Corporate Travel News: April 2021
Coronavirus Travel Updates.
NHS app to be used as coronavirus passport
The NHS app will be used to allow Britons to demonstrate whether they have had a COVID jab, or tested negative for the virus, before travelling abroad. A existing NHS app that’s used for accessing a range of NHS services such as booking appointments will be expanded to show peoples results. This means travellers from the UK will soon be able to travel without having to quarantine on their return, although COVID tests before departure, as well as on their UK return is still essential.
UK government to implement traffic light system mid-May
The UK government has unveiled more details on the proposed ‘traffic light’ system which is intending to be implemented as international travel reopens. The proposed date is from 17th May 2021 and Heathrow Airport bosses have confirmed they are planning for that date, but no firm dates have been confirmed. The government has said testing still remains an essential part of protecting public health as restrictions begin to ease.
EU plans to open to US travellers
Fully vaccinated travellers from the USA should soon be able to travel to Europe. The European Union will accept unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated and that is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be able to have free movement to travel to Europe.
Airlines/Airports.
Virgin Atlantic to launch IATA Travel Pass and TrustAssure trials
Virgin Atlantic has taken a major step forward towards the introduction of digital health passes, partnering with IATA Travel Pass and TrustAssure to launch two separate, complimentary trials to streamline customer journeys. From 16th April 2021 the airline will commence a one-month trial of the pass on its popular London Heathrow to Barbados service. Read more
British Airways looks towards a zero-emission aircraft
British Airways has invested in ZeroAvia, a leading innovator in decarbonising commercial aviation, in the effort to accelerate the development of a 50+ seater aircraft capable of running on zero-emissions hydrogen-electric power. The new investment reflects the importance of sustainability and supports the airline’s goal of net-zero carbon emission by 2050. Read more
easyJet launches new route from Newquay to Gatwick
From 8th June 2021, easyJet has launched a summer domestic route from Newquay to London Gatwick, providing a new link to the capital from Cornwall. Flights to Newquay will operate three times weekly through to the end of October. The new route will provide customers with direct connections to and from the South West Coast. Read more
British Airways introduces a home-dining scheme
British Airways has teamed up with its premium catering partner DO & CO, and Feast Box, a provider of internationally inspired recipe boxes, to create a limited-edition cook-at-home meal kit that mirrors British Airways’ First Cabin. Customers can choose from a variety of food options and will receive full ingredients – as used in the First cabin to cook the meals at home. Read more
Finnair plans to go ahead with electric aircraft developed by Heart Aerospace
Finnair has taken an interest in an electric aviation force for the future of flying. The airline could acquire up to 20 of the new 19-seater Heart Aerospace ES-19 electric aircraft, for the use of the airline’s short routes. As part of the airline’s commitment to sustainability, Finnair is committed to halving its net CO2 emissions by the end of 2025 and achieving carbon neutrality in 2045. Read more
KLM introduces Wi-Fi on European flights
KLM has begun installing Wi-Fi technology on a number of aircraft from its Boeing 737 fleet. The airline has partnered with communications company Viasat, which will supply and maintain the necessary technology. Viasat’s Wi-Fi will be installed on a total of 18 Boeing 737-800s. Passengers can purchase the internet package that best suits their needs via the KLM portal during their flight. Read more
Emirates introduces digital health verification of COVID-19
Emirates and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) have begun to implement full digital verification of COVID-19 medical records connected to testing and vaccination for travellers based in the UAE. Customers who have undertaken a PCR test in Dubai can choose to check-in without presenting their physical COVID-19 PCR test report. The new verification procedure will enable secure and faster processing time for customers departing from Dubai International Airport. Read more
Air France announces new route to Denver
From 2nd July 2021, Air France is launching a new connection between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Denver International Airport. Three direct flights will be operated each week by a Boeing 787-9 with a capacity of 279 seats, 30 in Business Class, 21 in Premium Economy, and 228 in Economy Class. The new destination will strengthen Air France’s service to the US. Read more
Delta offers services to Iceland to vaccinated Americans
From the beginning of May 2021, customers can now fly a non-stop service from the US hubs to Iceland. Delta will launch new daily services from Boston Logon International Airport, John F. Kennedy International and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International airport. Customers travelling to Iceland must provide proof of full vaccination or recovery of COVID-19. Read more
Hotels.
DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti opens
The DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti has officially opened. The hotel is ideal for business and leisure travellers and has a total of 133 rooms on seven floors with a bar and cafeteria and a restaurant serving traditional cuisines. The hotel also offers a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city as well as three meeting rooms and a fitness room.
Accor to open first fully digital hotel in London
Accor is set to transform the Ibis Styles London, Gloucester Road into its first fully digital hotel. Once lockdown restrictions have lifted, the hotel will provide a fully digital experience with contactless technologies at each step of the guests stay from arrival to departure. This will include mobile check-in, a fast check out all from their smartphone.
Voco hotels grow to over 50 openings and signings
IHG’s premium hotel brand ‘voco’ has officially reached the milestone of 50 signed and opened hotels in more than 20 countries across the globe, making this IHG’s fastest global expansion. The brand’s recent opening launched in Scotland with the opening of voco Grand Central in Glasgow and voco Edinburgh – Haymarket and is set to debut in The Netherlands, Italy and Germany. Read more
Hilton partners with South Pole Group in the Netherlands
Hilton has announced a new initiative for carbon offset business and meetings at selected hotels in the Netherlands. The group has partnered with South Pole Group to offer businesses the opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of their meetings and events at no extra cost. The programme is now available at eight hotels for meetings of ten or more. Read more
IHG announces hotel opening in Barcelona
IHG announces a new hotel opening in Barcelona. The hotel is undergoing a complete transformation to align with the brand and will offer 273 spacious rooms along with a 180m Presidential Suite and 17 junior suites. More than 3,000m will be available for hosting meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and 18 meeting rooms with a capacity for 1,200 people.
Melia opens their first hotel in the Netherlands
Melia Hotels has announced its first opening in the Netherlands, opening a property under its lifestyle Innside brand in Amsterdam. The new hotel is located in the cities financial district located in Zuidas. The hotel has 328 rooms, with sustainable amenities and 100 percent eco-friendly bed linen and towels. Dining facilities include a 19th-floor sky bar and restaurant, alongside meeting and event spaces.
Information on this page is sourced from third-party sources. While effort is taken to verify the accuracy of this information, Corporate Travel Management (CTM) recommends that travellers seek independent advice and/or information from their CTM travel consultant, CTM travel tools, or direct from their chosen travel suppliers relating to the status of supplier services, schedules and booking conditions as information may change regularly.