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Dave

Heathrow Airport sees 40 years’ worth of growth in four months

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In a sign of the recovery of UK aviation, nearly 6 million passengers travelled through Heathrow in June, totalling 25 million passengers in the first six months of the year.

The unprecedented growth in passenger numbers over the last four months matches what took place over the last 40 years.

Heathrow re-started recruiting in November 2021 in anticipation of capacity recovering in the Summer of 2022. By the end of July the airport will have as many people working in security as there were pre-pandemic. The airport has also reopened Terminal 4 to provide more space for passengers.  

Rebuilding capacity quickly is very challenging after the significant reductions in resource across the entire aviation supply chain. Arrivals punctuality is very low as a result of delays at other airports and airspace congestion across Europe and this has compounded the challenge of resource constraints for the airport, airlines, ground handlers and government agencies.

In spite of this, the airport claims to have been able to provide a good level of service for the vast majority of passengers. However, despite its ‘best efforts’ there have been periods in recent weeks, where service levels have not been acceptable, with long queue times, delays for passengers with reduced mobility, bags not travelling with passengers or arriving late. The airport has stated it wants to apologise to passengers affected by this.

The airport spokesman told us:

In June, the DfT and CAA asked the aviation sector to review summer schedules, including implementing a ‘slot amnesty’ to encourage airlines to remove flights without penalty that will minimise further disruption for passengers over the summer getaway. Our number one priority at Heathrow is giving passengers a safe and reliable journey. We will carefully assess if airlines’ reviewed schedule changes will help achieve that.

Many people will not have travelled in some time. Passengers can help prepare for their journeys by ensuring they arrive at Heathrow no earlier than 3 hours before their flights, that they have their liquids less than 100ml packed in a clear, resealable 1L bag and remove their large electronic items from their bags prior to security checkpoints.

We are assessing the CAA’s latest analysis for the H7 regulatory period and will comment in due course.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

Last month, we saw exponential growth in passenger numbers as nearly six million people got away – the equivalent of 40 years of growth in just four months. I am very proud of the way that our team is rising to the challenge of growth, and giving excellent service to the vast majority of passengers. However, we have already seen times recently when demand exceeds the capacity of the airport, airlines and ground handlers.

We will review the schedule changes that airlines have submitted in response to the government’s requirement to minimise disruption for passengers this summer and will ask them to take further action if necessary. We want everyone who is travelling through Heathrow to be confident that they will have a safe and reliable journey.

Dave

Qatar Airways Unveils Platinum, Gold and Silver Lounges for Privilege Club Members and oneworld Partners

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Qatar Airways has unveiled Platinum, Gold and Silver lounges at its award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), inviting Privilege Club loyalty members and oneworld alliance card holders to access the dedicated lounge corresponding to their frequent flyer tier status when transiting through Doha.

The state-of-the-art lounge facilities, with stunning runway views, will provide a peaceful haven to Qatar Airways Platinum, Gold and Silver loyalty members, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire card holders.

The brand new facilities will offer new spaces where passengers can rest, unwind and enjoy some of Qatar Airways’ renowned amenity products from Diptyque, and indulge in international cuisine and a wide beverage selection.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said:

It is my pleasure to announce the opening of three premium frequent flyer programme lounges at Hamad International Airport.

Our latest Platinum, Gold and Silver lounges demonstrate the airline’s commitment to rewarding Privilege Club and oneworld alliance members with coveted benefits that befit the service quality Qatar Airways is synonymous for.

We look forward to welcoming passengers to experience our sophisticated, modern and spacious lounges when transiting through the World’s Best Airport.

Qatar Airways Platinum, Gold and Silver Lounges offer an ideal space for relaxation or socialising with family and friends.

Passengers can extend an invite to one guest using their plus-one complimentary access – eligible to Qatar Airways Platinum and Gold Privilege Club members, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members.

Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South

Located on concourse A of HIA, Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Platinum loyalty members and oneworld Emerald card holders. The state-of-the-art lounge accommodates up to 140 passengers, and is equipped with a quiet area, a prayer room, a bar, a restaurant, and showers. Passengers are welcome to enjoy à la carte dining or buffet, and utilise the complimentary WiFi provided. 

Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South

Located on concourse A of HIA, Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Gold loyalty members and oneworld Sapphire card holders. The newly inaugurated lounge has the capacity to accommodate up to 85 passengers, and offers an array of services including family seating, a bar, a dining area, a full buffet dining experience, showers, and complimentary WiFi.

Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South

Located on concourse B of HIA, Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South will be home to Qatar Airways Silver loyalty members. First opened in March 2022, the lounge accommodates up to 195 passengers, offering meeting rooms, a family area, a quiet area, buffet dining and baggage storage facilities. 

Qatar Airways was announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2021 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Onboard Catering’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

In addition to the launching of the Gold, Silver and Platinum lounges, Qatar Airways will be increasing its Doha – Melbourne flights from the current once-daily schedule to double-daily flights from 1 October with the support of the Victorian Government. The airline and the Victorian Government signed a strategic agreement to increase connectivity to Melbourne to further boost trade and tourism.

Meanwhile, Berlin is set to benefit from enhanced connectivity to over 150 destinations, following the increase in Qatar Airlines services from daily flights to initially ten and further rising to eleven weekly flights from Berlin Brandenberg Airport.

And Qatar Airways have agreed to appear as the Official Jersey Sponsor of Paris Saint-Germain, starting from the 2022-2023 season.

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named the ‘Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.

Dave

IHG and Unilever join forces to end single-use bathroom miniatures

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IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a global collaboration with consumer goods company Unilever to replace bathroom miniatures with bulk amenities in over 4,000 hotels.

In 2019, IHG became the first global hotel company to commit to all of its hotel brands removing bathroom miniatures in favour of larger-size amenities, a key step in its pledge to eliminate single-use items throughout the guest stay by 2030.

All of IHG’s markets are now covered by bulk bathroom amenity contracts.

Unilever’s largest brand, Dove, will supply full-size hand wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion to IHG Essentials and Suites Collection hotels, including Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

Microbiome: find out how Dove moisturising
formula helps protect your skin’s living layer

The roll out of full-size Unilever products across IHG’s mainstream brands, which accounts for around 80% of IHG’s portfolio, follows the recent launch of larger-size bathroom amenities into InterContinental Hotels & Resorts properties.

The switch to full-size formats is expected to save at least 850 tonnes of plastic annually in IHG’s Americas region alone – the equivalent weight of five fully-grown blue whales or 70 double-decker London buses.

Yasmin Diamond, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented:

IHG has pioneered the move to minimal waste in the hospitality industry and we’re excited to spell the end of bathroom miniatures through our collaboration with Unilever. Our guests are increasingly mindful of the impact their travel choices have on the environment and our colleagues, investors, owners and suppliers all expect us to act responsibly. Transitioning to bulk amenities across our global estate was one of our first significant steps towards eliminating single-use items throughout the guest stay by 2030. We’ll continue to find innovative solutions for operating more sustainably to deliver our purpose of True Hospitality for Good.

Umesh Shah, CEO Unilever International, added:

Unilever is committed to making sustainable living commonplace, and we have ambitious targets across every part of our business. We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to help extend sustainable living into the travel industry by providing bathrooms with bulk amenities. Through this collaboration, IHG’s guests will enjoy a range of products from Dove during their stay, while reducing their use of plastic.

IHG’s commitment to pioneer the transformation to a minimal waste hospitality industry forms part of its 10-year Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, which includes a series of ambitious targets to drive positive change for people, communities and the planet.

As well as switching to bulk amenities, the group is working to eliminate single-use items, minimise food waste and adopt circular solutions for major hotel commodity items by 2030.    

Dave

British Airways announce changes to the ‘Book with confidence’ policy

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British Airways have shared the following announcement regarding the ‘Book with confidence’ policy.

Since its introduction in March 2020, our Book with confidence policy has offered customers the flexibility and peace of mind to change or cancel their travel plans, when it mattered most.

As the world continues to emerge from the pandemic, there are now significantly fewer restrictions impacting travel. And as customer confidence continues to return, it’s clear that the recovery in our industry is now well underway.  

We are writing to inform you of changes to our Book with confidence policy, effective today: 

Bookings ticketed from 00:01 on 08 June 2022 will no longer be covered under this policy and will be governed by the fare rules on the ticket and our standard conditions of carriage; however, should new major travel restrictions be introduced, specific Customer Guidelines will be issued. 

Bookings ticketed from 03 March 2020 up to and including 07 June 2022, for travel completed by 30 September 2022, remain covered under our existing Book with confidence policy, where: 
i) any applicable change fee is waived (fare differential applies), or  
ii) the value of the booking can be held as credit for future travel, providing new travel is completed by 30 September 2023.

Dave

United reveal new Away kits

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Travellers flying in premium cabins on United’s long-haul international and premium transcontinental routes will experience the airline’s new, co-branded amenity kits designed exclusively for the airline by global travel lifestyle brand Away.

Inspired by Away’s iconic suitcases and versatile accessories, United offer three versions of the amenity kits, each with custom travel essentials and Sunday Riley’s United-exclusive range of clean, cruelty-free skincare products.

The collaboration signifies the first time Away, the global travel lifestyle brand, has partnered with a commercial airline.

Luc Bondar, vice president of marketing and loyalty and president of MileagePlus at United said

As travel demand continues to rise to unprecedented levels, travelers are seeking comfort and quality now more than ever when they fly—that’s why we chose to partner with Away.

Away’s mutual commitment to making travel more seamless, elevated and modern design aesthetic is in perfect harmony with United’s brand, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to be the only airline to provide this unique offering to our customers.

United and Away designed each amenity kit to be ‘the perfect accessory’ for customers to freshen up on long flights and reuse on future journeys.

The Away amenity kits offered include:

  • Hard Pod: For travellers flying in United Polaris® business on long-haul international flights. The sturdy shell and interior elastic band will help keep belongings organized.
  • Sports Pouch: For travellers flying in United Premium Plus® on long-haul international flights. Featuring a soft, protective material you can keep all your belongings organised —including your travel essentials.
  • Zip Case: For travellers flying in United Business on premium transcontinental flights. The water-resistant kit for transcontinental premium travellers is an ideal solution for storing liquids and moving quickly through airport security lines.
Left to right: Hard Pod, for travellers in Polaris Business Class; Sports Pouch for travellers in Premium Plus seats; Zip Case for travellers in Business, on transcontinental flights

Melissa Weiss, Away’s Chief Marketing Officer said

We are thrilled to partner with United to bring Away’s thoughtfully designed products to United travelers around the globe.

United’s mission to connect the world and their dedication to making travel as effortless as possible aligns with Away’s mission to create a more open world by making travel easier. We are certain this unique relationship between our two companies will do just that, making the travel experience more seamless for journeys near or far.

In addition to co-branded personal care essentials like earbuds, an eye mask, and a dental kit, the Away amenity kits will include United’s In-Flight Remedy skin-care products from trusted partner and customer-favorite Sunday Riley. 

Sunday Riley custom developed the In-Flight Remedy line to offer United passengers, high-end skincare products on long-haul international flights and transcontinental flights.

Formulated with hydration in mind to meet flyers’ needs for increased moisture as they travel, each amenity kit includes a variety of Sunday Riley products, from face creams and cleansing cloths to hand creams and lip balms.

Last month, United unveiled its first brand advertising campaign in nearly a decade “Good Leads The Way”, which highlights the airline’s determination to be a force for good not only for customers, but also for the communities it serves.


Dave

UK Government confirms mandatory hotel quarantine

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From 15 February 2021 anyone travelling to the UK from a country on the UK’s travel ban list will be required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for ten days.

The UK Government has announced the introduction of hotel-based quarantine. The notification states:

From 15 February anyone travelling to the UK from a country on the UK’s travel ban list will be required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for a period of ten days.

General Sir Gordon Messenger will play an important role in advising the government on the delivery of the programme

On the evening of 4 February, the Department of Health and Social Care issued a commercial specification to hotels near ports and airports, asking for proposals on how they can support the delivery of Managed Quarantine Facilities ahead of formal contracts being awarded.

The government has met with stakeholders from across the aviation, maritime, hotel and hospitality industries, and will now continue to finalise plans to enable implementation from 15 February.

The Government notification continued:

The Health Secretary [Matt Hancock] held discussions with his Australian counterpart on Thursday [4 February], and officials will speak with New Zealand officials to share expertise. DHSC has also held a series of roundtables with over 60 companies and industry representatives as the public and private sector work together.

Dave

Good news

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It may be difficult to find, but, if you look hard enough, there are still some items of good news in the business travel industry. So, every week, we curate some of the better “good news” stories. We can’t promise green shoots of economic recovery, but we can promise to highlight some of the better, encouraging and happier pieces of news in business travel. After all, we’re all looking forward to travelling again.

And, if you want to share the good news, please feel free to use the share links at the bottom of the page.

Monday, 14 December

Last week ended with the announcement of the twenty individuals, groups and companies that comprised the ‘Twenty Heroes.

It’s good news if you’re on the list. And it’s good news if you’re a client of Global Travel Management, because each of these contributors will have helped to make 2020 better than it would otherwise have been, and have paved the way for a better, more positive year ahead.

Check out the full list, below:

The ‘Twenty Heroes

Monday, 7 December

Last week, the news was dominated by Thursday’s announcement from the Secretary of State for Transport that “high value business travel” would be provided with an exemption from the requirement to quarantine on return to England from countries outside the safe travel corridor.

High value business travel exempt from quarantine in England
Latest Travel Corridors List
The Safe Travel Corridors list is published by the UK Government and is updated weekly.

See Scott Pawley’s view on this announcement, here.

Elsewhere, Vistara are planning to start flights between London and Mumbai next month. Heathrow is predicting a sharp increase in passenger volumes in 2021. easyJet is seeing an increase in passenger confidence.

United Airlines have kicked off a mass shipment of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Eva Air are investing in biometric boarding in San Francisco. While Manchester Airports Group has rolled out Covid testing at Stansted, East Midlands and Manchester airports.

And for the AVGeeks amongst us, there was news that two more BA 747s have been saved from the scrapheap.

And finally we have experimented with sharing hotel news via Twitter Moments. You can see how this is coming on here.

Monday, 30 November

E-scooters were in the news last week, with TfL launching a trial. Ryanair extended its fee waiver. Do you want 2,000 Tesco Clubcard Points? If so, check out Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. And Virgin Atlantic has also launched a Black Friday sale.

Manchester Airports Group has updated its commitment to zero carbon. Gatwick Airport has launched a Covid-19 testing facility. While Hawaiian Airlines allows loyalty members to swap miles for Covid-19 tests.

The UK Government safe travel corridor list saw changes this week. And there’s big news from IAG and IATA, who are working on a new travel pass.

And, in the middle of the week, the Focus Travel Partnership held a virtual event for members.

Monday, 23 November

We didn’t have to wait long before posting our first piece of good news on Twitter this week. It was on Monday morning that we shared the great news that we are working with, not one, but two suppliers of Covid-19 testing, for passengers travelling to destinations that require a negative Covid test certificate.

GTM rolls out Testing for Travellers

Among airlines sharing good news are:

Elsewhere, the UK and USA have signed a bilateral Open Skies agreement.

American Airlines have launched an app helping passengers understand testing and documentation requirements.

And the GBTA have released research showing that half of travellers are willing to travel now.

But, perhaps the most important news was the story we broke on Wednesday: the Boeing 737 Max 8 cleared to return to service.

Monday, 16 November

Last week the news was dominated by the announcement that the Pfizer/BioNTech phase 3 testing of a Covid-19 vaccine has delivered better than expected results. Stocks rose worldwide – although there were some exceptions, as Scott Pawley noted here on LinkedIn.

Elsewhere, the UK economy soared by a record amount in Q3 this year, the government’s safe travel corridor has welcomed two new, key business destinations and GTM customers can now make use of Covid-19 testing provided by two suppliers.

And we closed off the week by changing the name of our company…

Monday, 9 November

What was the first travel-related item we tweeted this week? Was it about flights? Airports? Trains? Car hire? Drones, teleportation or virtual meetings? No. It was bicycles.

We kicked off British Travel Month with a clip of Paul Baker explaining how travellers can support British jobs in the travel industry, even while the country enters the second lockdown.

Accor has worked with a London-based company Bizzon to launch a digital service to make it easier, quicker, safer and more reliable to order food and beverage.

In the middle of a busy week, we were able to announce that a new president has been appointed: Marriott International had a big announcement.

For anyone still unaware, there was confirmation that business travel is starting its long recovery.

The managing director of Hull Trains has promised that services to London will return. And LNER has launched a new loyalty scheme for frequent travellers.

The entertainment industry is one sector that is showing how to continue growing the economy, instead of waiting for the pandemic to pass. And the uptick in business travel has been identified by the CEO of Hilton Worldwide.

Finnair has introduced free Covid-19 insurance cover. And American Airlines has expanded its testing programme.

British Airways released a video explaining the meticulous and painstaking measures the airline is taking in order to ensure the safety of passengers in the airport and on-board flights.

Monday, 2 November

This week, Paul Baker and Kelly Packington met the teams at Heathrow and United Airlines to see how well the airline and airport are working to ensure passengers can travel in a Covid-secure way.

It was reported that Swiss Rail will run a faster service between Zurich and Munich next month. While Berlin Airport has opened a rail station.

Westjet has announced it will provide cash refunds instead of vouchers.

Two affiliates of Japan Airlines have joined the Oneworld Alliance.

Dubai International Airport has an announcement on safe routes through the airport.

Singapore Airlines have launched flights to nowhere.

Emirates is offering 10% off flights. And the airline has announced the return of full inflight dining.

United Airlines has added eight new routes.

Occupancy is up at IHG hotels.

Monday, 26 October

There could be an economic boost to the UK of £2.9bn per annum, thanks to the sustainable fuels industry.

Air New Zealand is opening up the trans-Tasman bubble. Flybe is set for a return. And Jet Airways has found new investors. Emirates is offering 10% off flights and double Tier Miles and is expanding its southern African destinations. United Airlines is adding more destinations this winter. Singapore Airlines resumes a New York service next month. Lufthansa Group has announced reduced losses in Q3 this year. And you can now experience Finnair’s inflight services without flying. Qatar Airways has taken delivery of three more Airbus A350-1000s.

The good news in the last week isn’t restricted to airlines. Manchester rail stations are set for significant expansion with new HS2 proposals. Mumbai Airport has rolled out its express Covid-19 RT PCR testing for all departing passengers. And Calgary Airport is hosting a project that could shorten quarantine time for international travellers (and yes, we know, it probably shouldn’t be called a pilot project…).

Monday, 19 October

The main item of good news in the last week involves our own Scott Pawley and the trip he made to Heathrow on Tuesday.

Scott was among a number of invitees to view the work being undertaken by Delta Air Lines and by Marriott Hotels to keep passengers and guests safe and secure against Covid infection.

To see how Scott got on, check out this thread, on GTM’s Twitter account…

Monday, 12 October

This week, the good news we shared was about a product we launched. PinPoint is the Duty Of Care, Traveller-Tracking and Covid resource tool. You can read about it here.

And you can see what BTN Europe – the leading source of information, news, features, data and research for corporate travel managers and travel management professionals – has to say about PinPoint, here.

And you can see how PinPoint works, on this short video clip

Monday, 5 October

This week, we celebrated the anniversary of High Speed 1, the UK’s first high-speed rail infrastructure. Some of the highlights of the tweets on 28 September were the announcement of a merger between Eurostar and Thalys, Eurostar restoring catering, some great adjectives used on LinkedIn to describe Eurostar, new cleaning robots at St Pancras, biometrics will be used from next March at St Pancras and there’s a great review for the Holiday Inn Express Folkestone Channel Tunnel.

Elsewhere, Air France has announced it is to operate 50% of its schedules during November and December, serving more than 170 destinations by the end of the year.

Qatar Airways has received a $1.95bn government investment and is offering 100 days of free wifi.

Air New Zealand is offering a frequent flyer status extension.

Lufthansa and Austrian are trialling an inflight shopping platform.

Gatwick has begun rolling out UV technology to disinfect trays in security lanes. Meanwhile, in its North Terminal Gatwick has seen the reopening of the No1 Lounge.

LEVEL has resumed its Barcelona-New York service.

Monday, 28 September

This week, we’re only highlighting one piece of news in the business travel industry. Our Managing Director, Scott Pawley put together a message for anyone looking to restart or continue business travel in the coming weeks.

His message included three key pieces of advice:

  • Update your travel policy
  • Make sure your travellers’ details and passports are up to date
  • Take the opportunity to ensure you have a carbon offset programme in place

You can see Scott’s message, here
https://twitter.com/GlobalTravelMgt/status/1308392370417938433?s=20

Scott Pawley, Managing Director of Global Travel Management has a message for businesses in the United Kingdom: Business Travel Remains Open.

Monday, 21 September

We reported on a number of hotel businesses demonstrating confidence in the long-term future of the hospitality industry this week. Including Hilton, which has opened a new Hampton property in Ealing, the Lux Collective, signing an agreement to manage a five-star resort in Chongzou, Guangxi, HRS and Radisson extending their partnership, Intercontinental Hotels Group launching two new loyalty club promotions, and, back in London, Locke has opened Bermonds Locke in London Bridge.

We report on hotel news every weekday at noon, on Twitter. Follow us here https://twitter.com/GlobalTravelMgt.

Vietnam Airlines has started one-way flights to Japan. Singapore Airlines will launch no-destination flights, from Changi Airport. Etihad is introducing artificial intelligence to reduce in-flight food wastage. Air France is investing in electric ramp equipment. Icelandair has joined Worldwide by easyJet. Aer Lingus Regional is introducing flights from Belfast to Birmingham and Manchester. British Airways has increased flights to Lahore, Pakistan. Delta Air Lines flew its first flight out of Salt Lake City Airport. Qatar Airways is now serving 90 destinations, with more than 650 weekly flights and has fitted 100 aircraft with high-speed broadband. Air Canada is offering free covid insurance.

And the BBC reported on Europe’s first Covid-free flights.

Monday, 14 September

Emirates has announced plans to resume flying to Accra and Abidjan and has completed more than $1.4bn in passenger refunds. Flydubai is offering passengers free global cover for Covid-19. Alitalia has received European Commission go-ahead for a grant of almost €200m. Air France is moving towards all-electric ramp equipment. Vietnam Airlines will resume six domestic routes.

Qatar Airways now has 100 aircraft equipped with high-speed broadband.

The aviation industry is collaborating on a biomimicry project to demonstrate operational feasibility of reducing aviation emissions using Wake Energy Retrieval.

Dubai International Airport has reopened smart gates at T3.

And Eurostar has resumed onboard catering.

Monday, 7 September

The last couple of weeks have seen more good news for business travel and business travellers.

Eurostar has announced the long-awaited launch of the direct, return trips between London and Amsterdam, starting on 26 October. The German government and Deutsche Bahn will work together to refresh 167 stations throughout the country. GWR has brought back its Night Riviera service.
ÖBB will launch Amsterdam-Vienna Nightjet. And Avanti West Coast has introduced “At Seat Order”.

JAL will increase flights to Singapore and restart the Sydney route, meanwhile, the carrier has introduced touchless check-in at Tokyo. Virgin Atlantic has introduced a new Covid-19 insurance cover and announced plans to launch flights from London and Manchester to Pakistan , as well as announcing plans to increase its routes further, with changes to its inflight catering services. Brussels Airlines has been given the EU go-ahead for a stabilisation package and the airline’s parent Lufthansa Group has announced the removal of rebooking fees until the end of 2020. Emirates announced plans to increase its network of African destinations and resume flights to Warsaw, while KLM announced plans to add Poznan to its network. Qatar Airways is continuing to rebuild its network, and now operates 550 weekly flights to more than 85 destinations. Air New Zealand will resume all its domestic Auckland flights. Singapore Airlines has announced further easing of status requirements for its PPS Club and Krisflyer loyalty schemes. United has announced that it will permanently drop change fees for US flights; and Delta Air Lines has announced exactly the same measure.

At Heathrow, Plaza Premium has reopened two of its lounges and the airport has started trials of rapid Covid-19 testing. Berlin Airport has announced its opening will comprise a parallel landing of a Lufthansa and easyJet flight, at the end of next month. And Doncaster Sheffield Airport has the good news that Wizz Air will be expanding its operations at the airport.

And, finally, Singapore has eased travel restrictions and quarantine periods for travellers from several countries.

Monday, 24 August

There was good news from one UK airport last week, which claimed to have seen the “strongest recovery of any major airport in the UK”. Which one? You can see, here.

Aspire Lounges is gradually reopening facilities across the UK, including in Bristol, Manchester and Luton.

IATA has releases self-assessment checklists for airline’s measures against Covid-19. Delta Air Lines is ramping up staff virus testing.

Covid-19 testing facilities are up and running at Heathrow. Dubai Airport announced pioneering steps in the detection of Covid-19 – by use of man’s best friends. Elsewhere in the Gulf, Sharjah Airport has become the first carbon-neutral airport in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Cathay Pacific passengers numbers are up. Emirates are adding destinations, and changing aircraft types to meet demand. Air Asia has resumed its Kuala Lumpur to Singapore flights. KLM‘s resuming its flights to Poznan. And Qatar is resuming flights from London Gatwick.

Travel between Zurich Airport and Geneva has now become more efficient thanks to SWISS and SBB. Etihad has expanded the number of rail and coach tickets that can be purchased in conjunction with its air fares. And, in the UK, if you’re travelling by train on a Friday, LNER has some good news for you.

And, finally, passengers from Portugal will no longer have to agree to self-isolate for fourteen days, thanks to changes announced by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Monday, 17 August

Last week, there was good news on airlines adding services as well as more good news on how airlines are ensuring trips are safer and more secure.

Qatar Airways is continuing to rebuild its network, and will offer 56 flights a week to the United States by next month, increasing flights to Pakistan while flights to Gatwick resume next week. Emirates is resuming passenger flights to Birmingham. Eastern Airways will regain its link to Heathrow, with flights from Teesside launching next month. Wizz Air has announced plans to create a second UK base, at Doncaster Sheffield. Virgin Atlantic is resuming flights from India.

Etihad has launched an antimicrobial snood for its business class and first class passengers. JetBlue is extending its seat distancing policy. United is using UV lights to to clean flight decks.

Schiphol Airport plans to open Covid-19 testing at Arrival Hall 3, while British Airways are considering offering pre-flight testing. Delta Air Lines is testing more of its workforce.

And in other news, American Airlines is bringing back hot food to its lounges.

Monday, 10 August

We will be honest. Last week, the focus of our attention, at least in the middle of the week, was on the events happening here.

But we also produced this article looking at what aircraft manufacturers are doing to keep planes safe from Covid-19.

Elsewhere, there was more good news items in the world of business travel:

And a couple of airlines gave some information about how they go about disinfecting their planes:

Monday, 3 August

There was good news last week for one UK-based company. Delta Air Lines has selected Lysol, the disinfectant brand from Slough-based multi-national Reckit Benkiser to enhance its cleaning regime and protocols. You can read about this new partnership, here.

British Airways, is rolling out a new voucher scheme. LNER has resumed onboard catering. AirAsia has introduced a WhatsApp chatbot, called AVA. The BTA has called on the government to provide more transparency on its quarantine decision-making process, while Heathrow has backed the idea of passengers being able to buy Covid-19 testing at the airport.

But, probably the best piece of business travel-related news came from the Focus Travel Partnership. CEO Abby Penston reported the findings of the latest Covid-19 Recovery Survey and the results are clear: booking numbers are up, thanks, in part, to the introduction of air bridges. This means more businesses are getting back to business travel to restart and fire up the economy.

Monday, 27 July

Last week saw airport re-openings, countries being dropped from the mandatory quarantine list, more flights being resumed and a guide to getting back to business travel being published.

Passenger numbers at Manchester Airport have continued to increase, leading to the re-opening of Terminal 2. This came in the same week that the UK Government dropped its requirements for passengers returning from five countries to self-quarantine on arrival for fourteen days.

Among airlines resuming services in response to passenger demand are Finnair and Etihad Airways (to Shanghai), and Qatar Airways (to Guangzhou) while British Airways announced new flights from Gatwick to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Finally, in response to the gradually-increasing demand for business travel, particularly from the UK, we have produced a comprehensive document giving details of what companies should to when they start to plan their return to business travel. You can read about this – and downloand a free copy – here.

Monday, 20 July

After last week’s several “good news” items, we thought we would concentrate on just one this week. The great news for one of the biggest airlines in transatlantic travel, Virgin Atlantic. The airline’s future has been protected thanks to a solvent recapitalisation. This is great news for the airline’s staff, for the sector as a whole and, of course, to any businesses looking to ensure they have enough choice of airlines to two, key business markets: the United States and South Africa.

Monday, 13 July

Last week, there were several, new items of good news.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has revised its global advisory against all but essential travel, opening the way for more business trips to be possible. Delta Air Lines has re-opened lounges in Chicago, Denver, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix and San Francisco.

Swissport and Priority Pass are looking at a “test on arrival” system at UK airports and Air Canada are looking to explore rapid Covid testing. Meanwhile, Aspire Lounges has begun re-opening its airport lounges and KLM has re-opened Schengen Crown Lounge at Schiphol.

London City Airport has re-opened. Automatic quarantine requirements have lifted for travellers coming into the UK, from some destinations.

And last, but not least, one particularly important #businesstravel journey reached a critical point, when Test cricket finally returned…

Monday, 6 July

This week, the good news came in threes.

First, the government confirmed that there would be a list of countries that will be exempt from last month’s quarantine requirements, starting this week, on 10 July. Read the story here.

Second, the government produced its list of 59 countries – and it contained some surprises. See the full list here.

Third, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office released updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, exempting destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers. This came into effect at the weekend. You can read about this, here.

Monday, 29 June

This week, there is really only one, big piece of business travel industry news. The government’s lifting of quarantine restrictions for passengers arriving (or returning) from some countries. Click the link below to find out about the government’s intentions, Foreign Office advice changes and the latest information about air bridges. The story is moving forward very quickly, so keep checking back to see regular and ad hoc updates.

Quarantine lifted, air bridges introduced and Foreign Office travel warnings changed

Monday, 22 June

A number of airlines announced increased services this week, including:

Manchester Airport introduced pre-booking for security screening and London City Airport re-opened yesterday.

Intercontinental Hotels Group announced the introduction of a new pricing model, Hyatt plans to open a hotel at Gatwick and Ruby confirms plans for a 173-room hotel in Notting Hill.

Monday, 15 June

There was more good news in the last week from the business travel sector, yet again. As the industry prepares for more companies to return to travelling on business, we were able to bring a range of good news items to our Twitter followers.

  • Turkish Airlines launched a discount scheme for health care workers
  • Iberostar plans to re-open several hotels, while OYO and Premier Inns build new ones
  • Japan Airlines and Air Transat re-start international services; Virgin Australia re-starts domestically
  • Austrian Airlines have secured rescue funding, while agreeing environmental commitments
  • You don’t have to wear gloves at Manchester Airport any more…
  • …and you don’t have to keep your distance on Air New Zealand flights
  • And, if you’re worried about losing your tier status on British Airways Executive Club, there’s good news for you, too

Monday, 8 June

In the last week, a number of news items have, again, pointed to recovery in the business travel sector.

But most people’s attention was rightly focused on the 50 Leading TMCs list being revealed by industry publication BTM Europe…

Monday, 1 June

United Airlines is upcycling old staff uniforms into face masks

Hilton is producing 50,000 meals a month for those in need

Iberia will increase flights next month…

…while Lufthansa Group has announced increased long-haul routes

Air New Zealand has opened a number of its lounges as it resumes domestic flights

Monday, 18 May

Lufthansa Group is amongst a raft of airlines announcing schedule increases having publicised 1,800 additional roundtrips per week to its schedules from next month…

…but Delta Air Lines isn’t even waiting that long to restart flights to Heathrow:

Meanwhile, across Europe, steps are being taken to open up borders again:

And Qatar Airways has generously donated 100,000 free tickets to healthcare professionals as a big “thank you”:

Monday, 11 May

In a week where the news mainly concerned messages from Her Majesty the Queen and the Prime Minster as well as celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe, we also found some good news in the business travel sector.

BA’s owners predict a “meaningful return” to service in July.

International Airlines Group – the owners of British Airways – has announced it is planning a “meaningful return” to service in July. However, a number of airlines have announced an increase in flights even sooner than that…

  • American Airlines will resume some European and South American flights from 4 June.
  • British Airways will return to Beijing Daxing out of Heathrow from 14 June and several other routes during the same month.
  • Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon will increase their capacity from 21 June.
  • KLM continues to have longhaul flights to Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, Mexico City, Toronto, Curacao, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo Narita, Osaka Kansai, Seoul and Hong Kong; as well as daily flights to Barcelona, Budapest, Helsinki, Madrid, Milan, Prague, Rome and Warsaw.
  • Korean Air intends to resume flights to cities including Washington, D.C., Seattle, Vancouver, Toronto, Frankfurt, Singapore, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur.
  • Qatar Airways says it will increase flights to 80 cities by the end of June.
  • Forbes has reported that United Airlines plans to “pencil in” four flights to Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai from June.
  • While Vietnam Airlines plans to resume all domestic flights in June.

Capturing the mood of a nation that is looking forward to the end of “lockdown”, the Daily Mail reported that one-third of Britons will be travelling more than ever, once the restrictions end.

And while the airlines’ planning continued to gather pace, we at Global Travel Management took some time to commemorate VE Day…

Monday, 4 May

In the last week, Virgin Atlantic have shared some of the great stories of how their staff are helping to repatriate British people from abroad, helping to deliver food, helping staff in NHS hospitals, helping to handle NHS 111 calls and lots more. But they’re not just helping, they’re taking time to say thank you – a big, red thank you – to other people and organisations and the work they are doing.

Elsewhere, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon intend to increase flying capacity towards the end of June.

Business travel is recovering in China. The country’s strategy, which will attempt to restart what was the biggest business travel market in the world, could offer a glimpse of how business travel will recover in the future.

Scott Pawley has posted about the airline industry reaching the bottom of the curve

And these pieces of good news from Asia may reflect some positive changes in airline capacity around the world. Our Managing Director Scott Pawley posted on LinkedIn about a report suggesting the airline world may have reached the bottom of the curve. In short, there has been an increase in flight seat capacity.

It is not only business travel that has seen good news in the last week, because Dubai aims to reopen its tourism by July, according to the Director General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Wizz Air have recommenced flights from London Luton Airport to airports in Hungary, Israel, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Spain.

And finally, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has released the results of a poll of more than 5,000 of its members which shows signs of optimism and recovery on the horizon. The study found that most companies are planning a recovery for 2020, with one in three planning for a recovery within the next three months.

Monday, 27 April

A British Airways flight from China, loaded with PPE and other essential kit for the NHS.

Last week, British Airways announced an increase in flights to China to London from 13 a week to 21. The flights will be able to carry up to 77 tonnes of cargo for the NHS, including PPE (personal protective equipment) which is of vital importance to health and social care workers.

Alex Cruz, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “We are in a unique position to help in the global response to Covid-19, whether it is through carrying UK residents back home, transporting vital cargo back to the NHS, or through our colleagues who are offering their skills to volunteer. We’re proud to be playing our part, and I’m grateful to everyone who is working to make these flights happen in these difficult times.”

The news of BA’s increased China-London flights came the same week that the airline shared details of repatriation flights from India. As our news story shows, the airline has been helping to fly thousands of British citizens home from India. And our tweet, below, shows how welcome the repatriation flights were for the passengers – and how hard the crews are working to make this happen.

Dave

High value business travel exempt from quarantine in England

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The UK Government has announced a new “business travel” exemption from the normal quarantine rules.  From tomorrow morning, certain passengers travelling to or through countries which are not on the safe travel corridor list will no longer be required to self-isolate on return to England. 

The Department for Transport explained:

Individuals undertaking specific business activity which would deliver a significant benefit to the UK economy – including activity that creates or preserves 50+ UK jobs – will no longer need to self-isolate when travelling or returning from non-exempt countries. Individuals will only be exempt when undertaking the specific business activity and will only be able to meet with others as required by that specific activity.

We understand that the exemption will apply to senior company executives, such as directors or their equivalents, either returning or travelling to England who can deliver ‘significant’ economic benefit (e.g. work that creates or preserves 50 or more jobs for either an existing UK-based business or a new UK business, within one year of the passenger’s arrival). They will only qualify for the exemption if their work requires them to be there in person.

The DfT added

Exemptions will also come into force at the same time for domestic and international performing arts professionals, TV production staff, journalists and recently signed elite sportspersons, ensuring that industries which require specific, high-talent individuals who rely on international connections can continue to complete their work.

If you are planning overseas trips and have any questions with regards to this exemption, or the self-isolation process in general, please contact me or my team.  We will be happy to help.

Dave

How we’re tackling coronavirus for business travellers

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At Global Travel Management we are working hard to ensure all clients’ business travel plans run as smoothly as always, despite the ongoing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus outbreak. 

To ensure that trips go ahead with as little disruption as possible, we have implemented a four-point plan based around knowledge, communication, certainty and mitigation.

Knowledge

Our teams of travel consultants are kept up to date on the latest situations on the geographical limitations imposed by airline schedule changes and what special measures must be undertaken when travelling to affected areas.  If you need to tap into this pool of expert knowledge, just ask your GTM Account Manager.

Communication

We will continue to provide relevant, timely communication on the latest situation via emails, news updates on our website and alerts on our Twitter page.  If the situation changes during a trip, we will also provide relevant alerts via Dave, GTM’s traveller-supporting app.  For the latest updates, please see Coronavirus – a guide to the latest travel news and medical advice.

Certainty

Our teams rely on comprehensive, accurate and industry-leading feeds of information, with access to up-to-the-minute data on schedules, changes and availability, so we can ensure the latest, most accurate information on the current situation.

Mitigation

We create and amend itineraries to ensure the most-appropriate and most-efficient use of travellers’ time.  And, when necessary, we can provide alternatives and have back-up plans ready, for when travellers’ schedules have to change. 

If you would like to discuss your travel plans or have any questions about Covid-19 and how it might impact the business trips you are planning, please contact your GTM Account Manager.

Kelly

Finnair introduces new business class amenities by Marimekko and L:A Bruket

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Finnair has introduced a new range of amenities for business class passengers, designed by world-famous Finnish design house Marimekko.

The amenities will be rolled out for all trans-continental flights on Airbus A350 and Airbus A330 aircraft. They are designed to complement the new sleep textiles in Finnair’s long-haul business class, which feature the classic Kaivo print in a dark blue tone on tone colourway, designed by Maija Isola, one of the most iconic Marimekko designers.

The amenity kits and eye shades feature four different Maija Isola designs from the 1960s – Rautasänky, Joonas, Jenkka and Pieni Melooni, with each pattern in two different colourways.

Finnair will introduce two new designs at a time, changing them for another two every six months.

David Kondo, Head of Cabin Interior Development at Finnair said:

We wanted to introduce more patterns more often, so there is something new and fresh for our frequent flyers. The new kits have also been sized so they can live on after the flight for a variety of uses.


Finnair and L:A Bruket are both Nordic brands that value sustainability.

We view this partnership as a great initiative to increase the appeal of our amenity kit. We’re also trying to connect the lounge and in-flight experience more and more for our customers, and offering organic and natural L:A Bruket products both on the ground and in the air is a great step in that direction.

As sleep is such an important part of the business class experience, Finnair has also upgraded the business class eye shades with soft-touch fabric and higher-quality straps and the ear plugs in the kit are designed to be more effective too.

Each new amenity kit comes wrapped in a cardboard band – instead of plastic – with a QR code that customers can scan with a personal mobile device to read more about Isola’s inspiration for the patterns.


L:A Bruket skin care products in lounges, aeroplane cabins and amenity kits

Improved sustainability with recycled plastic, bio plastic and on-demand concept Sustainability in all its forms is key for Finnair, and environmental considerations have played a big part in the product design of the new amenity kits as well. The toothbrush is made from bio-plastic containing cornstarch, and plastic wrappings for the earplugs have been replaced with wax paper. In addition, the new business class slippers are a Nordic-style design made entirely from recycled PET plastic bottles.

As with the amenity kit, each new pair of slippers comes wrapped in a cardboard band instead of the previous plastic packaging.

With these changes, Finnair will be able to reduce plastic waste by almost 4,500 kg per year.

Finnair also provides an on-demand concept for some of the less commonly used amenity items, including razors, socks and combs. Memory-foam pillows are available on demand too, along with shawls made of a modacrylic-wool-blend with a soft and warm feel.

The new amenity kits will have products from L:A Bruket – the natural and organic skincare brand from Sweden. Each amenity kit includes aluminium tubes of almond-coconut lip cream and a chamomile-lavender facial hydrator from L:A Bruket.

Finnair will also offer L:A Bruket hand soap and hand cream in its on-board business class lavatories, as well as L:A Bruket products in its airport lounge bathrooms and shower suites.

Scents of cucumber-mint, lemongrass and grapefruit leaf have been chosen to help customers feel refreshed and invigorated.

Contact your GTM Account Manager next time you need to book a business class flight on Finnair.