Qatar Airways Expands African Network with New Route to Kinshasa, DRC

The award-winning airline extends its frequency to Luanda, Angola to include the new route to Kinshasa, DRC (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has announced the expansion of its network to include Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in a strategic move to enhance connectivity within Africa and beyond. Commencing from June 1, 2024, the airline will… Read the full press release

Hilton Expands into Luxury Lifestyle Market with Acquisition of Sydell Group’s NoMad Brand

(IN SHORT) Hilton has acquired a majority controlling interest in Sydell Group to expand its NoMad Hotels brand globally, marking its entry into the luxury lifestyle hotel market. Led by founder Andrew Zobler, Sydell has created dynamic lifestyle brands, including NoMad, known for exceptional food and beverage offerings, interior design, and service. With plans for… Read the full press release

IHG Expands Presence in South Korea with voco Seoul Myeongdong Signing

voco Seoul Myeongdong to welcome guests by the middle of this year (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to rebrand a 576-room property in Seoul’s vibrant Myeongdong district as voco Seoul Myeongdong, marking the brand’s second venture in South Korea after voco Seoul Gangnam. Partnering with Gravity Asset Management’s Seoul South… Read the full press release

Kimpton Expands into the Caribbean with Boutique Luxury Hotel in Santo Domingo

(IN SHORT) Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, is set to open its first property in the Dominican Republic with Kimpton Las Mercedes, located in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City neighborhood. Owned by Megeve Investment Office S.A.S and operated by Iberostar Group, this boutique luxury hotel will feature 130 guest rooms,… Read the full press release

Emirates to Boost Regional Flights for Eid Al Fitr; Unveils Special Menu and Entertainment

Additional flights to regional destinations driven by high demand (IN SHORT) Emirates Airlines is set to increase its flight schedules across the region with 19 additional flights during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday period, anticipating more than 150,000 customers to fly with the airline. Extra flights will be added from Jeddah, Kuwait, Beirut, and… Read the full press release

Boeing Secures $559 Million U.S. Air Force Contract for Little Mountain Test Facility Operations

Team’s work will ensure readiness of defense and deterrence capabilities (IN SHORT) Boeing, a global aerospace company, has been awarded a significant contract by the U.S. Air Force worth up to $559 million over five years to manage, maintain, and conduct testing at the Little Mountain Test Facility located at Hill Air Force Base, Utah…. Read the full press release

Norwegian Expands Munich Flights to Spanish Hotspots

(IN SHORT) Norwegian Airlines announces the expansion of its flight offerings from Munich, adding two Spanish destinations, Alicante and Malaga, to its schedule effective April. Amid the ongoing recovery from COVID-19 disruptions, the airline’s subsidiary, Norwegian Air Sweden, operating under the code “D8,” will introduce flights to Alicante twice a week and Malaga thrice weekly,… Read the full press release

Swissport Launches International Operations at Tulum Airport, Boosting Tourism Connectivity

(IN SHORT) Swissport International has commenced its operations as the primary ground services provider at Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto in Tulum, Mexico, marking a significant milestone with the inauguration of international air traffic. With the arrival of flight AA1131 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Swissport becomes the exclusive handler for international flights at… Read the full press release

Marriott Hotels Unveils Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, Redefining Luxury on Perhentian Kecil Island

Wonderful Hospitality Awaits at Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, Marking Marriott International’s Debut in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (IN SHORT) Marriott Hotels introduces Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, a luxurious sanctuary nestled in the picturesque setting of Perhentian Kecil Island in Terengganu, Malaysia, marking the brand’s debut in the region. The resort’s design reflects… Read the full press release

dnata Secures Exclusive Inflight Catering Contract with Etihad Airways at Boston Logan Airport

(IN SHORT) dnata, a global leader in air and travel services, announces a significant multi-year partnership with Etihad Airways in the USA, entailing the provision of top-tier inflight catering services at Boston Logan Airport. Under this agreement, dnata’s skilled teams will uplift over 125,000 meals yearly for Etihad’s four weekly flights to Abu Dhabi, commencing… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines Launches Historic Nonstop Route between Tokyo and Doha

(IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) marks a significant milestone with the inauguration of its direct service between Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) and Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), becoming the first Japanese airline to establish a nonstop route to the Middle East. The code-share agreement with Qatar Airways, a fellow oneworld® alliance member, enhances connectivity… Read the full press release

Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles Partner for Ultimate Family Holiday Experience

As the Official Cruise Holiday Partner of The Wiggles, the Cruise Line Invites Families to Holiday with the World’s Most Popular Children’s Entertainment Group (IN SHORT) Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles are teaming up to offer an unparalleled family holiday experience in Australia for the summer of 2025-2026. The collaboration introduces exclusive Wiggles Sailings featuring… Read the full press release

Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch: A New Hub for Business and Leisure in Western Australia

The 150-room purpose-built hotel in Perth’s urban growth corridor will serve as the premium centrepiece of the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct (IN SHORT) Courtyard by Marriott® celebrates the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch, its first hotel in Western Australia, in partnership with Hesperia. Located in Perth’s vibrant Murdoch precinct, the hotel offers… Read the full press release

IHG Unveils New Prototype Options for Suites Brands, Enhancing Flexibility for Developers

Supplemental design options maximize space and revenue potential for any market or site plan (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces new prototype options for its three suites brands – Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, and Atwell Suites – offering greater flexibility for developers in site configurations and market types. These options emphasize space optimization and… Read the full press release

Kimpton Expands Luxury Presence in Mexico with Opening of Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa in Todos Santos

(IN SHORT) Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, in collaboration with Highgate, announces the launch of Kimpton Mas Olas Resort & Spa, a new boutique luxury resort in Todos Santos, Mexico. Nestled on the Baja Sur peninsula, the resort offers 103 tranquil guest rooms and villas, thoughtfully designed with a blend of contemporary aesthetics and local craftsmanship…. Read the full press release

Six Senses and Select Group Collaborate to Redefine Wellness Living in Dubai Marina

(IN SHORT) Six Senses, in partnership with Select Group, announces the launch of Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina, following the success of their previous project, Six Senses Residences The Palm, Dubai. The new development aims to revolutionize healthy living by seamlessly integrating wellness-centric infrastructure and amenities into its design, making it the world’s tallest residential… Read the full press release

Japan Airlines Unveils Ambitious Fleet Renewal Plan

Accelerating International Network Growth: Introducing Advanced Fuel-Efficient Aircraft (IN SHORT) Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced an ambitious fleet renewal plan, introducing a total of 21 Airbus A350-900, 11 A321neo, and 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, aiming to enhance its international and domestic operations. With a focus on expanding capacity in regions like North America and Asia,… Read the full press release

IHG and Hainan Airlines Forge New Heights in Travel Experience Integration

This collaboration will see integrated offerings from both companies, including a branded aircraft, in-flight experiences, and membership benefits (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) and Hainan Airlines have embarked on a groundbreaking partnership, introducing the ‘IHG Explorer’ aircraft and redefining air travel with a blend of hospitality and innovation. The collaboration brings bespoke business… Read the full press release

Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM Launch Unprecedented Rewards Collaboration

Unprecedented collaboration between sports betting and hospitality leaders to reach millions with real-world rewards. Features sweepstakes for the opportunity to win VIP Los Angeles vacation curated by Blake Griffin. (IN SHORT) Marriott Bonvoy and BetMGM have teamed up to introduce a groundbreaking rewards collaboration in the online sports betting and iGaming industry. Through this partnership,… Read the full press release

Marriott International Partners with Hainan Qianrui to Introduce W Hotels to Sanya, China

Marriott International, Inc. recently announced it has signed an agreement with Hainan Qianrui Industrial Development Co., Ltd. to bring the W Hotels brand to Sanya, the popular tourist hub located on China’s southerly island province of Hainan (IN SHORT) Marriott International has inked a deal with Hainan Qianrui Industrial Development Co., Ltd. to bring the… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts Partners with RB Leipzig to Offer Exclusive Rewards for Loyalty Members

IHG One Rewards invites its loyalty members to access exclusive club matches and experiences to remember (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has teamed up with German football club RB Leipzig to provide unforgettable experiences for its IHG One Rewards members, offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities throughout the season. Members can now redeem their loyalty points for… Read the full press release

Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance Calls for UK Leadership in Sustainable Flight

The Hydrogen in Aviation alliance is calling for a comprehensive industrial strategy for aviation to ensure the UK is a global leader in the development of  hydrogen aviation The report sets out how to ensure the country has the right conditions for the technological development, regulation, infrastructure, financial framework and hydrogen supply that will be needed for hydrogen… Read the full press release

IHG Hotels & Resorts Reaches 1,012 Open Hotels in Asia Pacific, Accelerating Growth Across the Region

“We’re investing in our brands, delivering great returns for our owners, and driving growth across the region” – Rajit Sukumaran, MD EAPAC (IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts achieves a significant milestone with 1,012 open hotels in Asia Pacific, marking a remarkable expansion for the global hospitality company. Over the past year, IHG has welcomed… Read the full press release

Swissport Joins Airbus’ OpenCargoLab to Shape Future of Air Cargo Handling

(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG has become a participant in Airbus’ OpenCargoLab initiative, collaborating with industry leaders like KLM Cargo, Kuehne+Nagel, CHAMP Cargosystems, and Fraport to pioneer data-driven concepts for the future of air cargo handling. Led by Airbus, OpenCargoLab aims to harness digital innovation, including AI and sensor technologies, to enhance the efficiency of… Read the full press release

IATA and Smart Freight Centre Collaborate to Standardize Air Cargo Emissions Calculation

(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Smart Freight Centre (SFC) have teamed up to enhance CO2 emissions calculations for air cargo shipments, marking a significant stride in global decarbonization efforts within the air transport sector. Through their partnership, the organizations will focus on refining the cargo component of IATA’s CO2 Connect… Read the full press release

IATA and Pharma.Aero Collaborate to Elevate CEIV Pharma Certification Standards

(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Pharma.Aero have partnered to enhance IATA’s Certification for the Excellence in Pharmaceutical Handling (CEIV Pharma) program, a globally recognized mark of quality in pharmaceutical product handling. Through a two-year study involving stakeholders from certified entities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and air logistics professionals, opportunities for program improvement were… Read the full press release

Accor Announces Share Repurchase Agreement with Jinjiang International

(IN SHORT) Accor has finalized a share purchase agreement to repurchase 7 million of its own shares from Jinjiang International, representing 2.77% of its capital, at a price per share of €39.22. This transaction, totaling €275 million, is part of Accor’s €400 million share buyback program for 2024. Following the repurchase, Jinjiang International’s stake in… Read the full press release

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa: A New Landmark in Greek Luxury Hospitality

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa will introduce the brand’s mindful ethos and serene spaces to the sought-after island destination (IN SHORT) Marriott International, Inc. has partnered with Vasilakis SA to introduce the JW Marriott brand to Greece with the upcoming JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, set to open in 2025. Spanning 100 acres… Read the full press release

Atwell Suites Opens First Texas Property in Austin, Bringing Unique All-Suite Accommodations to the Area

(IN SHORT) Atwell Suites, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has announced the opening of its first Texas property in Austin, marking the brand’s third U.S. location. The 80-room Atwell Suites Austin Airport, the brand’s first conversion property, offers a new kind of all-suite accommodation designed for longer stays blending business and leisure seamlessly. Featuring… Read the full press release

Heathrow’s ‘Fly Up’ Breakfast Raises Awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Heathrow partners with Heston Blumenthal’s Perfectionists’ Cafe to create a special new full English Biofuel breakfast launched to increase understanding of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) SAF is single biggest driver to help Heathrow reach Net Zero by 2050 Only 14 per cent of travellers have heard of SAF Heathrow calls on government to mandate SAF… Read the full press release