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Business Travel News: October 2021

Covid Travel Update

UK to remove remaining countries off the red list

From 4am on Monday 1 November, the remaining 7 destinations on the red list; Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela will be removed. Passengers returning to the UK from these destinations will no longer be required to enter hotel quarantine. The red list and quarantine hotel policy remains in place and will continue to act as a crucial line of defence against the importation of variants of concern (VOCs). The red list will be reviewed every three weeks and will impose restrictions should there be a need to do so to protect public health.

Introduction of lateral flow test for international travellers in the UK

Fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in England from countries not on the red list will be able to take lateral flow tests from 24 October 2021. Travellers currently need to take a PCR test, which is more expensive.

The US to reopen borders in November

The United States will reopen its border to foreign visitors from 8 November to fully vaccinated travellers by land and air. Prior to the reopening date, specifics on which vaccines would be accepted for admission into the US, as well as the forms of proof required.

Australia to reopen international borders in November

After 19 months of border closures, Australia will be reopening to international travellers from November 2021. The announcement made by the Federal Government, states that fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed to return to Australia provided they can show a negative PCR test and are arriving in a State or Territory that has reached an 80% double vaccinated rate.

Singapore expands quarantine-free entry to the UK, US and more

Singapore is pressing ahead with plans to reopen its borders despite battling a record Covid-19 outbreak, they will allow vaccinated travellers from nine more countries including the US, UK to enter without having to quarantine. The other places to qualify is Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and South Korea.

 

Airline

British Airways opens Aviation Gin bar at New York JFK lounge

British Airways has unveiled a new gin bar at its recently reopened lounge at New York’s JFK T7. The Aviation Gin bar is located on the lounge’s outdoor terrace, with bartenders serving Aviation American Gin alongside Betty Buzz non-alcoholic mixers.

Virgin Atlantic unveils new Autumn menu across all cabins

As Virgin Atlantic ramps up services, the airline has evolved on its onboard options with a new Autumn menu including the re-introduction of some Upper-Class favourites as well as all-new sustainable wine in cans for Premium and Economy.

easyJet opens its doors to its first lounge at London Gatwick Airport

easyJet has announced it will open the doors to its first airport lounge in collaboration with No1 Lounges at the North Terminal at London Gatwick Airport where easyJet is the largest airline. The Gateway will offer passengers comfortable spaces space to eat, drink, work and play before their flight. The Gateway will offer customers a choice of complimentary hot and cold menus with a selection of enticing dishes, freshly prepared and served to their tables, alongside a range of self-serve side dishes and hot and cold drinks.

Qantas service to return to London

Qantas has confirmed it will operate its flagship direct route from Australia to London via Darwin when international flights resume alongside the reopening of the border. The Darwin hub arrangement will be in place in time for borders reopening from 14 November 2021 until at least April 2022 when London flights are scheduled to operate via Perth again.

British Airways’ A380 returns to service

British Airways is set to welcome back its first A380 aircraft in November and operate its biggest schedule since March 2020. The airline will initially operate short-haul destinations to allow for crew service familiarisation in November and then set to fly to 23 US airports this winter. Read more

Lufthansa invests in e-korosene

Lufthansa has made an investment in the production of industrially produced, carbon-neutral, electricity-based kerosene. The Lufthansa Group is the partner and pilot customer of the world’s first production plant for power to liquid aviation fuels. The group has agreed to an annual purchase of at least 25,000 litres for five years from the plant in Emsland, Germany. Read more

Singapore Airlines to return A380 to service

Singapore Airlines has confirmed the return of its Airbus A380 aircraft from 19 November 2021. The superjumbo will be deployed on a daily return service between London and Singapore. Singapore Airlines was the first airline worldwide to fly the A380 superjumbo in October 2007 and the first to fly it from the UK in March 2008.

Austrian Airlines to expand premium economy cabin on B767s

From spring 2022 the carrier’s fleet of three B767 aircraft will offer 30 premium economy seats, up from the current 18. Features of the seat which was produced by Lufthansa Group by manufacturer ZIM include up to 38 inches of legroom, a foot rest a 12-inch TV screen and individual power outlets and USB ports.

MAG launches carbon offset scheme with CarbonClick

Manchester Airport Group (MAG) has announced it will provide passengers at all three of its airports the ability to offset the carbon emissions from their flights in a new partnership with CarbonClick. The voluntary offset tool allows passengers, regardless of their airline or destination to quickly calculate the emissions from their flight and purchase carbon credits to compensate them.

London Gatwick introduces sustainable aviation fuel for flights

London Gatwick is using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on all easyJet flights during the COP26 climate conference. The first of a total of 42 easyJet flights departed and was powered by a 30% Neste SAF blend. It is the first time a departing flight at Gatwick has used SAF and also the first usage by any easyJet service from the UK.

Hotel

Hilton opens first canopy property in the UK

London’s long-awaited Hilton’s lifestyle Canopy brand has officially opened. The 340-room Canopy by Hilton London City is located within the Minories development close to Aldgate Underground Station. The hotel features Penny Squares restaurant, Freedom Café.

Accor opens dual-branded Ibis and Ibis Budget Property close to Heathrow T5

Accor has unveiled a dual-branded Ibis and Ibis Budget property located just under three miles from Heathrow Airport T5. The Ibis budget London Heathrow T5 has been split into two Ibis and Ibis Budget hotels. Ibis consists of 56 new Ibis bedrooms and Ibis Budget includes 241 hotel rooms. The two hotels share Charlie’s Corner bar and restaurant.

Travelodge improves offering for business travellers

Travelodge has unveiled Travelodge Business, a bespoke one-stop service created to help restart travel programmes post-pandemic. The project supports business accommodation needs and gives companies substantial cash savings.

Ground Travel

Heathrow Express partners with Google Maps

Heathrow Express has launched a partnership with Google Maps which allows users to find travel information and access tickets via the app. The Google Maps journey planner will now offer details on the high-speed rail link’s journey times and allow customers to to buy tickets “in under a minute” via mobile payments such as Apple Pay.