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Dave

KLM names new A321neo fleet after butterflies, emphasising environmental commitment

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KLM has announced the names of its first four A321neo aircraft, with the first, named Swallowtail, expected to arrive at the end of August.

The KLM fleet will see further additions later this year with Peach Blossom, Common Brimstone and Waved Carpet joining the fleet.

This move continues KLM’s long-standing tradition of bestowing unique names upon its planes, a practice it has maintained for over 104 years.

Past themes have included names of members of the Royal family, notable bridges, aviation pioneers and national parks.

For this new series, KLM employees have chosen butterflies as the theme.

Butterfly Fleet: KLM’s A321neo “Swallowtail”

The introduction of the A321neo is a significant milestone in KLM’s fleet renewal efforts, supporting their commitment to the sector plan of “Cleaner, Quieter, More Efficient.”

These new aircraft are considerably quieter than their predecessors and achieve a 21% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometer.

KLM’s innovative approach underscores its dedication to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. The choice of butterflies, known for their grace and transformation, symbolises KLM’s continuous evolution in the aviation sector.

For information on flights with KLM, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Notes for Editors:

Dave

New comfort bags and premium care products for KLM business passengers

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From 1 July 2024, KLM World Business Class passengers and visitors to the KLM Crown Lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol can look forward to indulging in premium personal care products from renowned Dutch brand Marie-Stella-Maris.

Following this, from 1 August, these high-quality products will be featured in newly designed comfort bags distributed in KLM’s World Business Class.

Marleen van de Pol, VP Customer Experience said,

KLM aims to make every journey meaningful and believes in putting quality before quantity. After all, travel is not about ticking destinations off a list but about unique encounters and personal experiences

The new comfort bags are a result of KLM’s collaboration with the creative talents at Envisions, a design agency based in Eindhoven.

The agency, founded by young graduates from the Design Academy Eindhoven, drew inspiration from different moments of the day to create four distinctive designs for the comfort bags.

KLM Crown Lounge visitors and World Business Class passengers can enjoy a selection of hand soap, hand gel, hand lotion and a face mist. Additionally, the comfort bags will include a face moisturiser and lip balm, ensuring travellers stay refreshed and pampered during their journey.

Premium Care: KLM introduces Marie-Stella-Maris personal care products and Envisions-designed comfort bags for World Business Class passengers starting July 2024.

Marie-Stella-Maris products, known for their high-quality ingredients and commitment to sustainability, are made in the Netherlands with a minimum of 96% natural ingredients, such as shea butter, almond oil and hazelnut oil.

The brand donates 2.5% of its sales to sustainable water projects, aligning with KLM’s commitment to social responsibility.

The introduction of these new products and comfort bags will see the replacement of the current Rituals comfort bags and products from 1 August.

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

Dave

Heroic London Gatwick staff save passenger’s life with swift CPR response

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A team of dedicated staff at London Gatwick were recently thanked by a passenger for saving his life after he went into cardiac arrest at the airport.

Passenger Eddie Barnes was travelling through London Gatwick’s North Terminal security area on 24 October at 4:20 am, bound for Spain, when he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest.

In a swift and coordinated effort, a total of twelve staff from security, passenger operations, and the London Gatwick Fire Service responded immediately, administering life-saving CPR for more than 15 minutes and using a defibrillator to restart his heart before he was transported to hospital by ambulance.

Eddie has since made a full recovery and recently reunited with the team who saved his life to express his gratitude. He was given a tour of the airport’s airside fire station and had the opportunity to personally thank those involved.

Eddie Barnes shared his experience:

The cardiac arrest that I suffered must be the most profound experience for myself and those close to me and yet had the team at London Gatwick not successfully applied CPR, I would never have known a thing about it.

I had absolutely no warning when it happened, I simply dropped dead.

I am told that for more than 15 minutes CPR was applied in the course of which I received 16 broken ribs and the paddles were applied five times (and once more in the ambulance).

The heart surgeon informed me the number of ribs broken bears testimony to how well the CPR was applied.

It is hard work applying CPR and I will be eternally grateful to the team for not giving up.

Strangely the experience has not left me with any psychological hang-ups. By the time I knew what had happened it was too late to worry and I have every confidence that the team at St Thomas’s who supported me after I left Gatwick have dealt with the problem to prevent a recurrence.

All passenger operations staff at London Gatwick are provided with first aid training, including CPR, while firefighters from the on-site fire service are trained as advanced immediate emergency care responders, able to provide a higher level of medical care. The importance of this training is underscored by the 2,832 first aid calls the Passenger Operations Support team responded to last year, ranging from cardiac arrests to managing queues.

Scott Ronaldson, one of the first responders, reflected on the incident:

At the time Przemyslaw and I were close to finishing a night shift and were doing our usual lap to make sure everything was running smoothly. It was when we were talking to security we noticed screens being pulled across.

When we got to Eddie we noticed he wasn’t breathing. I tore his shirt off and commenced CPR with my colleague Przemyslaw until the rest of our team came with a defibrillator.

I have had a few instances where CPR is required and every time, I know I can rely on our amazing team to drop everything and come running to support. Thanks to the training we receive from the London Gatwick Fire Service we are well prepared for these circumstances and feel comfortable even in the worst cases.

Przemyslaw Karpicki also shared his experience:

Just as our night shift was ending, I was with Scott when we saw a passenger collapse. We didn’t hesitate, we ran straight to him. Security called us to respond, but by then, we were already there, ready to help.

Scott started CPR immediately since Eddie wasn’t breathing. Moments later, two more of our colleagues joined us with a defibrillator. Our training from the London Gatwick Fire Service kicked in, and they arrived shortly after to provide the next level of care. I knew I was surrounded by my colleagues from the passenger operations team and could rely on them completely.

At that moment, during CPR, I wasn’t thinking about my feelings, I was focused entirely on helping Eddie. But when I got home at the end of my shift, the reality hit me. Together with my colleagues, we did something incredible. We gave someone a chance to live, and that feels incredibly special.”

Life saved: (L-R) Przemyslaw Karpicki, Holly-May Parrish (passenger operations), Eddie Barnes and Scott Ronaldson

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

Dave

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

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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.

Dave

Air transport industry sees reduced baggage mishandling despite record passenger traffic

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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.

Dave

Lufthansa boosts flights for European Championships, flying fans to Germany

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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.

Dave

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

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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.

Dave

Heathrow Airport reintroduces Fast Track security

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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.

Dave

First slice: PizzaExpress launches breakfast menu at Gatwick Airport

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Passengers traversing through London Gatwick Airport will soon have a delightful new dining option as PizzaExpress prepares to open its doors at the South Terminal on 20 May.

This eagerly anticipated addition marks a significant milestone for PizzaExpress, being the brand’s inaugural foray into airport dining within the UK.

In an exciting twist, PizzaExpress at Gatwick will offer a unique breakfast menu, a first for the brand in the UK. Early morning travellers can indulge in a delectable array of dishes, including the Italian Bacon & Egg pizza adorned with crispy pancetta, and the Smashed Avocado & Poached Eggs served on freshly baked dough. The Full Works promises a classic English breakfast with a PizzaExpress twist, complemented by innovative offerings like Pancetta & Maple Syrup Pancakes and Breakfast Dough Balls & Jam, available daily from 3:30am to 11:00am.

From 11:00 am, PizzaExpress enthusiasts can transition seamlessly to the brand’s renowned classics, including the beloved American Hot and Padana pizzas, sumptuous calzones, and tantalising salads such as the ever-popular Niçoise. With an extensive menu boasting pastas and desserts, there’s something to satiate every palate throughout the day.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, expressed delight at the impending arrival of PizzaExpress, saying,

We are delighted to welcome PizzaExpress to London Gatwick. It will be a fantastic addition to our South Terminal departure lounge, as we strive to offer our passengers an exciting, diverse range of options before they fly. PizzaExpress is the latest opening at London Gatwick, and adds to the growing choice of iconic food and drink brands available to our passengers. PizzaExpress’ commitment to quality and passion for creating memorable dining experiences aligns with our own dedication to ensuring a positive experience for all passengers travelling through the airport.

Chris Holmes, PizzaExpress Chief Development Officer, echoed the sentiment:

We’re incredibly excited to be opening PizzaExpress at London Gatwick, which is a gateway to many destinations across the world, including some of our own international markets. Our customers want to enjoy their favourite brand everywhere and at any time, so opening sites across travel hubs – of which Gatwick is set to be the first airport location – provides even more opportunities for our customers to connect with us.

Embarking on a journey with our franchise partner, Airport Retail Enterprises, we wanted to set the stage for something different across our Gatwick Airport site. As an industry leading innovator, we created a menu that offers up something fresh and different, appealing to diners around the clock.

We all know the holiday starts from the moment you arrive at the airport, and from early morning breakfasts to late night dinners, there’s nowhere better to celebrate that holiday feeling than at PizzaExpress London Gatwick.

PizzaExpress joins a prestigious lineup of food and beverage establishments at London Gatwick, including recent additions like The Breakfast Club, Brewdog, Krispy Kreme, Black Sheep Coffee, and Greggs. This culinary expansion underscores Gatwick’s commitment to enhancing the passenger journey with an array of iconic brands.

For travellers seeking a slice of culinary delight before takeoff, PizzaExpress at London Gatwick promises an unparalleled dining experience from breakfast through to dinner.

For further information about flight options from London Gatwick – and the best ways to get there – please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Reviving the River Findhorn: LNER’s Investment in Nature Conservation

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LNER’s partnership with the Findhorn, Nairn, and Lossie Rivers Trust is revitalising the River Findhorn’s ecosystem, combating declining salmon numbers and fostering community engagement for a sustainable future.

Communities and ecosystems nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, particularly those along the River Findhorn, are celebrating a significant boost in funding from LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund. This funding injection is playing a pivotal role in rejuvenating natural habitats and safeguarding the iconic salmon population.

The stewardship of the Findhorn, Nairn, and Lossie Rivers Trust encompasses the care of all three rivers. In recent years, experts monitoring the Findhorn have observed a decline in salmon numbers, with climate change-induced rising water temperatures emerging as a potential culprit.

To counteract this trend, the Trust has embarked on its flagship project, the ‘Findhorn Watershed Initiative’. At the heart of this initiative is the strategic planting of native woodland along the riverbanks, aimed at providing crucial shade during the summer months to mitigate rising temperatures.

Watershed initiative: ecosystems and communities in and around the River Findhorn in the Scottish Highlands have welcomed funding from LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund

Thanks to the backing from LNER, the initiative has been able to implement an array of monitoring systems to collect essential ecological data. This includes conducting fish and invertebrate surveys and installing river temperature loggers, equipping researchers with the necessary insights to track progress and assess improvements over time.

However, the initiative extends beyond scientific intervention. It is deeply rooted in community engagement, recognising that fostering a connection between people and nature is essential for long-term conservation efforts. Through a comprehensive community outreach programme, volunteers from the local area have been empowered to contribute to the protection of the river for future generations.

The community engagement programme under the Findhorn Watershed Initiative has brought together individuals of all ages, fostering an appreciation for the river’s cultural heritage, wildlife and landscapes. Delving into the region’s rich history, participants have explored lost nature-related Gaelic place names, songs and stories, providing invaluable insights into the area’s ecological evolution and offering a roadmap for restoration efforts.

LNER: saving salmon in Scotland’s Rivers

Bob Laughton, Director at the Findhorn, Nairn, and Lossie Rivers Trust, expressed gratitude for LNER’s support, highlighting the invaluable role it has played in gathering crucial baseline data to inform future conservation endeavors. He said,

LNER’s support over the past 12 months has been invaluable. During that time we’ve developed an important body of ecological and cultural baseline data and information which will help us target our work with the Findhorn Watershed Initiative to maximise positive impact for the landscapes, wildlife and communities of the upper River Findhorn catchment area into the future.

Rachael Wilson, Community Investment Manager at LNER, reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering a greener future, stating,

As a long-distance rail operator, we continue to play our part in creating a greener future and we are delighted to be supporting the Findhorn, Nairn, and Lossie Rivers Trust in their work to protect the Findhorn for generations to come. The project not only inspires people in the local community to come together but also to connect with nature and the area’s heritage, all in addition to the benefits for the environment and wildlife.

As the River Findhorn continues its journey towards restoration and preservation, the collaborative efforts between the Findhorn, Nairn, and Lossie Rivers Trust and LNER stand as a testament to the power of partnerships in safeguarding our precious natural resources.

For further information on LNER services, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.