Corporate Travel News - April 2025

 

Airline updates

Virgin Atlantic announces partnership with revolutionary air taxi service, Joby

The two companies have agreed to partner on the launch of Joby’s air taxi service in the UK, aiming to offer seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys starting with regional connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport. The electrical air taxis can carry a pilot and up to four passengers, in future customers will be able to reserve a seat through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website and other channels. Read more

 

Emirates introduces four-class Boeing 777 on flights between London Stansted and Dubai

From 7 May, London Stansted will become the third UK destination (after Heathrow and Edinburgh) to showcase Emirates’ latest generation products and refreshed cabin interiors. Read more

 

 

Qatar Airways will add three more flights between Berlin and Doha this summer

Qatar Airways has announced an increase in its Berlin-Doha schedule. From 10 July, the carrier will add three more flights to its weekly schedule, allowing them to operate services three times a week.

 

 

Lufthansa’s new First Class cabin interior now available on select long-haul routes from Munich

Customers flying from Munich to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru can now experience Lufthansa’s new Allegris First Class cabin. The exclusive new suites feature ceiling-high walls, a lockable door, large table and wide seat, 43-inch-wide-screen and wireless headphones. The Suite Plus option with two wide seats also allows guests to heat or cool their seats according to individual needs. Read more

 

Qatar Airways increases services to key European destinations

To facilitate increased demand, Qatar Airways is increasing its services to Amsterdam (from seven weekly flights to 11), Larnaka (from seven weekly flights to 10), London Heathrow (from 49 weekly flights to 56), and Madrid (from 14 weekly flights to 17). Read more

 

 

SWISS refreshes onboard dining options for Economy and Premium Economy classes on long-haul flights

Passengers travelling in SWISS’ Economy and Premium Economy travel classes will enjoy new dining options on long-haul routes, including newly devised meals and a wider choice of drinks. Read more

 

 

Air France reveals new La Premiere first-class experience

Beginning this spring, Air France will gradually introduce its new exclusive cabin onboard a selection of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The new La Premiere cabins offer nearly 3.5 square metres of space (25% more space than the current cabin), a seat and a chaise longue that converts to a two-metre-long bed, two 32-inch 4K screens, noise cancelling headphones, and a wireless touchscreen tablet to navigate through the entertainment options. Read more

 

Etihad Airways to expand UK network with double daily flights from Manchester

From 30 September, Etihad Airways will operate services between Manchester and Abu Dhabi twice a day. The schedule has been designed to maximise convenience for business and leisure travellers, offering greater choice and flexibility. Flights will depart Manchester each day at 09:15 and 20:40.

 

 

Air France and KLM expand European network for summer season

Air France announces it will increase the number of direct flights between Paris and Amsterdam this summer, while KLM’s new daily services to Ljubljana and Exeter began operating at the end of March. Read more

 

 

Air France rolls out Economy Comfort on all long-haul flights

Air France is gradually rolling out Economy Comfort across its long-haul routes, with tickets available to book from 6 May. With Economy Comfort, travellers can look forward to a more personalised travel experience, with more legroom, extra recline, and priority boarding in zone 3. Read more

 

 

Air India showcases first retrofitted A320neo aircraft

Air India has revealed that the first of its 27 narrow body aircraft planned to undergo refurbishment has now re-joined operations. It features new seats, carpets, curtains and cabin ambience along with fresh exterior paint and a new livery. Read more

 

 

Air France announces new nonstop service between Paris CDG and Riyadh

From 19 May, Air France will offer three weekly direct flights between the French and Saudi Arabian capitals. The frequency will then increase from 1 June, with five flights per week for the remainder of the summer season. Flights will operate onboard Airbus A350-900 aircraft with 324 seats. Read more

 

Hotel updates

Leonardo Hotels to take over historic Hotel Badischer Hof in Baden-Baden, Germany

Germany’s first palace hotel is undergoing extensive renovations to become part of the Leonardo Limited Edition brand from 1 May. The hotel features a park-like garden, spacious spa area, and 153 stylish rooms and suites. Read more

 

 

RBH adds two new properties to London portfolio

RBH Hospitality Management announced it has been appointed to manage two new hotels in London, ibis London Sutton Point with 99 bedrooms and Aparthotel Adagio London Sutton Point with 59 keys. Read more

 

 

Leonardo Boutique Rome Monti opens doors to guests

Just a short walk from landmarks such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, the hotel is a perfect base for leisure and business travellers. There are 80 rooms, a spacious breakfast room, two well-equipped meeting rooms and a wellness area with a sauna and hot tub. It also features a bar, cosy courtyard, and a unique library. Read more

 

 

Marriott’s The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid reopens after extensive two-year restoration

Formerly The Westin Palace, Madrid, the renovations have unveiled a charming new identity that marries historical heritage and luxury with innovative design. The hotel is situated on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the centre of some of the city’s most renowned cultural institutions. The interiors of the 470 guest rooms and suites, all-day restaurant and cocktail bar have been completely redesigned while the hotel’s facade has been restored to its original 1912 splendour. Read more

 

Radisson Blu Hotel, Montpelliér opens just steps from Le Corum Convention Centre

Catering to both business and leisure travellers, it features 144 rooms and suites each with modern décor, spacious workstations and panoramic city views. Guests can also enjoy carefully curated French cuisine at the Le Boudoir Montpelliérain restaurant, a stylish hotel bar, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa. The hotel also boasts almost 500 square metres of versatile meeting space, set across five rooms. Read more

 

IHG announces new signing in Edinburgh, opposite Haymarket Station

The 195-room Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh is expected to open in the second half of this year, offering great travel links and easy access to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Read more

 

 

Radisson Hotel Group signs four new conversion properties in Bergen, Norway

These new hotels mark the introduction of Radisson’s ‘Individuals’ and ‘Prize by Radisson’ brands into Norway. Collectively, the new hotels bring 519 guest rooms to the portfolio: Magic Kloverhuset Harbour Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals has 157 keys, Magic Hotel Bergen City Center, a member of Radisson Individuals features 90 guest rooms, Prize by Radisson, Solheimsviken Bergen has 217 keys, and Prize by Radisson, Xhibition Bergen City offers 55 rooms. Read more

 

IHG opens first ‘net zero’ branded property, which runs entirely on renewable and solar energy

The 142-room voco Zeal Exeter Science Park operates entirely on renewable and solar energy and has earned a BREAAM Outstanding rating. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy a mini gym, gardens, a versatile meeting space and 12 EV charging stations. Read more

 

 

Ground updates

Eurostar’s redesigned Premier Lounge in Paris reopens

The newly redesigned lounge is inspired by the elegance of Paris. It features enhanced seating, dedicated spaces for work and relaxation, and a premium atmosphere. Taking a circular approach to the refurbishments, Eurostar has repurposed much of the existing furniture and materials. The lounge is accessible to Eurostar Premier ticket holders on the day of travel and Club Eurostar members with Carte Blanche or Étoile status.

 

Carey International announces major upgrade to London fleet

A £2.5 million fleet investment has seen Carey International upgrade its saloon car fleet to entirely hybrid and electric vehicles, a significant step towards its pledge to reduce its global emissions by 50% by 2030.