(IN SHORT) Emirates is enhancing its in-flight experience by introducing an array of exceptional wines onboard its global flights. The airline has invested more than AED 186 million into its wine and champagne offerings over the past year. Emirates boasts the most extensive wine cellar of any airline, housing around 6 million bottles of fine… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons Resort Lanai has named Diego Hermelo Vidal as the Spa Director, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Hawanawana Spa. With 20 years of experience in the spa industry and a background in wellness, Hermelo Vidal brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He previously served as Assistant Spa… Read the full press release
Strengthening Hong Kong as the world’s number one air cargo hub with Airbus A350F freighters (IN SHORT) Cathay Cargo, with a vision to become the world’s most customer-centric air cargo service brand, has placed an initial firm order for six Airbus A350F freighters and secured the option to acquire an additional 20 aircraft in the… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines Co. has announced that Lisa Atherton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bell, a Textron Inc. company, is a candidate to join its Board of Directors. Atherton’s nomination, along with other Board nominees, will be voted on at the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for May 15, 2024. Lisa Atherton… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled enhanced analytical capabilities within its Global Aviation Data Management (GADM) program, utilizing big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to drive improvements in aviation safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. GADM aggregates data from various sources, including the Incident Data Exchange (IDX) and Flight Data eXchange… Read the full press release
The Latest in the Lineup of the World’s Best Vacations Debuts August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida (IN SHORT) Royal Caribbean International has unveiled its latest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, which will debut in August 2025 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. The ship will offer 7-night vacations to the Caribbean and the cruise… Read the full press release
The iconic Grand Hyatt brand expands presence into the luxury residential space in Kuwait (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences, marking the brand’s debut in the residential sector in Kuwait. Located in the Tamdeen Square residential community, the new property offers luxury-serviced living with meticulously designed living… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the retirement of H. Charles “Chuck” Floyd, who currently serves as the Executive Vice President – Global President of Operations. Floyd will step down from his role on December 31, 2023, and transition to a Senior Advisor role to Hyatt’s President and CEO, Mark Hoplamazian, starting January 1,… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Arkansas chefs and restaurants are set to be featured in a cinematic culinary experience called “A Southern Night at the Cinema” in New York on December 7. This event will showcase bite-sized stories highlighting Southern chefs and their favorite culinary spots, inviting filmgoers into the world of Southern cuisine. The film includes segments… Read the full press release
Airport’s team of therapy animals has grown to include more than just dogs (IN SHORT) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its Wag Brigade, a team of certified stress-relief animals that provide comfort to travelers in the terminals. Launched in December 2013, the Wag Brigade originally consisted of dogs but… Read the full press release
ATL recognized as passenger favorite for the second consecutive year (IN SHORT) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has received the 2023 Business Traveler Award for “North America’s Best Airport” for the second consecutive year. These awards recognize excellence in the airline, airport, hotel, and travel service industries. ATL was nominated by industry experts and readers of… Read the full press release
The low-cost carrier becomes the largest operator to roll out Collins GlobalConnectSM (IN SHORT) Low-cost carrier easyJet is partnering with Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, to implement GlobalConnectSM connected aircraft services on over 330 Airbus aircraft in its fleet. This collaboration enhances safety oversight, pilot training, and operational efficiencies for easyJet. GlobalConnect enables insights into… Read the full press release
Airline’s new Lapland postal service launches for young flyers easyJet’s ‘Letters to Santa’ post boxes will be at airports for children flying this festive season The airline’s pilots and crew will fly children’s letters on its flights to Rovaniemi in Lapland, the home of Santa Claus A special letter collection service for schools across the… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Airlink is upgrading its aircraft at Richards Bay Airport in KwaZulu-Natal due to increased demand for passenger and cargo services. The regional airline will transition from the 29-seater British Aerospace Jetstream 41 to the 75-seater Embraer ERJ 170. This upgrade is prompted by the growing demand for services at Richards Bay Airport, which… Read the full press release
Celebrating the graduation of the first group of cadet pilots from its integrated programme with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Cadet Pilot Training Programme, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing young aviation professionals. The event also marked the graduation of the first group of cadet pilots… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Riu Hotels & Resorts has recently reopened the Riu Palace Pacifico, situated on Playa de Flamingos beach in Nayarit, Mexico, following an extensive refurbishment. The hotel has been transformed into an Adults-Only establishment while maintaining RIU’s renowned 24-hour all-inclusive service. The renovation focused on enhancing guest experiences, offering new dining options, and introducing… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Rocco Forte Hotels has announced that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a significant minority stake in the group, with the Forte family retaining majority ownership and control. The Italian entity CDPE Investimenti (CDPEI) is selling its entire stake as part of this arrangement. PIF’s investment… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) AirAsia, a prominent airline, has unveiled a special tribute livery dedicated to the late Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks, a beloved Sabah tourism figure and former General Manager of the Sabah Tourism Board. Datuk Irene played a pivotal role in shaping and promoting Sabah’s tourism sector and had been a strong supporter of AirAsia… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) SITA, a prominent provider of technology solutions for the travel, transport, and mobility sectors, has announced the appointments of two senior vice presidents to its leadership team. Stefan Schaffner, formerly the CEO of Touchless Biometric Systems AG (TBS), has been appointed as Senior Vice President of SITA AT AIRPORTS. In his role, Schaffner… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has extended its partnership with Captain Cause, a mission-driven organization that supports socially and environmentally impactful initiatives. This partnership allows members of Accor’s loyalty program, ALL, to easily utilize their Reward points to support causes aligned with Accor’s focus on Nature, Society, and humanitarian disaster relief. Accor guarantees… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Travelzoo, a global internet media company, has reported that within the first 72 hours of its #TravelforTomorrow initiative launch, over 10,000 people have publicly pledged to become conscious travelers. The initiative encourages travelers worldwide to make personal pledges for conscious travel, which can include supporting local businesses, reducing single-use plastic, opting for public… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is collaborating with Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) to identify entrepreneurs and startups at the forefront of reshaping the hotel industry and new business models. The UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models is open to global startups and entrepreneurs, focusing… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) hosted its inaugural legal seminar in Salamanca, Spain, focusing on the International Code for the Protection of Tourists. This landmark code, established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has garnered support from 22 countries and aims to provide legal certainty to the global tourism sector. During… Read the full press release
Combined company to maintain Alaska Airlines’ and Hawaiian Airlines’ strong, high-quality brands, supported by a single, compelling loyalty offering. Expands fifth largest U.S. airline to a fleet of 365 narrow and wide body airplanes enabling guests to reach 138 destinations through our combined networks and more than 1,200 destinations through the oneworld Alliance. Honolulu to become… Read the full press release
Cathay has bought back 50% of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s preference shares and plans to buy the remainder by the end of July 2024 (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific Group has achieved a significant milestone in its recovery plan by repurchasing 50% of the HK$19.5 billion preference shares issued to the Hong Kong Special Administrative… Read the full press release
British Airways is partnering with SigncodeUK, an organisation dedicated to ensuring equal access to information, products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community The partnership will mean customers can access key travel information in signed video form, including the airline’s onboard safety briefing via a unique QR code It is estimated that more than 150,000 people… Read the full press release
Mercure has partnered with Munchies and TOPJAW to inspire the palates of world travelers with 50 amazing food & drink experiences around the globe. (IN SHORT) To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Mercure has introduced its own ‘Bucket List’ featuring 50 carefully curated food and drink experiences from around the world. This list is aimed at… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Carina Malmgren Heander, the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at SAS, has decided to retire from her position effective February 1, 2024. However, she will continue to serve as a senior advisor to CEO Anko van der Werff until the summer of 2024 to ensure a smooth transition. In light of… Read the full press release
(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG, a global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has launched air cargo handling operations at Sydney Airport, Australia. This expansion into the cargo segment is part of Swissport’s growth strategy in the Asia Pacific region and complements its successful ground services business. Swissport has been actively pursuing… Read the full press release
One-off A380 flight, in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, celebrates the achievements of Dr Sultan AlNeyadi, Hazzaa AlMansoori, and the UAE’s bold National Space Strategy and Vision, just ahead of the UAE’s 52nd National Day (IN SHORT) Emirates has teamed up with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to celebrate the United Arab… Read the full press release