Corporate Travel News: January 2021
Post-Brexit Updates.
On December 24th 2020, leaders of the European Union and the United Kingdom announced that they had agreed on a trade deal called the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). While the TCA avoids the consequences of a no-deal Brexit there are some complexities with several additional new conditions and rules that travellers need to follow:
Visiting the UK from 1st January 2021
Visiting Europe from 1st January 2021
Coronavirus Travel Updates.
UK travel corridors closed and negative COVID-19 test is required
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that all travel corridors will close at 4am on Monday 18th January, meaning all inbound travellers will have to self-isolate for 10 days, in addition to needing proof of a negative COVID test result within 72 hours. Self-isolation can be reduced to five days with the test and release scheme, although note this option cannot be used for arrivals from certain destinations, including British and Irish nationals coming from several Central and South America countries, as well as Portugal and Cape Verde. Read more
UK requires pre-departure COVID-19 test
From 18 January, if you intend to travel to England or from 15 January if you intend to travel to Scotland, including UK nationals returning home from travel abroad, you must now provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 72 hours before departure. If you do not comply with your airline or travel carrier may refuse you boarding and/or you may be fined on arrival. All other current entry requirements and restrictions continue to apply. More information
UAE removed from UK quarantine list
The UAE is being removed from the travel list corridor and any travellers returning to the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland from Dubai will now be required to self-isolate for 10days. UK officials say a concerning increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases has been cited since many new cases have been reported in the UAE. Read more
Airlines/Airports.
British Airways launches flights from Southampton airport
British Airways is launching a summer schedule directly connecting England to the south coast of Europe. The airline will operate up to 17 flights each weekend to 11 locations between 1 May and 31 October 2021. The seasonal arrangement will run alongside existing services from London City Airport and enhance British Airways’ UK regional network. Read more
Cathay Pacific provides free COVID-19 insurance to all passengers
Cathay Pacific is helping customers travel with confidence by partnering with AXA General Insurance Hong Kong Limited to provide free COVID-19 coverage to all passengers when they fly with the airline. Customers who fly with the airline until 28 February 2021 will be covered for medical expenses related to a COVID-19 diagnosis incurred whilst overseas. Free COVID-19 insurance is automatically applied. Read more
Etihad Airways introduces charter flight services
Etihad Airways has expanded its business with the launch of charter and special flight services. Fully customisable, business and leisure guests can choose from a variety of flight options including dedicated passenger service, cargo-only flight or a combined passenger and cargo package. As part of the Etihad Wellness programme, global COVID-19 insurance cover is included for all passengers travelling with Etihad.
Virgin Atlantic to support the NHS with vaccine rollout
Virgin Atlantic teams, cabin crew, pilots, ground, and office-based teams, are set to work with the NHS over the coming months to assist with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, supporting the national efforts to save lives. The airline is working with the NHS and St John’s Ambulance service to secure voluntary and paid opportunities. Read more
Emirates trials IATA Travel Pass
Emirates has partnered with IATA to trial out IATA Travel Pass, a mobile app to help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccine information. The Travel Pass enables passengers to create a ‘digital passport’ to verify their pre-travel test or if vaccination meets the requirements of the destination. Read more
Air Canada offers biometric boarding for flights departing to Canada
Air Canada has announced to offer its customers the safety and convenience of a new boarding option to utilize facial biometric. The technology is now available for customers departing San Francisco International Airport with plans to roll it out to other US airports where the airline operates. Biometric boarding enables customers to present themselves at the boarding gate, have their photo was taken which is validated with passport details. Read more
easyJet cabin crew to be fast-tracked to support the NHS vaccination
easyJet cabin crew are being recruited and fast-tracked to support the NHS as part of the vital nationwide effort to distribute the coronavirus vaccine. The airline has over 3000 crew who are first aid trained, security cleared and based up and down the UK, London, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. easyJet cabin crew are well-positioned to help support the NHS in the nation-wide vaccination programme. Read more
Emirates unveils its A380 premium economy
Emirates has announced that it will deploy its latest flagship A380 aircraft featuring new premium economy seats and luxurious enhancements across all cabins to London Heathrow. The brand-new premium economy seats offer a generous seat pitch of up to 40inches, in addition to new economy class seats similar to those installed on its latest Boeing 777-300ER. Read more
Virgin Atlantic launches pre-departure COVID-19 testing trial 
Virgin Atlantic customers flying to Barbados or onwards to Antigua and Grenada on selected flights will receive a free, rapid, point of care. Pre-departure lateral flow antigen test at London Heathrow Airport, as part of an airline-led trial to gather vital data on the logistics and effectiveness of pre-departure testing. Read more
Dublin airport achieves carbon neutral status
Dublin airport has been recognised as carbon neutral by the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The level 3+ carbon neutrality status follows efforts by the airport to reduce its carbon emission by 25% between 2013 and 2019. The airport continues to plan on reducing
Zurich airport opens testing facility
Zurich airport is working with Swissport subsidiary Checkpoint Schweiz AG to operate a PCR testing facility. The pre-departure testing facility is different from those at another airport. The facility uses Enders Diagnostics’ PCR tests which are carried out by saliva samples rather than a nasal swab. This allows a speedier response to get the results. The facility is located on the first floor of Zurich airport’s check-in 2 and is open daily.
Hotels.
Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme
Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL – Accor Live Limitless members receive benefits and incentives when they stay, dine and relax in their hotels. Loyalty programme members get a discount in more than 3000 hotels, across 110 countries and with over 34 brands. From the first reservation, members will gain status-based benefits such as welcome drinks, exclusive pre-sales to prestigious events and even Suite Night Upgrades. ALL members can join online for free.
Hilton’s Curio collection brand debuts in Crete
Hilton has announced plans to debut its first hotel on the Greek island of Crete in 2021. The Royal Senses Resort Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton will be located in the Rethymno region on the north coast of the Greek island. The new-build hotel will have 179 rooms with sea views, access to indoor and outdoor pools, private beach, spa and a Greek restaurant.
Voco Hotels opens in Strasbourg in France
IHG has opened its second property under the growing Voco brand in France. Voco Strasbourg Centre – the Garden is located around a 10-minute walk from the city’s central station and a short electric bus ride away from the European Parliament. Facilities include 120 rooms, many with their own terraces as well as a gym and indoor pool and spa. The hotel offers an all-day dining restaurant and an outdoor terrace. Read more
DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree opens
The DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree opens, offering chic stylish accommodation in 135 rooms and suites. The hotel is off the A1 motorway, the hotel is near Elstree studios and several golf courses and Borehamwood station. The hotel features a 24/7 gym, car park, bar, all dining restaurant and has 11 meeting rooms with event space of 700sqm.
Accors commitment to sustainability
Accor is committed to sustainability for many years. Their change towards positive hospitality wherever in the world through their Planet 21 programme. Planet 21 demonstrates Accor’s ambitious goal for the future. Accor work with their employees, customers, partners and local communities to strive for zero food waste initiative to reduce waste by 30% and moving towards a carbon natural building.
Hilton adds first US property under LXR brand
LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s collection of independent, luxury properties has announced its US debut with the addition of the recently designed Oceana hotel, a 70-room coastal oasis situated along the coveted beach district of Santa Monica. Oceana joins the growing collection of more than 10 open or soon to be LXR properties.
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.