Corporate Travel News - August 2024

 

Airline updates

Virgin Atlantic confirms order of seven Airbus A330-900s, with plans to retire A330-300s from September 2024

Virgin Atlantic’s seven new A330-900s will be delivered from 2027, as the airline seeks to increase the number of owned aircraft in its fleet. As part of its fleet transformation, its A330-300s will be gradually retired from September 2024 onwards. By 2024, Virgin Atlantic will operate a mixed fleet of 45 next-generation aircraft, with an average age of just 6.4 years. Read more

 

Air Canada to take delivery of eight Boeing 737-8 Aircraft

The eight brand-new fuel- and cost-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft will enter service next year after essential modifications are complete, aligning with Air Canada’s goals to provide more flexibility and additional capacity whilst mitigating emissions. The aircraft will initially operate with a single Economy class layout before being reconfigured to a two-cabin standard at a later date. Read more

 

Emirates to debut refurbished Boeing 777s on Geneva, Tokyo Haneda and Brussels routes

Emirates has announced that Geneva, Tokyo Haneda and Brussels will be the first destinations to experience the airline’s next-generation Business Class seats, organised in a new 1-2-1 configuration. A total of 81 Boeing 777s will be refurbished to incorporate modern design details, signature cabin finishing’s, and a new Business Class cabin with more privacy for customers. Read more

 

United introduces new app feature, using generative AI to power live radar maps

The new tool uses generative AI to power its live radar maps, helping passengers to visualise potential delays and flight disruptions. This builds on United’s effort to improve passenger communications over the past few years. Read more

 

 

Emirates opens doors to first dedicated lounge in Saudi Arabia

Emirates first ever lounge in the region outside of July, at King Abdulaziz International Airport. Investing AED 20 million, Emirates has opened a 900-square metre lounge in Terminal 1 to cater for more than 190 First and Business class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members. Read more

 

 

Etihad Airways to bolster Boston service and bring A350 to Toronto

From 27 October, Etihad’s service between Abu Dhabi and Boston will increase from four flights per week to daily, operating onboard a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. From 27 October, Etihad will also begin flying its Airbus A350 once daily to Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada. This aircraft reduces 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous models. Read more

 

Austrian Airlines to reconnect Linz with Frankfurt this winter

Beginning 27 October, Austrian Airlines will return to Linz and take over the Linz-Frankfurt route, maintaining efficient business travel connections between Upper Austria and the rest of the world. Read more

 

 

Qantas launches nonstop route from Perth to Paris, for the first time in two decades

The service will initially operate four times per week throughout the summer and the Olympic, and Paralympic Games before reducing to three times weekly from mid-August. Qantas has reinstated this service for the first time since 2004, which was previously a one-stop route via Singapore. The new service will operate onboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, allowing it to reach its destination around three hours sooner than the fastest flight times available between Perth and Paris. Read more

 

Austrian Airlines launches nonstop route between Vienna and Boston

The new service will operate all year round with six flights per week operated with Boeing 767-300 aircraft offering 211 seats. The introduction of this route brings Austrian Airline’s intercontinental footprint up to a total of 18 destinations. Read more

 

 

Qatar Airways adds fifth destination in Germany to its European network

Qatar Airways now offers daily non-stop flights between Hamad International Airport in Doha and Hamburg Airport. Hamburg is the fifth German destination to join its network, following Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich. Read more

 

 

Gulf Air adds Munich to European network

Gulf Air has launched new direct flights connecting Bahrain to Munich, Germany, onboard the state-of-the-art Airbus 321neo aircraft on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Munich joins Gulf Air’s European network as its second destination in Germany, after its existing daily flights to Frankfurt. Read more

 

 

Turkish Airlines unveils new business class suite

Set to feature on the carrier’s transcontinental flights, Turkish Airlines’ new Crystal Business Class Suite features seats with an adjustable door and privacy panel, increased footwell space, and direct aisle access for all passengers. Travellers will also enjoy a lighter, warmer colour palette, as well as marble-style tables and rose gold finishes. Read more

 

 

ITA Airways to launch new Rome-Bangkok service, its first connection between Italy and Thailand

Beginning 16th November, flights will depart from Rome to Bangkok five times per week utilising the carrier’s Airbus A330neo fleet. These aircraft offer customers the choice of 30 1-2-1 business class seats, 24 2-3-2 in premium economy, and 237 3-3-3 economy class seats. Read more

 

 

Turkish Airlines adds new route between Istanbul and Turin, Italy

Beginning 10 July, Turkish Airlines now operates a daily service between Istanbul and Turin. Turin joins the carrier’s network as its ninth destination in Italy. Read more

 

 

 

Hotel updates

Travelodge Rotherham Central opens doors onsite new leisure development

The 69-room Travelodge is part of Forge Island, a major urban regeneration project which is also home to a cinema, restaurants, and leisure businesses. As well as featuring the brand’s new premium look and feel, sustainability has played a substantial role in the hotel’s design. It has a BREEAM Very Good rating, an Energy Performance Certificate rating of B, PV cells on the roof to convert sunlight directly into electricity, aerated shower heads and taps to reduce water waste, and EV car charging points in the car park. Read more

 

Travelodge opens doors to first hotel in Colchester

The 90-room Colchester Northern Gateway Travelodge is part of the new 200,000 square foot Northern Gateway Leisure Club, which also includes a sports complex, cinema, restaurants, and a business and residential hub. Travelodge’s future includes plans to almost double its portfolio across Essex and plans and open a further 13 hotels in the country, including two more in Colchester. Read more

 

Construction begins on new €40m Maldron Hotel at Croke Park, Dublin

The 4-star, modern 200-bedroom hotel will include a business centre with five meeting rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, bar, and restaurant. It has been designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, by incorporating green roofs, air source heat pumps and EV charging points. Guests will be ideally located for sports events at Croke Park Stadium, as well as excellent connectivity to the air, road and rail network with Drumcondra train station just a short walk away. Read more

 

Stanhill Court Hotel opens in Surrey, under Radisson Individuals brand

Stanhill Court Hotel joins the Radisson Individuals brand with 56 spacious and comfortable rooms, a hotel restaurant, and a range of meeting and event spaces. The property itself is situated on over 30 acres of explorable land, and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Read more

 

 

New Hampton by Hilton London Heathrow Bath Road will open at Europe’s busiest airport

Hilton has announced the signing of Heathrow’s first Hampton by Hilton hotel, joining four other Hilton properties under different brands. It will be conveniently located near the M4 motorway, a 7-minute drive away from Terminals 2 and 3, and offering easy access to Central London in 30 minutes via the Elizabeth Line. Each of the 157 rooms will benefit from Hampton by Hilton’s new refreshed interior resign, featuring warm colour palettes, a work desk, and a 55” HDTV, as well as the brand’s signature amenities (including complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast). Read more

 

Radisson Hotel Group opens first hotel in Tunis, a short drive from the airport

Radisson Hotel Group debuts in Tunis with the opening of Radisson Hotel Tunis City Centre, just 14 minutes from Tunis Carthage International Airport and a few steps from Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the city’s central thoroughfare. The hotel features 97 modern rooms and suites with cosy interiors, an all-day dining restaurant and a rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views of the city, and a fitness centre. Business travellers also benefit from three elegant conference rooms that can be combined into one large venue, providing a total of 246 square metres of meeting space for up to 180 attendees. Read more

 

Hilton signs new serviced apartments in New Cairo

The new DoubleTree by Hilton New Cairo at Forty Residencies is expected to open in 2027, with 70 serviced apartments comprising 52 studios, 12 one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments. It’s located near to high-end residential compounds, various trending destinations in New Cairo, and the American University of Cairo. Guests will also enjoy a fitness centre, wide range of dining options, and three fully equipped meeting rooms for corporate events and meetings. Read more

 

Radisson Hotel Graz opens in strategic location nearby the central train station

With 232 rooms, Radisson Hotel Graz is the city’s largest hotel and offers visitors easy access to all of Graz – including its UNESCO-listed Old Town and numerous events held throughout the year, such as the Aufsteirern Festival or the Austrian F1 Grand Prix weekend. It also makes an ideal location for business gatherings, with three meeting spaces that can be adapted for various setups spanning 150m² and directly connected to the restaurant and bar on the ground floor. Read more

 

103-room Spark by Hilton Stuttgart Sindelfingen to open later this year

The opening will mark the Spark by Hilton’s brand debut in Continental Europe, introducing its new premium economy offering. Guests will enjoy rooms outfitted with practical amenities including a multi-purpose work surface and an open closet, bright public spaces with comfortable options to socialise or work within, a daily breakfast buffet, signature Hydration Cart with complimentary water and fruit, and more. There’s also a meeting room, multi-purpose gym, and on-site parking. Offering easy access to Sindelfingen’s landmark attractions and its business and financial district, and a 20-minute drive away from Stuttgart Airport. Read more

 

Hilton Marjan Island Beach Resort & Spa to open in Ras Al Khaimah

Bringing 315 spacious king rooms and 35 suites to the UAE’s northernmost region, the upscale property is expected to open in Q4 2026. Alongside six restaurants and bars, the hotel will boast a fitness club, spa and wellness centre, tennis courts, and a 360-degree sky pool. It’s also suitable for business travellers and corporate events, with an executive lounge, four meeting rooms and a ballroom with a capacity of 300. Nearby travel links include Dubai International Airport (an hour’s drive away) and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (20 minutes away). Read more

 

DoubleTree by Hilton Nice Centre Iconic opens on the French Riviera

Offering a well-connected base for business meetings and events travellers, the 105-room hotel is less than 15 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur airport and has direct access to the Nice-Ville Train Station, with Cannes and Monaco both accessible within 25 minutes. Alongside a fitness centre and events space with stunning seat views, and a bar and terrace, a panoramic seafood restaurant, Pesca, will open on the fifth floor. Read more

 

Ground updates

Enterprise Car Club expands Edinburgh fleet in support of City Council’s goal to increase EV use

Enterprise Car Club is making it easier for residents, local businesses and visitors to trial and drive cars that produce zero emissions when being driven. Initially, 12 electric vehicles will be introduced, with more to follow throughout the summer. The vehicles are currently located at Brunswick Road, Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh University, Holyrood Road, Hopetoun Crescent, and Vanburgh Place, and other locations – all within reach of business areas and Waverly Station. The fleet provides a low cost alternative for vehicles that do not comply with the new standards under Edinburgh’s Low Emission Zone, introduced 1 June 2024. Read more