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

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport Receives Back-to-Back Business Traveler Award for Best Airport in North America

ATL recognized as passenger favorite for the second consecutive year (IN SHORT) Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has received the 2023 Business Traveler Award for “North America’s Best Airport” for the second consecutive year. These awards recognize excellence in the airline, airport, hotel, and travel service industries. ATL was nominated by industry experts and readers of… Read the full press release

easyJet Teams Up with Collins Aerospace to Enhance Aircraft Operations and Reduce Carbon Emissions

The low-cost carrier becomes the largest operator to roll out Collins GlobalConnectSM (IN SHORT) Low-cost carrier easyJet is partnering with Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, to implement GlobalConnectSM connected aircraft services on over 330 Airbus aircraft in its fleet. This collaboration enhances safety oversight, pilot training, and operational efficiencies for easyJet. GlobalConnect enables insights into… Read the full press release

easyJet Launches ‘Letters to Santa’ Postal Service to Ensure Magical Christmas for Young Travelers

Airline’s new Lapland postal service launches for young flyers easyJet’s ‘Letters to Santa’ post boxes will be at airports for children flying this festive season The airline’s pilots and crew will fly children’s letters on its flights to Rovaniemi in Lapland, the home of Santa Claus A special letter collection service for schools across the… Read the full press release

Airlink Boosts Capacity at Richards Bay Airport in Response to Growing Demand

(IN SHORT) Airlink is upgrading its aircraft at Richards Bay Airport in KwaZulu-Natal due to increased demand for passenger and cargo services. The regional airline will transition from the 29-seater British Aerospace Jetstream 41 to the 75-seater Embraer ERJ 170. This upgrade is prompted by the growing demand for services at Richards Bay Airport, which… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific Marks 35 Years of Cadet Pilot Training and Graduates First Integrated Programme Cohort

Celebrating the graduation of the first group of cadet pilots from its integrated programme with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Cadet Pilot Training Programme, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing young aviation professionals. The event also marked the graduation of the first group of cadet pilots… Read the full press release

AirAsia Honors Late Sabah Tourism Icon Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks with Special Tribute Livery

(IN SHORT) AirAsia, a prominent airline, has unveiled a special tribute livery dedicated to the late Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks, a beloved Sabah tourism figure and former General Manager of the Sabah Tourism Board. Datuk Irene played a pivotal role in shaping and promoting Sabah’s tourism sector and had been a strong supporter of AirAsia… Read the full press release

SITA Appoints New Senior Vice Presidents to Lead Key Business Pillars

(IN SHORT) SITA, a prominent provider of technology solutions for the travel, transport, and mobility sectors, has announced the appointments of two senior vice presidents to its leadership team. Stefan Schaffner, formerly the CEO of Touchless Biometric Systems AG (TBS), has been appointed as Senior Vice President of SITA AT AIRPORTS. In his role, Schaffner… Read the full press release

Alaska Airlines to Acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 Billion, Expanding Air Travel Options Across the Pacific

Combined company to maintain Alaska Airlines’ and Hawaiian Airlines’ strong, high-quality brands, supported by a single, compelling loyalty offering. Expands fifth largest U.S. airline to a fleet of 365 narrow and wide body airplanes enabling guests to reach 138 destinations through our combined networks and more than 1,200 destinations through the oneworld Alliance. Honolulu to become… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific Redeems 50% of Hong Kong Government’s Preference Shares, Aims to Complete Buyback by July 2024

Cathay has bought back 50% of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s preference shares and plans to buy the remainder by the end of July 2024 (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific Group has achieved a significant milestone in its recovery plan by repurchasing 50% of the HK$19.5 billion preference shares issued to the Hong Kong Special Administrative… Read the full press release

British Airways Enhances Accessibility with Signed Video Content for Deaf Travelers

British Airways is partnering with SigncodeUK, an organisation dedicated to ensuring equal access to information, products and services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community  The partnership will mean customers can access key travel information in signed video form, including the airline’s onboard safety briefing via a unique QR code It is estimated that more than 150,000 people… Read the full press release

SAS Announces Leadership Changes: Chief of Staff to Retire, New Chief People Officer Appointed

(IN SHORT) Carina Malmgren Heander, the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at SAS, has decided to retire from her position effective February 1, 2024. However, she will continue to serve as a senior advisor to CEO Anko van der Werff until the summer of 2024 to ensure a smooth transition. In light of… Read the full press release

Swissport Expands Operations in Australia with New Air Cargo Handling Services at Sydney Airport

(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG, a global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has launched air cargo handling operations at Sydney Airport, Australia. This expansion into the cargo segment is part of Swissport’s growth strategy in the Asia Pacific region and complements its successful ground services business. Swissport has been actively pursuing… Read the full press release

Emirates Honors UAE’s Space Vision with Special Flight Featuring Astronaut Guests

One-off A380 flight, in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, celebrates the achievements of Dr Sultan AlNeyadi, Hazzaa AlMansoori, and the UAE’s bold National Space Strategy and Vision, just ahead of the UAE’s 52nd National Day (IN SHORT) Emirates has teamed up with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to celebrate the United Arab… Read the full press release

Spirit Airlines Honored with Gold Award for Philanthropic Efforts in Travel Weekly’s 2023 Magellan Awards

(IN SHORT) Spirit Airlines has received a Gold Award in the Airlines and Airports category for its “Giving Back Initiative” at the 2023 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. The recognition acknowledges the airline’s philanthropic efforts through the Spirit Charitable Foundation, which focuses on creating a positive social impact in areas such as children and families, service… Read the full press release

Belfast City Airport Celebrates Graduation of Five Firefighter Apprentices from ‘High Flyers’ Program

(IN SHORT) Belfast City Airport has marked the graduation of five young firefighters from its ‘High Flyers’ Apprenticeship program, securing them full-time employment within the airport’s fire service. This batch, the largest firefighting apprentice intake for the airport, excelled in training courses covering various firefighting skills, including hose running, pump operations, water rescue, boat handling,… Read the full press release

Cathay Pacific Partners with Disney+ to Offer Exclusive Inflight Entertainment Experience in Asia-Pacific

The first airline in Asia-Pacific to bring Disney+ Original titles to the skies (IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, is set to become the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to offer Disney+ Original titles as part of its inflight entertainment experience. Starting from December 1, 2023, passengers on Cathay Pacific flights will… Read the full press release

Southwest Airlines Announces Leadership Changes and Ambitious Goals to Enhance Customer Experience and Reduce Carbon Emissions

(IN SHORT) Southwest Airlines has unveiled executive leadership changes and organizational realignment aimed at supporting the company’s strategic priorities. The changes include elevating Justin Jones to Executive Vice President Operations, where he will lead efforts related to modernization and daily airline operations. Tony Roach will assume the role of Senior Vice President & Chief Customer… Read the full press release

Malaysia Airlines Launches Year-End Sale with Attractive Fares for Domestic and International Travel

(IN SHORT) Malaysia Airlines has announced its Year-End Sale, offering travelers attractive ticket prices for planning holidays until the new year. The sale, which runs from November 28 to December 11, 2023, includes fares starting from RM79 for domestic destinations and RM229 for international destinations. Travelers can explore ASEAN countries with fares like RM229 from… Read the full press release

Air Canada Receives Recognition for Outstanding Commitment to Employment Equity and Sector Distinction

Presented by the Federal Minister of Labour, awards recognizes airline’s commitment to employment equity and a diverse workforce (IN SHORT) Air Canada has been honored with two awards at the Employment Equity Achievement Awards, presented by Federal Minister of Labour and Seniors, The Honourable Seamus O’Regan. The airline was recognized for its exceptional commitment to… Read the full press release

Brussels Airport Stargate Project Advances Sustainable Aviation After Two Years

(IN SHORT) The Brussels Airport Stargate project, in collaboration with a consortium of 21 partners, has marked its two-year milestone in pursuing sustainability within aviation. This European Green Deal initiative focuses on practical solutions, such as electric ground handling equipment, the Digital Green Lane for cargo, and encouraging alternative transportation methods for staff. With further… Read the full press release

Swissport and ASYAD Announce Strategic Partnership to Boost Saudi Arabian Aviation Ground Services

(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG and Saudi ASYAD Holding have entered into binding agreements for the sale of a 49 percent stake in Swissport Saudi Arabia to ASYAD. This partnership aims to drive the development and growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation ground services sector in alignment with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. Swissport plans to… Read the full press release

British Airways Executive Club Members Can Now Earn Avios on World Duty Free Purchases at London Heathrow

British Airways Executive Club Members can now collect Avios when spending at London Heathrow’s World Duty Free shops Customers who are members of both British Airways’ and World Duty Free’s respective loyalty programmes can collect one Avios per £1 spend at the airport The partnership includes a bonus of 250 Avios on their first purchase (IN… Read the full press release

AirAsia Expands Services Between Malaysia and China/India in Response to Visa-Free Entry

AirAsia

In appreciation of the Malaysian government’s visa-free entry for travellers from China and India, AirAsia commits to a substantial expansion in capacity (IN SHORT) AirAsia has announced a significant increase in flights between Malaysia and China/India, totaling 230 weekly flights starting in the first quarter of 2024, with a capacity of up to 5.2 million… Read the full press release

Emirates Celebrates UAE National Day with In-Flight Treats, Cultural Entertainment, and Exclusive Merchandise

(IN SHORT) Emirates is marking the 52nd UAE National Day on December 2nd with special celebrations onboard its flights and in its lounges. Passengers departing from Dubai will receive Emirati-inspired sweet treats, and the aircraft interior will be illuminated with the colors of the UAE flag. In First and Business Class, customers can enjoy traditional… Read the full press release

Uzbekistan Airways Adopts SITA Mission Watch for Enhanced Flight Operations Efficiency and Cost Savings

The carrier will deploy next-generation flight tracking technology, SITA Mission Watch (IN SHORT) Uzbekistan Airways has partnered with SITA to implement SITA Mission Watch, a next-generation flight tracking solution that integrates aircraft positions with real-time weather information. By leveraging this technology, the airline aims to achieve greater operational agility and efficiency. The system’s advanced weather… Read the full press release

Emirates Receives Two ULTRAs 2023 Awards: “Best Airline in the World” and “Best Airline in the Middle East”

Double win for the Dubai-based carrier as it also took home “Best Airline in the Middle East.” Thousands of global readers recognized Emirates for its outstanding customer service, operational excellence, and world-class products. (IN SHORT) Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has been honored with two prestigious awards at the ULTRAs 2023 Awards. The airline… Read the full press release

dnata Elevates Unaccompanied Minor Services Amid 30% Surge in Demand

Air services provider sees 30% surge in demand for unaccompanied minor services (IN SHORT) dnata, a global air and travel services provider, is enhancing its services for unaccompanied minors at airports, responding to a 30% increase in demand. The company has a dedicated team of 200 agents who are expertly trained to ensure young flyers,… Read the full press release

British Airways American Express Card Offers Non-Flying Members a Chance to Earn Tier Points

(IN SHORT) British Airways Executive Club Members now have a unique opportunity to earn Tier Points without flying, thanks to a limited-time offer from the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card. Running until May 21, 2024, this promotion allows eligible Cardmembers to earn up to 200 Tier Points based on their spending habits. They… Read the full press release