Corporate Travel News - November 2024

Airport updates

Edinburgh Airport unveils £5.8 million project to refresh its check-in hall

Work is now underway and is expected to be completed by spring 2025. Refurbishments include new digital wayfinding, video walls, self-service machines, and reconfigured check-in desks to improve passenger flow. Zones A and D will have their ceilings opened up, and the space in Zone A will be increased by 70%.

 

 

Stansted Airport has unveiled plans for a 5-year £1.1 billion programme

Stansted Airport has launched a £1.1 billion investment programme that includes a major terminal extension. The upgrades will add seating areas, expand the departure lounge, and enlarge the security hall, allowing the airport to serve up to 43 million passengers annually.

 

Airline updates

Virgin Atlantic launches new autumn/winter menu

Virgin Atlantic is offering a brand-new menu across all cabins. Options include sausage and colcannon mashed potato in Economy, honey and mustard chicken with potato gratin, green beans and peas in Premium, and chicken and mushroom pie with a hint of truffle in Upper Class. Passengers in the Upper Class can also enjoy a range of feel-good drinks such as kombucha, and a refreshed wine menu. Read more

 

 

Delta brings premium experience with Delta One Lounge to LAX

Delta Airlines has opened its luxurious Delta One Lounge at LAX, enhancing the premium travel experience. Located next to the Delta Sky Club, the lounge accommodates nearly 200 guests and offers direct check-in access. Features include an exclusive sushi bar and a wellness area with private relaxation pods. Read more

 

 

Air France to launch Orlando-Paris service

The service between Orlando International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle will operate four times weekly, beginning 21 May, onboard an Airbus A350-900 aircraft with three classes of service: business, premium and economy. Read more

 

 

Emirates returns to Lagos, Nigeria with daily service

Emirates Airlines has resumed daily passenger services to Lagos, Nigeria, enhancing connectivity with Dubai. Emirates will be one of only two airlines offering a First Class in and out of Lagos, operating the service with a Boeing 777-300ER featuring eight First Class suites, 42 Business class seats and 304 economy class seats. Read more

 

 

KLM adds extra flights to Delhi

KLM has announced an expansion of operations to Delhi for the upcoming winter season.  Currently, KLM offers flights directly from Amsterdam to Delhi. New extra routes operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays between 13 January 2025 and 2 March 2025.

 

 

United Airlines will add eight new destinations to its summer 2025 schedule

The airline is set to add five new routes to European destinations from its hub at Newark Liberty International Airport, including Palermo (21 May), Bilbao (31 May), Madeira (7 June), Faro in Portugal (16 May) and Nuuk in Greenland (14 June). This move marks what the US carrier is calling its “largest international expansion in its history.” Read more

 

 

Delta Airlines unveils modern cabin interiors

Delta Airlines has introduced new cabin interiors to boost passenger comfort, featuring breathable seats with memory foam cushions and enhanced lighting. Economy lavatories will also be upgraded with bright walls and a sky-inspired design, creating a more welcoming atmosphere for travellers. Read more

 

 

Air France launches free ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi on board all its aircraft

From 2025 onwards, the airline will provide free Wi-Fi in all travel cabins, which customers can access by logging into their Fly Blue account,  Air France-KLM Group’s loyalty programme. The service will be accessible on smartphones, digital tablets, and laptops. Read more

 

 

 

Etihad Airways embraces digital innovation with the new Skypad technology

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is set to unveil Skypad, an advanced digital tool designed to elevate the inflight experience for passengers. This initiative marks a major leap forward in offering personalised and efficient services in air travel.

 

 

Air France – KLM agrees to purchase 1.5 million tonnes of more sustainable aviation fuel over a 10-year period

TotalEnergies and Air France-KLM have signed an agreement for TotalEnergies to supply up to 1.5 million tonnes of more sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Air France-KLM Group airlines over 10 years, until 2035. SAF allows for a reduction in CO2 emissions of at least 75%.

 

SWISS to add new European routes for summer 2025

SWISS is expanding its network to introduce new regional services next summer. New services from Zurich to Niš (Serbia), Heringsdorf (Germany), Montpellier (France) and Dubrovnik (Croatia) will launch as part of its 2025 summer season, from 30 March to 25 October. Read more

 

Hotel updates

Dalata Hotel Group opens new Maldron Hotel Shoreditch

The 157-room, four-star Maldron Hotel Shoreditch is located five minutes walk from Old Street Underground station and 10 minutes from Liverpool Street. The hotel features self-check-in pods and a fitness centre as well as a bar, restaurant and coffee dock. Read more

 

 

Millennium Hotels & Resorts announces two new openings in Abu Dhabi and Oman

Located just 11km away from the airport in Al Seeb, Studio M Airport Muscat features rooms and fully furnished apartments with Smart LED TVs, rain showers and Wi-Fi. The hotel also features adaptable meeting spaces and a mini ballroom with a capacity for up to 80 guests. Abu Dhabi’s Millennium Residences is home to an infinity pool, gym, and 85 studios and apartments with views of the Arabian Gulf.

Park Hyatt London River Thames opens in South West London

Based in Nine Elms, the newly opened Park Hyatt London River Thames offers 203 guestrooms just a short distance from Battersea Power Station, the historic Kia Oval Cricket Ground, and Tate Britain. Each room is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows with many offering views of the Thames and the Houses of Parliament. Wellness facilities include a spa with panoramic river views. Read more

 

 

Travelodge completes upgrades at three hotels

Travelodge’s London Central Marylebone, Cardiff Central and Alton Four Marks hotels are the latest to complete refurbishments as part of the brand’s multi-million-pound refit upgrade programme. Core features of the upgrades include a redesigned reception in a timeless classic style, multi-dimensional guest rooms with separate colour palettes for the R&R and workspaces, and a stylish on-site restaurant with a statement bar called the Bar Café. Read more

 

Accor opens new TRIBE hotel at Manchester Airport

Accor’s design-led TRIBE brand has opened a new property at Manchester Airport. The 412-room hotel is located within walking distance of the Manchester Airport’s terminal. TRIBE is a cool and confident brand which makes it the perfect addition to a city like Manchester, which has such a vibrant and lively culture.

 

 

Ground updates

Eurostar introduces new Premier Dining experience

Eurostar is introducing a complete makeover of the catering after a decade of French cuisine, with main meals including Baked Salmon served with Coconut Rice and Tangy Potatoes, Roasted Pumpkin with Honey and Cashew Miso, and more to feature from 4th November.

 

 

Eurostar unveils three new travel classes

Starting from November 4th, Eurostar will offer three new classes onboard its trains. These classes are designed to cater to a variety of customer needs and enhance the overall travel experience. The new service classes are called Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus and Eurostar Premier.

 

 

Blacklane secures £51m investment from Saudi for business expansion

Chauffeur service provider Blacklane has secured £51 million in new funding to be used to expand in key markets such as the US, Europe and the Middle East. This will include opening in several cities in Saudi Arabia where the company will deploy a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs). Read more