Michelin-Starred Caprice in Hong Kong Celebrates Chef’s 20th Anniversary with Culinary Extravaganza

(IN SHORT) Caprice, the renowned three-Michelin-starred French restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong, is hosting a culinary extravaganza to celebrate Executive Chef Guillaume Galliot’s 20th anniversary in Asia. From January 17 to 20, 2024, Chef Guillaume will be joined by 26 world-renowned chefs, boasting over 30 Michelin stars combined, to curate a… 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

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

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

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