Corporate Travel News: May 2022
Airline
Air France unveils new all-suite business class seats
Air France is pursuing its move upmarket and unveiled its new long-haul Business class seat, which will be fitted to selected B777-300 aircraft with a total of 48 seats in the cabin with the addition of sliding doors to create total privacy. This seat’s design is based on the 3 “F” s – Full Flat, meaning that the seat transforms into a real bed almost two metres long, Full Access, providing all passengers direct access to the aisle, and Full Privacy, ensuring optimal privacy. A new sliding door allows passengers to create a totally private space, out of sight from the other passengers in the cabin. Read more
Lufthansa purchased further state of the art long haul aircraft
The Lufthansa Group is buying more state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft. The Executive Board has decided to purchase seven Boeing 787-9 long-haul passenger aircraft, three Boeing 777F freighter aircraft (current technology) and seven Boeing 777-8F freighter aircraft (new technology). Read more
Etihad Airways unveils new sustainability-driven economy experience
Etihad Airways has unveiled its new Economy class soft furnishings and tableware. The new products have been designed with sustainability and improved the guest experience as a primary objective. Etihad’s new dining experience features reusable tableware made from recycled high-quality plastic and eliminates the use of single-use plastic. The tray, serving plates and their lids are part of a closed-loop recycling system. At the end of their lifecycle, they are collected, washed, ground and reused to make new replacement products. Read more
Emirates premium economy coming to London
From 1 August 2022, Emirates is rolling out its premium economy class flights between London and Dubai. The oak-panelled cabin class will be housed on the airline’s iconic Airbus A380s, fitted with opulent, leather-bound seats with calf rests and blankets made from recycled plastic bottles.
Air France halves co2 emission on two of its flights
Air France launched “Air France ACT”, a programme presenting its new decarbonisation trajectory aiming for 30% less CO2 emissions per passenger-km by 2030 than 2019, i.e., 12% less total emissions. This project is part of the “Skyteam Sustainable Flight Challenge”, an initiative aimed at stimulating and encouraging innovation by inviting the alliance’s member airlines to operate the most eco-responsible flights possible from 1 to 14 May 2022. Read more
Facemasks will no longer be mandatory on EU flights
From 16 May 2022, the European Union has announced plans to scrap facemasks rules in planes and airports. This comes into effect to align with the changing requirements of national authorities across Europe for public transport.
Hotel
Accor adds iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 to its Dubai Portfolio
Accor is adding the world-renowned cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), into its portfolio. From May 2022 the cruise ship will undergo further upgrades and renovations prior to joining the MGallery Hotel Collection.
IHG adds Holiday Inn Express in Cambridge
IHG Hotels has opened its 146th Holiday Inn Express property in the UK. Holiday Inn Cambridge West – Cambourne is located between the city of Cambridge and Cambourne Business Park. The 144 rooms feature the brand next generation room design which includes blackout curtains, high-quality bedding, a power shower, free high-speed Wi-Fi and 16 fully equipped private meeting rooms with floor to ceiling windows.
Hilton to open the country’s first net-zero hotel
Sustainability has become a top priority for many travellers. The hotel Marcel New Havan, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is set to be entirely electric, using renewable solar power to generate energy for the hotel’s guest rooms and suites as well as for the restaurant. Because the hotel will operate independent of fossil fuels, the result is a net-zero carbon emission building.
IHG to add Vignette property in Portugal
IHG Hotels and Resorts is set to add a property in Portugal under its Vignette Collection later this year. The 40-suite Casa da Companhia is located on Rua das Flores in Porto’s Clerigos district. The hotel includes a spa, fitness suite, indoor and outdoor pools and a signature restaurant.
Accor’s Tribe brand debuts in Amsterdam
Accor’s Tribe brand debuts in Amsterdam. Located within the ‘Gare du Nord’ project I Amsterdam North, next to the Noord station on the North-South metro line. The hotel has 192 rooms and suites, a 24-hour gym, an all-day social hub, coffee/ cocktail bar. The property is designed by London-based architects Feix and Merlin.
Hilton to open the first hotel in Plymouth
Hilton has announced plans to open its first property in Plymouth. The 150-room Holton Garden Inn Plymouth will occupy a site overlooking Plymouth Hoe, close to the city’s Royal Citadel and Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse. The property will offer a sky bar
IHG to expand across Europe
IHG Hotels and Resorts has announced plans to expand its presence across Europe. The hotel group has extended its agreement with hotel operator Tristar GmbH for the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), while also expanding its growth to Italy and Poland. The agreement aims for a total of 60 hotel signings by 2035.
Ground
Eurostar to launch high-speed service from the UK to Germany
Following the merging of Eurostar International and Thalys Group, high-speed rail services linking the United Kingdom and Germany will be introduced. The merger of the two brands has been approved by the European Commission, and cities in Germany’s mid-northwest, including Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Dortmund, will be added to the Eurostar network – though no date has been set for when those services will begin.
Crossrail to open on 24 May 2022
The long-awaited Elizabeth Line, also known as Crossrail, is set to open on 24 May 2022. The Elizabeth line will operate 12 trains per hour between Paddington and Abbey Wood from Monday to Saturday 6:30 to 23:00. The line will eventually cut journey times across London, with journeys from Paddington to Canary Wharf taking 17 minutes rather than the current 30 minutes using the tube.
Eurostar launches a new business premier menu
Eurostar has launched a new summer menu for its Business Premier passengers designed by chef Raymond Blanc OBE. The onboard menu features dishes inspired by destinations on Eurostar’s network and champions seasonal, local and responsibly sourced ingredients.