SAS Group Finalizes Sale & Leaseback of 19 Spare Engines

2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — As part of the recently launched plan to improve the financial position of SAS Group, 4 Excellence Next Generation (4XNG), SAS has signed an agreement for the sale and leaseback of 19 spare engines. There are two buyers: San Francisco-based Willis Lease Finance Corporation and Dublin-based Willis Mitsui Engine Support. The actual… Read the full press release

Ethiopian MRO Services Develops Overhaul Capability for the CFM56-3 & CFM56-7 Engines

2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ethiopian MRO Services is pleased to announce that it has developed shop overhaul capability for the CFM56-3 and CFM56-7 engines. Ethiopian MRO was granted approval for such capabilities from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) and the USA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Ethiopian has invested about USD 21million to develop the engine… Read the full press release

Vermont, the Healthiest State, hosts several sports & endurance events from spring to autumn

2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Vermont is repeatedly ranked the Healthiest State in the nation. From its chiseled farmers to Olympic skiers and riders and mountain biking mommas, it shows. In the Green Mountain State, there’s an ultra-marathon, adventure race, century ride, distance swim or yoga-fest for all athletic appetites. Sports enthusiasts come to train, race, compete, tour… Read the full press release

World’s Only Flying B-29 Superfortress Will Visit Gateway Airport

AirPower History Tour also features B-17 Flying Fortress and other historic military aircraft MESA, Ariz., 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) famous Boeing   B-29 Superfortress bomber, FIFI — the only remaining flying example of the aircraft in the world – will visit Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport February 28 through March 4. The airplane will… Read the full press release

Travel Disruptions Will Stall Business Growth

Alexandria, VA, 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — The following statement can be attributed to Michael W. McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO, on the impact of the upcoming sequester deadline on business travel and the nation’s economy. “The country is fast approaching the March 1 deadline for across-the-board cuts in every program, project, and agency in the Federal… Read the full press release

Global Travel & Tourism industry defies economic uncertainty by outperforming the global economy in 2012 – and predicted to do it again in 2013

2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Travel & Tourism industry has outperformed the global economy in 2012 – growing faster than manufacturing, retail, financial services and communications. The industry has grown its total contribution to GDP by 3% and increased the number of jobs by five million to 260 million. It means that, for the first time,… Read the full press release

Fiesta San Antonio! The City’s Vibrant Culture Comes Alive with 11 Days of Fun

2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — It’s almost Fiesta time! Fiesta San Antonio, the annual 11-day celebration of San Antonio’s rich history, culture and heritage, will be held April 18-28, 2013. Beginning over 120 years ago as a parade to honor the heroes from the battle of the Alamo and San Jacinto, Fiesta has grown into a citywide… Read the full press release

Enterprise Advises Businesses to Focus on the Details When it Comes to Their Rental Providers (UK)

LONDON, 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Car hire is now a central part of day to day business mobility in the UK. New analysis from  Enterprise Rent-A-Car shows one in five Britons hire a vehicle for business trips in their own home town and one in three for an out of town trip. And with the increasing popularity of… Read the full press release

Marcela Gaboda new CEO Swissport Argentina

2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Swissport International, the world’s leading aviation services group, has appointed Marcela Gaboda as the new CEO Swissport Argentina. She will assume her duties effective 1st March, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the aviation industry to the role. Marcela has 20 years of experience in management in various capacities in… Read the full press release

UNWTO activities at ITB 2013

Madrid, 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — UNWTO events at ITB Travel Trade Show 2013 include the 3rd Silk Road Ministers’ meeting and a meeting of the World Tourism Network on Child Protection, as well as the first UNWTO meeting exclusively dedicated to “Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage”, among others (Berlin, Germany, 6-10 March, 2013). 3rd Silk Road Ministers’ Meeting (6 March,… Read the full press release

2012 Best in History of Continuous Safety Improvements

Focus Remains on Addressing Safety Deficiencies in Africa Montreal, 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2012 global accident rate for Western-built jets was the lowest in aviation history. The 2012 global Western-built jet accident rate (measured in hull losses per million flights of Western-built jets) was 0.20, the equivalent… Read the full press release

Ryanair Will Appeal EU Decision

RYANAIR WILL APPEAL EU COMMISSION’S “POLITICAL” DECISION TO PROHIBIT ITS OFFER FOR AER LINGUS 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ryanair, Europe’s only ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC), today (Feb 27) confirmed that it will appeal the EU Commission’s announced decision to prohibit its latest offer for Aer Lingus, which was supported by an historic and unprecedented remedies package… Read the full press release

Department of Transport Sponsors Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Abu Dhabi Air Expo to take place from 5th to 7th March 2013 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies Welcomes New General Manager Sven Wiedenhaupt

Veteran hotel executive Sven Wiedenhaupt brings more than 23 years of luxury hotel management experience to the beautiful Caribbean island of Nevis. 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Four Seasons Resort Nevis welcomes international hotelier Sven Wiedenhaupt to his new home in Nevis, West Indies as the General Manager of the Caribbean’s first AAA Five Diamond resort. A tri-lingual hospitality professional and graduate… Read the full press release

TravelClick Hotel Customers Take Home Eight Adrian Awards for Excellence in Digital Marketing

NEW YORK, 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — TravelClick, the leading provider of revenue-generating solutions for hotels, along with its hotel clients, received eight awards for excellence in digital marketing at the Adrian Awards Gala in New York City. With more than 1,000 entries, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards is the travel industry‘s largest… Read the full press release

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Adds Value To Family Vacations With New Family Fun Package

MCLEAN, Va., 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Hotels & Resorts gives families more reasons to enjoy time away together throughout 2013 with its new Family Fun Package. Offering daily breakfast for two adults and two children, and high-speed Internet access, families are able to save while exploring Hilton destinations in the U.S. and Canada all year… Read the full press release

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Takes Luxury to New Heights

Dubai, UAE, 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — The JW Marriott brand officially celebrates its newly opened landmark luxury hotel today in the Middle East – the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.  [Video below.] Acquiring the coveted title of World’s Tallest hotel from the Guinness Book of World Records, the 72-story property is the first JW Marriott Marquis outside… Read the full press release

Commissioner Andolino Discusses Airport Expansion on London Panel

CHICAGO, 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) discussed Chicago’s O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP), among other topics, during a series of meetings organized by London First (LF), an organization whose mission is to encourage business and tourism in London. London First hosted Andolino and Jos Nijhuis, President and CEO of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to learn from… Read the full press release

Alaska Airlines to Serve as Official Airline of Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Alaska Airlines will serve as the official airline sponsor of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, marking the 35th year the carrier has supported the event. “It’s a privilege to be the official airline of The Last Great Race,” said Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines’ regional vice president – Alaska. “Each… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot® Volunteer Program Takes Off in Schools Nationwide Inspiring More Than 412,000 Students Since Program’s Inception

2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced the official kickoff of its award-winning Adopt-A-Pilot® program where thousands of fifth-grade students “adopt” Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways Pilots.  Through this unique volunteer program, Pilots commit their resources and time from February through May to educate students through aviation-themed activities related to math, science, and other core… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific features fine wines from the Rhône Valley

2013-02-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Cathay Pacific Airways today announced its latest wine promotion, which features a selection of wines from France’s Rhône Valley. From 1 March, the airline’s regular Business Class wines will be complemented by a specially selected quartet of Rhône Valley wines. The promotional wines will be served to Business Class passengers on long-haul… Read the full press release

Lineup Announced for South-by-Southwest Music Broadcasts at Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Events connect music fans to some of the festival’s most anticipated artists. 2013-02-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Seeing some of the most anticipated artists at South-by-Southwest just got easier, even for those without one of the music festival’s coveted wristbands. Four Seasons Hotel Austin and KUTX 98.9 have announced the lineup for their early-morning music broadcasts, which take place March… Read the full press release

OVERSEAS VISITORS SPEND £4.5 BILLION A YEAR IN BRITAIN’S SHOPS

With this year’s London Fashion Week once again receiving international acclaim, research released today by VisitBritain shows that Britain is also one of the world’s most sought-after destinations when it comes to international shoppers. 2013-02-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Findings by the national tourism agency estimate that 18 million foreign visitors spent a till busting £4.5 billion… Read the full press release

rosewood london to open october 2013

2013-02-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Investment of more than USD130 million will restyle historic building to contemporary grandeur Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, one of the world’s most respected ultra-luxury hotel groups, will open Rosewood London in October 2013, overseeing a more than USD130 million (GBP85 million) renovation to transform a 1914 Edwardian, Grade II-listed building on High… Read the full press release

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER CHICAGO RECEIVES FIVE-STAR RATINGS FROM THE ESTEEMED FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE

Five stars awarded to the luxury property and Sixteen restaurant CHICAGO, 2013-02-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — The team at Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago is pleased to announce that it has been awarded Five-Star ratings from the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide 2013, recognizing the property’s exceptional service and world-class amenities. The hotel’s lauded restaurant, Sixteen, has also received a Five-Star designation for… Read the full press release

DUSIT THANI MANILA RECIPIENT OF GOLD CIRCLE AWARD FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS

Makati, Philippines, 2013-02-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Dusit Thani Manila, Dusit International’s flagship property in the Philippines is once again the recipient of the Gold Circle Award 2012 by Agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN). This is the second year that the hotel received such a prestigious award.  Launched… Read the full press release

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF JSC “AEROFLOT”

Moscow, 2013-02-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — During JSC “Aeroflot” Board of Directors ordinary meeting held on February 25, decision on holding the ordinary annual general meeting of shareholders of JSC “Aeroflot” on June 24, 2013 was taken. The list of 14 candidacies to the Board of Directors of JSC “Aeroflot”, which were offered by shareholders, was settled…. Read the full press release

KATHERINE LUGAR NAMED CEO OF AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION

2013-02-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) today named Katherine Lugar, executive vice president of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 17, 2013. Lugar will take over for long-time CEO Joseph A. McInerney, who announced last year that he would be stepping… Read the full press release

Ethiopian MRO Gets Approval for Full Airframe Maintenance Capability for Bombardier Dash8/Q-Series T

2013-02-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce the development of full airframe maintenance capability for Bombardier’s Q100*, Q200*and Q300*turboprop airplanes in addition to its existing Q400*aircraft capability. Ethiopian MRO facility was granted the approval from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) and the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in January 2013. Ethiopian huge… Read the full press release

SAA Wins On-time Performance Service Award

SAA Wins On-time Performance Service Award and Achieves Major Baggage Handling Improvements Johannesburg, 2013-02-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — FlightStats, the global leader in flight and airport information services, recently announced On Time Performance Service Awards (OTPS Awards) for airlines across the globe. SAA, with its 91.17% On Time Performance average, won in the category ‘Middle East and… Read the full press release