Corporate Travel News - December 2024

 

 

Airline updates

British Airways unveils new first-class seats

British Airways has revealed a new first-class seat for its Airbus A380 fleet, set to debut in mid-2026 as part of a cabin overhaul. The airline has announced the seat as “game-changing” and it will feature a 36.5-inch width, 79-inch length, a 32-inch TV screen, a multi-purpose ottoman, adjustable mood lighting, personal luggage space, and a 60-inch curved wall for privacy. BA also highlighted that it remains the only European carrier offering a first-class service on flights between London and the US. Read more

 

Emirates to resume daily flights to Edinburgh

On 3rd January 2025, Emirates will resume daily flights from Dubai to Edinburgh on the carrier’s Boeing 777 aircraft. The new aircraft features Emirates’ refreshed business, premium, and economy cabins. Both business and leisure travellers will welcome the restored connection and will open new travel opportunities. Read more

 

 

Etihad Airways is adding 10 new destinations to its 2025 schedule

 

 

KLM to expand intercontinental network in 2025

KLM is expanding its intercontinental network with new services between Amsterdam and San Diego (three times weekly from 8 May), Georgetown, Guyana ( twice weekly from 4 June) and Hyderabad, India (three times weekly from 2 September). KLM continues to strengthen its presence in the world, offering its customers more travel options such as world Business Class and Economy class. Read more

 

Iberia launches first A321XLR long-haul flights to the US

Iberia has become the first airline in the world to operate transatlantic flights with the new Airbus A321XLR, a narrow-body aircraft with one single aisle. The new aircraft has a total of 182 seats across two classes, Business (14 seats) and Economy (168 seats), with a total of 182 seats. Iberia will initially use the aircraft to fly to Boston and Washington DC.

 

 

ITA Airways launches flights from Bangkok to Rome

ITA introduces its first direct flight to Thailand, connecting Bangkok with Rome. The inaugural flight took off on 17 November and the route will be operated by the Airbus A330neo with five weekly frequencies. These aircraft cabins are onboard with entertainment systems, new lighting and complete Wi-Fi connectivity. Read more

 

 

Iberia launches flights to Tokyo with three flights per week

Iberia launches flights between Madrid and Tokyo with Airbus A350 aircraft, its fleet’s most modern and efficient model. This is the only direct connection between Spain and Japan, and the new route to Tokyo is the longest in the entire Iberia network. Japanese movies, tea and rice, and chopsticks are some in-flight features. Read more

 

 

Hotel updates

Hyatt expands in the Balkans with five Regency hotels

Hyatt plans to strengthen its position in the Balkans region of south eastern Europe with 5 new Hyatt Regency hotels by 2027, including the new Hyatt Regency in Zadar, Croatia next year. The rest of the planned new properties will be in Albania, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Montenegro. Read more

 

 

Radisson Collection announces plans for first Madrid hotel

Radisson Hotel Group has revealed plans for its first Radisson Collection property in Madrid. The 154-room hotel, set to open in 2027, will occupy the top 10 floors of the historic Generali building in the heart of the Spanish capital. It will feature two restaurants, including a rooftop venue on the 13th floor, a fitness centre and spa, and high-end shops on the building’s ground floor. Read more

 

IHG’s new midscale conversion brand Garner opens first hotels in Germany

The brand Garner has launched its European presence by opening its first three hotels in Germany, Garner Hotel Hamburg Nord (100 rooms), Garner Hotel Elmshorn near Hamburg (75 rooms), and Garner Hotel Augsburg Nord (132 rooms). These are the first Garner hotels to open outside of the Americas. Each hotel offers free wifi, dependable amenities, breakfast, and a 24/7 Garner Shop stocked with snacks to purchase at all hours. Read more

 

Marriott International to open The Ritz-Carlton in Belgrade

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Danube Riverside d.o.o. Beograd to bring The Ritz-Carlton to Serbia. Scheduled to open in 2027, The Ritz-Carlton, Belgrade will feature 193 luxurious rooms and suites, including access to The Ritz-Carlton Club and two dining venues. The hotel will also offer top-tier amenities, such as an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and more than 1,700 square meters of meeting and event space. Read more

Ground updates

LNER brings the Christmas menu onboard

LNER is treating First-Class passengers to a festive menu from 11 December 2024 to 6 January 2025, featuring a vegetarian chestnut and stuffing ‘sausage’ roll, overnight oats with orange and cranberries, and the return of the cheese and Christmas slaw sandwich. For dessert, enjoy a delicious chocolate and hazelnut pot.

 

 

Eurostar opens direct routes between the Netherlands and London

The return trains from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London will be back on 10 February 2025. The services will run from Amsterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Centraal to London St Pancras International. This follows extensive renovation works at Amsterdam Centraal station will result in a larger Eurostar departure lounge offering customers more space and greater comfort.

 

Avanti West Coast adds additional services to Liverpool thanks to new electric Evero trains

Avanti West Coast has introduced new Evero 807001 trains to supplement the current hourly service with additional weekday departures on the London to Liverpool route. The new seven carriage trains will also run between London, the West Midlands and Blackpool. Improved wheelchair spaces, enhanced accessible toilets and Braille and large print labels on seats are a few accessibility improvements new to 451 seat trains. Read more