Japan Fair Trade Commission Approves Korean Air’s Merger with Asiana Airlines

(IN SHORT) The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has granted approval for the business combination of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, marking a significant step in their merger process. This approval follows engagements and discussions to address competition concerns raised by the JFTC, including divesting slots on certain routes and addressing competition in the cargo… Read the full press release

AirAsia Announces Resumption of Direct Flights to Visakhapatnam, India, Expanding Its Network in the Country

(IN SHORT) AirAsia is set to resume direct flights to Visakhapatnam, India, from April 26, 2024, making it the only Malaysian airline to offer this route. Visakhapatnam, also known as ‘Vizag,’ is a hidden gem in India with lush landscapes, historical landmarks, traditional festivals, and beautiful beaches. To mark the resumption, AirAsia is offering special… Read the full press release

AirAsia MOVE Launches MOVETIX, a Revolutionary Ticketing Platform for Global Events and Activities

(IN SHORT) AirAsia MOVE, Asia’s premier travel booking app, has partnered with Coras, a leading global ticket distribution platform, to introduce MOVETIX, an innovative ticketing platform available within the AirAsia MOVE app. MOVETIX offers access to over 10,000 global events and activities, seamlessly integrated with flights, hotels, and rides, all in one convenient application. The… Read the full press release

Manchester Airport’s £1.3bn Transformation Program Marks One Year Milestone with Significant Progress

In the year since the second phase of work started on phase two of Manchester Airport’s transformation programme started many important milestones have been reached This includes the installation of a new baggage system, the demolition of the old security hall in Terminal 2 and the creation of hundreds of new jobs The project will… Read the full press release

Airbus, SAS, Swedavia, Vattenfall, and Avinor Collaborate on Feasibility Study for Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft in Norway and Sweden

(IN SHORT) Airbus, SAS, Swedavia, Vattenfall, and Avinor have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the feasibility of infrastructure for hydrogen-fueled aircraft at airports across Norway and Sweden. The partnership aims to establish a framework for the introduction of hydrogen-powered flights in both countries, encompassing aircraft concepts, regulatory requirements, infrastructure development, fuel… Read the full press release

UNWTO Workshop in Victoria Falls Promotes African Tourism Through Media and Communication

(IN SHORT) The UNWTO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), organized the first Communication, Media, and Tourism Training Workshop in Victoria Falls from November 13 to 15, 2023. The event brought together tourism professionals, journalists, media, and communication specialists from 20 African countries…. Read the full press release

Global Air Cargo Demand Rebounds in 2023, Strong Q4 Performance Despite Challenges

(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that global air cargo demand rebounded in 2023, with a particularly strong performance in the fourth quarter, despite economic uncertainties. Full-year demand was slightly below 2022 and 2019 levels. December 2023 witnessed a robust performance, with global demand exceeding 2022 levels. While demand was shy… Read the full press release

Cathay Cargo Terminal Launches eSRF, Pioneering Digital Import Collection in Hong Kong

Leveraging the power of Airport Authority Hong Kong’s HKIA Cargo Data Platform (IN SHORT) Cathay Cargo Terminal has introduced Electronic Shipment Release Forms (eSRF), becoming the first cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to offer end-to-end digitalized import collection. Leveraging Airport Authority Hong Kong’s (AAHK) HKIA Cargo Data Platform, the eSRF feature streamlines the import… Read the full press release

Eastside Awards Celebrates Community Excellence with Record-Breaking Success

(IN SHORT) The Eastside Awards, in partnership with George Best Belfast City Airport, celebrated its most successful year yet, with nearly 14,000 public votes cast across seven categories to recognize outstanding achievements in East Belfast. The awards ceremony, held at Hastings Stormont Hotel, honored individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the community. Notable winners… Read the full press release

Chicago Department of Aviation and City Colleges Host Aviation Job Fair to Connect Jobseekers with Career Opportunities in the Industry

The Jan. 31 event will connect jobseekers with aviation professionals and industry-leading companies (IN SHORT) The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and City Colleges of Chicago are partnering to host an Aviation Job Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Olive-Harvey College. The fair, open to individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels, aims to connect… Read the full press release

Marriott Bonvoy Launches Global Promotion Offering Bonus Points and Elite Night Credits

Members will say “1,000 times yes” to earning up to 76,000 bonus points and higher elite status! (IN SHORT) Marriott Bonvoy, the travel program by Marriott International, is reintroducing its popular global promotion, allowing registered members to earn 1,000 bonus points and one bonus Elite Night Credit for each night of their stay from February… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts Re-Enters Swedish Market with voco Stockholm Kista

The 201-room hotel is expected to open its doors in the second half of 2024. (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company, has signed a franchise agreement with Mogotel and development partner Revelop, marking the return of IHG to the Swedish market with voco Stockholm Kista. This move aligns with IHG’s… Read the full press release

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Makes Grand Entrance into Auckland’s Waterfront with Debut of InterContinental Auckland

(IN SHORT) InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, a part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has marked its presence in New Zealand’s largest city with the unveiling of InterContinental Auckland. Located on the waterfront at One Queen Street within the Commercial Bay lifestyle precinct, the hotel boasts 139 elegantly designed guestrooms and suites… Read the full press release

IHG Announces First Holiday Inn & Suites Property in Europe, Set to Open in Budapest

New 170-room ‘& Suites’ Holiday Inn hotel in Hungarian capital expected to open H2 2026. Collaboration with partners Chain Bridge Ventures Ltd and Mogotel Hotel Group (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global hotel company, has revealed its first Holiday Inn & Suites property in Europe with the signing of “Holiday Inn & Suites… Read the full press release

UAE Schools Soar to Success at Emirates Aviation University’s Water Rocket Competition in Partnership with Boeing

(IN SHORT) Emirates Aviation University’s seventh Water Rocket Competition, held in collaboration with Boeing, saw 202 students from 24 UAE schools in grades 11 and 12 participate. The challenge involved building water rockets powered solely by water and air pressure and launching them at a 45-degree angle. Students showcased their creativity by designing nose cones… Read the full press release

Emirates Joins The Solent Cluster in Pioneering Effort to Reduce CO2 Emissions in UK’s South Coast

(IN SHORT) Emirates has made history by becoming the first international airline to become a member of The Solent Cluster, a UK-based initiative aimed at promoting low-carbon investments and reducing CO2 emissions in the South Coast of England. The Solent Cluster is a collaborative effort involving international organizations, manufacturers, businesses, academic institutions, and more. Emirates… Read the full press release

dnata Travel Group Appoints Lesley Rollo as CEO, UK, to Lead Seven Prominent Brands

(IN SHORT) dnata Travel Group has named Lesley Rollo as the Chief Executive Officer, UK, responsible for overseeing the operations of the group’s seven UK-based brands. Lesley, who previously served as Managing Director for Travelbag within the dnata Travel Group, brings extensive industry experience to her new role. dnata Travel Group is a division of… Read the full press release

Vistara Honored with ‘ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Awards 2024’ for Sustainability and Modernization Efforts

Also clinches ‘ch-aviation Asia’s 2nd Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2024’ (IN SHORT) Vistara, India’s premier full-service carrier and a joint venture of the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has received two prestigious awards at the ‘ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Awards 2024.’ The airline was recognized with the “ch-aviation World’s 4th Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award 2024”… Read the full press release

JAL Group Unveils 2024 Summer Schedule with Exciting Updates for Passengers

(IN SHORT) The JAL Group has announced its summer schedule for international and domestic routes for the fiscal year 2024. Notable highlights include the launch of daily flights on the Haneda-Doha route from March 31, 2024, along with a Discount Mile Campaign to commemorate the new route. The introduction of A350-1000 aircraft to routes like… Read the full press release

Choice Hotels Makes History by Moving Entire Infrastructure to AWS Cloud

The all-in move to AWS cements Choice’s technology leadership within the industry, and allows it to deliver cutting-edge services to franchisees (IN SHORT) Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by closing its last data center and becoming the first hotel company to shift its entire system infrastructure to the cloud,… Read the full press release

Iberia and Iberia Express Lead Europe in Punctuality for 2023

Iberia was the second most punctual airline in Europe and fifth in the world The report was published by Cirium, the global aviation analysis consultancy (IN SHORT) Iberia and Iberia Express have been recognized as the most punctual airlines in Europe in 2023, with Iberia Express claiming the top spot with 84.58% of its flights… Read the full press release

Ryanair Partners with Kiwi.com to Ensure Transparent Pricing for Customers

KIWI GUARANTEE NO OVERCHARGING FOR RYANAIR FLIGHTS/ANCILLARIES (IN SHORT) Ryanair has entered into a partnership agreement with Kiwi.com, an approved online travel agency (OTA), to provide customers with direct access to Ryanair’s website without screenscraping. Under this agreement, Kiwi.com will offer Ryanair flights and ancillaries to its customers at real prices, eliminating mark-ups. Kiwi customers… Read the full press release

London Luton Airport’s Travel Trends Report Highlights Adventurous Holiday Habits for 2024

‘Swiftie Stays, ‘Destination Dupes’, and ‘Sistermoons’ are amongst the top travel trends to look out for this year as confidence returns to the travel market Travellers are willing to follow their favourite artist on tour (45%), use holiday time to volunteer abroad (39%) and use AI to book their travel itinerary (27%), new research by… Read the full press release

AirAsia MOVE and Coras Launch Innovative MOVETIX Ticketing Platform

(IN SHORT) AirAsia MOVE, Asia’s premier travel booking app, has partnered with Coras, a global ticket distribution platform, to introduce MOVETIX, an innovative ticketing platform offering access to over 10,000 global events and activities, alongside flights, hotels, rides, and more, all through a single app. Spearheaded by Hassan Choudhury, CEO of RedRecords, a joint venture… Read the full press release

Finnish Employee Unions’ Political Strike Forces Finnair to Cancel Hundreds of Flights

(IN SHORT) Employee unions in Finland have announced a political strike against the Finnish Government scheduled for February 1-2, 2024, leading to significant disruptions in Helsinki Airport’s operations and Finnair’s flight schedules. Finnair anticipates canceling approximately 550 flights during this period, affecting the majority of its daily operations. The airline aims to operate only a… Read the full press release

Munich Airport Sees Surge in Air Travel Demand, Expanding Routes to Asia in 2024

(IN SHORT) Munich Airport is experiencing a significant rise in air travel demand, evident from the increased number of aircraft movements in its 2024 summer flight schedule. Starting on March 31, nine airlines are planning to operate 107 weekly flights to 14 destinations across East and South Asia, reflecting the growing interest in these regions…. Read the full press release

British Airways Expands Routes for 2024, Including Return to London Stansted

(IN SHORT) British Airways has unveiled its plans for 2024, introducing new long-haul and short-haul routes from various UK airports. London Heathrow will see daily flights to Abu Dhabi starting on April 20, while Izmir, Turkey, will join British Airways’ network from May 18. London Gatwick will offer flights to Agadir, Morocco, from March 31,… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific Co-Initiates the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) to Drive SAF Adoption

Collaborating with like-minded organisations to further promote the development and use of SAF in Hong Kong (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific reaffirms its commitment to decarbonizing the aviation industry by co-initiating the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) along with the Business Environment Council (BEC) and 13 other founding partners from the sustainable aviation fuel… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Offers Additional Flights for Big Game Weekend in Las Vegas

Las Vegas’ largest airline adds more flights and itineraries from Kansas City and San Francisco for fans to travel to the biggest football game of the year! (IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines is gearing up for the Big Game weekend in Las Vegas by providing extra flights for football enthusiasts from Kansas City and San Francisco…. Read the full press release

Heathrow Airport Teams Up with British Fashion Council for Exclusive Designer Tote Bag Collection

A collection of exclusive designer bags launches at Heathrow ahead of London Fashion Week The line has been created to mark 30 years of the British Fashion Council NEWGEN initiative To launch the range, Heathrow is offering passengers the chance to win backstage access to London Fashion Week and an overnight stay at Treehouse London… Read the full press release