Posts

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.

Dave

From Mirabel to Melbourne: QantasLink welcomes game-changing A220 aircraft

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In a significant milestone for the Qantas Group’s fleet renewal initiative, the first brand new Airbus A220 has emerged from the paintshop at Airbus’ facility in Mirabel, Canada.

The aircraft, set to touch down in Australia before the year’s end, is the inaugural unit of 29 A220s slated for delivery to the Group, marking a strategic move in its domestic fleet renewal plan.

This modern generation of QantasLink A220s is designed to gradually replace the Boeing 717s currently servicing flights across Australia. Boasting double the range of the 717, the A220 is poised to open up novel domestic and short-haul international routes, expanding the airline’s operational reach as additional aircraft are incorporated into the fleet.

QantasLink A220: 137 passenger seats in a two-cabin configuration with 10 Business seats and 127 seats in Economy

This delivery represents the twelfth new aircraft within the past 12 months for the Qantas Group, showcasing their commitment to a more sustainable and efficient fleet.

The A321LR aircraft for Jetstar and the Boeing 787 Dreamliners for Qantas International have already joined the ranks, all contributing to reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and a quieter travel experience compared to their predecessors.

Over the last six months, the QantasLink A220 has taken shape at the Mirabel facility, with key components sourced from various global facilities, including wings manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Adorned in a striking Aboriginal paint scheme during its two-week stint in the paintshop, this aircraft is the sixth addition to Qantas’ longstanding Flying Art Series.

Launched in 1994, the Flying Art Series has been a canvas for Indigenous Australian artwork, with the latest livery featuring the creations of senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker.

Named “Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa – The Two Sisters Creation Story,” the aircraft showcases a Dreaming narrative of two sisters traversing remote Australia together. The collaboration with Indigenous Australian design agency Balarinji and First Nations artists underscores Qantas’ ongoing commitment to celebrating Australia’s rich cultural heritage.

Qantas Group CEO, Vanessa Hudson, envisions the QantasLink A220s as a game-changer for domestic and regional travel. She said,

These aircraft have the potential to change the way our customers travel across the country, with the ability to connect any two cities or towns in Australia

The enhanced speed and convenience are poised to redefine business and leisure travel, presenting new opportunities for both passengers and the airline’s operational staff.

The Airbus A220 (registration VH-X4A) will undergo post-production test flights and be equipped with Qantas-specific features before officially joining the airline’s fleet by year-end.

It will ferry from Quebec to Australia, initially servicing flights between Melbourne and Canberra, with an additional six A220s scheduled for delivery by mid-2025.

For further information on this groundbreaking development or to explore the enhanced possibilities for your business travel, feel free to reach out to your dedicated Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

British Airways completes Heathrow Terminal 5B lounge refresh: a premium travel experience awaits

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British Airways has concluded the final phase of its lounge refresh at London Heathrow Terminal 5B, bringing a host of exciting enhancements for its premium customers.

This substantial makeover introduces a new servery area, deli station, updated furniture, and the addition of a serene quiet zone.

The latest upgrades come on the heels of British Airways’ launch of the exclusive Whispering Angel bar earlier in the summer within the T5B lounge.

The improvements extend across the airline’s First and Club lounges located at London Heathrow Terminal 3, delivering a superior experience for travellers.

In addition, a brand-new bar has been installed in the First lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5, further elevating the premium offering.

Expert garnishing: the live food preparation area

One of the most notable features in the T5B lounge is the live food preparation area, where customers can witness their meals being expertly garnished with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

This culinary innovation offers a delightful gastronomic experience for travellers.

For those who prefer a self-service dining experience, the redesigned deli area provides an extensive selection of hot and cold dishes, including a range of breakfast options, sandwiches, and light bites, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Bespoke furniture: the lounge’s makeover includes soft furnishings, flooring and seating

The lounge’s makeover extends beyond food and beverage offerings.

The refreshing of the lounge includes the introduction of bespoke furniture, new flooring, and soft furnishings.

These updates contribute to a more elevated and comfortable ambiance.

Additionally, the introduction of a quiet zone provides travellers with a serene space to relax before their flight.

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, emphasised the airline’s commitment to enhancing the airport experience, especially for premium customers, stating,

We want to ensure we offer something for everyone using our lounges, whether that’s providing an area for those who wish to relax, catch up on work, or somewhere for our customers to enjoy our British Original-inspired dishes. We hope these changes go a long way in making a difference to our customers’ experience before their flight.

Onboard, British Airways has introduced new seasonal winter menus for all customers and delightful snack boxes for those traveling in World Traveller (economy) and World Traveller Plus (premium economy) on long-haul routes.

These snack boxes contain a variety of sweet and savoury treats, including chocolates, biscuits and popcorn, and are offered to customers as a mid-flight snack.

The airline is not stopping at lounge enhancements.

They have plans to add new furniture and day beds to the Concorde Room and Arrivals lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5.

In the coming months, British Airways is set to implement further upgrades to its Edinburgh lounge and will unveil a brand-new bar and an enhanced menu in its Seattle lounge next year.

As part of its ongoing commitment to provide a truly exceptional experience, British Airways has also created the ultimate martini in its Concorde Room, in collaboration with mixologist Mr Lyan and designed by engineering experts, Bremont and CALLUM.

British Airways continues to lead the way in providing premium services and experiences for its customers, making each journey truly remarkable.

For further information on these exciting developments and to experience the upgraded lounge facilities, travellers are encouraged to contact their Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

Air Canada’s upgraded Airbus A321: redefining the business travel experience

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Air Canada introduces an upgraded Airbus A321 with cutting-edge cabin enhancements, including larger overhead bins, Bluetooth audio, real-time exterior cameras, and more, offering UK-based business travelers an elevated travel experience.

Air Canada has proudly introduced passengers to a new era of air travel comfort and technology, unveiling their first upgraded Airbus A321 with an entirely revamped interior and groundbreaking in-flight features. This milestone event promises to elevate the flying experience for UK-based business travellers.

The reimagined Airbus A321 boasts a series of innovative enhancements to ensure passengers enjoy unparalleled comfort and connectivity. Some of the key highlights of the cabin improvements include:

  • Larger Overhead Bins: The latest Airbus Airspace XL design features the largest overhead bins in its class, ensuring ample storage for passengers’ belongings. These spacious bins will also be incorporated into the Airbus A321XLRs.
  • Upgraded Seating: Business Class and Economy passengers will benefit from standardised seating designed to optimise personal space, enhance ergonomics, and provide more storage, ensuring a more comfortable journey.
  • Bluetooth Audio: Air Canada’s new In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system offers Bluetooth-enabled seatback monitors, allowing passengers to connect their personal headsets while enjoying video on demand, live TV, podcasts, or music. This initiative aligns with Air Canada’s commitment to sustainability by reducing single-use headphone waste.
  • New Exterior Cameras: Passengers can now enjoy real-time, high-definition views of their flight through a groundbreaking exterior camera system – a first for narrow-body aircraft.
  • Full-Colour LED Mood Lighting: The new cabin lighting system can set different ambiences based on the time of day and phase of the flight.
  • Fast and Reliable Wi-Fi: Enhanced satellite-based connectivity ensures passengers have access to high-speed internet during their journey.
  • Power Options at Every Seat: All passengers can conveniently access power outlets, USB-A, and USB-C to keep their devices charged.
Live view: industry-first exterior cameras on a narrow-body aircraft provide customers real time, high-definition flight views on IFE seatback screens

The new IFE system installed on the Airbus A321 and A320 fleets features Air Canada’s award-winning in-flight entertainment, offering the most extensive content of any airline in the Americas.

Passengers can also enjoy live TV on these flights, featuring popular channels such as BNN, CTV, LCN, RDS, TSN1, and TSN2.

The remaining 14 Airbus A321s and eight A320s in Air Canada’s fleet are set to undergo retrofitting from this autumn until the end of 2025.

With these upgrades, passengers will experience a consistent and elevated narrow-body cabin experience, in line with the quality offered on the Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that constitute the majority of Air Canada’s narrowbody fleet. 

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline and the country’s flag carrier. As a founding member of Star Alliance, it offers scheduled services to over 180 airports worldwide. The airline holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax and is committed to achieving a net-zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US.

In addition to enhancing passenger comfort and connectivity, the new cabin design will reduce the overall weight of the A321 by approximately 240 kilograms.

This weight reduction is expected to result in substantial fuel savings, estimated at more than 2.4 million litres, and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 4,185 Canadian homes.

For further information about these groundbreaking upgrades and how they will enhance your business travel experience, we invite you to get in touch with your Global Travel Account Manager.

Dave

Unlocking luxury: The MICHELIN Key redefines hotel excellence

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The renowned MICHELIN Guide, celebrated worldwide for its recognition of top-tier dining establishments, is set to revolutionise the hotel industry with its latest creation – The MICHELIN Key.

The distinctive accolade is designed to shine a spotlight on hotels that offer truly exceptional experiences to travellers.

Starting in 2024, these distinguished hotels and accommodations will have the privilege of bearing The MICHELIN Key, joining a select group of establishments that stand out for their excellence.

Much like its esteemed restaurant ratings, The MICHELIN Guide aims to provide independent recommendations for hotels that are genuine destinations in their own right.

Unlocking extraordinary: The MICHELIN Key is a prestigious distinction awarded to exceptional hotels that offer truly outstanding and unique travel experiences

After four years of meticulous evaluation and research, The MICHELIN Guide now unveils a selection of more than 5,000 remarkable hotels across 120 countries.

The MICHELIN Guide emerged as a trusted beacon guiding travellers towards extraordinary experiences. In response to the prevailing standardisation in hotel design, interiors and amenities, The MICHELIN Guide strives to connect with travellers on an emotional level, directing them towards establishments that excel in architectural design and professional expertise, and possess a distinct and identifiable personality.

The new MICHELIN Guide selection encompasses more than 5,000 hotels worldwide, offering diverse options to suit various budgets and styles. The selection process is guided by five essential criteria:

  1. A Destination in Itself: These hotels contribute significantly to the local experience, enriching the traveller’s journey.
  2. Excellence in Interior Design and Architecture: These establishments set themselves apart with exceptional design and architectural features.
  3. Individuality and Authenticity: Each hotel reflects a unique personality and authenticity.
  4. Quality, Comfort, and Service: A commitment to providing consistent quality, comfort, and impeccable service.
  5. Value for Experience: These hotels offer a seamless balance between the experience they deliver and the price they command.

Importantly, this hotel selection stands independent of existing labels and quotas, catering to both seasoned MICHELIN Guide enthusiasts and those in search of well-informed advice.

The new approach to hotel recommendations by The MICHELIN Guide serves three key objectives:

  1. Enhancing Gourmet Experiences: Travellers can now complement their culinary adventures with memorable hotel stays.
  2. Character-Focused Accommodations: Guests are guided towards accommodations that offer more than just a place to sleep – they offer character and unique experiences.
  3. Comprehensive Independent Platform: The MICHELIN Guide’s website and mobile application provide an intuitive platform for inspiration, selection, reservation, payment, and sharing of travel experiences. The platform is ad-free, ensuring a seamless user experience, and offers round-the-clock customer service along with expert travel guidance.
  4. The MICHELIN Key – A New MICHELIN Guide Distinction

Within this groundbreaking selection, The MICHELIN Guide seeks to spotlight establishments that elevate hospitality to an art form, curating unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guides, explains,

The MICHELIN Key is a clear, reliable indicator for travelers. Just as the MICHELIN Star distinguishes top restaurants, the MICHELIN Key recognizes the world’s most exceptional hotels. It is also an acknowledgment of the dedication and passion of hospitality professionals.

Annually, The MICHELIN Key will honour exceptional establishments led by teams with unique expertise. The accolade will be bestowed following one or more anonymous stays by The MICHELIN Guide’s selection teams.

Currently in the field, The MICHELIN Guide teams are on the lookout for the finest hotel experiences, with the inaugural MICHELIN Key selection set to be unveiled in the first half of 2024.