Spaceport Cornwall receives first-ever UK spaceport licence as Virgin Orbit's 747 and rocket launcher arrives.....

Establishing orbital launch capabilities in the UK is bringing investment and jobs into Cornwall and other communities across the UK.

The UK’s first orbital space launch moved one step closer to take-off as Spaceport Cornwall received the UK’s first-ever spaceport licence.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued the licence, following consent from Transport Secretary Mark Harper, meaning he is in agreement with the licensing decisions made by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Spaceport Cornwall, based at Cornwall Airport Newquay, has demonstrated to the regulator it has met the appropriate safety, security, environment and other aspects to operate a UK spaceport. The approval also means Spaceport Cornwall has the infrastructure, equipment and services for horizontal space launches.

Historic moment as UK Civil Aviation Authority issues first-ever UK spaceport licence

Spaceport Cornwall has demonstrated it meets the statutory requirements on safety, security, environment and other aspects to operate a UK spaceport

Nearly 150 satellite licences issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, supporting the growing space sector which is creating thousands of jobs

The licence enables Virgin Orbit to begin ‘wet dress’ rehearsals ahead of a proposed launch, which would be the first of its kind on European soil.

This latest licence adds to nearly 150 satellite licences already approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority since becoming the UK’s space regulator in July 2021.

The growing space industry will boost innovation and is estimated to be worth £16.5 billion and support 47,000 jobs, with 2,500 apprentices opening the sector up to even more people.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "The cosmic cornerstone is being laid for the UK’s first orbital space launch, with the UK Civil Aviation Authority granting Spaceport Cornwall the first-ever spaceport licence.

Virgin Orbit’s planned launch reinforces our position as a leading space nation as we look to the future of spaceflight, which can spur growth and innovation across the sector, as well as creating thousands of jobs and apprenticeships."

Richard Moriarty, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:  "This is an historic moment as we licence the first-ever spaceport in the UK. We’re proud to be playing our part in facilitating the UK’s space ambitions through assessing the safety, security and other requirements of these activities. This is another major milestone to enable this country to become a leading launch nation.

When we became the space regulator, we committed to delivering in an open, effective and proportionate way, with public safety at its heart. Our work does not stop with this licence decision as we continue to assess other licence applications and oversee the effectiveness of licenced activities, all enabling the UK’s space sector to grow safely and securely."

Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, said:  "To be the first Spaceport in the UK with a licence to operate is a historic moment. The regulatory environment created by the Civil Aviation Authority ensures that UK launch will set the global bar in terms of responsibility and transparency.

Cornwall is now ready to open up the use of Space for Good, and support the UK industry in harnessing the power of space to benefit life on Earth."

The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s licence for Spaceport Cornwall follows months of working closely with government and other organisations including the Marine Management Organisation, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority continues to work on several licence applications, including being in very advanced stages with Virgin Orbit on its applications for launch and range licences, as well as the satellite operators, ahead of a proposed first UK launch.

The regulator is also progressing applications from a range of other spaceports and operators, and recently started a consultation on the environmental effects of a proposed SaxaVord launch in Scotland.

Dan Hart, Virgin Orbit CEO, said:  "Obtaining this license marks a point of distinction for Spaceport Cornwall, and is a key preparatory milestone for this first orbital launch from the UK. 

Cosmic Girl  Photo Crown Copyright. Spaceport Cornwall

We appreciate the efforts of the British regulatory agencies with the support of the US Federal Aviation Administration in this first-time licensing process, as we strive in our respective roles to ensure a safe and successful mission in the coming weeks."

Ian Annett, Deputy CEO at the UK Space Agency, said:  "The first-ever spaceport licence granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority is another major milestone as we look forward to the first satellite launch from UK soil this year. Getting to this stage is a testament to the hard work from partners across government and industry to make our launch ambitions a reality and we are now tantalisingly close.

Establishing orbital launch capabilities in the UK is already bringing investment and jobs into Cornwall and other communities across the UK and inspiring a new generation to join our growing space sector."

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said:  "What a fantastic milestone. We are now one step closer to becoming the UK’s first operational Spaceport and I speak for all of us at Cornwall Council as we await with great excitement the next steps, looking towards Launch UK with our partners the UK Space Agency and Virgin Orbit."

LauncherOne arrives.. Photo Spaceport Cornwall

With the landing of Virgin Orbit’s launch carrier aircraft – Cosmic Girl – and the arrival of LauncherOne, the future has arrived. Cosmic Girl, really more of an old bird, rather than a girl, the old 747 jet will carry LauncherOne to an altitude of roughly 35,000 ft before deploying the rocket, the arrival of key Ground Support Equipment and the integration of the majority of the payloads complete; LauncherOne is the last piece of the launch infrastructure to arrive on site.

Later this year, LauncherOne will carry seven payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the Start Me Up mission. This will include the first-ever satellite launched by the Sultanate of Oman focused on Earth Observation; future-facing return satellite tech aboard Wales’ first satellite, built by Space Forge; a Maritime monitoring payload built by Horizon Technologies and the Satellite Applications Catapult; as well satellites from the MOD, DSTL and US National Reconnaissance Office.

The launch service was acquired by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from Virgin Orbit National Systems, a Virgin Orbit U.S. subsidiary serving classified customers, as the first task order on NRO’s Streamlined Launch Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract or “SLIC.” Start Me Up manifest includes:

IOD-3 AMBER (aka IOD-3) – Developed by Satellite Applications Catapult (“SA Catapult”) and Horizon Technologies and built by AAC Clyde Space, all based in the U.K. IOD-3 Amber is expected to be the first of more than 20 Amber satellites to provide space-based Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) data to users.

Prometheus-2 –Two cubesats owned by the U.K. Ministry of Defense’s (MOD) Defense Science & Technology Laboratory Dstl. These satellites, co-funded with Airbus Defence and Space who are designing them jointly with In-Space Missions, will support MOD science and technology and activities both in orbit and on the ground through the development of ground systems focused at Dstl’s site near Portsmouth.

CIRCE (Coordinated Ionospheric Reconstruction CubeSat Experiment) – CIRCE is part of a joint mission between the U.K.’s Defense Science and Technology Laboratory and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL).

DOVER – Developed by RHEA Group in the UK, it is the company’s first satellite in its 30-year history. The satellite is being co-funded through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Navigation Program (NAVISP) and built by Open Cosmos of the United Kingdom. DOVER is a SmallSat that was created as a pathfinder for resilient global navigation satellite systems.

ForgeStar-0 – Developed by Space Forge of Wales, the satellite is a fully returnable and reusable platform to enable in-space manufacturing. This launch will be the first for the company’s ForgeStar platform and will test future returns from space technology.

AMAN – Oman’s first orbital mission, it is a single earth observation satellite meant to demonstrate the future feasibility of a larger constellation and was developed after a memorandum of understanding among the Sultanate of Oman, Polish Small Satellite manufacturer and operator SatRev, Poland-originated AI data analytics specialists TUATARA, and Omani-based merging technology innovator ETCO. The agreement includes additional planned small satellites, including this, the first in Oman’s history.

STORK-6 – Stork-6 is the next instalment of Polish Small Satellite manufacturer and operator SatRev’s STORK constellation. Virgin Orbit previously launched two spacecraft in this constellation on a previous launch and looks forward to continuing to launch SatRev’s STORK spacecraft in the Future.

Finnair cancels approximately 100 flights on 20-21 November due to cabin crew strike

The Helsinki-based Finnair has had to cancel altogether approximately 100 flights leaving its home base today and tomorrow after The Finnish Transport Workers' Union AKT has announced a strike regarding Finnair's cabin crew in Helsinki between Sunday 20th Nov at 3 p.m. EET and Monday 21st Nov at 3 p.m.  

The job of cancelling the flights, rebooking or rerouting customers' reservations began on Saturday and work continues today, mainly by outsourced staff and via the 'Manage Booking' section on Finnair's website.  

The carrier says that fights operated by Norra will continue as scheduled as will flights where Finnair has already outsourced cabin and flight crew services to other companies.  

"We are deeply sorry for the concern and inconvenience this strike is causing our customers, and do our best to reroute our customers as soon as possible," says Jaakko Schildt, Finnair's Chief Operating Officer.   "It is sad that the labour union has chosen the path of an illegal strike instead of negotiations. Throughout the autumn we have discussed savings possibilities with the unions, but unfortunately, we have not been able to achieve a result with the cabin crew. We still hope to find solutions together," says Schildt.  

The financially troubled national carrier has already told staff of the costs its needs to cut and savings that have to be made in order to return the carrier to profitability and secure its long-term future. Many of the savings the carrier wants to make effect cabin crew including: pay cuts, much higher crew utilisation, downgrading of layover hotels, no meals, additional pay-per-hour rules for long flights and axing employee discounts.  The airline said that as no agreement was found with its cabin crew, it is now looking to axe dozens and dozens of cabin crew and subcontract or outsource even more of its long-haul routes. 

There have been many of Finnair's staff who have taken to social media or messaging groups to tell their fears and beliefs that this is just the next step on a journey of turning Finnair into a virtual carrier with almost all services, other than aircraft and management outsourced to other companies.  

Singapore Airlines special offers on flights from UK to Houston.....

Photo Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines, one of the most popular carriers has released some special offer fares for its new services from the UK to Houston. 

America's fourth-largest city is a cosmopolitan destination, filled with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping and nightlife. It is a true city of distinction, it likes to be known as the Energy Capital of the World and boasts the world’s largest medical centre.  

It is easy to see why Houston is staking its claim as the most exciting metropolis in the country.  Just take a stroll through the historic Heights, or explore the Museum District, then perhaps pop down to Space Center Houston and you'll still have tonnes more to explore. 

There are hundreds of good quality restaurants and eating places to enjoy before visiting one of the city's nightspots. 

Houston has long been known for oil-baron opulence, mega highways and concrete sprawl, H-town is a city reborn. Now, it's a cultural and culinary powerhouse where its inhabitants – the most diverse in the nation – mingle in pedestrian-friendly areas brimming with greenery, forward-looking architecture, restored historic structures and innovative public art. For travellers, this could mean waking up to a free yoga class on Discovery Green, browsing world-class museums, unrolling a blanket on a hillside to catch a free (yes, free) evening opera performance, then unwinding with dinner and drinks at one of the country’s best bars. And you won’t even have scratched the surface.

So pack your bags, leave your preconceptions at home and see why Houston is now one of the top destinations in the U.S. 

Fly from Manchester to Houston

Photo Singapore Airlines

Economy: Fly from Manchester to Houston for £345 one-way fare, or £475 return fare.

Premium Economy: Fly from Manchester to Houston for £679 one-way fare, or £999 return fare

Business: Fly from Manchester to Houston for £1,192 one-way fare, or £1,855 return fare

 

Fly from Aberdeen to Houston

Photo Singapore Airlines

Economy: Fly from Manchester to Houston for £434 one-way fare, or £585 return fare.

Premium Economy: Fly from Manchester to Houston for £783 one-way fare, or £1,124 return fare

Business: Fly from Manchester to Houston for £1,406 one-way fare, or £2,090 return fare

Photo Singapore Airlines

 

Get these special fares here

 

Terms and Conditions - Travel Period: 13 January 2023 – 23 March 2023; 17 April 2023 – 21 May 2023; 14 August 2023 – 02 October 2023

Fares:

Fares are per person incl. taxes/surcharges.

Cancellation / Refund:

Before Departure: Non-Refundable. After Departure: Non-Refundable. Exceptions apply for those impacted by GOV UK traffic light revisions.

Special conditions

Fares are subject to restricted availability. Fares are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations.

Other:

Subject to currency fluctuation and seat availability.

Two firefighters killed in collision with LATAM Airbus in Peru

Photo AFP

The investigation is in its early stages into how a fire truck collided with an Abus A320 belonging to LATAM Airlines that was taking off from Lima's Jorge Chavez airport to operate flight LA2213 to the Peruvian city of Juliaca.

The Prosecutor's Office confirmed it was looking into the incident and seeking to 'clarify the facts regarding the possible crimes of culpable homicide and culpable injuries.'

The airline issued a brief statement which said the aircraft "collided with a fire engine that entered the runway during take-off at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. There are no fatalities among the 102 passengers and six crew members. As a precaution, all passengers and crew are being taken to health centres.

LATAM Airlines Peru regrets the passing of the two firefighters who were on the fire engine that collided with the aircraft, as informed by Lima Airport Partners, the operator of Jorge Chavez Airport.   

Currently, LATAM Airlines Peru is focused on providing support to passengers and their families. At the same time, it is working in coordination with authorities to support the investigation into the event.

LATAM Airlines Peru is deploying all its resources to attend to those affected and has activated its emergency response plan."

According to the local health authorities, some 61 people had been transferred to nearby clinics and hospitals, although it is not believed any were in life-threatening conditions. 

Various images and videos spread on social media show the aircraft sliding down the runway, with its main undercarriage appearing to collapse on one side, with flames and billowing black smoke filling the sky.

🚨 | LATAM Flight 2213, an Airbus A320neo has collided with a fire truck at high speed on takeoff in Lima, Peru. No fatalities have been reported on the plane but sadly, two firefighters have passed away as a result. pic.twitter.com/2rLOwgPx8B

— Air Crash Investigation (@AirCrash_) November 19, 2022

Todos los videos que me han llegado del accidente en el aeropuerto Jorge Chavez.#Latam pic.twitter.com/uS2d82ls7S

— 2023 VUELVO (@himselfsv) November 18, 2022

There is some confusion why the fire truck entered the runway while an aircraft was in the process of taking off,  during a press conference, LATAM CEO Manuel Van Oordt confirmed the aircraft had been cleared by the tower for take-off,  "We don't know why [fire truck] was there,  - We didn't ask for their services."

President Pedro Castillo used social media to pay tribute to the dead firefighters, "I express my heartfelt condolences to the relatives of Ángel Torres and Nicolás Santa Gadea, brave firefighters who died in the accident. My thoughts and my prayers are with them. I pray for the recovery of the wounded."

The airport said:  "Lima Airport Partners deeply regrets the loss of the lives of two members of the Aeronautical Fire Department of LAP in the accident that occurred this afternoon between a fire engine and the aircraft that attended flight LA2213 that covered the Lima-Juliaca route. 

We express our solidarity with the families of Angel Torres of the Garibaldi 6 Fire Company and Nicolás Santa Gadea of the Garibaldi 7 Fire Company, with whom we have already contacted to put ourselves at your disposal. 

At this moment we are conducting all the necessary investigations to determine the causes of this fact."

Local media is reporting that a third firefight had been seriously injured in the crash and was undergoing treatment in hospital, however, this has yet to be confirmed. 

The airport also reported that:

The Aviation Accident Investigation Commission (CIAA) of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, comes Working since last night to determine the causes of the accident and supervising the removal work on the runway of landing.

Although the work has been carried out intensively by the airline and in permanent coordination with LAP and the authorities, this is taking longer than estimated due to the complexity of the accident and the Treatment of fuel spillage caused.

In view of the revision, LAP has requested to extend the suspension of operations until 00:00hrs on November 20 of 2022.

LAP is working in parallel in the repair of pavement, lights and other affectations, in order to to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft.

The reopening of the runway and aeronautical operations will only be possible with the approval of the authority corresponding.

Without wishing to preempt any investigation, it would seem that there has been a horrendous lack of communication or a tragic misunderstanding that has led to this crash, which could have been so much more serious. 

Royal Air Force completes world-first sustainable fuel military transporter flight....................

Photo Royal Air Force / Crown Copyright

The Royal Air Force, Airbus and other industry partners have carried out the world’s first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flight using an in-service military aircraft. It is also the first 100% SAF flight of any aircraft type carried out in UK airspace.

An RAF Voyager – the military variant of the Airbus A330 commercial jetliner - took to the skies above RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England, on Wednesday powered completely by 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel on both engines, paving the way for a range of possibilities for the future of flying military aircraft.

The flight was a joint endeavour between the RAF, aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support agency, British aircraft leasing company AirTanker and engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce, with the fuel supplied by Air bp.

Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said: “True to our purpose of 'pioneering aerospace', we have gladly supported the Royal Air Force on this landmark sustainable-fuel test flight. I commend our UK customer for this achievement which helps pave the way for a sustainable reduction of carbon emissions of our military aircraft fleets. Airbus engineers have made a significant contribution to this RAF mission by providing on-the-ground expertise in recent weeks and securing the necessary MoD military flight permits.”

Photo Royal Air Force / Crown Copyright

Sustainable Aviation Fuel – which is made from waste-based sustainable feedstocks, in this case used cooking oil – reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to the conventional fuel it replaces, lessens the RAF’s reliance on global supply chains and improves operational resilience by reducing the necessity for fuel resupplying.

As different approaches will suit different platforms and environments, a range of alternative fuel options are being looked at to ensure the UK is at the forefront of this developing technology.

The 90-minute return flight from RAF Brize Norton, flown by a combined Airbus, RAF and Rolls-Royce flight-test crew, replicated an air-to-air refuelling sortie and was witnessed by senior RAF and industry representatives. The RAF said it demonstrated the potential for its future operational capability, ensuring the ability to contribute to UK defence wherever and whenever it was required.

Baroness Goldie UK Defence Minister said:  "The Royal Air Force has flown the UK’s first military air transport flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel on one of their operational Voyager aircraft. They should be rightly proud of this achievement; it is a breakthrough moment for the RAF and an exciting development for the MOD.

Photo Royal Air Force / Crown Copyright

Through the RAF’s pioneering spirit, expertise and partnership with UK industry, British science and engineering is leading the way in improving operational resilience and developing future operating capability in a climate-changed world."

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston,  Chief of the Air Staff, commented:   "Climate change is a transnational challenge that threatens our resilience, our security and our collective prosperity. That is why I have set the RAF the ambitious challenge of becoming the world’s first net-zero Air Force by 2040. The way we power our aircraft will be key to meeting that challenge and the RAF is already thinking about how we will operate beyond fossil fuels.

This exciting trial flight of a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an important milestone on that journey, and marks another technological first for the RAF alongside our industry partners."

Baroness Vere, Aviation Minister at the Department for Transport, said "Our Jet Zero Strategy made clear that sustainable aviation fuels are key to greener flight for both military and civilian aviation.

This is a win for the planet and a testament to British ingenuity. We have launched the £165 million Advanced Fuels Fund to kickstart a homegrown SAF industry, as well as challenging the sector to deliver the first net zero transatlantic flight next year."

Photo Royal Air Force / Crown Copyright

In addition to supporting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the Armed Forces, the Royal Air Force Commander in Chief HM King Charles III has also supported an increase in its adoption in the private sector though the Sustainable Markets Initiative. The SMI is a network of global CEOs from across all industries, working together to accelerate a sustainable future in line with its mandate. Part of the SMI’s work is raising awareness of SAF amongst the business community and encourage greater SAF uptake in corporate travel in addition to increased purchase agreements to encourage demand from the public and private sectors.

2022 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama. Credit: Historic Hotels of America and Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

Historic Hotels of America is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence. The Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence recognize and celebrate the finest historic hotels and hoteliers from across the United States of America and around the world.

Recipients were announced and honoured at a special evening Ceremony and Gala at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection in Point Clear, Alabama, on Thursday, November 17, 2022. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) has been known as The Queen of Southern Resorts for 175 years and is set on 550 acres next to Mobile Bay. Awards were presented before an audience of more than 200 industry leaders, owners, senior management, and representatives of the world’s finest historic hotels.

Seventeen Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence were given in multiple categories ranging from Historic Hotels of America Historic Hotelier of the Year, Historic Hotels of America Hotel Historian of the Year, Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Resort, Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award, and others.

Winners were selected from nominations by historic hotels, preservation supporters, prior award recipients, community leaders, and leadership from Historic Hotels of America. As an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America provides the recognition to travellers, civic leaders, and the global cultural, heritage, and historic travel market that member hotels are among the finest historic hotels from across the United States of America. The Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence program recognizes the pinnacle of this distinct group of nominees in a range of categories.

From over 350 nominations, the awards committee evaluated the nominee finalists and, after careful consideration, selected the 2022 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence award winners:

Historic Hotels of America New Member of the Year

This award is presented to a new member hotel that best demonstrates immediate engagement, activation, and passionate support of Historic Hotels of America.

Winner: The Andrus Hotel (1917) Dillon, Montana

Historic Hotels of America Best Social Media of a Historic Hotel

This award is presented to a hotel that actively engages consumers by sharing the best of its history through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with interesting historical facts and stories.

Winner: La Fonda on the Plaza™ (1922) Santa Fe, New Mexico

Historic Hotels of America Sustainability Champion

This award is presented to a hotel that best implements and practices innovative green initiatives and programs, demonstrating historic preservation is the ultimate green.

Winner: Presidio Lodging: Inn at the Presidio (1903) and The Lodge at the Presidio (1895) San Francisco, California

Historic Hotels of America Best Small Historic Inn/Hotel (Under 75 Guestrooms)

This award is presented to a hotel under 75 guestrooms that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.

Winner: Antrim 1844 (1844) Taneytown, Maryland

Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Hotel (76 – 200 Guestrooms)

This award is presented to a hotel with 76-200 guestrooms that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.

Winner: Historic Inns of Annapolis (1772) Annapolis, Maryland

Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Hotel (201 – 400 Guestrooms)

This award is presented to a hotel with 201-400 guestrooms that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.

Winner: Chatham Bars Inn (1914) Chatham, Massachusetts

The Omni Homestead Resort (1766) Hot Springs, Virginia.
Credit: Historic Hotels of America and The Omni Homestead Resort.

Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Hotel (Over 400 Guestrooms)

This award is presented to a hotel with over 400 guestrooms that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.

Winner: The Omni Homestead Resort (1766) Hot Springs, Virginia

Historic Hotels of America Best City Center Historic Hotel

This award is presented to a hotel located in a city center that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.

Winner: The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilton (1913) Lynchburg, Virginia

The Wigwam (1929) Litchfield Park, Arizona. Credit: Historic Hotels of America and The Wigwam.

Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Resort

This award is presented to a historic resort that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.

Winner: The Wigwam (1929) Litchfield Park, Arizona.

Historic Hotels of America Best Historic Restaurant in Conjunction with a Historic Hotel

This award is presented to a restaurant that is part of a historic hotel that offers the finest cuisine, historic atmosphere, and exceptional customer service.

Winner: The Asbury at The Dunhill Hotel (1929) Charlotte, North Carolina

Historic Hotels of America Ambassador of the Year (Celebrating 25+ years of service)

This award is presented to an individual who has dedicated their career to a historic hotel for at least twenty-five years, has been an exemplary ambassador and steward of the history and stories of a historic hotel, and has shown exemplary hospitality and service to the hotel and its guests.

Winner: Sam Sealy at Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama

Historic Hotels of America Hotel Historian of the Year

This award is presented to a hotel historian who best demonstrates a passion for preserving, displaying, and interpreting the history of their hotel, a true ambassador of the past.

Winner: Susan Stein at Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) Point Clear, Alabama

Historic Hotels of America Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year

The Lodge at the Presidio (1894) San Francisco, California. Credit: Historic Hotels of America and The Lodge at the Presidio.

This award is presented to a multi-generational family ownership entity or management company which has served as an exemplary role model in the operation of the historic hotels entrusted to its stewardship, has demonstrated a long-term legacy of commitment to historic preservation, and has been an active champion of Historic Hotels of America.

Winner: The Hraba Family at Presidio Lodging: The Lodge at the Presidio (1894) and Inn at the Presidio (1903) Francisco, California

Historic Hotels of America Historic Hotelier of the Year

This award is presented to the recipient demonstrating the highest contribution to furthering the celebration of history at historic hotels as well as leadership and innovation.

Winner: Patty Henning at Jekyll Island Club Resort (1886) Jekyll Island, Georgia

Historic Hotels of America Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

This award is presented to an individual whose lifelong passion has resulted in the preservation and celebration of the history and stories of a legendary historic hotel.

Winner: Elise Roenigk at 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (1886) Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Historic Hotels of America Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration Award Winner

This award recognizes the extensive accomplishments of Peter Strebel in pioneering innovative concepts and programs for achieving uncommon success, for being a thought leader on exceptional service, an inspiring leader in the hotel industry, and whose leadership and vision has resulted the donation of more than 25 million meals to help end hunger in America and whose leadership has resulted in the preservation, restoration, and celebration of fifteen iconic and legendary historic hotels and resorts.

Historic Hotels of America Historian of the Year Winner

The Historic Hotels of America Historian of the Year Award recognizes the extensive accomplishments of Greg MacGillivray, American film director, cinematographer, preeminent storyteller, pioneer of the 70mm IMAX film format, Academy Award Nominee, and passionate ocean conservationist. This award recognizes him for making a unique contribution in the research, and presentation of history and whose work has encouraged a wide, if not provocative, discussion and greater understanding of the history and the diverse heritages and cultures of our nation, the world, and the planet.

“It is an honour to congratulate all of the 2022 Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence winners,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “The winners are the finest historic hotels and hoteliers from the across the United States. The historic hotels nominated include small historic inns, boutique hotels, lifestyle hotels, and resorts. They represent small towns to large cities to UNESCO World Heritage destinations. We applaud the dedication and passion of the thousands of individuals working at these iconic and legendary hotels that keep the stories alive from the past and make staying or celebrating special occasions at these historic hotels memorable experiences. The hotels on this list represent the very best spirit of perseverance and preservation of Historic Hotels. Through the many chapters these buildings have seen, it is the care of their staff, owners, and operators and the support of travellers that allow these stories to continue.”

To be nominated for the Historic Hotels of America Annual Awards of Excellence, a hotel must be a member of Historic Hotels of America, demonstrate how the hotel increased the recognition and celebration of the hotel’s history, heritage, historic preservation, and its membership as well as how the hotel (through its ownership, leadership, and employees) contributes significantly as an industry leader in the designated award category.

LATAM Airlines plane crashes at Peruvian runway, nobody reported killed

LATAM Airlines said on Friday that one of its passenger jetliners suffered an accident on the runway of Peru's Jorge Chavez International Airport, adding that no passengers or crew members were killed in the incident.

The accident appears to have occurred when the jetliner collided with a vehicle on the runway, according to videos circulating on social media and broadcast by Peruvian media outlets.

Jorge Chavez in Lima, Peru's most important airport, suspended all operations and is investigating the causes of the accident, said Lima Airport Partners, which operates the airport.

Lima Airport Partners had earlier said that all passengers were unharmed.

Images posted on Twitter by local radio station RPP Noticias showed a plane belonging to LATAM Airlines partially on fire on the runway.

Fire brigade officer Mario Casaretto told RPP Noticias the plane had reported problems with its landing gear.

Flight LA2213, which was involved in the accident, covered the domestic Lima-Juliaca route, LATAM Airlines said.

(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Editing by Anthony Esposito, Jonathan Oatis and Rosalba O'Brien for Reuters)

Doncaster Sheffield Airport ‘could reopen next spring’......

Photo Doncaster Sheffield Airport 

Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed on 5th November after being unable to raise a profit since the pandemic and the owners - the Peel Group believe the land is worth more for redevelopment than as an airport.  However, there is hope on the not-too-distant horizon according to the local mayor, who believes the airport could be reopened in the spring of next year. 

Oliver Coppard, the South Yorkshire mayor said last Friday, that a takeover deal was currently being negotiated between the Peel Group and a business consortium from the United Arab Emirates. If all goes ahead, the airport could reopen in April or May Coppard said. 

The Peel Group have said the airport is not financially viable, despite being guaranteed funding from local authorities to keep the airport running until next year. 

A Save Doncaster Sheffield Airport group has been launched on social media, led by Mark Chadwick, who commented "We will be waiting for the investors and Peel to do a deal before we know what’s happening with the future of DSA.  If all goes well and a deal is done the airport could be open to passenger travel by April/May time.  If all fails, talks stop and no purchase happens, then Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority are prepared to take this further and carry out a Compulsory Purchase Order on the airport site."

2022 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

San Clemente Palace Kempinski (1131) Venice, Italy. Credit: Historic Hotels Worldwide and San Clemente Palace Kempinski.

Historic Hotels Worldwide is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence. The Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence recognize and celebrate the finest historic hotels and hoteliers from around the world.

Recipients were honoured at a special evening Ceremony and Gala at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection in Point Clear, Alabama, on Thursday, November 17, 2022. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (1847) has been known as The Queen of Southern Resorts for 175 years and is set on 550 acres next to Mobile Bay. Awards were presented before an audience of more than 200 industry leaders, owners, senior management, and representatives of the finest historic hotels in operation today.

Nine Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence were presented, including awards for Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in Europe, Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in Asia / Pacific, and Best Historic Hotels Worldwide Hotel in the Americas.

Winners were selected from nominations by historic hotels, preservation supporters, prior award recipients, community leaders, and leadership from Historic Hotels Worldwide. As a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels Worldwide provides the recognition to travellers, civic leaders, and the global cultural, heritage, and historic travel market that member hotels are among the finest historic hotels in the world. The Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence program recognizes the pinnacle of this distinct group of nominees in a range of categories.

From over 350 nominations, the awards committee evaluated the nominee finalists and, after careful consideration, selected the 2022 Historic Hotels Worldwide Annual Awards of Excellence award winners:

Historic Hotels Worldwide New Member of the Year

This award is presented to a new member hotel that best demonstrates immediate engagement, activation, and passionate support of Historic Hotels Worldwide.

Winner: Solar do Castelo (18th century) Lisbon, Portugal.

Solar do Castelo (18th century) Lisbon, Portugal. Credit: Historic Hotels Worldwide and Solar do Castelo.

Historic Hotels Worldwide Best Social Media of a Historic Hotel

This award is presented to a hotel that actively engages consumers by sharing the best of its history through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with interesting historical facts and stories.

Winner: Hotel Maximilian’s (1722) Augsburg, Germany

Historic Hotels Worldwide Sustainability Champion

This award is presented to a hotel that best implements and practices innovative green initiatives and programs, demonstrating historic preservation is the ultimate green.

Winner: Dromoland Castle Hotel (1014) Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, Ireland

Historic Hotels Worldwide Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers of the Year

This award is presented to a multi-generational family ownership entity or management company which has served as an exemplary role model in the operation of the historic hotels entrusted to its stewardship, has demonstrated a long-term legacy of commitment to historic preservation, and has been an active champion of Historic Hotels Worldwide.

Winner: The Dietrich-Kienberger Family at Hotel Waldhaus Sils (1908) Sils Maria, Switzerland.

Hotel Waldhaus Sils (1908) Sils Maria, Switzerland. Credit: Historic Hotels Worldwide and Hotel Waldhaus Sils.

Historic Hotels Worldwide Best City Center Historic Hotel
This award is presented to a hotel located in a city center that best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.
Winner: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian (1903) Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K.

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian (1903) Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K. Credit: Historic Hotels Worldwide and the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.