Etihad Airways announced revenue from passenger services exceeded US$1 billion for the first time in Q3 2013, 11% growth YoY

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2013-10-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Etihad Airways continued to achieve record growth in the third quarter of 2013, with revenue from passenger services exceeding US$1 billion for the first time and passenger numbers passing 3 million. Total revenue rose 11 per cent to US$1.4 billion, compared to US$1.3 billion in Q3 of 2012,… Read the full press release

Japanese regional carrier Link Airs selected Mxi Technologies for Aviation Maintenance Management

Pioneering Japanese regional carrier chooses Maintenix software as its MRO standard supporting modern ATR 72-600 aircraft Link Airs selects Mxi’s Maintenix software to act as MRO standard for Japanese start-up Maintenix to provide complete spectrum of aviation maintenance management across engineering, planning, execution and materials management Maintenix specifically chosen for its ability to support modern aircraft… Read the full press release

American Hotel & Lodging Association President/CEO Katherine Lugar issued statement in response to the federal government shutdown

Washington, DC, USA, 2013-10-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — American Hotel & Lodging Association President/CEO Katherine Lugar today issued the following statement in response to the federal government shutdown: On behalf of hoteliers throughout the country, we implore the President and Congress to work together and reach an agreement to reopen the government without delay. The shutdown will disrupt… Read the full press release

Hyatt announced qualified intermediary acquired The Peabody Orlando hotel from UST Hotel Joint Venture for $717M and rebranded it as Hyatt Regency Orlando

Chicago, Il, USA, 2013-10-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (the “Company” or “Hyatt”) (NYSE: H) announced today that a qualified intermediary acquired The Peabody Orlando hotel from UST Hotel Joint Venture, Ltd. in a like-kind exchange transaction, for approximately $717 million (subject to standard and customary proration and closing adjustments).  The hotel has been rebranded as… Read the full press release

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, DiNapoli Capital Partners and Rockwood Capital announce the opening of Hyatt Place Denver/Cherry Creek

Chicago, Il, USA, 2013-10-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H), DiNapoli Capital Partners and Rockwood Capital, LLC today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Denver/Cherry Creek. The hotel’s rebranding and completion of $10 million in property-wide improvements including all new guestrooms, meeting spaces and a new dining area, marks the third Hyatt Place location in… Read the full press release

Marriott Hotels and natural Thai skincare line THANN partner to roll out new amenities line in Marriott properties

Washington D.C., U.S.A., 2013-10-02 — /travelprnews.com/ — Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) and THANN, a natural Thai skincare line, today announced their partnership to reinvigorate the guestroom beauty experience by rolling out a new amenities line in Marriott properties throughout the Americas and Asia. Propelled by growing consumer demand of its customers for… Read the full press release

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports continued modest improvement in air cargo markets in August, 2013

Geneva, Switzerland, 2013-10-01 — /travelprnews.com/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a continued modest improvement in air cargo markets in August. August air freight demand was up 3.6% on the previous year. That is considerably better than year-to-date performance of a 0.7% expansion. Demand for air freight began increasing slowly from April, in line with… Read the full press release

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport seeks proposals from interested firms to build, operate and manage Barbershop Services Concession

2013-09-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hartsfield-Jackson Seeks Proposals for Airport’s First Ever Barbershop Services WHO: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport WHAT: The City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation is seeking proposals from interested firms to build, operate, maintain and manage a 1,349-square-foot Barbershop Services Concession (FC-6666, Barbershop Services) at Hartsfield-Jackson. Proposals are due before 1:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 7,… Read the full press release

Alaska Airlines to purchase five Boeing 737-900ER (extended range) aircraft

SEATTLE, 2013-09-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK) and Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today the carrier is exercising options to purchase five Boeing 737-900ER (extended range) aircraft. The five new aircraft are worth $481 million at Boeing’s current list price. Two of the aircraft will arrive in 2015 followed by two more in 2016 and… Read the full press release

The biggest and heaviest aircraft in the world the “Antonov AN 225” landed at Bahrain International Airport (BIA)

2013-09-30 — /travelprnews.com/ — The biggest and heaviest aircraft in the world, the “Antonov AN 225” had a successful landing at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) on Thursday, 26th of September 2013, at 2:30pm. The largest heavy-cargo aircraft in the world arrived to Bahrain from Cairo International Airport. Known to the aviation worlds under names like Mriya… Read the full press release

American Airlines and Qatar Airways sign reciprocal frequent flyer program agreement

Members of American’s AAdvantage® Program and Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club Can Earn and Redeem Miles on Flights Operated by Both Airlines Fort Worth, Texas, 2013-09-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — American Airlines and Doha-based carrier Qatar Airways today announce an expansion of their relationship to include a reciprocal frequent flyer program agreement, providing customers more opportunities to earn… Read the full press release

La SNCB réclame des dommages et intérêts à AnsaldoBreda

2013-09-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — la SNCB a introduit une demande en dommages et intérêts de plus de 27 millions auprès d’un tribunal néerlandais à l’encontre du constructeur de train italien AnsaldoBreda. Le montant doit compenser le préjudice subi en raison de la non-livraison de rames fonctionnelles V250. Il s’agit d’une somme provisionnelle. Le 3 juin 2013,… Read the full press release

The Global Business Travel Association released its latest GBTA BTI™ Outlook – Western Europe report

BUSINESS TRAVEL SPENDING SET TO GROW 3.4% IN 2014  London, UK, 2013-09-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the voice of the global business travel industry, announces the results of its latest GBTA BTI™ Outlook – Western Europe report, a semi-annual analysis of the five most critical business travel markets in Europe: Germany,… Read the full press release

Ms. Pansy Ho, Shun Tak Holdings Managing Director, becomes first official PATA Foundation Ambassador

Bangkok, Thailand, 2013-09-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — The PATA Foundation, is delighted to announce that Ms. Pansy Ho, Managing Director, Shun Tak Holdings Limited, has accepted the role as the Foundation’s first official Ambassador. Announced during the closing ceremony of the second annual Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) on September 19, in Macau, Ms. Ho, who is also the Vice Chairman,… Read the full press release

Emirates named Aviation Company of the Year at The Gulf Business Industry Awards 2013

DUBAI, U.A.E., 2013-09-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — Emirates demonstrated its industry leading role last night by picking up Aviation Company of the Year at The Gulf Business Industry Awards 2013. The award comes as Emirates embarks on another wave of route launch announcements, extending its network across six continents. More than 300 guests attended the awards night… Read the full press release

Oakwood Worldwide enhanced its apartment portfolio in downtown Seattle

Corporate Residences Situated in a Unique Vertical Neighborhood LOS ANGELES, 2013-09-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — Oakwood Worldwide, the global leader in corporate housing and serviced apartments, recently enhanced its apartment portfolio in downtown Seattle. The furnished, corporate residences at the newly constructed Via6, a 24-story, mixed-use development, feature a unique set of retailers and hotel-like amenities. Located at… Read the full press release

Inland American Lodging Group, Inc. to acquire from Hyatt Hotels Corporation two Andaz hotels located in Napa, CA, and Savannah, GA

Oak Brook, Ill., 2013-09-25 — /travelprnews.com/ — Inland American Lodging Group, Inc. (“IALG”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc. (“Inland American”), and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that IALG has acquired a portfolio of two Andaz hotels for approximately $115 million. The hotels, both part of Hyatt’s acclaimed boutique… Read the full press release

Budapest Airport announced structural management changes to better serve its passengers and airline partners

Budapest Airport has announced further structural management changes in order to better serve its passengers and airline partners, to streamline its daily operations. This step marks a further reorganization of the airport company’s structure during the last two years to answer the challenges posed by the profound changes in the aviation market in Hungary and… Read the full press release

Air France Business Class Cabin Will Soon Serve Gourmet Creations Of The Bocuse d’Or 2013 Winner, Thibaut Ruggeri

On 20 September, coinciding with the 3rd Gastronomic festival, Thibaut Ruggeri presents his gourmet creations to Air France customers in the Business lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Starting from 1st October and for a period of 6 months, this new Chef will sign five dishes for Business class customers on long-haul flights. This is the… Read the full press release

Alaska Airlines named three new managing directors: Bennie Johnson, Sunae Park and Sandy Stelling

SEATTLE, 2013-09-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Alaska Airlines has named three new managing directors, who come from within Alaska Airlines with a combined 54 years of experience. Bennie Johnson has been named managing director, flight crew management systems. Johnson has been with the airline for 30 years. He previously headed the airline’s pilot crew management team and worked… Read the full press release

Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino addressed the City Club of Chicago

CHICAGO, 2013-09-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Earlier this week, Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino addressed the City Club of Chicago at a luncheon in downtown Chicago. On September 16, Commissioner Andolino spoke to the audience of over 350 business, civic and government leaders and representatives about the wide-ranging efforts undertaken by the CDA in recent… Read the full press release

Air France management presented an update on Transform 2015 plan to the Central Works Council

2013-09-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — This morning as planned, Air France management presented an update on Transform 2015 to the Central Works Council. Air France’s recovery has begun and Transform 2015 is taking effect. In the first half, the implementation of measures led operating income to increase by 100 million euros. However, in 2013, the Air France… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker met with Mayor of Chengdu, Ge Honglin as the airline launched its newest direct route to Chengdu, China

CHENGDU, China, 2013-09-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — High level meetings between Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and the Mayor of Chengdu Municipality, Mr. Ge Honglin, took place last week as Qatar Airways launched their newest direct route to Chengdu on September 3. Mr. Al Baker and Mr. Honglin were joined by the Assistant Mayor… Read the full press release

Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG Christoph Franz to step down as of 31 May 2014

2013-09-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Christoph Franz, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, has told Wolfgang Mayrhuber, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, that he will not be available to renew his contract when it expires on 31 May 2014. “After a total of nearly 15 years in the Lufthansa Group, this was… Read the full press release

Marriott International and Prince Hotels of Japan announced The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo will become Japan’s first Autograph Collection hotel

Tower Tokyo The Prince Sakura Tower becomes collection’s second hotel in Asia. HONG KONG, 2013-09-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Marriott International and Prince Hotels, Inc, of Japan announced that The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo will become Japan’s first Autograph Collection hotel – a portfolio of independent hotels, with the re-opening of the newly renovated hotel on September 14, 2013…. Read the full press release

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) announced it reached 5.6 million passengers in August 2013, 8.2% growth YoY

HONG KONG, 2013-09-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Traffic at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) continued to grow significantly in August 2013. During the month, passenger throughput reached 5.6 million, while flight movements recorded 32,395 – achieving remarkable year-on-year growth of 8.2% and 6.3%, respectively, and setting new passenger traffic and flight movement records for the second month… Read the full press release

Auckland Airport made the 2013 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI World) for the second year in a row

The announcement of the 2013 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI World) has seen Auckland Airport feature in the index for the second year in a row. 2013-09-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Seen as the most reputable global index for the socially responsible investor, the DJSI World saw only three NZX50 companies make the 2013 index, with Auckland… Read the full press release

Wingate by Wyndham announced exclusive discount on Uber’s on-demand car service for conference attendees at the 19th Annual Lodging Conference in Phoenix, Arizona

Hotel Brand Delivers Special Uber Offer to Lodging Conference Goers PHOENIX, Ariz., 2013-09-13 — /travelprnews.com/ — Taking the time to coordinate transportation from one location to another can get in the way of the true work at hand. Those attending the 19th Annual Lodging Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., next week won’t have to spend that extra… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Cargo signed multilateral e-Air Waybill (e-AWB) agreement with International Air Transport Association (IATA)

DOHA, Qatar, 2013-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — Qatar Airways Cargo has announced the signing of a multilateral e-Air Waybill (e-AWB) agreement (Resolution 672) with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) which provides a legal framework for parties to conclude cargo contracts by electronic means. Developed collaboratively by IATA with industry stakeholders, e-AWB removes the requirement for a paper air… Read the full press release

Mainsail Lodging and Development becomes Oakwood Worldwide’s First Oakwood Brand Franchisee

Mainsail Lodging and Development to Exclusively Manage Company’s Florida Operations LOS ANGELES, 2013-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Oakwood Worldwide, the global leader in corporate housing and serviced apartments, recently expanded its relationship with Mainsail Lodging and Development by signing the company as its first Oakwood® brand franchisee. Mainsail, based in Tampa, Fla., will exclusively manage the Florida… Read the full press release