A new era of innovative growth including exciting product reveals are in the pipeline In a major development, the GCEO said a new First Class cabin will be introduced by Qatar Airways His strategy for Qatar’s national carrier includes pioneering innovation in digital technologies, products, fleet growth and employee engagement as Qatar Airways continues its… Read the full press release
Category Archives: Travel Tech
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 Launches Digitalization Leadership Charter to Drive Air Cargo Industry Innovation
(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduces the Digitalization Leadership Charter during the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong, with leading air cargo entities including Cathay Cargo, CHAMP Cargosystems, and Lufthansa Cargo as inaugural signatories. Aimed at accelerating the industry’s digital transformation, the charter outlines five guiding principles developed in consultation with… Read the full press release
Swissport Adopts CHAMP’s Cargospot-neo to Revolutionize Air Cargo Handling
(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG, a global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has embarked on a significant digitalization initiative by becoming the inaugural adopter of CHAMP’s Cargospot-neo, an advanced cargo operations and terminal management solution. Leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence, Cargospot-neo promises to enhance efficiency by up to 30% across… Read the full press release
Emirates and Butterfly Aero Training Honored with IATA CBTA Center Innovation Awards
(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) bestowed the IATA Competency-Based Training and Assessment Center (CBTA Center) Innovation Awards upon Emirates and Butterfly Aero Training. Butterfly Aero Training received recognition for its AI ChatBot, offering personalized, interactive learning experiences, while Emirates was lauded for its Li-Battery Acceptance App, providing immediate guidance on transporting lithium… Read the full press release
Iberia Enhances Customer Experience with WhatsApp Flight Notifications
The airline’s customers receive check-in and gate information. Soon, Iberia will also send information regarding changes to flight schedules and connecting gates. All passengers registered on iberia.com and members of the Iberia Plus programme can use this service. WhatsApp thus becomes a strategic and preferred channel for customers to receive information in… Read the full press release
Hyatt Regency Partners with Future to Enhance Guest Wellbeing with Customized Virtual Workouts
Guests and members at participating Hyatt Regency hotels in the U.S. will have access to 130 complimentary guided workouts, custom-designed for all fitness levels (IN SHORT) Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces an exclusive collaboration between its Hyatt Regency brand and Future, a personal training platform, aimed at enhancing guest wellbeing during their stays. Launching at 26… Read the full press release
Qantas and Great Barrier Reef Foundation Collaborate to Restore Coral Reefs and Combat Climate Change
Qantas partners with Great Barrier Reef Foundation to accelerate restoration of coral reefs The national carrier to invest $10 million over 10 years including rollout of world-first coral restoration technology Qantas Group launches Nature Action Plan outlining commitment to address nature and biodiversity loss (IN SHORT) Qantas partners with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to… Read the full press release
Emirates Showcases Latest Innovations and Commitment to Berlin at ITB 2024
Official Opening Tour delegation including Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises visited Emirates Return with own exhibition stand reaffirms commitment to ITB Berlin and the German market (IN SHORT) Emirates welcomed senior officials, including Berlin’s Governing Mayor, to its stand at ITB Berlin, marking… Read the full press release
Weeva Unveils Groundbreaking AI Integration at ITB Berlin, Revolutionizing Sustainability in Travel
(IN SHORT) At the prestigious ITB Berlin travel trade show, Weeva made headlines by launching its pioneering AI capabilities, a first-of-its-kind development in the travel and tourism industry. The platform, known for its sustainability management tools, now integrates generative AI, aiming to simplify data capture, offer industry-leading resources, and streamline sustainability reporting. Weeva’s Chief Technology… Read the full press release
MSC Cruises Enhances Onboard Connectivity with SpaceX’s Starlink Across Fleet
(IN SHORT) MSC Cruises announces significant progress in its onboard connectivity initiative with two-thirds of its ships now equipped with SpaceX’s Starlink, aiming for completion across the entire fleet by May 2024. The adoption of Starlink has led to faster internet speeds, improved Wi-Fi coverage, reduced latency, and lower operational costs on 15 of the… Read the full press release
Qatar Airways Unveils AI-Driven Travel Experience at Web Summit Qatar
Qatar Airways, recognised for the World’s Best Airline Website, introduces a transformative AI-driven experience at the world’s biggest tech show, held for the first time in Qatar The new experience is set to transform how customers discover their dream destination (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways, renowned for its digital innovation, introduces a groundbreaking AI-driven experience at… Read the full press release
MATAR Wins Best Use of Big Data Award at Qatar Digital Business Awards 2023
(IN SHORT) MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management, clinched the Best Innovative Use of Big Data and Analytics award at the Qatar Digital Business Awards 2023 for its implementation at Hamad International Airport (DOH). This recognition highlights MATAR’s commitment to innovation through data-driven solutions, particularly in enhancing employee development and passenger experience…. Read the full press release
IAPCO’s 54th Annual Meeting in Ljubljana: Fostering Innovation and Sustainability in the Meetings Industry
(IN SHORT) From February 28th to March 2nd, 2024, the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO) is holding its 54th annual meeting and general assembly in Ljubljana, Slovenia. With around 160 directors and owners of congress agencies attending from across the globe, the event, organized by Cankarjev dom with support from local and national… Read the full press release
Emirates Takes Flight at ITB Berlin: Showcasing Innovation and Commitment to Europe
The airline’s highly popular Premium Economy seat, and Game-changer First Class suite will debut for the first time in Germany Emirates reinforces its longstanding commitment to Europe, aiming to strengthen and forge new strategic partnerships across the regional travel and aviation ecosystem The airline will showcase its latest sustainability initiatives to visitors and partners… Read the full press release
Qatar Airways Unveils Next-Gen MetaHuman Cabin Crew Sama 2.0 at ITB Berlin 2024
Qatar Airways will showcase its latest digital innovation at the world leading travel trade show, taking place from 5-7 March 2024 Qatar Airways is the world’s first airline to develop a virtual MetaHuman cabin crew The dynamic reveal will highlight Sama’s second generation capabilities powered by artificial intelligence (IN SHORT) Qatar Airways sets a new… Read the full press release
Design Hotels™ Partners with Weeva to Drive Sustainable Practices in Independent Hospitality
(IN SHORT) Weeva, a digital sustainability management solution, partners with Design Hotels™ to assist independent hotels in implementing data-led sustainability initiatives. Through Weeva’s platform, hotels can efficiently manage sustainability efforts, track environmental and social impact, and improve operational efficiency. The collaboration includes workshops and roundtables to foster sustainable practices within the industry. (PRESS RELEASE) London,… Read the full press release
Cathay Cargo Expands Digital Connectivity with DB Schenker Through New API Integration and Developer Portal
Cathay Cargo also launches a portal making it easier for freight forwarder developer teams to connect with the Click & Ship booking platform (IN SHORT) Cathay Cargo announces the launch of an application programming interface (API) that grants DB Schenker access to its Click & Ship booking platform, facilitating real-time inventory checks, bookings, and confirmations…. 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
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
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
OurAfrica.Travel Wraps Up 2024 Virtual Trade Show on a High Note, Emphasizing Sustainability and Community Engagement
(IN SHORT) The OurAfrica.Travel 2024 virtual trade show concluded with remarkable success, boasting increased participation and engagement compared to the previous two years. With 222 exhibitors, 479 buyers, and 23 media attendees from around the world, the event facilitated over 8,500 meetings and exchanged over 44,000 messages over five days. The organizers emphasized the show’s… Read the full press release
Weeva Integrates AI into Sustainability Platform, Leading the Charge for Sustainable Tourism at ITB Berlin 2024
(IN SHORT) Weeva, a leading sustainability platform, will be exhibiting at ITB Berlin 2024, showcasing its innovative integration of generative AI into its sustainability data management tool. James Lever, Weeva’s Chief Technology Officer, will unveil this integration at the eTravel Stage on March 5th. The company aims to revolutionize hotel tech by leveraging AI to… Read the full press release
Vienna Airport Embarks on €420 Million Terminal Expansion Project to Enhance Passenger Experience
To make travelling even more convenient for passengers: Construction Begins on € 420 Million Terminal Expansion at Vienna Airport Ground-breaking ceremony with Lower Austrian Governor Mikl-Leitner, Vienna Mayor and Governor Ludwig and the airport operating company’s Management Board members Jäger and Ofner – Extension scheduled to commence operations in 2027 (IN SHORT) Vienna Airport has… Read the full press release
British Airways Implements Innovative E-Logs System for Aircraft Maintenance Efficiency
(IN SHORT) British Airways has introduced the E-Logs platform, a state-of-the-art engineering system that leverages real-time data to predict and prevent aircraft maintenance issues, ultimately reducing delays and saving approximately 900,000 pieces of paper annually. This digital solution provides live performance information for the airline’s entire fleet, enabling swift identification and proactive resolution of potential… Read the full press release
Swissport’s Flower Corridor: A Sustainable Valentine’s Day Journey for Fresh Roses
(IN SHORT) As Valentine’s Day approaches, Swissport’s innovative Flower Corridor takes center stage in the global flower export industry, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of over 9,000 tons of fresh roses from the Kenyan highlands to Europe. With a focus on sustainability, Swissport’s cold-chain initiative not only guarantees the freshness and extended shelf life… Read the full press release
SAS Unveils Mystery Flight Experience ‘Destination Unknown’ for EuroBonus Members
(IN SHORT) SAS launched its innovative flight experience called “Destination Unknown,” allowing EuroBonus members to sign up for a mystery journey departing from Copenhagen Airport on April 5, 2024. Within minutes of opening registration, over 1000 members eagerly signed up for the chance to embark on this unique adventure. The trip promises an extraordinary experience… Read the full press release
Hamad International Airport Wins Prestigious Digital Signage Award for Innovative ORCHARD Display
(IN SHORT) Hamad International Airport (DOH) received recognition at the Digital Signage Awards for its digital ribbon display adorning the ORCHARD, the airport’s indoor tropical garden. The award, presented in Barcelona, highlights the airport’s commitment to excellence and innovation in enhancing passenger experience. Spanning approximately 1.2 kilometers and featuring bespoke visuals created in collaboration with… Read the full press release
The Travel Hub Collection: Empowering Travel Agents with Comprehensive Destination Training
(IN SHORT) The Travel Hub Collection introduces a comprehensive educational platform designed for travel trade professionals to enhance their knowledge and expertise in destinations worldwide. Curated by destination experts and specialist partners, this free platform offers accurate and impartial destination information, empowering agents to design exceptional travel experiences for their clients. Key features include regional… Read the full press release
Brussels Airport Successfully Implements Airport Operations Plan Enhancing Passenger Experience and Efficiency
(IN SHORT) Over the past five years, Brussels Airport led a European project aimed at developing and optimizing an Airport Operations Plan (AOP) to enhance processes and the passenger experience using data-driven predictability. The AOP, defined by SESAR, is a vital tool for optimizing airport operations by integrating data from various systems, prediction models, and… Read the full press release