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Dave

Gatwick unveils £10 million transformation of North Terminal for enhanced passenger experience

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London Gatwick Airport, the capital’s second major international hub, is gearing up for an exciting period of transformation that promises to enhance the experience of business travellers.

The airport has unveiled its plans for the relaunch and redesign of the North Terminal, alongside a proposal to bring the Northern Runway into routine use.

These initiatives, backed by substantial investments, aim to create a more appealing and efficient space for passengers while generating significant employment opportunities for local construction workers.

North Terminal: more than £10 million to be invested to create a more appealing space for passengers to relax, shop and eat

The North Terminal, scheduled for completion in early 2024, will undergo its most significant overhaul since its opening in 1988.

With over £10 million dedicated to improvements, Gatwick is committed to providing a personalised and relaxing environment that aligns with its refreshed branding and vision.

Passengers can look forward to a departure lounge featuring new flooring, contemporary seating and differentiated ‘mood zones’ equipped with accessible power points. The addition of local artwork and a sustainable planting scheme will showcase the airport’s connection to the beautiful West Sussex countryside.

Furthermore, improved sightlines, wayfinding systems, and a unique digital artwork zone will ensure an effortless exploration of the terminal’s offerings.

Simultaneously, Gatwick’s Northern Runway expansion project presents a remarkable opportunity for local construction workers.

If approved, approximately 630 new jobs will be created across areas including West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Brighton and Hove, and the London Borough of Croydon. The airport plans to source the majority of the workforce from neighboring local authority areas such as Reigate and Banstead, Crawley and Mid Sussex.

This job creation initiative will invigorate the regional economy and provide employment opportunities for professionals, engineers, operators, ground workers, and specialists in various fields. From taxiway alterations to terminal building work, car parks and highway projects, the project will offer diverse roles that contribute to the airport’s long-term vision.

Cedric Laurier, Chief Technical Officer of London Gatwick, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities the Northern Runway project presents, highlighting the excitement it brings to the region. He said,

The opportunities presented for local employment through Gatwick’s Northern Runway project are incredibly exciting for the region. 

To offer up to 1400 new jobs in construction alone – with a significant proportion of these estimated to be using the local workforce – is great news. These new jobs will not only benefit workers now, but also our future workforce who are still in school or college.”

Gatwick’s comprehensive vision encompasses both the enhancement of passenger experience through the North Terminal redesign and the positive economic impact resulting from the Northern Runway expansion.

By improving resilience, reducing delays, and supporting trade, tourism and job creation, the airport aims to solidify its position as a leading international hub, serving the needs of UK-based business travellers and beyond.

With exciting additions like new retailers and restaurants, including The Breakfast Club, BrewDog, and curi.o.city, London Gatwick is set to offer a vibrant and dynamic travel experience.

As the ambitious projects take shape, Gatwick invites business travellers to look forward to a future where the airport serves as a gateway to exceptional travel experiences, reflecting the airport’s commitment to providing a unique sense of place while celebrating the region’s rich offerings.

Dave

Austrian Airlines introduces ‘Tastefully Austrian’: a new culinary concept

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Austrian Airlines is set to revolutionise the inflight dining experience with its new long-haul catering concept, “Tastefully Austrian.”

Commencing in mid-June, passengers can expect an expanded culinary offering, allowing them to customise their meals according to their preferences.

This innovative approach aims to highlight Austrian hospitality and cuisine, providing UK-based business travellers with an exceptional individual experience.

Michael Trestl, Chief Commercial Officer of Austrian Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm, stating,

We aim to provide our guests with a flying piece of Austria – a culinary experience the Austrian way. Our goal is to highlight Austrian hospitality and cuisine and to offer our guests an individual experience.

We take great pride in our return to form with the new long-haul concept and in bringing Austrian culinary delights to our esteemed passengers.

Passengers will now have more flexibility in customising their onboard meals, ensuring an enjoyable and personalised dining experience.

Additionally, the reintroduction of the Flying Chef in April further enhances the inflight service.

Business Class passengers can anticipate a range of exciting new additions. The welcome drink will be accompanied by a delectable bar snack, and due to its popularity, an expanded selection featuring a soup will be available.

Guests will have the choice of two international main courses, complemented by an authentic Austrian signature dish.

A highlight of the new concept is the introduction of the Viennese coffee house service onboard, where passengers can indulge in a variety of freshly-brewed coffees, paired with a delightful dessert. And a separate cheese trolley, offering a selection of digestives, will be presented in the cabin.

Not only will Business Class be enhanced, but also Premium Economy and Economy Class will see culinary innovations on long-haul flights.

Passengers in these classes can expect new recipes and creations presented in three- or four-course menus, featuring two main course options. Additionally, a light dish or small breakfast will be served on all long-haul flights, ensuring a satisfying inflight experience for all travellers.

The menu concept aligns with Austrian Airlines’ corporate values, reflecting their new brand orientation launched in April 2023: “Austria’s flair in the air.” The airline says this motto embodies the essence of Austrian hospitality and creates a sense of home for passengers.

UK-based business travellers can now look forward to an extraordinary culinary journey above the clouds, experiencing the warm embrace of Austrian hospitality and indulging in the rich flavours of Austria, all while reaching their destinations in comfort and style with Austrian Airlines.

Dave

British Airways makes Cincinnati the airline’s 27th US destination

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British Airways has made its highly-anticipated debut at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

This marks the airline’s 27th American destination and further solidifies British Airways’ position as the largest overseas carrier in the United States.

Passengers departing on the inaugural flight from Cincinnati were treated to British-themed refreshments at the departure gate and entertained by musicians and performers, creating an exciting atmosphere for the start of their journey.

Situated along the picturesque Ohio River, the central Cincinnati metropolitan area spans across southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and extends into parts of southeastern Indiana. By establishing this new route, British Airways introduces its renowned service to a previously untapped region of the United States, catering to the needs of over 11 million people within a 120-mile radius of Cincinnati’s airport.

Neil Chernoff, British Airways Director of Networks and Alliances, expressed confidence in the new route, stating,

When we look at the Cincinnati region we see a vibrant part of the U.S. with a great mix of business and leisure travellers who have long asked for more international service and global connectivity, which is what made it so attractive to us and why we’re confident this new route will be a success.

Our incredibly positive and welcoming conversations with the airport team, the business development community and tourism partners – combined with all the region has to offer visitors from outside the U.S. – were a clear sign that Cincinnati was the right place to expand our flying in America.

With the addition of this route, customers based in Cincinnati now have convenient non-stop access to the capital city of the United Kingdom and its iconic landmarks and attractions.

Cincinnati’s corporate community stands to benefit from the increased connectivity to one of the world’s leading business centers.

Furthermore, British Airways offers seamless connections from its hub at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 to nearly 200 destinations in 65 countries worldwide, including routes with partner airlines. The arrival of British Airways establishes Cincinnati as a gateway to the globe, unparalleled by any other airline in the region.

Candace McGraw, Chief Executive Officer of CVG Airport, expressed her excitement, saying,

We are thrilled this day has come when CVG has non-stop service to and from London Heathrow.

This flight offers tremendous growth opportunities for business travel, economic development, and tourism between the UK and our region.

We are grateful to our partners in Ohio and Kentucky who have supported this flight that will benefit travellers for years to come.

I offer a personal thanks to our new friends at British Airways for this opportunity.

Travelers arriving in Cincinnati, a city that welcomed over six million visitors in 2021, will find a wealth of activities to enjoy. The city boasts various sports teams, performing arts venues, museums, and parks. Unique neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine and Covington offer an eclectic mix of restaurants, breweries, cocktail bars, and art galleries.

Additionally, a trip along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, stretching south into the central region of the state, provides visitors with a uniquely American experience steeped in history and fine spirits.

The service between Cincinnati and London operates five times a week during the current summer flying season and four times a week during the winter flying season. British Airways will deploy a range of aircraft from its fleet, including the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787, to operate these new non-stop flights.

Passengers traveling on British Airways to and from Cincinnati can look forward to quintessentially British onboard experiences, with three distinct cabin classes available: Club World (business), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and World Traveller (economy).

Dave

British Airways Introduces Exclusive Whispering Angel Rosé Bar for Ultimate In-flight Indulgence

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British Airways is raising the bar for its customers with the introduction of an exclusive Whispering Angel rosé bar.

This innovative concept will make British Airways the first airline to boast a bespoke bar dedicated solely to the world-famous rosé wine.

Positioned within the British Airways lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5B, the bar aims to provide a refreshing and luxurious experience for passengers before their flights.

Scheduled to open its doors this summer, the Whispering Angel lounge bar will offer Caves d’Esclans’ exquisite Whispering Angel rosé, known for its Provençal pink hue and delightful blend of sun-kissed peach, raspberry, and citrus undertones. Embracing the rosé’s delicate aesthetics, the bar will be adorned in a pale pink color scheme, perfectly reflecting the light tones of the wine served.

In addition to this exciting addition, British Airways will be revitalizing the B gates lounge at Terminal 5.

Passengers can look forward to new and reupholstered furniture, as well as a refreshed layout, creating an even more inviting and comfortable atmosphere.

The Whispering Angel bar will be a haven for British Airways’ customers, offering them an exclusive experience with a wine that has already been well-received in the airline’s First and Club lounges.

The airline aims to enhance its drink offerings further, recently appointing a full-time Master of Wine – the only one known to be appointed by an airline worldwide.

This commitment to excellence is evidenced by the introduction of four new English sparkling wines on board starting from March 2023.

Passengers flying in Club World can now savor the choice of two sparkling options, including the current resident, Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Silver Top Non-Vintage Champagne, as well as an exclusive English sparkling wine.

The latter, offered on a quarterly rotation, provides a rich variety of options.

Currently, customers can indulge in the Digby Fine English Brut NV, with the Balfour Rosé de Noirs from the Balfour Hush Heath Estate in Kent set to join the lineup from July. This delightful lighter rosé sparkling wine, crafted exclusively for British Airways, will be available solely in the airline’s Club World cabin, offering a truly unique and elevated experience at 35,000 feet.

Looking ahead, Simpsons Chalklands Cuvee Brut NV from Kent will grace the selection from October, providing passengers with a perfect choice to round off the year. And starting from January 2024, the refreshing Wiston Estate Brut NV from the South Downs will be introduced, featuring enticing citrus and toasty notes, a delightful way to ring in the new year.

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Whispering Angel bar, highlighting the positive feedback received from customers regarding the rosé already served in the lounges.

He said,

Our customers are already telling us how much they enjoy the Whispering Angel rosé we are serving in our lounges, so we are thrilled to be opening an exclusive Whispering Angel bar.

We truly believe this will be a massive hit with customers and we are excited that its introduction will coincide with a newly refurbished lounge in the satellite at London Heathrow Terminal 5 B gates.

Château d’Esclans, the producer of Whispering Angel, shared the excitement of the partnership with British Airways, expressing pride in collaborating to launch this stunning bar. They eagerly anticipate the opportunity to provide British Airways’ customers with a delightful glass of rosé before they take flight.

British Airways continues to redefine the inflight experience, focusing on enhancing its drinks offerings and setting new standards of luxury.

With the introduction of the Whispering Angel bar and an expanded selection of English sparkling wines, British Airways sets a new standard of luxury and ensures an extraordinary journey for its esteemed passengers from takeoff to touchdown.


Dave

Hilton Unveils Exclusive ‘Hilton on the Green’ Pop-Up Hotel Experience at RBC Canadian Open

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Hilton has unveiled the highly anticipated ‘Hilton on the Green’ pop-up hotel experience at the RBC Canadian Open, offering business travellers a unique and exciting blend of leisure and luxury right on the golf course.

Fore! the pop-up hotel will showcase Hilton Honors perks and Hilton’s upscale amenities, including superior beds and linens

From 6-11 June, golf enthusiasts and business travellers alike can revel in this unique, one-bedroom pop-up hotel located at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto, Ontario.

On course: “At Hilton, we believe it matters where you stay”

Following its successful debut last year at Canada’s National Open Championships, where twelve fortunate guests had the extraordinary opportunity to spend the night right on the green, ‘Hilton on the Green’ returns with even more excitement.

Two additional lucky winners, selected through a contest earlier this year, will join renowned golf media personality Adam Stanley and Team Canada athlete Nicole Gal for an unforgettable overnight stay during the 2023 RBC Canadian Open.

Jennifer White, Hilton’s director of destination marketing, for US Domestic Markets and Canada, said

We are once again thrilled to bring this authentic, one-of-a-kind experience to the RBC Canadian Open and showcase the light and warmth of our hospitality in this unique location.

At Hilton, we believe it matters where you stay, and we’re delighted to help golf lovers and our Hilton Honors members experience the ultimate stay, right on a PGA Tournament golf course.

Fairway to heaven: guests will be greeted with the signature warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie and classic Hilton robes

The ‘Hilton on the Green’ concept received international acclaim and garnered extensive coverage in 2022, leading to its recognition as the Best Sponsor Activation by the LGPA Tournament Partners at the year-end ceremony.

This year, the pop-up hotel offers additional amenities, including wellness products such as the Therabody Wave Roller and Therabody Gun Elite, recognising the growing significance of physical well-being for travelers.

In fact, approximately 47% of travellers prioritise their physical wellness, making it an integral part of the future Hilton experience.

Situated on the fifth hole, the pop-up hotel continues to embody the essence of Hilton Honors perks and upscale amenities.

Playing partners: Golf Canada and Hilton have secured a multi-year partnership

Guests can indulge in superior beds and linens, accompanied by a personal concierge service and delectable meals delivered straight to their doorstep.

Additionally, they will be greeted with the signature warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie and classic Hilton robes, adding a touch of luxury to their stay.

This announcement coincides with the renewal of Golf Canada’s multi-year integrated partnership with Hilton, further solidifying Hilton’s position as the official hotel partner for the National Sport Federation and its members. Moreover, Hilton proudly joins hands with Team Canada, prominently featuring as the Official Hotel Partner on player uniforms.

Lisa Ferkul, chief commercial officer for Golf Canada said,

Following the success of the ‘Hilton on the Green’ activation at last year’s RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open, we could not be more thrilled to see the return of this clever and authentic initiative again this year.

Thanks to our partners at Hilton for continually providing exceptional experiences for fans to enjoy.

Sustainable: the pop-up hotel was made from locally-sourced, sustainable materials

The construction of the pop-up hotel was carried out by independent agency FUSE Create, in collaboration with production partner Artam Design Inc. Canadian-made materials and sustainable resources were utilized throughout the fabrication, aligning with Hilton’s commitment to environmental consciousness.

Dave

Expanded business travel opportunities as British Airways resumes Beijing route

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British Airways resumes direct flights between London and Beijing, offering enhanced business travel connections and a luxurious experience for UK-based travellers, marking a significant milestone in the UK-China travel sector.

In a significant milestone, British Airways’ inaugural flight from London to Beijing landed at Beijing Daxing Airport yesterday, 4 June, marking the resumption of their passenger service between the two cities.

This is British Airways’ first flight on this route since January 2020 when it was suspended due to the global pandemic.

With this relaunch, British Airways proudly holds the distinction of being the sole British carrier operating direct flights between Beijing and the UK.

The new four-times-a-week service will operate between Beijing and London, with departures from Daxing Airport on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

This development not only benefits business travellers but also highlights the airline’s joint business partnership with China Southern, as both carriers operate from Daxing Airport. The collaboration provides customers with improved connectivity options between the UK and China, seamless transfers, a broader range of onward flights, and enhanced benefits.

Through the joint business, frequent flyer benefits have been amplified, allowing travellers to earn more points, conveniently book through both airlines’ websites or apps, enjoy upgraded lounge access, and experience some of the finest Chinese and British products and services both in the air and on the ground.

To commemorate this long-awaited moment, Louise Street, British Airways’ Director of Worldwide Airports, personally welcomed the inaugural flight, extending warm greetings to passengers and crew upon their arrival. Street expressed her excitement, stating,

The restart of one of our most important routes after more than three years is a long-awaited moment for all of us at British Airways. Following the successful resumption of flights between Shanghai and London in April, we’re excited to be back in Beijing too, reuniting families and friends and facilitating international student and business travel once again. We are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with our joint business partner China Southern, to provide wider transit options and various benefits to our customers in China and the UK

Travellers journeying between London and Beijing can now indulge in British Airways’ newly designed Club Suite cabin, specifically tailored to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience for business class passengers.

The innovative design features direct-aisle access, suite doors for enhanced privacy, luxurious flat-bed seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, and an impressive 40% increase in storage capacity.

Additional amenities include WiFi, 18.5-inch inflight entertainment screens with high-definition gate-to-gate programming, PC/USB power outlets, plush new furnishings including pillows and warm quilts from The White Company, upgraded amenity kits, and an elevated dining experience.

In October 2019, British Airways became the first international flag carrier to transition operations to the newly opened Daxing Airport, a testament to their commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Passengers arriving at Daxing Airport can benefit from the high-speed rail link into the city and enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including a newly redesigned lounge catering to eligible travellers.

The resumption of British Airways’ direct flights between London and Beijing represents an exciting development for business travellers in the UK seeking convenient and seamless connections with China. With enhanced connectivity, unparalleled in-flight amenities, and the backing of their joint business partnership with China Southern, British Airways is set to redefine the travel experience for corporate travelers between the two nations.


Dave

Elevating business travel: Qantas restarts flights to New York with premium onboard offerings

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Qantas resumes flights to New York, offering exclusive amenities and a New York-inspired menu to enhance the business travel experience.

Qantas has announced the long-awaited restart of its flights to New York after a temporary hiatus since 2020.

In preparation for this significant milestone, the airline has acquired state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner aircraft to operate the route and has introduced a range of exclusive onboard customer items to enhance the travel experience.

Starting on 14 June, Qantas will initially operate three weekly flights from Sydney to New York, with plans to increase the frequency to four flights per week starting in October. This newly revamped route will feature a transit through Auckland, a first for Qantas, before embarking on a non-stop 17+ hour journey to the bustling metropolis of New York. Previously, the flight had a layover in Los Angeles.

The reintroduction of the New York flights is a significant step towards Qantas’ goal of restoring its international network to pre-Covid capacity by March 2024.

Pyjamas: bespoke designs from Rebecca Vallance

Markus Svensson, Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer, acknowledged New York’s popularity among Australian travellers, both for leisure and business purposes. To celebrate Qantas’ return to the city, the airline is launching several customer initiatives.

Markus Svensson said,

Qantas is one of the few airlines in the world to provide Business Class passengers with complimentary pyjamas, and we’re excited to launch a limited edition pyjama and amenity kit range in partnership with leading Australian fashion designer Rebecca Vallance.

One of the notable offerings exclusively for Qantas Business Class passengers is the introduction of complimentary pyjamas, a rarity among airlines worldwide. To mark this occasion, Qantas has partnered with esteemed Australian fashion designer Rebecca Vallance to create a limited edition pyjama and amenity kit collection. For a limited time, Business Class travellers on the New York route will be treated to a navy sleeper suit adorned with monograms of the Qantas “Roo” and the Rebecca Vallance logo. The designs will also incorporate the flight numbers QF3 and QF4, as well as a bespoke New York heart motif.

Additionally, Business Class passengers will receive a specially curated Rebecca Vallance amenity kit, complete with a matching eyeshade. This unique offering replaces the Koskela amenity kit available on Qantas’ international network. A select number of these collectible pyjama and amenity kit sets will be available for purchase.

Stylish: Rebecca Vallance has created bespoke designs

Renowned fashion designer Rebecca Vallance expressed her excitement about collaborating with Qantas, stating that she was honoured to partner with the iconic Australian brand.

Inspired by New York’s sophistication and style, Vallance has created a bespoke design that captures the vibrancy of the city, drawing from her latest collection, ‘Avenue Astoria.’ In addition to the pyjama and amenity kit range, Vallance has crafted two unique couture gowns with metallic Italian fabrication and Art Deco inspired patterns.

Qantas Frequent Flyers who make a purchase from the Rebecca Vallance collection will have the opportunity to win these exclusive dresses and enjoy a personalised fitting session.

Rebecca Vallance said,

It’s an honour to partner with the iconic Australian brand that is Qantas. New York has always felt like a second home to me, and I’m so proud to be working with the national carrier to offer travellers some keepsake PJ’s and amenity kits to enjoy long after they have landed.

We curated the bespoke Rebecca Vallance design as an homage to one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities, with inspiration from our latest collection ‘Avenue Astoria’.

Qantas’ commitment to delivering a premium inflight experience extends beyond exclusive fashion collaborations.

Neil Perry, Qantas Creative Director Food, Beverage and Service, has developed a range of New York-inspired dishes to be featured on the inflight menu, perfectly complementing the launch of the new route.

Drawing inspiration from the diverse culinary scene of New York, these delectable creations will offer passengers a taste of the city’s renowned street food and fine dining experiences. From a classic Reuben sandwich and New York-style spaghetti and meatballs to General Tso chicken and a gourmet hot dog, the menu showcases the fusion of flavors that make New York’s cuisine so extraordinary.

Neil Perry said,

New York is one of the culinary capitals of the world, from its much-loved street food to its internationally revered fine dining Michelin starred restaurants. We are using some amazing Australian produce to put our own spin on some of New York’s most famous food experiences. From a Reuben sandwich and a classic hot dog to New York style spaghetti and meatballs and General Tso chicken, New York does food its own way and the result is a melting pot of amazing flavours which we are excited to incorporate across our menus.

Premium cabin passengers on flights QF3 and QF4 can look forward to a delightful selection of New York-inspired menu items, including the famous spaghetti and meatballs, a classic Reuben sandwich, and a NY bagel with lox, cream cheese, capers, and lemon.

Indulgent desserts: pecan pie with crème fraiche and New York-style baked cheesecake with blueberry compote can provide the perfect finale to a memorable dining experience in the sky

Other highlights include General Tso chicken with smashed cucumber salad, steamed rice, and broccolini, a mouthwatering beef hot dog with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard, and a sumptuous seared beef fillet with creamed spinach and baked potato.

Qantas is committed to ensuring that its lounges also reflect the spirit of New York.

Throughout June, the Qantas First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as the Auckland International Lounge, will feature a “dish of the day” inspired by New York cuisine.

Additionally, passengers can enjoy signature cocktails such as the Manhattan Spritz and Garibaldi, adding an extra touch of sophistication to their pre-flight experience.

Qantas’ relaunch of flights to New York, coupled with the introduction of exclusive amenities and a tantalising menu inspired by the city, underscores the airline’s dedication to providing business travellers with a seamless and luxurious travel experience.

As Qantas continues to expand its international network, it remains committed to offering unparalleled service, premium comforts, and memorable moments to its esteemed corporate clientele.

Dave

Virgin Atlantic is marking English wine week by flying an English Bacchus in Upper Class across its network throughout June

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Virgin Atlantic and the renowned Yotes Court vineyard have joined forces to celebrate English wine week (17th-25th June) in a truly exceptional manner.

This exciting partnership entails Virgin Atlantic exclusively featuring Yotes Court’s acclaimed English Bacchus, aptly named ‘On the Nod,’ throughout the month of June in its Upper Class cabins.

Situated in the picturesque Kent countryside, Yotes Court vineyard sprawls across 75 acres of well-drained soil enriched with Kentish ragstone, creating the perfect environment for cultivating exquisite grapes.

Under the ownership and stewardship of Susannah Ricci, Yotes Court is renowned for its commitment to 100% sustainable practices.

As one of the pioneering vineyards to obtain the esteemed Sustainable Wine of Great Britain certification, Yotes Court prides itself on employing “living-soil” viticultural techniques, fostering biodiversity, and conserving the environment, thereby significantly reducing their carbon footprint per hectare.

Virgin Atlantic has a proud history of championing and implementing sustainable innovations.

As part of this ongoing commitment, the airline seeks to showcase exceptional brands that share its mission of sustainability.

In this regard, Yotes Court stands as a perfect match. The vineyard’s signature Bacchus, affectionately known as ‘On the Nod,’ derives its name from the thrilling world of horse racing. This term refers to a race so closely contested that the winner is determined by a photo of the finish, creating a truly captivating spectacle.

By featuring Yotes Court’s ‘On the Nod’ Bacchus on its flights, Virgin Atlantic not only provides a delightful and unique experience for its Upper Class passengers but also pays homage to the rich heritage and outstanding quality of English wines.

Business travellers flying with Virgin Atlantic during English wine week will have the opportunity to savour the exceptional craftsmanship of Yotes Court, immersing themselves in the captivating flavors and aromas that define this remarkable wine.

Shiada Drysdale, Beverage Lead for Virgin Atlantic said,

It’s no secret I am a huge fan of English wine, so I have been waiting for the right moment to introduce a zesty English Bacchus into our onboard range at Virgin Atlantic. I am delighted we will be offering Kent-based ‘On the Nod’ from Yotes Court in June as a ‘nod’ to English Wine Week.

Susannah Ricci, Owner of Yotes Court said,

It’s a real thrill and honour to have had our Bacchus chosen by Virgin Atlantic to celebrate English Wine Week this year.  Their dedication to adopting sustainable practices where possible, without compromising on quality, aligns very much to ours.  It’s such a great opportunity to introduce passengers to this amazing grape variety and I hope they thoroughly enjoy it.

Whether it’s the commitment to sustainability, the meticulous viticultural practices, or the captivating story behind the ‘On the Nod’ Bacchus, this partnership between Virgin Atlantic and Yotes Court epitomises the dedication to excellence and memorable experiences that business travellers seek.

As the airline continues to embrace sustainable and remarkable brands, passengers can look forward to a truly distinctive and environmentally conscious journey.

Dave

British Airways Commences global rollout of new uniforms, elevating the style of 30,000 employees

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British Airways introduces a stylish and practical new uniform collection designed by Ozwald Boateng for its operational ground colleagues, marking a significant step forward in the airline’s commitment to modernization and sustainability.

BA has unveiled its brand-new uniform, marking the beginning of a rollout that will see more than 5,000 colleagues in the airline’s engineering, maintenance, and airport operations teams donning the new garments.

Pioneers: ground crew are among the first BA employees to don the new uniforms

Designed by renowned British-Ghanaian fashion designer and master tailor Ozwald Boateng OBE, the uniforms will eventually be worn by over 30,000 British Airways employees worldwide by the end of this year.

UK-based business travellers will be particularly interested in the development. The next phase of the rollout, in September, will include cabin crew, pilots, and customer-facing colleagues.

The new uniform collection represents a significant step forward, offering a wider range of options and flexibility. With over 128,000 garment items ordered for operational ground colleagues alone, this wardrobe refresh presents more choices than ever before.

The collection features more than 20 unique garments, including a cutting-edge quilted jacket with a contemporary design showcasing a bespoke airwave print—a consistent element throughout the collection.

Engineered design: 30,000 BA employees will have the new uniforms this year

Designed with practicality in mind, the jacket comes with a fleece lining, is showerproof, and incorporates additional pockets for tools, detachable tool belts, and gloves with touch screen technology.

What sets this uniform apart is the extensive collaboration and input from British Airways colleagues over a span of five years.

More than 1,500 employees from across the airline volunteered their time to shape the look and feel of the collection. Through numerous design workshops, prototype feedback sessions, and garment trials—over 50 in total—colleagues provided invaluable insights to create the iconic British designs that embody both style and functionality.

To ensure the utmost suitability and durability, Ozwald Boateng immersed himself in the world of British Airways by shadowing various airport roles. This firsthand experience enabled him to understand the unique requirements of each role and integrate them into the designs.

Once the garments were developed, they underwent rigorous secret trials, including exposure to deluge showers and temperatures as low as -18 degrees Celsius to test their water resistance and durability.

René de Groot, Chief Operating Officer of British Airways, expressed his excitement about the new uniform rollout, stating,

This uniform has been multiple years in the making, and colleagues are genuinely excited to wear the collection, which they’re calling a step change from the previous garments, offering much more practicality. I’m delighted that airport operations, cargo, engineering and maintenance colleagues across our airports and bases worldwide will be the first to transition into the new designs

Style icon: Ozwald Boateng

In line with British Airways’ sustainability programme, BA Better World, sustainability was a key consideration in the design process of the new uniforms, as well as in the recycling of the old ones.

As operational ground teams begin wearing their new uniforms, they will return their current uniforms, which will either be donated to selected charities or recycled.

The airline is exploring various options for recycling the garments, including the creation of a sustainable range of merchandise and the allocation of certain items to the British Airways Heritage Centre.

The launch of British Airways’ new uniform collection signifies a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to modernisation, practicality and sustainability.


Dave

Air New Zealand introduces Skynest Sleep Pods for Economy passengers

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Air New Zealand has announced the launch of Skynest, the world’s first sleep pods in the sky, which will be available from September 2024.

The airline is responding to overwhelming customer feedback on the importance of sleep and the need for more comfort and space during long-haul flights.

The Skynest will be a six-pod configured sleep zone located between Premium Economy and Economy cabins. It will provide economy passengers with the opportunity to lie flat and rest during longer flights, adding more flexibility to the economy travel experience.

Each Skynest pod will include a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, earplugs, a separate reading light, personal device USB outlet, ventilation outlet, and lighting designed for rest. The bedding will be changed between each session, and a 30-minute transition time will be allowed for this. The lights will gently come on at the end of each session, and crew will politely wake any passengers who sleep through this. Each passenger will be limited to one session, with families travelling on the same ticket able to book a session for each passenger, pending availability.

The Skynest concept has been a world-first since it was first announced in 2020.

Skynest: the world’s first sleep pods in the sky, offering economy passengers a new way to rest on long-haul flights

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says Skynest is going to be a real game changer, adding more flexibility to the economy travel experience. Skynest provides economy passengers with another opportunity to lie flat and rest during longer flights, making it a particularly attractive option for UK-based business travellers.

Air New Zealand’s new Dreamliners, due to arrive in 2024, will provide “the most choice of any airline in the world”, offering the best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in.

The new cabin experience has been driven by innovation from nose to tail, and the Skynest is just one of the exciting new offerings. The interior design of the cabin is inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand, so customers will experience New Zealand as soon as they step onboard.

The new cabin experience includes a new Business Premier Luxe suite, a new Business Premier seat, and the Skynest. The Business Premier Luxe seat is designed for customers looking for more space and privacy, while the Skynest is the world’s first sleep pods in the sky for economy travellers.

For economy customers, the Skynest concept may well be a game changer.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran points to the airline’s ambition to create the greatest flying experience, and the new cabin, combined with world-leading Kiwi hospitality, is the winning formula.

Sustainability has been at the heart of the design process, and the use of modern fabrics has saved around one kilogram in weight per Business Premier and Premium Economy seat, reducing overall carbon emissions.

Air New Zealand’s Skynest is set to revolutionise the economy travel experience, providing a game-changing option for UK-based business travellers. With Skynest, Air New Zealand is offering the most choice of any airline in the world, providing the best sleep in the sky regardless of the cabin customers choose to fly in. The Skynest is just one of the exciting new offerings in the airline’s innovative new cabin experience, which includes a new Business Premier Luxe suite, a new Business Premier seat, and other options for customers looking for more space and privacy.