Bangkok Flight Services (BFS) Achieves Pharma Handling Certification at Suvarnabhumi Airport

(IN SHORT) Bangkok Flight Services (BFS), a joint venture between Bangkok Airways and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), has obtained Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification for its dedicated pharmaceutical handling facility at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. This certification, granted by independent audit body Escem/TüV Rheinland, attests to BFS’s adherence to international standards for the safe… Read the full press release

Expedia Group Elevates Long-Time Veterans to Lead New Operating Divisions

Following the succession from Peter Kern to Ariane Gorin, Expedia Group taps two long-time Expedia veterans to lead newly formed operating divisions (IN SHORT) Expedia Group has appointed Alfonso Paredes as President of Private Label Solutions and Greg Schulze as President of Travel Partners and Media, establishing two new operating divisions within the company. With… Read the full press release

Singapore Aviation Industry Eyes Hydrogen Fuel for Decarbonization

(IN SHORT) The Singapore Hydrogen Cooperation Committee, comprising Airbus, Changi Airport Group, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and Linde, is spearheading efforts to integrate hydrogen fuel into the nation’s aviation decarbonization strategy. Through a comprehensive study, the committee explores the feasibility of using liquid hydrogen to power future aircraft, emphasizing the need for infrastructure… Read the full press release

Changi Airports International Partners with Cam Ranh International for Terminal 2 Management

(IN SHORT) Changi Airports International (CAI) and Cam Ranh International Joint Stock Company (CRTC) have sealed a groundbreaking agreement at the Singapore Airshow, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s aviation industry. Under this partnership, CAI will leverage its global expertise to manage Cam Ranh International Airport’s Terminal 2’s non-aeronautical businesses and support international route development…. Read the full press release

Changi Airports International and Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Angolan Airports

(IN SHORT) On February 18, 2024, Changi Airports International (CAI) and Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos (SGA) inked a pivotal 2-year technical partnership agreement aimed at optimizing the operational efficiency and traffic potential of 16 regional airports managed by SGA in Angola. As part of the collaboration, CAI, renowned for its airport management expertise, will assist… Read the full press release

Radisson RED Launches Its Vibrant Style in Southeast Europe with Radisson RED Belgrade

(IN SHORT) Radisson Hotel Group introduces its dynamic Radisson RED brand to Southeast Europe with the opening of Radisson RED Belgrade, a stylish lifestyle hotel located in the heart of Belgrade, Serbia. Boasting a fusion of modern design and traditional charm, the hotel offers 88 contemporary accommodation units and features vibrant communal spaces including a… Read the full press release

Days Inn Offers $10,000 Solar Sun-ternship to Capture 2024 Solar Eclipse

World’s sunniest hotel brand offers two Solar Sun-terns a shared $10,000 payday (IN SHORT) Days Inn by Wyndham is offering a unique opportunity for two adventurous friends to become Solar Sun-terns and witness the 2024 total solar eclipse from a private helicopter. The selected duo will capture their experience through photo and video content to… Read the full press release

MSC Cruises Introduces Winter 2024-25 Canary Islands Itinerary with MSC Opera

7-night itinerary with MSC Opera to some of the most sought-after winter sun destinations in the Canary Islands and Madeira – sales now open (IN SHORT) MSC Cruises has unveiled its plans to deploy the MSC Opera to the Canary Islands for the winter 2024-25 season, with bookings now available. The ship will embark on… Read the full press release

Qantas Group Unveils Airbus A220 Interiors and Expansion Plans

New interior of QantasLink A220s revealed; first flights now on sale. Order for 8 additional A321XLRs for Qantas Domestic. Acceleration of Wi-Fi on international flights from late 2024. Major digital investment to help streamline travel experience on the ground. Jetstar adding more than 400,000 seats to meet strong demand for low fare leisure travel[1]. New… Read the full press release

Qantas Group Reports $1.25 Billion Underlying Profit Before Tax in First Half of FY24

Underlying Profit Before Tax: $1.25 billion (down 13 per cent) Statutory Profit After Tax: $869 million (down 13 per cent) Statutory earnings per share: 52 cents (down 4 per cent) Net debt: $4.0 billion Additional on-market share buy-back of up to $400 million announced. Fares falling as capacity continues to normalise; restart costs unwinding. Significant… Read the full press release

Qantas Unveils Limited-Time Offer: Double Status Credits or Double Qantas Points for Frequent Flyers

(IN SHORT) Qantas introduces a highly anticipated promotion offering its Frequent Flyers the choice between double Status Credits or double Qantas Points for bookings made on any Qantas flight over the next seven days. Members can register through the Qantas App and book flights for travel between February 28, 2024, and February 14, 2025, seizing… Read the full press release

Qantas Announces New Board Members and Chairman Elect in Ongoing Renewal

(IN SHORT) Qantas reveals significant changes to its board as part of its continuous renewal process, appointing John Mullen as the Chairman Elect effective July 1, 2024, alongside Dr. Nora Scheinkestel as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee starting March 1, 2024. The selection of Mullen, with his extensive executive and directorial… Read the full press release

Qantas Applauds Reforms to Slot Management System at Sydney Airport

(IN SHORT) Qantas has welcomed the reforms to the slot management system at Sydney Airport announced by the Federal Government, highlighting the potential benefits for travelers and airports nationwide. The improvements aim to enhance efficiency, particularly during severe weather conditions, and increase transparency in slot allocation, countering misconceptions about slot hoarding by airlines. These reforms… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts to Open InterContinental Resort Portofino on The World Islands Dubai

The new 466-key InterContinental Resort Portofino, The Heart of Europe will open its doors in early 2026 on The World Islands Dubai, strengthening IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury and leisure portfolio in the region (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the upcoming opening of the InterContinental Resort Portofino, The Heart of Europe, on… Read the full press release

IHG’s Garner Hotels Expands Globally with New Openings and Milestones

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ newest midscale conversion brand announces new openings and continues global expansion with a focus on reliable, relaxed stays (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces Garner Hotels, its latest midscale conversion brand focused on providing reliable and relaxed stays at an affordable price. Garner achieves significant growth with recent openings in… Read the full press release

Amadeus Joins IGLTA, Strengthening Support for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Organization works to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers Travel technology leader is an active ally of the LGBTQ+ community around the world (IN SHORT) Amadeus, a prominent travel technology company, has announced its membership in the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) as part of its ongoing commitment to being an active ally of… Read the full press release

Kempinski Hotels Enhances Regional Expertise with COO Switch

(IN SHORT) Kempinski Hotels announces a strategic switch of regions for two of its Chief Operations Officers (COOs), aimed at sharing best practices and bolstering regional growth. Xavier Destribats, previously overseeing operations in the Americas, moves to Geneva to take charge of Europe in addition to the Americas, while Timur Sentuerk relocates to Dubai to… Read the full press release

Moxy Hotels Makes a Splash in Bangkok with Debut of Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong

Infused with youthful energy and the upbeat spirit of the boundary-breaking brand, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong welcomes guests in the heart of downtown Bangkok (IN SHORT) Moxy Hotels, a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive portfolio, celebrates the opening of Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, its first property in Thailand, ushering in a new era of vibrant and social… Read the full press release

Marriott Bonvoy Launches ‘Score Big with Marriott Bonvoy Game Day Rituals’ Campaign for NCAA March Madness

Fans Could Score Big by Entering for a Chance to Win an Exclusive Experience at the Women’s Final Four Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, with Women’s College Basketball Coach Sydney Carter (IN SHORT) Marriott Bonvoy® celebrates its eighth year as the Official Hotel Partner of the NCAA® and the 2024 March Madness® tournament by launching the… Read the full press release

Marriott International to Introduce Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort in 2025, Enhancing Tanzania’s Hospitality Landscape

Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort will invite travelers around the world to ‘Savour the Good Life’ through the brand’s rich European heritage and chic signature programming (IN SHORT) Marriott International has announced a partnership with Morogoro Mishama Company to bring Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts to Zanzibar by 2025. The Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort will feature… Read the full press release

Swedavia Implements Organizational Change, Merges Project Unit with Facilities and Systems

(IN SHORT) Swedavia has announced an organizational change effective July 1st, merging the Project business unit with the Facilities and Systems business unit. This decision follows the retirement of Johan Bill, Director of Projects, who has made significant contributions to Swedavia’s project development at various airports. With this merger, the Facilities and Systems business unit… Read the full press release

KLM Expands Summer Schedule, Increasing Destinations and Frequencies

(IN SHORT) KLM announced its summer schedule for 2024, revealing plans to serve 155 destinations, including 92 in Europe and 63 intercontinental routes. With a projected 7% increase in available seat capacity compared to the previous summer, KLM aims to nearly match pre-Covid levels. Notable changes include increased flight frequencies to intercontinental destinations like Jakarta,… Read the full press release

Visit Maldives Invites Participation for MATTA 2024 to Boost Southeast Asian Tourism

(IN SHORT) The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), also known as Visit Maldives, has announced the opening of participation for MATTA 2024, an event held for Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region from 22-24 March 2024. The initiative aims to showcase the Maldives as the preferred holiday destination in Southeast Asia, emphasizing its… Read the full press release

Brussels Airport Honors Excellence in Aviation with Annual Awards Ceremony

(IN SHORT) Brussels Airport held its annual Aviation Awards ceremony, recognizing airlines and partners for outstanding performance in punctuality, network development, safety, and environmental sustainability. Among the winners were Finnair for short-haul punctuality, Hainan Airlines for long-haul punctuality, Qatar Airways Cargo for cargo airline performance, ACIC for the Brucargo Award, Nippon Express for logistic service… Read the full press release

Avani Hotels & Resorts Celebrates International Women’s Day with Unique Travel Experiences Led by Inspiring Women

(IN SHORT) In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, Avani Hotels & Resorts presents four transformative travel experiences led by remarkable women. From learning ballet in the Maldives with former Royal Ballet dancer Karis Scarlette to sampling Cambodian craft gin by Pari Sophary at FCC Angkor by Avani, guests embark on journeys… Read the full press release

Emirates Flight Catering Completes Acquisition of Bustanica, World’s Largest Indoor Vertical Farm

The acquisition makes Bustanica a 100% UAE-owned agriculture venture (IN SHORT) Emirates Flight Catering has finalized the acquisition of Emirates Bustanica, formerly known as Emirates Crop One, solidifying its status as the world’s largest indoor vertical farm. This strategic move reinforces the UAE’s commitment to bolstering food security and agricultural capabilities. Situated near Dubai World… Read the full press release

Rohit Pandey Appointed General Manager of Anantara Jaipur Hotel: Leading Minor Hotels’ Debut Luxury Property in India

Rohit brings over 20 years of experience to lead the first Anantara in India (IN SHORT) Minor Hotels announces the appointment of Rohit Pandey as General Manager of Anantara Jaipur Hotel, marking the luxury brand’s entry into India. With over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, including roles at prestigious brands like Marriott International… Read the full press release

JAL Group Unveils FY2024 Summer Schedule Enhancements: Nagoya-Shanghai Route Resumes, Increased Flights to Taipei

(IN SHORT) The JAL Group has revealed updates to its International Flight Plans for the FY2024 Summer Schedule, including the resumption of the Nagoya (Chubu)-Shanghai (Pudong) route after a hiatus of approximately four years, with five flights per week starting from March 31, 2024. Additionally, in response to growing demand from visitors to Japan, flights… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines Joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Spearheading Eco-Friendly Travel Initiatives

Building Relationships and Connections through Movement and Contributing to Social Solutions (IN SHORT) On September 1, 2023, Japan Airlines (JAL) made history by becoming the first airline group worldwide to join The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), a body dedicated to establishing and overseeing global standards for sustainable tourism. Through a strategic partnership with Sakura… Read the full press release

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh Introduces Pierre Hermé Paris Patisserie, Elevating Culinary Artistry in Saudi Arabia

Boutique offering museum-worthy wonders from the “Picasso of Pastry” sets a sweet scene in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital (IN SHORT) Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre has unveiled its newest addition, the Pierre Hermé Paris patisserie, offering guests and visitors an exquisite culinary experience in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital. Led… Read the full press release