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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

OurAfrica.Travel Wraps Up 2024 Virtual Trade Show on a High Note, Emphasizing Sustainability and Community Engagement

OurAfrica.Travel 2024 Organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt

(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 news article

Weeva Integrates AI into Sustainability Platform, Leading the Charge for Sustainable Tourism at ITB Berlin 2024

James Lever ITB Weeva ai Launch

(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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

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 news article

Emirates Celebrates Remarkable Success in Winter Baggage Handling

(IN SHORT) Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced its busiest winter season for baggage handling in the last three years. From September 2023 to January 2024, Emirates maintained a 99.9% success rate in handling an average of 2.7 million bags per month traveling from Dubai to 140 global destinations. The airline’s excellent record… Read the full news article

dnata Transitions to Electric Fleet at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as Part of Green Strategy

More than 65% of all dnata’s ground support equipment at Schiphol Airport is now electric dnata on track to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 globally (IN SHORT) dnata, a global air and travel services provider, is making strides toward its goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 by replacing all… Read the full news article

AirAsia MOVE Launches MOVETIX, a Revolutionary Ticketing Platform for Global Events and Activities

(IN SHORT) AirAsia MOVE, Asia’s premier travel booking app, has partnered with Coras, a leading global ticket distribution platform, to introduce MOVETIX, an innovative ticketing platform available within the AirAsia MOVE app. MOVETIX offers access to over 10,000 global events and activities, seamlessly integrated with flights, hotels, and rides, all in one convenient application. The… Read the full news article

Cathay Cargo Terminal Launches eSRF, Pioneering Digital Import Collection in Hong Kong

Leveraging the power of Airport Authority Hong Kong’s HKIA Cargo Data Platform (IN SHORT) Cathay Cargo Terminal has introduced Electronic Shipment Release Forms (eSRF), becoming the first cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to offer end-to-end digitalized import collection. Leveraging Airport Authority Hong Kong’s (AAHK) HKIA Cargo Data Platform, the eSRF feature streamlines the import… Read the full news article

Choice Hotels Makes History by Moving Entire Infrastructure to AWS Cloud

The all-in move to AWS cements Choice’s technology leadership within the industry, and allows it to deliver cutting-edge services to franchisees (IN SHORT) Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by closing its last data center and becoming the first hotel company to shift its entire system infrastructure to the cloud,… Read the full news article

Ryanair Partners with Kiwi.com to Ensure Transparent Pricing for Customers

KIWI GUARANTEE NO OVERCHARGING FOR RYANAIR FLIGHTS/ANCILLARIES (IN SHORT) Ryanair has entered into a partnership agreement with Kiwi.com, an approved online travel agency (OTA), to provide customers with direct access to Ryanair’s website without screenscraping. Under this agreement, Kiwi.com will offer Ryanair flights and ancillaries to its customers at real prices, eliminating mark-ups. Kiwi customers… Read the full news article

AirAsia MOVE and Coras Launch Innovative MOVETIX Ticketing Platform

(IN SHORT) AirAsia MOVE, Asia’s premier travel booking app, has partnered with Coras, a global ticket distribution platform, to introduce MOVETIX, an innovative ticketing platform offering access to over 10,000 global events and activities, alongside flights, hotels, rides, and more, all through a single app. Spearheaded by Hassan Choudhury, CEO of RedRecords, a joint venture… Read the full news article

DAKOSY and Fraport Establish Joint Venture ‘allivate’ for Air Cargo Digitalization

Anchoring digital infrastructure Developing and operating cargo community systems Faster market launch of new air cargo applications (IN SHORT) Software provider DAKOSY and airport operator Fraport have formed a joint venture named allivate GmbH, with each holding a 50 percent stake. The primary focus of this partnership is to enhance the digitalization of air cargo… Read the full news article

Gerald R. Ford International Airport Announces Fifth Cohort of FLITE Grant Recipients Advancing Air Travel Innovation

Over $200,000 in Grant Funds Awarded to Companies Revolutionizing the Aviation Industry (IN SHORT) The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Seamless Ventures, Southwest Airlines, and the West Michigan Aviation Academy, has unveiled the fifth cohort of companies set to receive over $200,000 in total grant… Read the full news article

Brussels Meeting Unites Aircraft Manufacturers to Advance Electric, Hybrid, and Hydrogen Air Transport

(IN SHORT) Aircraft manufacturers, both new technology startups and established OEMs, convened in Brussels for a significant Industry Affairs and Environment and Social Group meeting organized by ERA (European Regions Airline Association). The meeting aimed to foster collaboration and accelerate the adoption of electric, hybrid electric, and hydrogen aircraft in regional air transport. Participants included… Read the full news article

Moxy Hotels and Sanctuary Partner for Cosmic Travel Experiences in 2024

Playful hotel brand and popular horoscope platform come together in unprecedented partnership during year of astrological transition (IN SHORT) In an exciting collaboration, Moxy Hotels and Sanctuary, a leading digital astrology platform, have announced a yearlong partnership to offer travelers a unique cosmic journey. This partnership will provide travelers with astro-adventure guides, personalized travel recommendations,… Read the full news article

Unlocking the Potential of Regional Airports in the United States Through Technology

(IN SHORT) Despite approximately 90% of Americans having a regional airport nearby, the United States, Europe, and the UK are witnessing a decline in air traffic from regional airports. In contrast, the United States Travel Association anticipates a surge in domestic leisure travel in 2024. The key challenge faced by regional airports is adapting to… Read the full news article