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Dave

IHG expands luxury footprint: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants debut in Sicily

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Leading hotel company IHG Hotels & Resorts has revealed its latest venture, signing its inaugural Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property in Italy.

The announcement, part of IHG’s rapidly expanding luxury & lifestyle portfolio, positions it as the second-largest globally.

The Kimpton hotel in Sicily is set to welcome guests in the latter half of 2025 through a management agreement with partner Società Turistica Alberghiera Taorminese.

In a strategic move, IHG has intensified its focus on the Italian market, evident with six luxury and lifestyle openings and signings in 2023 alone.

This includes noteworthy properties like the first urban expression of Six Senses in Rome, InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace and Hotel Indigo Florence.

The next few years should see the addition of Hotel Indigo properties in Turin and Trieste, along with IHG’s inaugural Vignette Collection property, Hotel Alexandra, in Rome next year.

Situated in the charming hill-top town of Taormina on Sicily’s east coast, the 59-boutique bedroom Kimpton hotel will blend heritage with Kimpton’s signature style, irreverence and design-led experiences.

Guests can anticipate a destination dining experience with panoramic views from the breakfast room and bar terrace spanning from Calabria to the Bay of Isolabella.

The Kimpton brand’s unique approach to wellness, extending beyond the expected, will be embodied in the Sicilian property. An outdoor Mediterranean garden, a 20-metre swimming pool, and a tennis court are among the features designed to enhance the guest experience.

Willemijn Geels, VP Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the partnership with Società Turistica Alberghiera Taorminese. She said,

Italy has long been known for its reputation of luxury travel, breath-taking coastal locations and vibrant communities – and our growth strategy in the country has been designed to complement this.

Following a surge of activity in 2023, which saw us more than double our luxury and lifestyle offerings in this market, we’re now excited to be partnering with Società Turistica Alberghiera Taorminese to expand our presence in Italy with this boutique lifestyle property on the picturesque island of Sicily.

This expansion underscores the demand and trust from our owners to embed IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio in one of Europe’s most coveted leisure destinations.

We look forward to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests and helping them create unforgettable memories once we open our doors in the second half of 2025.

IHG acquired Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in 2018, continuing the brand’s expansion into Europe and beyond.

The Sicilian property joins a global portfolio that includes Kimpton Vividora Barcelona, Kimpton St Honoré Paris, and Kimpton Fitzroy London.

Raffaele Ranucci, Owner, Società Turistica Alberghiera Taorminese, shared his delight in partnering with IHG to introduce the first Kimpton-branded hotel to Italy. He said,

We are delighted to be partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the first Kimpton branded hotel to Italy, in Sicily. This new and exciting chapter means we will welcome visitors to this one-of-a-kind destination once we open our doors in 2025, and provide guests with the unparalleled service, amenities, and experiences the Kimpton brand is known for.

Every Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant aims to foster genuine connections through unexpected, personalised touches, creating an authentic and unscripted guest experience. The Sicilian property is set to embody this ethos, introducing the brand’s culture of heartfelt hospitality and design-forward hotels to Italy.

The Kimpton in Sicily marks IHG Hotels & Resorts’ 30th hotel in Italy and contributes to a portfolio of eight Kimpton hotels across the UK and continental Europe. This is part of Kimpton’s global portfolio of 78 hotels across 12 countries, with a projected addition of 54 hotels by 2025, surpassing the 100-hotel milestone and extending its presence to 20 countries.

For further information about IHG hotels and to make bookings in any of the company’s hotels worldwide, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Luxury takes flight: Etihad Airways introduces new inflight collection

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Etihad Airways, in a groundbreaking collaboration with Italian design house Giorgio Armani and luxury beauty brand ESPA, has introduced an exquisite collection of amenity kits and loungewear, elevating the inflight experience for guests flying in The Residence, First, and Business class.

This exclusive partnership brings together the refined elegance of Giorgio Armani with Etihad’s renowned Emirati hospitality, promising an unparalleled journey for passengers.

The new range, set to debut at the end of February, includes bespoke amenity kits for each premium cabin, designer loungewear, and slippers.

For guests in The Residence and First class, a covetable Giorgio Armani and Etihad-branded large folio bag will be presented, available in four collectible colours.

This spacious accessory is not only fashionable but practical, perfect for carrying documents, tablets, or a 13″ laptop post-flight.

In Business class, Giorgio Armani has designed two unisex styles for amenity kits – a clutch bag and a cube. The clutch bag features a contemporary print inspired by the Liwa desert, while the cube boasts a geometric shape for easy packing, ideal for tech products or personal items post-flight.

Packed with luxury ESPA skincare products, plush slippers, eyeshade, earplugs, and a dental kit, these kits cater to the travel wellbeing of Business class passengers.

Luxurious Giorgio Armani and Etihad loungewear and slippers will be gifted to guests flying in The Residence and First class. Crafted with soft, anti-wrinkle fabric, the modern silhouette of the loungewear is inspired by the Abu Dhabi skyline, offering comfort for both relaxation and sleep during and after the flight.

For Economy passengers on flights over six hours, Etihad introduces complimentary tote bags containing inflight essentials, including Beekman hand cream, eyeshade, and earplugs.

The branded tote, available in three collectible designs featuring Etihad’s iconic aircraft liveries, serves as a useful and sustainable gift, as each bag is made from a recycled 500ml PET bottle.

Turky Al Hammadi, Head of Product and Hospitality at Etihad Airways, expressed the airline’s commitment to offering not only convenience and luxury but also sustainable and stylish solutions.

As well as offering convenience, style and luxury inflight, our guests will take home their own co-branded Giorgio Armani amenity bag for use when travelling or at home. These sought-after bags come in collectable colours and styles meaning frequent flyers can build their personal Giorgio Armani collection.

We’re also very proud to introduce a complimentary range of stylish and functional tote bags to our guests on longer flights in Economy. Not only will these bags be a handy gift, but they’ll help us to further reduce single-use plastic.

Etihad Airways continues to redefine the standards of luxury travel, ensuring an unforgettable journey for its discerning clientele.

In conclusion, Etihad Airways invites its passengers to indulge in this elevated inflight experience and build their personal Giorgio Armani collection.

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

Dave

American Express unveils largest Centurion Lounge at Atlanta Airport

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American Express marked Valentine’s Day with the grand opening of its newest Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, north America’s busiest airport.

Boasting an impressive 26,000 square feet, the lounge becomes the largest in the Centurion Lounge network.

Centurion Lounge: A 50-year-old olive tree graces the main seating area

Positioned conveniently in Concourse E near gate E11, it offers a wealth of amenities to cater to the discerning needs of frequent flyers.

Audrey Hendley, of American Express, expressed excitement about the strategic location of the new lounge, stating,

The new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will serve travelers in one of the airports our Card Members visit most.

Hendley highlighted key features such as outdoor terraces and ample space for relaxation, emphasising the incorporation of local touches in design and menus.

The lounge’s design draws inspiration from Atlanta’s moniker as “the city in the forest.”

A 50-year-old olive tree graces the main seating area, accompanied by a custom light sculpture representing a forest canopy.

Outdoor terraces, a first for the Centurion Lounge network, provide panoramic views of the airfield. Meticulously landscaped, these areas are equipped with heaters and fans for year-round comfort.

Local artists contribute to the lounge’s aesthetic, with commissioned works including a textural interpretation of the iconic American Express watch dog by Lucha Rodríguez and a multimedia piece by Michi Meko inspired by Georgia’s landscape.

A 60-foot mural by Evan Blackwell Helgeson adorns the interior and exterior spaces, depicting abstracted leaf-like shapes.

Renowned Atlanta-based Chef Deborah VanTrece, known for her local restaurants, brings her take on modern, global soul food to the lounge.

The menu features dishes such as Black Eyed Pea Biryani, Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri and Twisted Soul Salad with Strawberry Peppercorn Vinaigrette.

VanTrece’s culinary offerings blend her travel experiences as a former flight attendant with family traditions and fresh, local ingredients. The lounge also provides gluten-free and vegan options, including protein bites, salads, smoothies, and immunity booster juice shots.

She said,

The collaboration with American Express allows me to share my creative vision for food and hospitality with travelers from around the world

The Reserve: a bespoke whiskey bar serving signature cocktails designed by Jim Meehan

A highlight of the new lounge is The Reserve by American Express, the first dedicated whiskey bar in the Centurion Lounge network.

Curated by award-winning mixologist Jim Meehan, the menu features five speciality whiskey cocktails, including Drink a Peach with peach-flavored whiskey and bitters, and Mayme, Tailored, highlighting an American whiskey with ginger beer.

The bar offers a modern take on a classic whiskey bar, connecting to an outdoor lounge area. The lounge also features a fully stocked main bar, offering a selection of over twenty classic and new American whiskeys, along with wines handpicked by sommelier Anthony Giglio.

In addition to the culinary and beverage offerings, the lounge provides signature Centurion Lounge amenities, including dedicated workstations, phone booths, premium restrooms and shower suites.

Multiple seating areas and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi cater to the diverse needs of all types of traveller.

American Express, the credit card issuer with the most extensive airport lounge options, continues to prioritise the travel experience for Card Members.

The Global Lounge Collection™ includes access to 28 Centurion Lounges and over 1,400 lounges worldwide.

Plans for further expansion of the Centurion Lounge Network include new locations at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

For information about flights serving Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport – or any of the airports served by Amercian Express lounges – please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Istanbul Airport unveils visionary plans for 2024: a year of transformative investments

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iGA Istanbul Airport, a key global transfer hub, has set its sights on a groundbreaking “Year of Investments” in 2024, pledging a remarkable 656.5 million Euros in strategic developments.

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO at iGA Istanbul Airport, revealed these ambitious plans during the annual press conference, outlining the focus on passenger experience, infrastructure, and sustainability.

Selahattin Bilgen: Istanbul Airport CEO

In a bid to enhance its status as Europe’s Busiest Airport, iGA Istanbul Airport plans to cater to 85 million passengers in 2024, a 12.77% increase from the previous year.

Bilgen highlighted the intention to elevate the number of flights to 532,000, a testament to the airport’s continued growth and influence.

Bilgen underlined iGA’s commitment to its role as a global aviation leader by welcoming eleven new airlines by the end of 2024, bringing the total to an impressive 101.

This move solidifies iGA Istanbul Airport’s position among the top three airports globally in terms of served airline companies.

In a bid to optimise operations, iGA Istanbul Airport is set to implement Europe’s first triple parallel runway system in 2024.

Bilgen emphasised,

We will break new ground among ICAO member nations with our triple independent runway operations, targeting the highest efficiency and capacity.

Underscoring their dedication to sustainable practices, Bilgen announced an extensive investment plan for 2024, with a particular focus on renewable energy. Notably, iGA Istanbul Airport aims to become the world’s first airport to meet all its electricity needs through a 199.32 MWe unlicensed Solar Power Plant in Eskişehir, with an anticipated annual energy production of 340,446,833 kWh/year.

iGA Istanbul Airport’s cargo expansion is noteworthy, with a cargo area now three times the size of Hong Kong Airport’s. The collaboration with FedEx Express and Trendyol adds another dimension to their global reach, positioning iGA Istanbul Airport as a hub connecting Asia and Africa.

In line with its commitment to environmental responsibility, iGA Istanbul Airport is striving for ‘Net Zero CO2 Emissions’ by reducing emissions by 45% in six years.

Bilgen revealed plans to achieve a 73% emission reduction by 2040 and reach Net Zero Emissions by 2050, showcasing the airport’s dedication to sustainable practices.

Highlighting their success in the ACI Airports Carbon Accreditation program, Bilgen noted achievements such as a nearly 11% decrease in energy consumption, a 5% reduction in water footprint, and 35% waste recycling, reinforcing iGA Istanbul Airport’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Closing the conference, Bilgen expressed confidence in the airport’s continuous improvement in passenger satisfaction. GfK Research Company reported a 89% appreciation rate in 2023, a figure expected to rise further with the completion of ongoing projects.

For further information about flights to, from and via iGA Istanbul Airport contact your Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

Unlock your spring adventure: earn a free night with BWH Hotels’ exclusive offer

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This spring, BWH Hotels is rolling out an enticing offer for members of its acclaimed loyalty programme – Best Western Rewards.

From 5 February to 5 May, 2024, BWR members who indulge in a two-night stay at BWH Hotels properties across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, will unlock a fantastic reward: a complimentary night’s stay.

What’s more, these free nights can be savoured until 25 August, 2024. To seize this opportunity, BWR members must register for the offer before completing their first eligible stay, either via bestwestern.com/rewardsrush1 or directly at the hotel.

Joelle Park, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at BWH Hotels said,

The team is thrilled to kick off 2024 with this exciting promotion and enhance our rewards members’ travel plans for the year. Whether travellers want to experience some of our incredible ski properties or escape the cold weather for a beach, rewards members can be confident they are getting the comfort, service and value they have come to expect from our hotels.

The perks of the BWR program underscore BWH Hotels’ commitment to caring for its guests and fostering unique travel experiences.

The awarded free night can be redeemed at any participating Best Western branded hotel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It’s important to note that members are entitled to earn only one free night for this promotion.

Inspired by BWH Hotels’ new marketing campaign, “Life’s A Trip,” this year’s BWR spring promotion encourages travellers to embrace life’s imperfections. The campaign acknowledges that life and travel aren’t always smooth sailing, highlighting three emotionally-driven, real-life scenarios that illustrate travel as simultaneously vibrant, messy, draining and beautiful.

It urges BWH Hotels’ guests to earn rewards while embracing the perfectly imperfect nature of travel.

Every stay at a BWH Hotels property earns members points which can be redeemed for various rewards. These include free or discounted room nights at BWH Hotels properties, Mastercard and Amazon gift cards, Best Western gift cards for friends and loved ones, or donations to nonprofit organisations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross. BWR members can also utilise their accumulated loyalty points to partially pay for their next hotel stay through BWR’s Pay with Points program, providing instant access to discounts on room rates at hotels across North America.

In addition to the spring promotion, BWR members can take advantage of BWH Hotels’ Gift of Travel program, enabling them to gift travel experiences to their loved ones at any BWH Hotels property worldwide. This can be done by transferring rewards points to other BWR members for memorable trips. Members can extend the Gift of Travel in two distinct ways:

  1. Gifting a Free Night: BWR members can gift a one-night stay to immediate family members through the “Gift a Free Night” option in their BWR account.
  2. Redeeming a Best Western Gift Card: BWR members can redeem their points for a Best Western gift card and gift it to friends and family. This option is accessible in the redemption section of their BWR account.

To book stays at BWH properties, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

For more information, visit http://bestwestern.com/rewardsrush1bestwestern.com/rewardsrush1. BWR members must register for the offer prior to the completion of their first eligible stay, either on bestwestern.com/rewardsrush1 or at the hotel directly.

Dave

Air France unveils exquisite in-flight dining experience for business travellers

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Since the start of February 2024, Air France has been treating its Business customers on short-haul flights to a ‘gastronomic delight’, in collaboration with Servair Corporate Chef François Adamski, renowned Bocuse d’Or and Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

The airline’s revamped catering offer features a dynamic menu that evolves throughout the day.

For flights departing before 10 am, a sumptuous breakfast is served, showcasing sandwiches with carefully curated fillings like smoked salmon and cream cheese with dill on white bread, accompanied by a delightful breakfast pastry.

Gourmet lunchbox: François Adamski has created tasty sandwiches which are easy to eat on short flights

Post 10 am, passengers can indulge in Chef Adamski’s ‘signature’ sandwiches, including smoked paprika chicken and tarragon vegetables on granary bread, complemented by quintessentially French sweets and desserts like calissons, cannelés, or a tropézienne.

Chef Adamski has designed these delectable sandwiches to be easily enjoyed during the brief flight, incorporating local and seasonal produce, French-origin meat, poultry, and dairy, PDO cheeses, and sustainably sourced fish – all aligning with Air France’s stringent quality standards.

This culinary journey is refreshed monthly, packaged elegantly in a specially designed meal box exclusively for the airline’s Business customers.

Accompanying this gastronomic experience is a meticulously curated list of wines and champagnes, now served in a glass, along with an array of hot and cold beverages.

In an exemplary move towards responsible catering, the meal boxes and their waste undergo onboard sorting. Pioneering sustainability, Air France, with the support of Servair, subjects the boxes to methanisation – the process of breaking down organic waste into methane and other byproducts – for effective reprocessing.

The meal box not only represents Air France’s commitment to moving upmarket but also serves as a platform for promoting the richness of French cuisine.

Chef François Adamski’s culinary creations are not confined to the air; they extend to the Air France lounge in terminal 2F at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and grace the Business cabin on the airline’s medium-haul flights.

François Adamski, a distinguished chef with an illustrious career, began his culinary journey in the kitchens of the Hôtel de Matignon, followed by stints at prestigious establishments such as the Plaza Athénée, the Ritz, the Maison Prunier, and the Hôtel Intercontinental. His culinary prowess was affirmed in 2001 when he clinched the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, and in 2007, he earned the esteemed title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

After contributing six years to the Abbaye Saint-Ambroix in Bourges, where he maintained and upheld the Michelin star earned by his predecessor, Adamski ventured westward to Bordeaux in 2009. There, he assumed control of the kitchens at Gabriel’s, situated in a private hotel at Place de la Bourse. His impeccable command of classic French cuisine resulted in the well-deserved acquisition of his first Michelin star.

In 2012, driven by his dedication to the culinary profession and a passion for imparting knowledge, Adamski assumed the role of president of Team France Bocuse d’Or until 2020. His commitment to culinary excellence further manifested in 2021 when he was appointed vice-president of the esteemed Toques Françaises.

Embarking on a new challenge in early 2019, Adamski joined Servair, France’s leading airline catering company, as Corporate Chef. Tasked with promoting the company’s culinary identity and fostering the exchange of expertise, he also serves as the Secretary General of the Servair Culinary Studio. This innovative laboratory comprises starred chefs and culinary experts, and in this capacity, Adamski spearheads the company’s culinary innovations, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the art of gastronomy.

For those wishing to explore this elevated culinary experience further, please contact your dedicated Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

On-the-go connectivity upgrade: LNER’s bespoke solution for East Coast Main Line

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In a groundbreaking collaboration, LNER, Network Rail, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are joining forces to revolutionise mobile connectivity on the East Coast Main Line, with a particular focus on enhancing the travel experience for UK-based business travellers.

The latest development in this joint venture sees the successful installation of a bespoke antenna in the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels outside London King’s Cross station.

This milestone signifies a major stride towards ensuring a more reliable and consistent mobile phone and on-train Wi-Fi connection for passengers.

Copenhagen Tunnel: a set of three parallel railway tunnels, 534m long, carrying the main line tracks out of London’s King’s Cross, about a mile north of the station.

Notoriously challenging ‘not-spots’ experienced by travellers passing through the tunnels are expected to be eliminated, offering a seamless digital experience.

LNER, in partnership with Network Rail and key mobile network operators, has invested in this crucial infrastructure project, which is set to make the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels the first on the country’s operational railway to be equipped with this innovative mobile connectivity solution.

The installation, executed by rail connectivity and technology integration specialist Linbrooke, underwent rigorous testing at Network Rail’s Innovation and Development Centre in collaboration with mobile phone companies before being introduced to the network.

From later this year, business travellers and commuters alike can anticipate maintaining uninterrupted direct voice and data access to their mobile providers.

This enhancement will ensure that calls remain connected and online meetings stay seamless as passengers approach and depart from the bustling capital.

For UK-based business travellers seeking a more reliable and enhanced digital experience during their journeys, this collaborative effort signifies a significant step forward. The project not only addresses current connectivity challenges but also sets a precedent for improved mobile infrastructure on the nation’s railway network.

Helen Cavanagh, Head of Passenger Experience for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said:

This is a fantastic example of the rail industry and mobile operators working together to improve services and experience for passengers. “This project will keep most passengers connected with family and friends on the approach to King’s Cross station, helping boost their enjoyment when travelling on the East Coast Main Line.

A Virgin Media O₂ spokesperson explained that Virgin Media O₂ is focused on improving the network experience for its customers and closing any “not spots” that exist for them:

This project will help to ensure they are able to get quality mobile coverage on the move and enable them to stay connected when leaving and approaching London King’s Cross Station.

Dave

Sky-high rewards: AAdvantage elevates travel experiences for business travellers

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TThe AAdvantage® programme by American Airlines continues to provide a superb rewards initiative for its members, maintaining its leadership in the travel rewards industry throughout 2024.

In the highly competitive landscape of travel rewards, the AAdvantage® program stands out as the largest and world’s first loyalty program, providing members with unparalleled experiences, diverse ways to earn and utilise miles and an array of rewards and status benefits.

Scott Chandler, American’s Senior Vice President of Loyalty and Revenue Management, highlights the exceptional value the AAdvantage program offers, stating,

There has never been a better time to be a member in the award-winning AAdvantage program. American has built a travel rewards program that’s simple and rewarding for everyone.

The AAdvantage® programme’s commitment to delivering top-notch rewards and experiences is evident in its continuous enhancements. From 1 March 2024, American Airlines plans to elevate the programme further, ensuring AAdvantage® members enjoy extended benefits.

Admirals Club: AAdvantage members will be able to purchase a one-day pass

AAdvantage® members are provided with myriad opportunities to earn miles and Loyalty Points.

Recent additions to the programme, such as AAdvantage Hotels™ and AAdvantage Events™, offer members faster routes to rewards.

Soon, members can also earn miles when opting to pay with cash for an upgrade to a premium cabin.

A new addition to the Loyalty Point Rewards includes earning additional Loyalty Points towards AAdvantage® status, starting at the 15,000 Loyalty Point Reward level. The qualification year for 2024 begins on 1 March 2024, and runs until 28 February 2025, with the breakdown of status and reward levels available on aa.com.

Introduced in 2022, Loyalty Points contribute towards status and unlock Loyalty Point Rewards, starting at 15,000 Loyalty Points.

AAdvantage® members now have more ways to use their miles for unforgettable experiences.

A new “Enhance with Miles” opportunity allows Platinum Pro® status members to redeem miles for Flagship® First Dining passes, providing a luxurious dining experience at the airport.

Furthermore, in 2024, members can redeem miles for upgrades with select airline partners.

As always, AAdvantage® miles can be used for flights, upgrades, lounge memberships, hotels, car rentals and more.

In 2023, AAdvantage members redeemed approximately 14 million awards for flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotel bookings, club memberships and merchandise.

Being an AAdvantage® member comes with exclusive benefits. Starting later in 2024, American Airlines will introduce benefits exclusive to its members, including:

  • Same-day Standby: Stand by for an earlier domestic flight free of charge.
  • Extended Trip Credit: Enjoy six more months to use Trip Credit than non-members when cancelling travel online.
  • Admirals Club® One-Day Passes: Purchase a One-Day Pass to access Admirals Club lounges.
  • Flagship Lounge® Single Visit Passes: Buy a pass to enjoy the premium Flagship Lounge.
  • 24-hour Trip Hold: Put flights on hold free of charge for up to 24 hours.

Starting later this month, AAdvantage® members can also cancel non-refundable Basic Economy tickets and receive a partial trip credit for a fee.

American Airlines is committed to exploring avenues to create a more exclusive and rewarding experience for AAdvantage® members.

For more information about American Airlines flights, contact your dedicated Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

Intermodal ingenuity: Air Canada unveils air-to-rail connections across Europe

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Air Canada has unveiled an innovative air-to-rail booking option, enhancing the travel experience for its customers connecting at European airports.

This initiative allows passengers seamlessly to book onward rail trips, providing convenient access to a multitude of destinations in France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Intermodal journeys: Air Canada has increased air-to-rail connection options across Europe

The move reflects Air Canada’s commitment to enriching the travel experience, promoting sustainability and creating intermodal hubs.

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning at Air Canada, emphasised the airline’s dedication to providing more than just flights. He said,

In offering easy onward airport connections with the national rail systems in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, we are creating intermodal hubs and opening the door for customers to reach stations at major cities and popular destinations throughout these countries

Through partnerships with Lufthansa Express Rail Product, AccesRail and WorldTicket, Air Canada passengers can seamlessly book rail travel when purchasing their flights.

This collaboration allows a streamlined booking process, connecting Air Canada flights with trains operated by renowned rail systems, including France’s TGV-SNCF Voyageurs, Germany’s Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways, and Austria’s ÖBB.

The European intermodal initiative not only simplifies the booking process but also offers added convenience.

Passengers can check in for all segments of their journey before departure, eliminating the need to obtain a train ticket at the station. In the event of any flight disruption, Air Canada ensures rebooking for both air and rail segments, providing peace of mind to travellers.

  • France: Customers can now purchase a single ticket connecting them at France’s Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris to up to 22 SNCF Voyageurs high-speed rail destinations across France, including Nantes, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Strasbourg.
  • Germany: Expanding on existing intermodal rail connections with Lufthansa Express Rail, Air Canada now provides access to over 5,600 railway stations across Germany using Deutsche Bahn’s Rail and Fly products from Frankfurt and Munich. Codeshare on the German rail is set to launch in 2024 via the Lufthansa express rail product.
  • Switzerland: Travellers flying to Zurich or Geneva on Air Canada can connect at the airport to Swiss Federal Railways trains, reaching up to 11 stations throughout Switzerland, including popular destinations like Basel and Lucerne.
  • Austria: ÖBB services are now available from Vienna airport, connecting to up to nine railway stations across Austria, including Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.

This strategic expansion aligns with Air Canada’s goal of providing travel choices for customers.

The airline’s partnership portfolio has doubled over the past decade, with 39 codeshares, 120 interline agreements and four intermodal rail options. With an extensive network, Air Canada is making thousands of exciting destinations easily accessible.

Air Canada encourages its customers to embrace the new intermodal offering, putting thousands of exciting destinations within easy reach while offering sustainable travel options to major European destinations.

For details of all Air Canada flights and for rail bookings in the UK, Canada, Europe, North America and elsewhere, contact your Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

Flight100: Virgin Atlantic’s epic journey proves SAF as viable jet fuel replacement

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In a groundbreaking achievement for the aviation industry, Virgin Atlantic has successfully completed Flight100, a historic journey from London Heathrow to New York JFK, powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The milestone flight, conducted on a Boeing 787 with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, is a testament to the viability of SAF as a safe and efficient replacement for traditional fossil-derived jet fuel.

Sir Richard: Virgin Atlantic founder Branson said “The world will always assume something can’t be done, until you do it”

This unprecedented accomplishment, marking the first commercial airline flight across the Atlantic fueled exclusively by 100% SAF, was the result of a year-long collaboration led by Virgin Atlantic.

The consortium, which included key partners such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, ICF, and Rocky Mountain Institute, worked in conjunction with the Department for Transport to make this historic journey possible.

The SAF used in Flight100 is a unique dual blend, consisting of 88% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) supplied by AirBP and 12% Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene (SAK) supplied by Virent, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Notably, HEFA is derived from waste fats, while SAK is produced from plant sugars, with the remaining plant proteins, oil, and fibres continuing into the food chain. This combination not only demonstrates the versatility of SAF but also contributes to the airline’s commitment to sustainability.

The significance of Flight100 extends beyond its symbolic nature. Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Atlantic said:

Flight100 proves that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be used as a safe, drop-in replacement for fossil-derived jet fuel and it’s the only viable solution for decarbonising long haul aviation. It’s taken radical collaboration to get here and we’re proud to have reached this important milestone, but we need to push further.

There’s simply not enough SAF and it’s clear that in order to reach production at scale, we need to see significantly more investment. This will only happen when regulatory certainty and price support mechanisms, backed by Government, are in place.

Flight100 proves that if you make it, we’ll fly it.

SAF has emerged as a crucial element in the decarbonisation of long-haul aviation, providing CO2 lifecycle emissions savings of up to 70%.

Unlike other technologies such as electric and hydrogen, SAF is available for immediate use.

Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Atlantic said:

The world will always assume something can’t be done, until you do it. The spirit of innovation is getting out there and trying to prove that we can do things better for everyone’s benefit. Virgin Atlantic has been challenging the status quo and pushing the aviation industry to never settle and do better since 1984. Fast forward nearly 40 years, that pioneering spirit continues to be Virgin Atlantic’s beating heart as it pushes the boundaries from carbon fibre aircraft and fleet upgrades to sustainable fuels. I couldn’t be prouder to be onboard Flight100 today alongside the teams at Virgin Atlantic and our partners, which have been working together to set the flight path for the decarbonisation of long-haul aviation.

Mark Harpper: The Transport Secretary said ““This Government will continue to support the UK’s emerging SAF industry as it creates jobs, grows the economy and gets us to Jet Zero”

Currently representing less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes, the success of Flight100 underscores that scaling up production is a matter of policy and investment.

The industry and government have the opportunity to collaborate to foster a thriving UK SAF industry.

Flight100 also serves as a platform to assess the impact of SAF on non-carbon emissions.

Consortium partners, including ICF, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Imperial College London, and the University of Sheffield, will contribute to research that enhances scientific understanding of contrails and particulates, subsequently influencing flight planning processes.

Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to sharing data and research with the industry underscores its dedication to fostering sustainable practices.

Global Travel Management has received accolades for its industry-leading efforts to decarbonise business travel. Scott Pawley, Global Travel Management managing director explained

Our customers tell us that one of the crucial factors that influences their decisions as to when, how and where to travel is the environmental impact. That’s why we launched the GTM Carbon Offset Programme to build an ever-expanding forest of trees to sequester carbon from the atmosphere when customers travel on business.

But I share Sir Richard Branson’s view that we should prove we can do things better for everyone’s benefit. That’s why we at GTM now offset all the carbon emissions from the day-to-day running of the business. Not just our flights and hotels, but our electricity consumption, commuting, power, heating, lighting and even the carbon costs of colleagues working from home.

Transatlantic SAF-only flights are another step in the right direction and I commend Virgin Atlantic for the actions they are taking.

Virgin Atlantic, known for operating one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets, reaffirms its dedication to finding more sustainable ways to fly.

Flight100 builds on the airline’s 15-year track record of leading SAF development at scale.

Looking ahead, the industry and government must intensify efforts to create a UK SAF industry and achieve aviation’s ambitious 10% SAF target by 2030.

This pursuit is expected to contribute significantly to the UK’s economy, with an estimated £1.8 billion in Gross Value Added and the creation of over 10,000 jobs.

As Virgin Atlantic continues to champion sustainable aviation, business travellers are encouraged to reach out to their Global Travel Account Manager for more information on how these advancements impact their future travel experiences.

Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology & Safety, Rolls-Royce plc, said:

We are incredibly proud that our Trent 1000 engines are powering the first ever widebody flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel across the Atlantic. Rolls-Royce has recently completed compatibility testing of 100% SAF on all our in-production civil aero engine types and this is further proof that there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100% SAF. The flight represents a major milestone for the entire aviation industry in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions.

The successful completion of Flight100 marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly aviation industry.