Corporate Travel News: November 2022
Reminder: Signature requirement for UK passports
The UK government’s HM Passport Office now requires everyone to sign their new passport as soon as they receive it. The passport cannot be used if not signed.
Air updates
Air France opens Clarins Spa at New York JFK lounge
Air France has opened a new spa facility at its New York JFK lounge in partnership with Clarins. The 30 sqm space features two private beauty booths and is open to La Première, Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers, who can choose from three complimentary face treatments.
British Airways launches new route between London and Aberdeen
British Airways has launched a new route between London City Airport and Aberdeen. Flights will operate until 23 January 2023 on the Embraer E190 aircraft. The news comes as the airport carrier British Airways continues to add more capacity, as business travel vamps up momentum.
Air France adds new Michelin-starred dishes in La première and Business cabins
From now until February 2023, Air France will be offering new Michelin-starred dishes by top French chefs Arnaud Lallement and Michel Roth in its La Première and Business long-haul cabins. With this new exceptional meal service, Air France is continuing to offer the best of fine French dining on board.
British Airways increases frequencies to the USA
British Airways is increasing flight frequencies to select US destinations this winter. London Gatwick to Orlando: Flights increase up to 11 per week in December, February, and March. London Heathrow to New York JFK: Flights increase up to 49 per week in November, February, and March. London Heathrow to Los Angeles: Flights increase up to 21 per week in January, February, and March.
Lufthansa confirms Frankfurt to Newark (USA)
Lufthansa has confirmed that its first B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft will start long-haul flights between Frankfurt and New York’s Newark in December 2022. The airline will operate on the B787-9 which has been named ‘Berlin’ will enter long-haul service and will operate three times daily.
Aer Lingus restarts flights to Miami from Dublin
Aer Lingus is gearing up to restart direct flights to Miami, Florida from Friday, 21 October, for the first time in two and a half years. The route will operate three times weekly, as part of the airline’s winter schedule.
First Emirates A380 roll-in for full cabin refresh
Emirates began its massive two-year retrofit programme with work starting on the first of 120 aircraft earmarked for a full cabin interior upgrade and the installation of the airline’s latest Premium Economy. The project represents a multi-billion-dollar investment to ensure Emirate’s customers fly better over the coming years.
Delta trials free Wi-Fi for Elite flyers
The next time travellers are flying with Delta airlines, Elite members are trialling a new free Wi-Fi offering for Medallion members on selected flights. The new offering is launched as a broader test to see how Delta’s Wi-Fi networks can handle additional traffic.
Emirates invests over $350 million in next-generation inflight entertainment
As part of its continued drive to ensure customers ‘fly better’, Emirates has selected the new Thales AVANT Up system for its incoming fleet of Airbus A350 aircraft scheduled in 2024. The airline’s investment of over $350 million will see its 50-strong fleet of A350’s equipped with next-generation inflight entertainment solutions. Read more
British Airways moves JFK operations
British Airways travellers who frequently visit New York’s JFK International airport may want to note from 17 November 2022, the airline will move its operations to Terminal 8 where it will join American Airlines in a heavily expanded space. The bold move is about its transatlantic relations with American Airlines, together the Oneworld partners have invested over $400million into this major terminal revamp.
Schiphol airport extends passenger cap
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport will place a further cap on passenger departure during the winter season due to ongoing staffing issues and a lack of available security guards. The latest passenger cap will limit the number of locally departing passengers per day by an average of 22 per cent, up from the 18 per cent reduction per month. The new restrictions will likely remain in place until the end of March 2023.
Hotel updates
Holiday Inn Express brands return to Dresden
IHG hotels have signed an agreement with LRO Hospitality to rebrand an existing hotel in Dresden under its Holiday Inn Express brand. The 306-key hotel is expected to open within the next 6 months and will undergo a full refurbishment. The 10-floor property will include a lobby with a breakfast area, gym, and a flexible co-working/shared office space.
Hotel Spotlight: Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone opens
Boasting panoramic views of Silverstone racetrack, Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone is located on the Hamilton Straight, home of British Motor Sport. Silverstone’s International Conference and Exhibition Centre are within walking distance and the Silverstone Interactive Museum is just over a five-minute walk away. The hotel features 197 guest rooms, a rooftop bar, direct access to The Wing for meetings and events, a fitness centre and a complimentary car park.
Holiday Inn Sunderland due to open
By the end of 2022, the Holiday Inn Sunderland is scheduled to open. The metro rail that connects Sunderland Central Station to Newcastle, North, and South Shields is a three-minute walk from the new 120-room hotel. The hotel is perfect for business travellers because it has an all-day dining restaurant, a Starbucks, and a fully furnished gym.