Chicago Airports Ready for a Merry Holiday Travel Season with Helpful Tips

(IN SHORT) The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is gearing up to welcome an estimated 3.4 million passengers at O’Hare and Midway International Airports during the holiday season, running from December 20 to January 2, according to projections from airlines. O’Hare expects a 4.6% increase in passengers compared to the same period in 2022, with… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Empowers Cabin Crew with New Digital App for Personalized Passenger Experiences

(IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has launched an in-house application aimed at enhancing passenger experiences by equipping its Cabin Crew with digital tools. In its initial phase, the app provides Cabin Crew with real-time insights into flight information, customer data, and service details. This enables the Cabin Crew to access passengers’ profiles, including privilege club and… Read the full press release

Farewell Celebration: Giant Panda Le Le Departs Singapore for China’s Conservation Program

(IN SHORT) River Wonders, part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, bid farewell to giant panda cub Le Le as he prepared to join China’s giant panda conservation program. Approximately 1,000 guests attended a farewell party at the Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest to celebrate Le Le’s departure. The event featured heartwarming stories and a communal… Read the full press release

Indianapolis International Airport Unveils Stunning ‘Blue Skies’ Sculpture as a Symbol of Connectivity and Tranquility

Blue Skies is the first new permanent art installation since 2008 (IN SHORT) The Indianapolis International Airport has introduced “Blue Skies,” a captivating suspended art sculpture created by local artist Brenna McCarty. This remarkable installation, supported by a grant from the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation, marks the airport’s first permanent art addition in… Read the full press release

SAS Expands Summer Flight Offerings to USA and Asia in Response to Growing Demand

(IN SHORT) Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is gearing up for the upcoming summer travel season, which begins on March 31, 2024, by enhancing its flight offerings and increasing capacity for flights to the USA and Asia. (PRESS RELEASE) Stockholm, Sweden, 2023-Dec-17 — /Travel PR News/ — To accommodate the rising demand for travel to the USA… Read the full press release

Auckland Airport Set to Unveil Innovative $300 Million Transport Hub for Travelers

New pick up/drop off area to open early in the new year Projected to more than double the amount of public pick up/drop off area currently on offer (320m or a 200% increase) Built for 650 vehicles throughput p/hr at peak times Transport Hub development paves the way for new domestic terminal development Carparks and… Read the full press release

Auckland Airport Gears Up for Busy Summer Travel Season as Passenger Numbers Approach Pre-Pandemic Levels

Busiest travel days revealed, with the days leading into Christmas set to be the busiest, with 17,900 travellers expected to depart internationally on Friday 22 December Preparations for the busy summer period have been well underway and it’s a great opportunity for ‘Airport Dad’ spotting Extra ‘Santa’s elves’ on hand to help travellers get away… Read the full press release

Emirates Flight Training Academy Celebrates Graduation of 58 Cadet Pilots Amid Global Pilot Shortage

EFTA has graduated over 162 cadets to-date, currently has over 300 cadets enrolled (IN SHORT) Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) marked another significant milestone with the graduation of 58 cadet pilots who have completed rigorous training. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, faculty, graduates, and their families. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,… Read the full press release

dnata Receives Ground Support Services Provider of the Year Award at Aviator Middle East Awards

(IN SHORT) dnata, a global provider of air services, has been honored with the “Ground Support Services Provider of the Year” award at the 2023 Aviator Middle East Awards for the 13th time and fourth consecutive year. The award was accepted by Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Senior Vice President, Airport Operations UAE and MEA, who was… Read the full press release

Qantas Submits Recommendations for Australia’s 30-Year Aviation Strategy, Focuses on Sustainability and Customer Experience

Calls to follow other countries in setting mandates for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Support for reform to the slot system at Sydney Airport Push for more effective regulation of airports Outlines recent improvements Qantas has made to customer experience, complaint handling (IN SHORT) The Qantas Group has submitted its response to the Federal Government’s Aviation Green… Read the full press release

Emirates Reveals Top In-Flight Entertainment Picks of 2023

(IN SHORT) Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has unveiled the most popular in-flight entertainment choices among its passengers for the year 2023. From blockbuster movies like “Avatar: The Way of Water” to beloved TV series like “Friends” and a diverse range of music, travelers on Emirates flights enjoyed a wide array of entertainment options…. Read the full press release

dnata Appoints Willy Ruf as Managing Director for Switzerland to Lead Ground Handling and Cargo Operations

(IN SHORT) dnata, a global air and travel services provider, has announced the appointment of Willy Ruf as the Managing Director for Switzerland. In his new role, Willy will be responsible for overseeing dnata’s ground handling and cargo business operations at Geneva Airport (GVA) and Zürich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland. He will lead a team… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines Earns Top Marks in Dow Jones Sustainability Index for Second Year

(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) has achieved recognition in the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index (DJSI Asia Pacific Index) for the second consecutive year, attaining the highest score in the airline industry category. The DJSI is a renowned Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment index that evaluates the sustainability efforts of over 13,000 global… Read the full press release

Marriott International and Singapore Airlines Strengthen Partnership, Offering Enhanced Benefits to Loyalty Program Members

Marriott Bonvoy and KrisFlyer members can enjoy more ways to earn rewards and accelerate to higher membership statuses (IN SHORT) Marriott International and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have announced an expansion of their strategic partnership, providing members of Marriott Bonvoy and KrisFlyer with more ways to maximize their loyalty program benefits. Eligible members of both programs… Read the full press release

KLM Appoints Bas Brouns as CFO and Managing Director, Succeeding Erik Swelheim

(IN SHORT) KLM has announced its intention to appoint Bas Brouns as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Managing Director, effective April 24, 2024. He will take over from Erik Swelheim, who will step down as KLM’s CFO after serving for 12 years. Bas Brouns, currently the Senior Vice President Corporate Controller at KLM, brings nearly… Read the full press release

Swissport Extends Operational License for Skyview Lounge at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse with ASPIRE Upgrade

(IN SHORT) Swissport has secured an extension of its operational license for the prestigious Skyview Lounge at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse, valid until 2030. In a competitive tender, Swissport presented an investment and refurbishment plan, elevating the lounge experience with its renowned ASPIRE brand. The comprehensive renovation will introduce distinct lounge segments, including Skycafé for a cozy… Read the full press release

British Airways Expands Route Network with New Flights to Agadir, Stansted, and Dubai

Agadir joins British Airways’ short-haul network from London Gatwick (IN SHORT) In an effort to enhance its route network, British Airways is set to introduce several exciting additions. The airline is returning to Agadir, Morocco, offering a four-times weekly service from London Gatwick starting March 31, 2024, after more than a decade’s absence. Additionally, British… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Announces Generous Benefits Package for Qatari Retirees, Including Flight Discounts and More

From January 2024, Qatari retirement card holders will be entitled to discounts of 25 per cent for First and Business class tickets, and 50 per cent for Economy class tickets on all Qatar Airways flights, along with other benefits Qatar Airways Group GCEO described the announcement as a way to give back to the community… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways and Iberia Expand Partnership with Daily Madrid-Doha Flights and World’s Largest Airline Joint Business

Qatar Airways and Iberia now jointly offer three daily flights between the Spanish and Qatari capital cities, further strengthening the long-standing cooperation between IAG, Iberia’s parent company, and the Qatar Airways Group. Iberia will also join and significantly expand the existing strategic alliance between British Airways and Qatar Airways, with the three carriers operating the… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways CEO Engr. Badr Al-Meer Elected to IATA Board of Governors and Joins AACO Executive Committee

Engr. Badr Al-Meer is also announced as a member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO) (IN SHORT) Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways Group, has been elected to the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA represents approximately 320 airlines worldwide,… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Group’s Fuwairit Kite Beach and Ras Abrouq Hotels Earn Prestigious Sustainability Ratings from GORD

The upcoming Ras Abrouq has already achieved a remarkable 4 Stars rating under GSAS Design & Build certification and a Class B rating under GSAS Construction Management certification by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development The tranquil Fuwairit Kite Beach resort has received a 3 Stars rating under the GSAS Design & Build certification… Read the full press release

Qatar Duty Free Unveils Souq Al Matar: A Unique Retail and Dining Experience at Hamad International Airport

Souq Al Matar combines two dining options from renowned local restaurants and seven shops which deliver a true ‘Sense of Place’ The grand unveiling of Souq Al Matar took place with a spectacular Kabuki drop and a compelling projection show telling a story of time     (IN SHORT) Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has introduced Souq… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Surprises Passengers with ‘Trolls Band Together’ Treats on NYC Flight

(IN SHORT) In a heartwarming gesture, Southwest Airlines delighted passengers aboard Flight #663 en route from Dallas to New York by gifting over 140 customers with Fandango movie codes for DreamWorks Animation’s latest release, “Trolls Band Together.” This surprise giveaway, featuring in-flight trivia and the chance to win Trolls-themed merchandise, was the result of a… Read the full press release

Heathrow Airport Transforms into a Christmas Wonderland for Travelers

(IN SHORT) Heathrow Airport has ushered in the holiday season with a festive extravaganza for travelers. From live ballet performances to enchanting Christmas decorations, visits from Santa, and a range of entertainment options, the airport is spreading Christmas cheer. Passengers can enjoy performances, games, arts and crafts, and even a chance to win prizes. With… Read the full press release

Emirates Launches Premium Economy Service in Brazil with Enhanced A380 Aircraft

Airline to deploy Premium Economy on its daily flights from 11 December, following the launch of product in Brazil in November (IN SHORT) Emirates celebrated the launch of its Premium Economy service in Brazil with a tour of one of its upgraded four-class A380 aircraft. The event took place at Guarulhos Airport, Terminal 3, and… Read the full press release

Emirates Invests Over AED 186 Million in Fine Wines for In-Flight Experience

(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

Cathay Cargo Orders Airbus A350F Freighters to Expand Fleet and Boost Cargo Connectivity

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

Southwest Airlines Nominates Lisa Atherton for Board of Directors

(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

IATA Harnesses Advanced Data Analytics to Enhance Aviation Safety and Sustainability

(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

SFO’s Wag Brigade Marks a Decade of Comforting Travelers with Therapy Animals

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