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Dave

Virgin Atlantic to open new Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport

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Virgin Atlantic has announced the opening of its newest Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the first quarter of 2025, bringing its award-winning lounge experience to the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The Los Angeles Clubhouse will offer a premium experience, complete with a spacious bar and social area, table service dining and exclusive spaces like ‘The Royal Box,’ a VIP booth.

Travellers can enjoy local artwork and lighting inspired by California sunsets, while amenities such as wireless charging, private pods and showers ensure business travellers can relax and stay productive before their flight.

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer & Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said,

We’re thrilled to bring our award-winning Clubhouse to the vibrant, entertainment capital Los Angeles, where we know business and leisure travellers alike will enjoy our experience before their flight across the pond.

Designed to support a relaxing pre-flight routine, the Clubhouse will encourage mindfulness and rest, helping travellers prepare for a restful journey.

Business travellers will benefit from workspaces with Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets throughout and private areas to catch up on calls or emails. The space will also feature mixologists at the cocktail bar serving Virgin Atlantic favourites, including the iconic Virgin Redhead.

Access to the Virgin Atlantic LAX Clubhouse will be available to Upper Class passengers, Flying Club Gold members, and select SkyTeam travellers. The lounge will be open daily for those looking to unwind, work, or freshen up before departure.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, commented:

For UK-based business travellers, this is an excellent addition to the Virgin Atlantic offering. The new Clubhouse at LAX will provide a comfortable, productive space, ensuring travellers can relax or work right up to boarding.

For more information on Virgin Atlantic flights to Los Angeles, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

Dave

Norse Atlantic Airways introduces flights from Gatwick to Los Angeles and San Francisco

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Norse Atlantic Airways, the pioneering low-cost long-haul airline, has announced the launch of its services to Los Angeles and San Francisco from London Gatwick.

The new direct routes mark the fifth and sixth destinations to the US from Norse Atlantic’s London base, solidifying its position as the largest long haul operator to the US from London Gatwick.

Bjørn Tore Larsen: proud to offer an affordable and convenient way to explore these two iconic cities

Travellers now have affordable and convenient options to explore the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco from the United Kingdom.

With fares starting from £460 return, including taxes and fees, passengers can embark on their West Coast adventures without breaking the bank.

Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO Norse Atlantic Airways said,

Los Angeles and San Francisco have now become the fifth and sixth destinations to the US from our London base.

With the addition of these two destinations Norse Atlantic is now the largest long haul operator to the US from London Gatwick.

We are proud to offer an affordable and convenient way to explore these two iconic cities and experience the renowned sights and cultural landmarks that make each destination unique.

From the picturesque beauty of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and the bustling streets of Fisherman’s Wharf to the magic of Hollywood and the famous Santa Monica Beach, these two destinations have something for everyone.

Flights to Los Angeles from London Gatwick operate daily, with departure at 10:35 and arrival at 14:10 on the same day. Return flights from Los Angeles depart at 14:25 and arrive at 11:00 the following day. Economy fares start from £460 return, including all taxes and fees.

For travellers heading to San Francisco, flights from London Gatwick operate three times a week. Departure is at 10:10, with arrival at 13:25 on the same day. Return flights from San Francisco depart at 15:25 and arrive at 09:50 the following day. Economy fares start from £455 return, including all taxes and fees.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Norse Atlantic exclusively operates the Dreamliner

Norse Atlantic exclusively operates modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers.

Each seat is equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment, allowing travellers to relax and unwind during their journey. In addition, Norse Atlantic offers two cabin choices: Economy and Norse Premium. The Norse Premium cabin boasts an industry-leading 43″ seat pitch and 12″ recline, ensuring passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

Passengers can select from a range of fare options, including Light, Classic, and Flextra, which cater to their individual travel preferences and needs. Light fares represent Norse’s value option, while Flextra fares offer additional benefits such as increased baggage allowance, two meal services, an enhanced airport and onboard experience, and greater ticket flexibility.

With the launch of these new routes, Norse Atlantic Airways continues to redefine long-haul travel by providing UK-based business travellers with affordable and convenient connections to key US destinations. Whether it’s for business or leisure, the airline offers an enticing gateway to the bustling cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Book your tickets today and embark on a memorable journey with Norse Atlantic Airways.

Norse Atlantic Airways is a pioneering low-cost long-haul airline based in London Gatwick. With a focus on providing affordable and convenient travel options, Norse Atlantic operates modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for passengers. The airline offers two cabin choices, Economy and Norse Premium, and a range of fare options to cater to travellers’ preferences.

Dave

Norse Atlantic Airways launches ticket sales between Norway and the United States

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Norse Atlantic Airways has opened ticket sales for flights between Norway and the United States marking what the airline calls ‘a new era for consumers seeking good value, choice and friendly service when choosing to travel across the Atlantic’. 

Fares will start from $129 one-way, including all applicable taxes. The first flight departing from Oslo to New York (JFK) will take place on 14 June.

The airline will also serve Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO) and Los Angeles (LAX) from Oslo.

Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways said,

This is a major milestone for all of us at Norse Atlantic Airways and a testament to the dedication and determination of colleagues from across the airline who have made this possible.

Norse now offers the lowest one-way point to point transatlantic fares in the market.

Whether travelling on business, leisure or simply wishing to explore the world, Norse now makes it possible for everyone to explore for less.

Our modern, comfortable and more environmentally friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliners are ready to take to the skies and our pilots and cabin crew are looking forward to welcoming customers on board from June.

Customers are now able to book flights between Oslo, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Los Angeles. 

  • Flights from Oslo to New York will commence on 14 June 14th ramping up to daily flights from 4 July.
  • Flights from Oslo to Fort Lauderdale will commence on 18 June operating three weekly flights.
  • Flights between Oslo and Orlando will commence on 5 July operating three weekly flights.
  • Flights from Oslo to Los Angeles will commence om 9 August operating three weekly flights.
Bjorn Torre Larsen: ‘The introduction of affordable Norse Atlantic Airways point-to point flights between Europe and the United States, will benefit both local tourism and businesses’.

Norse Atlantic offers two cabin choices, Economy and Premium.

Passengers can choose from a simple range of fares, Light, Classic and Plus, that reflect the way that they want to travel, and which options are important to them.

Light fares represent Norse’s value option while Plus fares include the maximum baggage allowance, two meal services an enhanced airport and onboard experience and increased ticket flexibility.  

The large, spacious Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin offers passengers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience with each seat including a personal state of the art entertainment experience.

The Premium cabin offers an ‘industry leading’ 43” seat pitch and 12” recline allowing passengers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore their destination.

  • Routes and fares from London and Paris to the United States will be announced ‘soon’.
  • More destinations in the United States will be announced soon. 
Dave

American releases revamped amenity kits

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American Airlines is introducing new onboard amenity kits for premium cabin customers in partnership with Shinola and D.S. & Durga.

These thoughtful and creative partners will help keep memories of customers’ travels top of mind, even when customers aren’t flying 35,000 feet in the air.

Clarissa Sebastian, Managing Director of Premium Customer Experience and Onboard Products for American Airlines, said

American often seeks brands that are rooted in creativity, especially those that celebrate travel before, during and after the actual journey. D.S. & Durga and Shinola underscore what we value in our partners at American — the ability to inspire connection with people or places that matter and experiences that enrich us.

Founded in Detroit, Shinola is a luxury design brand with an unwavering commitment to crafting products that are built to last, including world-class watches and premium leather goods. The new amenity kit bag was meticulously designed exclusively for American to get customers from place to place in style, while also offering the functionality to be repurposed post-flight to collect keepsakes or organise essentials for future journeys.

New York-based D.S. & Durga are perfumers known for ‘transportive’ fragrances with rich narratives. The amenity kits include aromas Rose Atlantic and Radio Bombay in lip balms and lotions. Rose Atlantic is inspired by summers on the New England coast with aromas of wild rose and the salty sea. Radio Bombay is described by the perfumers as a journey to the old days of Mumbai as ‘hot copper tubes warm the soft wood releasing the blooms of musk, cream, peach, ambrette, coco and cedar distillates’.

The new amenity kits, which are pouches of personal care items wrapped in sustainable packaging that American provides for premium customers on long-haul international and transcontinental flights, begin rolling out flights operating between the United States and Heathrow. This includes service to Heathrow from Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Charlotte, New York City, Philadelphia and Seattle.

The kits will roll out across other long-haul international and transcontinental flights throughout the summer.

Shinola has a reputation for assembling world-class clocks with an affinity for unique design. As an extension of AA’s partnership, Shinola is creating a desk clock featuring a dial made entirely from the original metal of American’s iconic, but now retired, fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft.

The MD-80s were the long-time backbone of American’s fleet, carrying customers for more than 35 years before it was retired in 2019.

Each dial is unique and bears small markings from the aircraft’s decades of service. Clock dials are hand-cut and re-polished under the watchful eye of Moto Art in California, with final assembly in Shinola’s Detroit factory.

Shinola is creating a limited 1,000 desk clocks, and later this summer, Shinola wall clocks will be featured in select Admirals Club lounges.

Dave

United is Back at JFK

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United Airlines has announced it will be returning service to New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport next year.

The airline will resume flights from JFK, after a gap of five years, on 1 February, 2021 with a non-stop service to the west coast. The new service will operate out of Terminal 7.

From February, United will serve both JFK to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and JFK to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with two round-trips for each city.

The flights will utilise the reconfigured Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on the routes offering customers an extended premium cabin featuring 16 additional United Business class seats – providing all-aisle-access seating – bringing the total premium cabin seat count to 46.

Scott Kirby: “United Airlines is back at JFK”

The aircraft will also feature 22 United Premium Plus seats, 47 Economy Plus seats and 52 Economy seats.

United claims to offer the most premium seats between the New York City area and Los Angeles and San Francisco markets. Tickets are now available for purchase on United.com.

Scott Kirby, United Airlines’ CEO said,

I have been waiting a long time to say this – United Airlines is back at JFK.

Come early next year, we will be serving all three major New York City area airports with a best-in-class product to provide our customers unmatched transcontinental service from New York City and the west coast.

United’s premium cabin will feature flat-bed seats on all flights similar to the current Newark-Los Angeles and Newark-San Francisco offerings, providing a consistent and comprehensive NYC-west coast product.

Additionally, United’s wide-body service can participate in the robust cargo market between JFK and the west coast.

If you need to fly out of JFK, contact your GTM Account Manager.

Kelly

British Airways is the first UK airline to use biometric technology to board flights from the US

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More than 250,000 British Airways customers have experienced a glimpse of the journey of the future by using their face as their identity to board a flight from the US in the last 18 months.

The introduction of new biometric facial recognition technology has transformed the airport experience for customers travelling from Orlando, Los Angeles and New York, JFK by streamlining the boarding process and halving the amount of time it takes to board an aircraft. 

The technology means that customers no longer need to present their passport or boarding pass at the departure gate – only when they check in and go through Security. Instead travellers simply look into a camera prior to boarding, wait for their biometric data to be verified and then walk onto the aircraft.

The commitment to this technology is part of the airline’s £6.5bn investment for customers. British Airways was the first UK airline to use biometric technology to board flights from the US, working in close partnership with the US Customs and Border Protection to implement the technology, which has enabled the airline to hugely speed up its boarding process.

At Orlando, British Airways is boarding almost 240 customers in 10 minutes – becoming the first carrier to set up permanent facial recognition gates at the airport.

British Airways was also the first UK airline to use the technology on UK domestic flights. More than 3,000,000 customers have boarded an aircraft this way – with all domestic departures from Heathrow Terminal 5 now boarded biometrically.

For international flights, self-service boarding gates have now been installed at the terminal, allowing customers to scan their own boarding cards to gain access to their flight. It’s the first step towards biometric boarding on international flights from the UK.

Raoul Cooper, British Airways’ Senior Digital Design Manager, said:

We are continuing to pioneer the use of technology and automation to enhance the airport experience and ensure that our customers’ flights depart on time.

The airport of the future will be built upon biometric technology, from check-in and baggage drops to security checks and boarding.

These days, automation is a part of everyday life, as is biometric technology via our mobile phones.

We’re working with our technology partners and the US government to explore how we can use this technology in new and innovative ways to give our customers the stress-free, easy airport experience they tell us they want, while ensuring security is always our top priority.

2,265,792 hotel rooms in pipeline
Paul

Global hotel pipeline hits record highs

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The hotel industry continues to boom, with a record high of more than 2.2m hotel rooms in the pipeline – a 6% increase over the last year. 

Lodging Econometrics, the global leader for hotel real estate intelligence has released its year-end Global Construction Pipeline Trend Report, which compiles the construction pipeline counts for countries and markets around the world. At the close of 2018, LE analysts state that the total global construction pipeline hit record highs with 13,573 projects/2,265,792 rooms, a 7% increase in projects year-over-year.

The global pipeline has ascended for eight consecutive years after reaching its cyclical low in 2010. All regional pipelines, with the exception of South America, continued their upward trend year-over-year. Four of the seven global regions reached all-time highs in 2018: Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

There are a record high 6,352 projects/1,172,591 rooms currently under construction worldwide. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next 12 months are at 3,860 projects/572,483 rooms. Projects in the early planning stage stand at 3,361rooms/520,718 projects, also at an all-time high.  The United Kingdom the pipeline is 266 projects/38,590 rooms.

Around the world, the cities with the largest pipeline counts are New York City with 171 projects/29,457 rooms, Dubai with 168 projects/49,943 rooms, and Dallas with 163 projects/19,476 rooms. Los Angeles follows with 147 projects/23,404 rooms, and Guangzhou, China with 132 projects/28,694 rooms.

The leading franchise companies in the global construction pipeline by project count are

  • Marriott International with 2,544 projects/420,405 rooms
  • Hilton Worldwide with 2,252 projects/333,209 rooms
  • InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) with 1,716 projects/249,379
    rooms
  • AccorHotels with 966 projects/177,052 rooms.

These four companies account for 55% of all projects in the global pipeline.

Contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager next time you need to book a hotel room, anywhere in the world.

Paul

American Airlines applies for additional service at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport

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American Airlines has submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate additional services to Tokyo Haneda from Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

American’s application is a result of the U.S. and Japan reaching a tentative agreement to expand access at Haneda, which would open up to twelve additional daytime slot pairs for U.S. carrier operations.

American Airlines President Robert Isom said,

Tokyo is an important hub for our Pacific Joint Business with Japan Airlines. Enhanced service at Haneda would give our customers better access to downtown Tokyo and open up JAL’s domestic network with flights to destinations like Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka.

American currently operates one daily flight between Los Angeles and Haneda, which began in 2016. An additional flight from Los Angeles would provide American’s customers with even more options and a convenient schedule between Tokyo and the airline’s West Coast hub. Additionally, Dallas Fort Worth, American’s largest hub, serves as an important gateway to Asia with proven local and connecting traffic. With two daily flights, customers travelling from Haneda to Dallas Fort Worth would be able to connect to and from more than 800 daily flights and more than 200 destinations throughout American’s vast network.

American’s proposed Haneda service would be operated as part of the airline’s Pacific Joint Business with JAL. The Pacific Joint Business was established in 2011 and covers travel among 11 countries in Asia and North America. It allows the two airlines to coordinate schedules, network and service to give more than 3.1 million annual customers access to up to 23 daily trans-Pacific flights from 15 gateway cities in Asia and North America.

Paul

Delta proposes flights between Haneda and 5 new US cities

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Delta Air Lines has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation to launch daily daytime services between Tokyo-Haneda airport and Seattle, Detroit, Atlanta and Portland, as well as a twice-daily service between Haneda and Honolulu.

Delta’s proposed routes would be the only direct service offered by U.S. carriers between Haneda, Tokyo’s preferred airport for business travellers and the closest to the city centre, and the communities of Seattle, Portland, Atlanta and Detroit.

Together with the carrier’s existing service to Haneda from Minneapolis/St. Paul and Los Angeles, these new routes would bring Delta’s proven operational reliability and exceptional service to more customers travelling between a broad network of U.S. cities and Tokyo’s preferred airport.

Additionally, Delta’s proposal provides a competitive alternative for consumers to the service offered by other U.S. carriers and their Japanese joint venture partners, ANA and JAL.

Delta’s existing service to Haneda from Minneapolis/St. Paul and Los Angeles has already delivered substantial consumer benefits, including transporting over 800,000 passengers since the inauguration of daytime flights. The airline claims its proposal for additional service would:

  • Provide more attractive flight times for customers arriving and departing Haneda while enhancing connecting opportunities in the Pacific Northwest, Southeast, and Northeast;
  • Facilitate the development of trade and tourism between five of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas and Tokyo;
  • Serve a geographically diverse set of markets and communities through the comprehensive route networks offered at each of Delta’s hub gateways;
  • Provide additional capacity and greater convenience for the large business communities in all of these proposed gateways.

Delta has served the U.S. to Japan market for over 70 years, and currently offers seven daily departures from Tokyo with connections to over 150 destinations across the U.S and Latin America. The airline will launch a new service in April between Seattle and Osaka in partnership with Korean Air. Additionally, last year, Delta began partnering with Michelin consulting chef Norio Ueno to create meals for all cabins of service for flights to and from Japan.

Pending government approvals, the new routes would launch with the summer 2020 flying schedule.

Paul

British Airways – First A380 Enters Service.

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British Airways’ first A380 flew its first official longhaul service today with its inaugural flight to Los Angeles.

Five A380 services a week will now operate between London Heathrow and Los Angeles, increasing to a double daily service from 10 April 2014.

From 22 October, daily A380 services will start between London Heathrow and Hong Kong. Johannesburg is the third A380 destination, with services planned to start from 12 February 2014.

British Airways took delivery of its second A380 over the past weekend, with a third due next month.