Posts

Dave

KLM’s Digital Travel Credential: revolutionising border checks at Schiphol

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This morning – 29 February 2024 – flight KL672 from Montreal touched down at Schiphol Airport, marking a significant milestone in travel technology. Passengers aboard this flight experienced the efficiency and convenience of the Digital Travel Credential (DTC) combined with Tap & Go technology, streamlining their journey through border checks.

The pilot project, running until 31 March 2024, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of DTC, a digital copy of passport information, alongside facial recognition technology at border control. Facilitated by the European Commission (EC), the initiative involves collaboration between the Dutch government, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, KLM, and technology provider IDEMIA.

According to the EC’s request, the pilot project explores the practical application of DTC in the border process, aligning with the EU’s ongoing efforts to develop policies for digital travel documents. This could potentially revolutionize boarding and border control procedures in the future.

Passengers flying KLM from various Canadian cities to Amsterdam, including Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, are invited to participate in the pilot project. Eligible participants, holding Belgian, Dutch, or Canadian passports and aged over 18, receive an invitation from KLM to join. They can upload their passport information and a facial photo via an app, enabling pre-arrival checks by border control authorities.

Upon arrival at Schiphol, participants proceed through a designated DTC Tap & Go border gate. A facial scan retrieves their DTC information, and passengers simply tap their passports against the gate reader. If the DTC matches the presented passport with no irregularities, crossing the border becomes seamless. Despite the digital advancements, physical passports are still required for this pilot project, aimed at expediting the border process for travellers.

With airports experiencing a surge in passenger numbers, there’s a growing need for innovative solutions to streamline security procedures.

Barry ter Voert, Chief Experience Officer and EVP Business Development at KLM, emphasised the airline’s commitment to enhancing the passenger journey. He states,

Digitisation provides an opportunity to make these checks faster and more efficient for our customers, starting from home.

KLM’s involvement in the trial conducted by the Dutch government underscores its dedication to improving services and sharing expertise in digital advancements.

The DTC1, endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), sets the standard for expedited border crossings. By combining DTC1 with biometric authentication, travellers can navigate borders swiftly and seamlessly. The DTC1 contains essential biographical information from the passport’s biographical page and technical elements to verify its authenticity.

Travellers simply tap their passport on a reader and proceed, showcasing the potential of digital innovation in simplifying travel processes.

InfographicDownload

The Digital Travel Credential pilot project at Schiphol Airport marks a significant step towards modernizing border checks. As airports strive to cope with increasing passenger volumes, initiatives like DTC offer a glimpse into the future of seamless travel experiences.

For UK-based business travellers seeking further information on digital travel advancements and streamlined airport processes, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Air France-KLM and IndiGo codeshare takes off

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Air France-KLM and IndiGo, India’s leading carrier, have implemented the extensive codeshare agreement announced in December 2021.

IndiGo: Air France and KLM customers now have access to 30 destinations in India

With this partnership, Air France and KLM will ultimately offer their customers access to 30 new Indian destinations and a large number of round-trip combinations for both business and leisure purposes.

Customers will be able to fly to the destination of their choice with one single booking. Flying Blue members will also be able to earn miles on all routes covered by this agreement.

On departure from their respective hubs in Paris and Amsterdam, Air France and KLM already serve four destinations in India: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru.

On departure from the multiple points in India, Air France and KLM will open up their global network of over 300 destinations to IndiGo customers, with more than 120 destinations in Europe and about 50 in the Americas.

Henri de Peyrelongue, EVP Commercial Sales Air France-KLM said:

We are very proud at Air France-KLM to be the first major European airline group to initiate cooperation with IndiGo. This codeshare agreement will allow us to increase our local footprint and to improve connectivity between India – one of the fastest growing markets – and the rest of the world, via our Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs. For our customers this means an enhanced network with as many as 30 new destinations in India, as well as increased roundtrip possibilities for both business and leisure travel.

Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer, IndiGo said,

We are pleased to commence the partnership with one of the strongest European airline groups, Air France-KLM. This codeshare is in line with our mission to provide air connectivity and affordable fares across India and to international destinations. As this summer sees a huge interest in international travel after a hiatus of two years, the codeshare will extend our on-time, affordable, courteous and hassle-free travel experience across 30 incredible Indian destinations to Air France-KLM customers.

Codeshare flights are now available to book through Global Travel Management.

Dave

Air France-KLM launches “Flying Blue Family”

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Flying Blue, the Air France-KLM Group’s frequent flyer programme, has launched “Flying Blue Family”.

With this new online free of charge service, any Flying Blue member over 18 years old can now create a “Flying Blue Family” and invite up to 7 other members.

The leader of the Flying Blue Family can transfer Miles from the other members’ accounts to his or her own at any time.

Miles shared in this way provide faster access to the programme’s rewards and offers, so everyone benefits!

“Flying Blue Family” can group up to 8 relatives, with a maximum of 2 adults and 6 children. This service is now available on members’ online profiles on the Air France and KLM websites..

A film directed by Ugo Mangin humorously depicts the members of a family having trouble agreeing on their next destination. When you share your Miles with your family, you have to agree on your dream destination. Shot in slow motion, this 60-second film by the agency Isobar highlights the difficult choice family members may face.

Flying Blue Family

To spend even more time together, Flying Blue also offers additional benefits dedicated to kids and teens. The frequent flyer programme offers a 25% discount on award tickets for children aged 2 to 11, travelling with an adult.

In addition, Miles do not expire for members under 18. And Flying Blue allows its members on parental leave to extend their current status.

Flying Blue is the Air France-KLM Group’s frequent flyer programme. Created in 2005, it now has 17 million members worldwide, who have access to a multitude of awards and benefits, and can earn and spend miles with a wide selection of airline, retail and financial partners.

Dave

Airlines increasing routes in August

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Around the world, airlines are beginning to increase the number and frequency of services, as the airline industry starts the fightback and paves the way to global economic recovery .

We’ve taken a look at what plans some of the world’s leading airlines have to bolster their schedules this month.

British Airways

Throughout August, British Airways is resuming flying to more destinations, albeit with continued low frequencies while the impact of Covid-19 remains felt across the globe.

In Europe flights will resume to the holiday destinations of Bari, Bastia, Bodrum, Bordeaux, Catania, Figari, Frankfurt, Genoa, Kefalonia, Lyon, Luxembourg, Malta, Paphos and Pula, while further afield Antigua, Islamabad and Nairobi join the long-haul line-up.

Air France

Air France plans a gradual frequency increase throughout the summer period, reaching 20% of the capacity initially planned for June, 35% in July and now, 40% this month. It is planning to reach of 80% of its pre-Covid global network having flights, with reduced frequencies, during the summer.

KLM

In terms of numbers of destinations, KLM is virtually at pre-Covid-19 levels.  Between now and October, KLM will be serving 91 destinations, just one fewer than the same period last year, and up from 72 in July.

Lufthansa

Last month, Lufthansa announced that Birmingham-Munich, Edinburgh-Frankfurt and Glasgow-Frankfurt would be reintroduced in August, while London City-Frankfurt would return in October.  However, the airline has subsequently brought forward – to 7 September – the return of the latter service.

United Airlines

United announced the return of the San Francisco route from Heathrow this month as well as Chicago to Brussels and Frankfurt, and Newark to Brussels, Munich and Zurich. Overall United will be serving 25% of its usual international schedules, up from 16% last month.

Delta Air Lines

Following the reintroduction of a number of routes in July, Delta has announced it will continue to offer a robust, connection-friendly network in August, flying more than 3,000 daily departures and serving 239 destinations worldwide, including 206 markets in the U.S. and 33 internationally.

American

American Airlines increased domestic flights and reopened Admirals Club lounges earlier in the summer, as well as resuming flights from Charlotte, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Raleigh-Durham to Heathrow, from where it now operates at Terminal 5.  The airline has also announced a strategic partnership with Jetblue which, it claims, will increase American’s schedule to further European, African, Indian and South American routes.

Ryanair

Ryanair will increase flights to over 60% of its normal schedule throughout August, following what it said was a successful resumption of services at 40% of capacity last month.

easyJet

easyJet announced earlier in the summer that it intended to increase the routes it operates to 75% of normal, in August, up from 50% in July.

If you plan to book flights on these – or any other airlines – this month, contact your GTM Account Manager.

Dave

KLM mandates face masks and increases daily flight capacity

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KLM has become the latest airline to mandate the use of face masks by passengers.

In a statement released on 4 May, the carrier stated that the requirement for masks starts on 11 May.

The statement said:

Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, KLM has introduced many measures around screening and hygiene to protect customers and KLM staff, on board and at airports. KLM’s policy is based on national (RIVM) and international (WHO, IATA) guidelines, and complies with international law and regulations. In situations where social distancing cannot be guaranteed, the wearing of face masks will be recommended or made compulsory. Some destinations already require face masks to be worn on board flights.

Starting 11 May, masks will be compulsory on board and during boarding.

The airline also clarified that passengers will be responsible for providing their own face masks.

The announcement comes as KLM confirmed the reintroduction of a number of flights. One, daily flight will operate to Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and Helsinki, operating from 11 May. This will meet KLM’s target of reintroducing 15% of the airline’s pre-pandemic capacity.

Mark W

MAKE YOUR DAY – by flying from Bristol Airport!

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Bristol Airport – one of the oldest civil airports in the country – is going from strength to strength, with several new routes being announced this Summer by a number of airlines. But what does the airport have in common with Dirty Harry actor and former Mayor of Carmel, Clint Eastwood?

Approximately 8.7 million passengers use the North Somerset airport annually and this is expected to grow to 10 million by 2021 and 12 million within a further five years.

This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing number of destinations served by Bristol Airport. The increase in passenger numbers will mean a corresponding rise in the number of aircraft movements to 97,393 per annum, an increase of just over 23,800 on the 2017 numbers.

As well as connecting businesses to new markets, Bristol Airport is also a major local employer. Just under 4,000 people currently work on the airport site. This is expected to rise by more than 1,000 by the time the airport is handling 12 million passengers a year.

Development is forecast to generate additional benefits of £1.4 billion to the regional economy over the next decade. Connectivity provided by flights to and from Bristol also helps friends and families stay in touch and enables local people to enjoy different cultures, climates and experiences. 

A number of airlines have announced new services to and from Bristol Airport. These include:

  • Ryanair – the Irish ow-cost carrier has announced a new, weekly route between Bristol and Grenoble, commencing January 2020
  • easyJet – the low-cost carrier headquartered at Luton will launch a new route from Bristol to Hurghada from 30 October 2019
  • easyJet has launched routes from Bristol to Milan, Biarritz, Brindisi, Montpellier and Rhodes this Summer
  • easyJet has also increased its services from Bristol to Lyon, to run all-year round, from this Summer
  • KLM – the Dutch airline has added 10,000 seats per year between Bristol and Amsterdam, commencing last month, offering connections to 162 cities across the world
  • Brussels Airlines – the Belgian airline will connect Bristol with Brussels twelve times a week, from 1 September 2019

As well as increasing passenger numbers and routes, Bristol Airport has worked with North Somerset Council to ensure access to the airport is improved. The council has worked to surface-dress a six-kilometre stretch of the busy A38, between the South Bristol Link Road and the junction with Downside Road.

Bristol Airport is fast becoming an airport of choice for businesses in the South West of England. With its connections improving and choice of routes increasing, it is easy to see why passenger numbers are increasing from the airport.

But Bristol Airport isn’t just relying on improving its impact on the economy of the South West of England. It’s also ensuring its environmental impact is managed and improved too. The airport has published a carbon roadmap setting out how it will achieve its ambition to be a net zero airport and accelerating efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

Included in its targets are:

  • Carbon neutral target fast-tracked to 2025
  • Carbon levy to offset all road journeys
  • Flights to fall under international agreement to keep emissions at 2020 levels

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management said,

Bristol Airport is a success story for businesses in the South West of England. That’s why airlines like KLM, Brussels Airlines, easyJet and Ryanair are increasing their routes and capacity from Bristol. The airport was awarded “Highly Commended” in the ACI Europe Best Awards scheme this month. This is a confirmation of the work Bristol Airport is undertaking to serve the businesses and passengers of the region.

Every scheduled airline flying to and from Bristol Airport is available to book within Global Travel Management’s system. So we are very pleased to be able to offer flight, accommodation and other travel services for all businesses needing to make use of Bristol Airport. We congratulate them and are happy to help play our part in the airport’s future success.

So, what has Bristol Airport got to do with Clint Eastwood? They are exactly the same age – Bristol Airport was officially opened by HRH Prince George on 31 May 1930, the day Clint Eastwood was born.

Contact your GTM Account Manager next time you need to fly to or from Bristol Airport.

Paul

KLM cancels 84 Flights At Schiphol.

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Late last night KLM Royal Dutch Airlines said it would cancel 84 flights to and from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport for today, Thursday 5th December, after forecasters sounded a “code orange” extreme weather warning for the next 24 hours.

The Netherlands is preparing for heavy storms with surging tides and winds predicted to gust up to 130 km/h (81 miles per hour) in places in the north.In the south, the landmark Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier has been closed off for the first time in six years, public broadcaster NOS reported.

Inter-continental flights will go ahead as scheduled, but travellers flying KLM to European destinations are advised to check for regular updates on the airline”s website.

Schiphol is Europe”s fourth-busiest airport with between 120,000 to 140,000 passengers passing through daily.

Paul

Important Update – KLM New Checked Baggage Fee.

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KLM has become one of the first European airlines (with the exception of the Low-cost Carriers) to implement a new fee for Economy Class passengers, flying within Europe, who wish to check a bag in to the aircraft’s hold.

From April 22nd 2013, passengers travelling in the economy cabin will have the option of flying with just carry-on baggage, or to check in baggage at a fee. Carry-on baggage remains free of charge for one piece up to 12kgs and, in addition, one lap top or handbag may also be taken on too.

The cost of checking one piece of luggage in is 15 Euros, either via KLM’s web site, or through ourselves (this is currently subject to confirmation from our GDS provider Travelport). Should passengers have to pay for their hold luggage at the airport the fee is 30Euros. 

However, please note that there are numerous exceptions to this new rule, some of which are mentioned below, however, should you have any further questions or concerns please contact Paul Baker at pbaker@g-t-m.co.uk. Some of the ways in which you can avoid paying this new checked baggage fee are:

  • Become, if you are not already, a Flying Blue member
  • Enrol your company in Bluebiz
  • Passengers purchasing fully flexible Y & B class fares
  • Infants under 2 years old
  • Marine offshore and NGO passengers. 

Finally, please note that if you are flying via Amsterdam on a long-haul flight in Economy Class, then these new charges do not apply.

 

Paul

KLM To Launch Flights From Manston.

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KLM is to begin a new service from Manston Airport in eastern Kent to Amsterdam Schiphol on the 2nd April.

The Dutch carrier will offer twice daily flights from Manston to Schiphol, from where passengers can then connect to over 150 destinations worldwide. KLM will operate Fokker 70 jets with capacity for up to 80 passengers on the new route. The aircraft will feature both business class and economy.

KLM now offers 17 departure airports in Great Britain from where pasengers can connect, via Amsterdam Schiphol, to the airline’s worldwide route network. The airports are: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Inverness, Leeds, London (Heathrow & City),
Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton and now Manston in Kent. Quite a list!