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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.

Dave

London Gatwick Airport unveils new brand identity and vision

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London Gatwick has unveiled its new brand identity and refreshed vision, reflecting its strong ongoing recovery from the pandemic, providing a platform for the airport’s next phase of growth and supporting significant economic opportunities for the region.

Acknowledging the airport’s proud history, the new, modernised brand is designed to reaffirm and showcase London Gatwick’s position as a major international gateway. It also recognises the airport as part of the broader VINCI Airports network.

Gatwick rebrand: launch aligns with significant investment in improvements across the airport



The vision – To be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey – focuses on delivering a personalised experience to meet passengers’ individual needs.

Underpinning the vision is a strengthened focus and investment on simplifying the journey through the airport by focusing on ease, efficiency and experience. This will allow passengers more time to shop, have a drink, or finish some last-minute work calls or emails.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said,

This is a perfect time for us to launch our new brand and refreshed vision, as we head into our second year of recovery from the global pandemic and look to embark on a very promising chapter of growth.

We are taking a multi-dimensional approach, combining investment in airport development, along with a new visual identity, to rejuvenate the image of London Gatwick.

We expect this will translate to more people choosing to fly from the airport, with even more exciting destinations for passengers.

Our previous brand served us well for over ten years, but it’s now the right time to modernise and update our airport.

As we look ahead to future growth, our refreshed brand celebrates the past and brings us into the future.

Accompanying the new brand and vision is an exciting multi-million pound development programme.

Social: new branding appears across Gatwick’s digital channels

This significant programme of investment includes the expansion and refurbishment of departure lounges to create more modern, appealing spaces for passengers, while at the same time considering the airport’s sustainability goals.

It will also focus on accelerating automation in cutting-edge improvements across check-in and boarding, as well as enhanced airfield technology. A multi-million-pound upgrade of Gatwick Airport railway station is also on-track for completion later this year.

The new branding can already be seen across many of Gatwick’s digital and social channels, as well as key focal points within the airport. Over the coming months passengers, airport partners and colleagues will see it come to life across the airport.

Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and is a vital piece of national infrastructure that helps drive both the regional and national economy.

More than 40 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 45 long-haul destinations. The airport is focused on rebuilding and growing sustainably in the long term. It has ambitious plans to be a net zero airport by 2030 and increase capacity by bringing its Northern runway into routine use.

VINCI Airports owns a 50.01% stake in the airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99% interest. The world’s leading private airport operator, VINCI Airports operates more than 65 airports in twelve countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Thanks to its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds and manages airports by providing its investment capacity and its know-how in optimising operational performance, modernizing infrastructures and managing their operations and environmental transition.

VINCI Airports is the first airport operator to have committed to a global international environmental strategy in 2016, to achieve the goal of net zero emission across its entire network by 2050.

Dave

STARLUX Airlines’ premium service now available for UK business travellers through Alaska Airlines partnership

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Alaska Airlines has announced a partnership with its newest global airline partner, STARLUX Airlines, which is great news for UK-based business travellers looking to travel to Taipei or Los Angeles.

STARLUX is a premium carrier based in Taipei and has recently launched its inaugural transpacific service between Taipei and Los Angeles, making it an excellent choice for those travelling on business.

City of Angels: Los Angeles is one of Alaska’s hubs along the West Coast.

When redemptions become available this summer on STARLUX flights between Los Angeles and Taipei, they will start at:

  • 20,000 miles for economy,
  • 40,000 for premium economy and
  • 60,000 for business class for a limited time.

STARLUX operates the transpacific route with its new-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured in a four-class layout: First, business, premium economy and economy.

Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines said,

STARLUX Airlines has marked a successful three-year operation of our Asian routes, revolutionising the aviation industry with our exceptional service and innovative cabin design that have been highly commended by passengers. In a new milestone, we launched our inaugural flight to Los Angeles, offering convenient and comfortable long-haul premier services to passengers traveling to the City of Angels.

Alaska Airlines, the fifth largest airline in the United States with a wide network covering over 100 cities across the country, is partnering with STARLUX Airlines to deliver more exquisite and convenient flights for travellers journeying between North America and Asia. The partnership will enable seamless connections for STARLUX Airlines customers traveling to destinations across the U.S., making it easier and more convenient to navigate the country’s extensive domestic air network. With this partnership, we are committed to ensuring that travellers enjoy a hassle-free journey and arrive at their final destinations feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Inflight service on STARLUX includes Taiwanese signature dishes and amenities prepared for passengers in all classes.

STARLUX will be offering first and business guests a selection of the best top chefs’ creations and local Taiwanese delicacies, including the popular STARLUX signature dish yakiniku donburi served on board.

To bring greater individuality to their air travel experience, all passengers can pre-order meals online, so they can enjoy the meal they want. The news of Alaska’s partnership with STARLUX follows last year’s partnership announcement with Air Tahiti Nui.

This partnership between Alaska Airlines and STARLUX Airlines is excellent news for UK-based business travellers looking for a premium carrier with a strong transpacific presence. With the ability to earn and redeem miles on STARLUX flights, business travellers can now enjoy a more seamless and rewarding travel experience. Furthermore, the inflight service and signature dishes offered by STARLUX are sure to impress even the most discerning business traveller.

Dave

BA Euroflyer expands in-flight options for UK business travellers with new menus and new destinations

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British Airways’ Gatwick-based short-haul subsidiary, BA Euroflyer, has expanded its in-flight options for customers, with new menus and fresh food available to purchase on-board, alongside the introduction of new destinations.

BA Euroflyer, British Airways’ Gatwick-based short-haul subsidiary, has announced exciting new changes to its in-flight experience for UK-based business travellers.

Working with its retail partner, Tourvest, the airline has expanded its onboard options, introducing new menus and fresh food for customers to purchase during their flight.

Previously, customers were only able to pre-order fresh food or buy ambient snacks during their journey. But now, they can purchase a range of fresh options on-board, including Sweet & Spicy Falafel wraps and Tom Kerridge Chicken Coronation sandwiches. These can be paired with Jimmy’s Iced Coffee or Punchy soft drinks, available to purchase on-board without pre-ordering. The full Speedbird Café menu can be viewed here.

BA Euroflyer: a wholly owned subsidiary of British Airways

For customers travelling in Club Europe, British Airways offers complimentary drinks and a full meal service as part of their ticket. The airline has launched new seasonal menus for lunch or dinner, featuring dishes such as lemon pepper roasted chicken salad, wild mushroom risotto, and chickpea and curried coconut salad. First thing in the morning, customers can enjoy a traditional English breakfast, cheese omelette, or a charcuterie board. Afternoon tea is also available, with a variety of finger sandwiches and sweet treats.

BA Euroflyer is also expanding its fresh food options on longer short-haul flights from Heathrow. From the end of April, customers on flights over three hours will be able to purchase fresh produce during their flight, in addition to the current pre-purchase fresh food option. The airline plans to roll this out across the short-haul network, with other selected routes to follow in the coming months.

Tom Stoddart, Chief Executive Officer of BA Euroflyer and Cityflyer, said,

We know that some customers want to order items in the moment, so we are delighted to give Euro Traveller customers the option to not only to pre-purchase, but to also order fresh food during the flight.

For those travelling in Club Europe, we have a number of delicious complimentary dishes and drinks for them to select from. We want to set ourselves apart from other carriers at Gatwick.

We are the only airline to offer a business class product on every flight and a loyalty programme, coupled with our competitive fares, we have something to suit all.

In addition to these in-flight changes, BA Euroflyer has recently added Sharm El Sheikh to its growing network. The service will operate three times per week from 3 November throughout the winter season, with a fourth service on Saturdays until 15 December 2023. Executive Club Members can enjoy 100% of seats available on the inaugural Avios-Only flight. BA Euroflyer is also adding a brand new service to Montpellier in France from 27 May, operating three times weekly.

These changes and additions to BA Euroflyer’s offering are sure to appeal to UK-based business travellers looking for a convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience.

With fresh food options, seasonal menus, and new destinations, BA Euroflyer is continuing to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of its customers.


Dave

New Luton Airport Express train service offers business travellers fast and affordable transport to London Luton Airport

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Business Travellers can now benefit from a new rail service, providing quick and easy access from central London to London Luton Airport (LLA) for as little as £10.

Luton Airport Express: dedicated train service launched by East Midlands Railway

Operated by East Midlands Railway, the new non-stop Luton Airport Express runs from London St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway station, where passengers can transfer seamlessly onto the brand-new Luton DART shuttle to reach the terminal.

With trains departing every 30 minutes from early morning to late at night Monday to Saturday, and regular services on Sundays, business travellers can enjoy a convenient, fast and eco-friendly way to reach the airport.

The Luton DART shuttle runs 24 hours a day, taking customers from the train station to the airport terminal and providing an overall journey time to or from central London of just 32 minutes.

Simon Pready, Commercial Director of East Midlands Railway, said,

EMR’s Luton Airport Express will provide customers travelling from the capital and the south, a convenient, fast and environmentally friendly way to get to the airport – with a trip taking as little as 32 minutes and costing from as little as £10 – it’s a great option.

Along with the introduction of DART, the Luton Airport Express represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the town and we are proud to be part of such an environmentally and economically important project.

I’m personally looking forward to speaking to our customers to find out where they are jetting off to.

London Luton Airport’s CEO, Alberto Martin, added,

Taking just 32 minutes door-to-door, the launch of the transformational Luton Airport Express means that London Luton Airport has never been closer to central London. The service will provide a faster, more frequent and more convenient connection from train to plane, making LLA one of the capital’s best-connected airports and supporting its mission to deliver a simple, friendly end-to-end passenger experience.

Luton Airport is one of many other UK airports business travellers can reach by train. Tickets can be purchased through Global Travel Management.

London Luton Airport is ranked as the best performing company by GRESB, an internationally recognised sustainability framework that benchmarks environmental, social and governance (ESG) management and performance. LLA is ranked first among all participating assets, achieving a maximum score of 100 and a 5-star rating.

With the Luton Airport Express, business travellers can enjoy a seamless and efficient journey to and from Luton Airport at a competitive price. Contact Global Travel Management today to learn more about booking train tickets to Luton or other UK airports.

Dave

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are very excited about this renewed partnership with Anuvu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dave

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

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

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

Ducasse Paris in the long-haul lounges

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

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

Ducasse Paris burgal
Ducasse Paris dessert

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

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

Chloé Charles (left) and François Adamski

On the menu in September 2022 –

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

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

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

Special culinary events are regularly organised.

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

A more responsible catering offer

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

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