sommelier in 2013, is also available in the lounges.

A more responsible catering offer

Since 1 June, 2022 in its lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle – and by the end of 2022 on all its flights departing from Paris – Air France has committed to offering 100% French meat, dairy products and eggs, bread and pastries, as well as fish from sustainable fisheries. The airline offers a selection of fresh, local and seasonal products. A vegetarian offer is also available.

The company is also committed to recycling and eliminating 90% of single-use plastic on board its aircraft by early 2023. It also pays particular attention to the selective sorting and recycling of catering items. In accordance with French regulations, it also provides its customers with water fountains in its lounges to limit the consumption of single-use plastic.


Dave

July sees improving passenger experience at Heathrow following cap on departing numbers

/in /by

Heathrow has issued an update on passenger experiences through the airport during July 2022.

Following the introduction of a daily passenger cap, the airport has produced a five bullet point statement, detailing the growth in passenger numbers and explaining the measures in place to produce further improvement in the passenger experience.

The Heathrow statement reads as follows:

  • We have seen the largest rise in passenger numbers of any European airport in the last year. Over 6 million people travelled through Heathrow in July and an estimated 16 million are expected between July and September.
  • The cap on departing passenger numbers has delivered improvements to passenger experience, with fewer last minute flight cancellations, better aircraft punctuality and baggage delivery.
  • Integral to increasing the departing passenger cap is increasing airline ground handler capacity and resilience, and we have initiated a review of ground handling to support that objective.
  • Recruitment for this summer’s getaway began last November, and we have hired an additional 1,300 recruits. Security resource is back at pre pandemic levels, enabling 88% of Heathrow passengers to clear security within 20 minutes or less. 
  • Border Force has performed well so far this summer and we are working to help them secure sufficient resource to serve the peak in passengers returning to the UK over the next few weeks.

Adding to the statement, Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said,

Passengers are seeing better, more reliable journeys since the introduction of the demand cap. I want to thank all my colleagues across the airport for their amazing work in getting people away. This has only been possible because of the collective and determined efforts of airport, airline and wider Team Heathrow teams.

Dave

Statement on the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport

/in /by

Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have issued the following statement regarding Doncaster Airport.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Doncaster Sheffield Airport owners, The Peel Group has confirmed in a meeting with senior officers from both Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Doncaster Chamber of Commerce – that they will look at all options to keep the airport open. They would be willing to consider a range of options that could result in the maintenance of aviation operations on the site.

There is a mutual recognition that the airport and wider Gateway East site are inextricably linked, and all viable options are still on the table for discussion, including the sale to another owner/operator.

Each of the options will now be further investigated within the extremely tight consultation period Peel has set for its strategic review, with an acknowledgement that this may need to be extended.

The urgency of this work cannot be underestimated and will be conducted at pace and commitment by Doncaster Council and the SYMCA.

We have mobilised a number of groups including a business advisory board and our region’s MPs. We are now working closely with the Department for Transport and have jointly commissioned an economic impact assessment alongside our private sector partners to inform the best possible outcome for Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

The region is also working with Government as we look for support with this nationally significant airport.

Our work continues and we will provide updates when they are available. Thank you to everyone who came along to the recent public meeting to ask questions and share ideas, and to those who have supported our efforts to see DSA continue as an aviation operation in Doncaster. We want to see the airport remain open.

The statement comes on the back of the news that the Board of Doncaster Sheffield Airport are reviewing “strategic options” for the airport, following its conclusion that “aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable”.

Dave

GTM strengthens board

/in /by

Global Travel Management has announced the appointment of its first Marketing Director.   

Mark Wilson has joined the board to steer and oversee all marketing campaigns and external communications for the award-winning travel management company.   

Speaking ahead of the appointment, Scott Pawley, GTM’s Managing Director said,  

We have known Mark for a number of years and I am delighted he will be joining our board to provide a fresh perspective on the way we communicate with clients and the wider industry.

Like GTM, Mark has been involved in the travel industry for more than two decades.  But he also brings marketing and journalism skills which will help us get our message across.  

Mark Wilson said,  

I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to tell GTM’s story.  The company has negotiated the pandemic, increased its customer-base, won new business and developed its portfolio of products.  So now is a great time to share what sets us apart from the crowd.   

GTM has a reputation of being innovative and responsive, and never being afraid to do new things.  This will continue as we look to launch more industry-firsts and industry-bests.  And I am looking forward to telling people all about the work we do that makes GTM the perfect fit for its customers and suppliers.   

Dave

Panorama episode “Airport Chaos: What’s Gone Wrong?”

/in /by

Global Travel Management Managing Director Scott Pawley has written to the Producer’s of BBC’s Panorama in response to this week’s episode, Airport Chaos: What’s Gone Wrong?

19 July 2022

Airport Chaos: What’s Gone Wrong?

Dear Panorama  

This week’s edition of Panorama was an interesting, although sadly unbalanced report on the temporary issues facing the aviation industry and affecting airline passengers.   

The selection of statistics highlighted some of the issues facing travel this Summer but did very little to provide the ‘other side of the story’.  Specifically, that travel has returned, it’s growing very quickly and it’s fast approaching business as usual.   

The report claimed that between 2% and 4% of flights are having to be cancelled.  That’s bad news for anyone whose holiday is affected – those passengers should complain and should always demand the compensation that’s due to them.   

But the programme did very little to highlight the fact that between 960 and 980 flights in every thousand are going ahead; close to the 990 flights per thousand in “normal times”.   

Or that Heathrow – for example – has coped with 40 years’ worth of growth in just four months.   

Or that Heathrow has forecast to have as many security staff in place as pre-pandemic levels by the end of this month.   

UK plc requires its businesses to succeed.  And to do this, it relies on the BBC to illustrate the whole picture.  Because confidence in travel breeds success in business.   Business trips can face snags.  But this has always been true – as Aviation Minister Robert Couts said on your programme, “I can never promise there will never be delays”.  But, as Rory Boland also said on your show, “before you book, take a look around what’s happening at the airport near you [and] the airlines you’re considering and make your decision based on that”.  That’s exactly what savvy business travellers do – most effectively by relying on travel management companies to smooth the bumps in the road.   Flight cancellations may affect business plans, but, with careful management and with access to all options, they don’t need to ruin them.  

A case in point is your presenter’s visit to Milano Malpensa, with a crew, to interview Armando Brunini, CEO of SEA Milan Airports.  A crucial business trip that took place, despite “the chaos”.   

Aviation is returning, quicky to the successful, important industry it was, pre-pandemic.  Within weeks, I hope the focus will be on how well international travel has recovered, across all UK airports and all airlines.    

A “panorama” can be defined as something that enables the viewer to see the whole picture.  This week’s episode failed in that regard, because it omitted some of the strides the industry is making.   

I look forward to the follow-up, “Panorama: How Did Aviation Return So Quickly?”  

Yours faithfully  

Scott Pawley  

You can see the episode of Panorama on BBC iPlayer.

Dave

Heathrow Airport sees 40 years’ worth of growth in four months

/in /by

In a sign of the recovery of UK aviation, nearly 6 million passengers travelled through Heathrow in June, totalling 25 million passengers in the first six months of the year.

The unprecedented growth in passenger numbers over the last four months matches what took place over the last 40 years.

Heathrow re-started recruiting in November 2021 in anticipation of capacity recovering in the Summer of 2022. By the end of July the airport will have as many people working in security as there were pre-pandemic. The airport has also reopened Terminal 4 to provide more space for passengers.  

Rebuilding capacity quickly is very challenging after the significant reductions in resource across the entire aviation supply chain. Arrivals punctuality is very low as a result of delays at other airports and airspace congestion across Europe and this has compounded the challenge of resource constraints for the airport, airlines, ground handlers and government agencies.

In spite of this, the airport claims to have been able to provide a good level of service for the vast majority of passengers. However, despite its ‘best efforts’ there have been periods in recent weeks, where service levels have not been acceptable, with long queue times, delays for passengers with reduced mobility, bags not travelling with passengers or arriving late. The airport has stated it wants to apologise to passengers affected by this.

The airport spokesman told us:

In June, the DfT and CAA asked the aviation sector to review summer schedules, including implementing a ‘slot amnesty’ to encourage airlines to remove flights without penalty that will minimise further disruption for passengers over the summer getaway. Our number one priority at Heathrow is giving passengers a safe and reliable journey. We will carefully assess if airlines’ reviewed schedule changes will help achieve that.

Many people will not have travelled in some time. Passengers can help prepare for their journeys by ensuring they arrive at Heathrow no earlier than 3 hours before their flights, that they have their liquids less than 100ml packed in a clear, resealable 1L bag and remove their large electronic items from their bags prior to security checkpoints.

We are assessing the CAA’s latest analysis for the H7 regulatory period and will comment in due course.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

Last month, we saw exponential growth in passenger numbers as nearly six million people got away – the equivalent of 40 years of growth in just four months. I am very proud of the way that our team is rising to the challenge of growth, and giving excellent service to the vast majority of passengers. However, we have already seen times recently when demand exceeds the capacity of the airport, airlines and ground handlers.

We will review the schedule changes that airlines have submitted in response to the government’s requirement to minimise disruption for passengers this summer and will ask them to take further action if necessary. We want everyone who is travelling through Heathrow to be confident that they will have a safe and reliable journey.

Dave

Qatar Airways Unveils Platinum, Gold and Silver Lounges for Privilege Club Members and oneworld Partners

/in /by

Qatar Airways has unveiled Platinum, Gold and Silver lounges at its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), inviting Privilege Club loyalty members and oneworld alliance card holders to access the dedicated lounge corresponding to their frequent flyer tier status when transiting through Doha.

The state-of-the-art lounge facilities, with stunning runway views, will provide a peaceful haven to Qatar Airways Platinum, Gold and Silver loyalty members, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire card holders.

The brand new facilities will offer new spaces where passengers can rest, unwind and enjoy some of Qatar Airways’ renowned amenity products from Diptyque, and indulge in international cuisine and a wide beverage selection.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said:

It is my pleasure to announce the opening of three premium frequent flyer programme lounges at Hamad International Airport.

Our latest Platinum, Gold and Silver lounges demonstrate the airline’s commitment to rewarding Privilege Club and oneworld alliance members with coveted benefits that befit the service quality Qatar Airways is synonymous for.

We look forward to welcoming passengers to experience our sophisticated, modern and spacious lounges when transiting through the World’s Best Airport.

Qatar Airways Platinum, Gold and Silver Lounges offer an ideal space for relaxation or socialising with family and friends.

Passengers can extend an invite to one guest using their plus-one complimentary access – eligible to Qatar Airways Platinum and Gold Privilege Club members, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members.

Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South

Located on concourse A of HIA, Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Platinum loyalty members and oneworld Emerald card holders. The state-of-the-art lounge accommodates up to 140 passengers, and is equipped with a quiet area, a prayer room, a bar, a restaurant, and showers. Passengers are welcome to enjoy à la carte dining or buffet, and utilise the complimentary WiFi provided. 

Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South

Located on concourse A of HIA, Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Gold loyalty members and oneworld Sapphire card holders. The newly inaugurated lounge has the capacity to accommodate up to 85 passengers, and offers an array of services including family seating, a bar, a dining area, a full buffet dining experience, showers, and complimentary WiFi.

Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South

Located on concourse B of HIA, Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Silver loyalty members. First opened in March 2022, the lounge accommodates up to 195 passengers, offering meeting rooms, a family area, a quiet area, buffet dining and baggage storage facilities. 

Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

In addition to the launching of the Gold, Silver and Platinum lounges, Qatar Airways will be increasing its Doha – Melbourne flights from the current once-daily schedule to double-daily flights from 1 October with the support of the Victorian Government. The airline and the Victorian Government signed a strategic agreement to increase connectivity to Melbourne to further boost trade and tourism.

Meanwhile, Berlin is set to benefit from enhanced connectivity to over 150 destinations, following the increase in Qatar Airlines services from daily flights to initially ten and further rising to eleven weekly flights from Berlin Brandenberg Airport.

And Qatar Airways have agreed to appear as the Official Jersey Sponsor of Paris Saint-Germain, starting from the 2022-2023 season.

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named the ‘Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.

Dave

IHG and Unilever join forces to end single-use bathroom miniatures

/in /by

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a global collaboration with consumer goods company Unilever to replace bathroom miniatures with bulk amenities in over 4,000 hotels.

In 2019, IHG became the first global hotel company to commit to all of its hotel brands removing bathroom miniatures in favour of larger-size amenities, a key step in its pledge to eliminate single-use items throughout the guest stay by 2030.

All of IHG’s markets are now covered by bulk bathroom amenity contracts.

Unilever’s largest brand, Dove, will supply full-size hand wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion to IHG Essentials and Suites Collection hotels, including Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

Microbiome: find out how Dove moisturising
formula helps protect your skin’s living layer

The roll out of full-size Unilever products across IHG’s mainstream brands, which accounts for around 80% of IHG’s portfolio, follows the recent launch of larger-size bathroom amenities into InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties.

The switch to full-size formats is expected to save at least 850 tonnes of plastic annually in IHG’s Americas region alone – the equivalent weight of five fully-grown blue whales or 70 double-decker London buses.

Yasmin Diamond, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented:

IHG has pioneered the move to minimal waste in the hospitality industry and we’re excited to spell the end of bathroom miniatures through our collaboration with Unilever. Our guests are increasingly mindful of the impact their travel choices have on the environment and our colleagues, investors, owners and suppliers all expect us to act responsibly. Transitioning to bulk amenities across our global estate was one of our first significant steps towards eliminating single-use items throughout the guest stay by 2030. We’ll continue to find innovative solutions for operating more sustainably to deliver our purpose of True Hospitality for Good.

Umesh Shah, CEO Unilever International, added:

Unilever is committed to making sustainable living commonplace, and we have ambitious targets across every part of our business. We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to help extend sustainable living into the travel industry by providing bathrooms with bulk amenities. Through this collaboration, IHG’s guests will enjoy a range of products from Dove during their stay, while reducing their use of plastic.

IHG’s commitment to pioneer the transformation to a minimal waste hospitality industry forms part of its 10-year Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, which includes a series of ambitious targets to drive positive change for people, communities and the planet.

As well as switching to bulk amenities, the group is working to eliminate single-use items, minimise food waste and adopt circular solutions for major hotel commodity items by 2030.    

Dave

British Airways announce changes to the ‘Book with confidence’ policy

/in /by

British Airways have shared the following announcement regarding the ‘Book with confidence’ policy.

Since its introduction in March 2020, our Book with confidence policy has offered customers the flexibility and peace of mind to change or cancel their travel plans, when it mattered most.

As the world continues to emerge from the pandemic, there are now significantly fewer restrictions impacting travel. And as customer confidence continues to return, it’s clear that the recovery in our industry is now well underway.  

We are writing to inform you of changes to our Book with confidence policy, effective today: 

Bookings ticketed from 00:01 on 08 June 2022 will no longer be covered under this policy and will be governed by the fare rules on the ticket and our standard conditions of carriage; however, should new major travel restrictions be introduced, specific Customer Guidelines will be issued. 

Bookings ticketed from 03 March 2020 up to and including 07 June 2022, for travel completed by 30 September 2022, remain covered under our existing Book with confidence policy, where: 
i) any applicable change fee is waived (fare differential applies), or  
ii) the value of the booking can be held as credit for future travel, providing new travel is completed by 30 September 2023.