Airbus gives companies a boost on their journey to space

Teamwork makes the dream work. Nowhere is this more true than in the space sector. With space missions being highly complex, close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders is essential to ultimately ensure their success. 

Our Space Accelerator programme is designed to help emerging companies by giving them a boost on their journey to space. They can directly benefit from the extensive space heritage and technical expertise of Airbus, the largest space company in Europe and the UK’s major sovereign space company. The 2024 cohort is now underway and we take this opportunity to introduce some of the participants. What are they up to?

Driving innovation in spacecraft propulsion

Propellants and mobility restraints are a major cost driver in the space sector. Accordingly, this is a key area for innovation. One company tackling this subject is Applied Atomics. It is working on a propulsion system that uses one of the most ubiquitous resources in the universe as a fuel: water.

“Today, either chemical or electric propulsion is used in space,” explains Ashley Johnson, Founder and CEO of Applied Atomics. "Electric propulsion is extremely efficient, using small amounts of fuel, but provides very little thrust. Chemical propulsion, on the other hand, is extremely high thrust but uses a lot of fuel, which makes it expensive.”

Applied Atomics is working to combine both types of propulsion in one system. The unifying element is water: "On the chemical side, we split the water into hydrogen and oxygen to create a powerful rocket burn. On the electrical side, we create a water plasma that is ionised and then ejected very quickly by electromagnetic fields.”

With this two-in-one-approach, Applied Atomics aims to make it easier to get around in space. "Currently, it is often cheaper to travel from Earth to space than to manoeuvre within space itself," Johnson says. Going forward, his company envisions a rapid-response network that provides satellite imagery, telecommunications or weather information on-demand – all based on vehicles that are able to move quickly in space and refuel in orbit using water.

 

Working with Airbus as part of the accelerator programme, Johnson and his team expect to make progress on both a technical and business level: "We want to raise the maturity of our hardware and software, and we also hope to get support in commercialising our products.”

Fighting cancer with drugs made in space

Two million enjoy an effortless getaway from East Midlands Airport this summer

Summer 2024 has seen more than two million passengers use East Midlands Airport (EMA) for their holidays – almost 100,000 more than last year.

Last month alone, 545,000 people passed through the airport, adding to a total of 2,003,823 since the beginning of May. That’s up 97,097 on the same period in 2023, and around half of the total projected for the whole year.

The airport put in place a range of customer improvements ahead of the summer, including new and refurbished bars, a new shop, new toilets, baby changing facilities and multi faith room, extra seating, new trolleys and better wi-fi. This is part of a £120m five-year investment programme underway at the airport.

Some customers arriving at EMA in August have also experienced the new security arrangements which will come fully into effect next summer. One brand new security lane with state-of-the-art scanning equipment has been developed and opened ahead of similar improvements to the whole security hall in time for summer 2025. For the time-being, all customers still need to prepare for security in the usual way, but once all the new equipment is installed and ready next year, new rules will make getting through security at EMA even simpler.

Coastline Resorts announces merger with Beach Vacations in Myrtle Beach

Coastline Resorts, a vacation rental company in Myrtle Beach, has confirmed its merger with Beach Vacations, a provider of vacation accommodation in the region. 

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the hospitality industry, combining the strengths and expertise of both companies to offer an unparalleled vacation experience in Myrtle Beach.

With this merger, Coastline Resorts and Beach Vacations will pool their resources, properties, and services to provide an expanded range of high-quality accommodations, enhanced customer service, and exclusive vacation packages. Guests can look forward to more diverse lodging options, from luxurious oceanfront condos to family-friendly resorts, all conveniently located near the best attractions and golf courses Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Beach Vacations has been a trusted name in Myrtle Beach for years, known for its extensive portfolio of rental properties and dedication to guest satisfaction. The merger will enable both companies to strengthen their market position, offering an unmatched level of service and a broader selection of accommodations to meet the diverse needs of visitors to Myrtle Beach.

The integration process is already underway, with both companies working closely to ensure a seamless transition for all guests and partners. Current and future guests can continue to book their vacations through either Coastline Resorts or Beach Vacations, with the assurance that they will receive the same high standard of service that both brands are known for.

https://coastlineresorts.com/

https://www.beach-vacation.com/

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Royal Navy and RAF shadow Russian ships and intercept Russian aircraft to protect UK national security

HMS Iron Duke and HMS Tyne shadowed four Russian vessels in UK waters and RAF jets intercepted a Russian Bear aircraft approaching the UK area of interest

Royal Navy warships have spent the past week closely shadowing the Russian Navy as four of its vessels sailed through the Channel and the North Sea, helping to protect UK national security.

Alongside this, two RAF Typhoons scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth yesterday (11/09), supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, to intercept two Russian Bear-F aircraft operating near the UK.

The RAF jets were launched under NATO command and worked closely with our partners to monitor the aircraft as they passed through international airspace. Our Typhoon fighters escorted the aircraft out of the UK’s Flight Information Region and at no time did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.

Typhoons are part of the RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert, which sees aircraft in Scotland and England at high-readiness 24/7, 365 days a year ready to defend and protect UK airspace.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:  "This government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad. Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.

I’d like to thank those members of our armed forces who took part in this operation, their professionalism and skill was on full display while working seamlessly with our NATO allies to uphold international standards."

In a six-day operation hand-in-hand with NATO allies, the Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke shadowed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic.

The carefully-choreographed operation started at the beginning of September when Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan escorted the diesel-powered submarine and her support vessel as they sailed from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea. The Canadian patrol ship handed over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

From there HMS Iron Duke ensured constant watch on the two vessels, using her many sensors including her Wildcat helicopter, from 815 Naval Air Squadron, in the air. The submarine remained on the surface throughout the operation.

Once the Russian vessels had passed UK waters, HMS Iron Duke handed over shadowing duties to the Marine Nationale off the northwest coast of France, where the frigate FS Auvergne took up the mission.

The ship then returned immediately to the North Sea for a near carbon copy operation – this time with Steregushchiy-class corvette Stoiky and tanker MT Yaz as it approached Dover, picking up shadowing duties from the Belgian Navy, whose patrol vessel BNS Castor had kept watch up to that point.

HMS Iron Duke then handed over monitoring duties to patrol ship HMS Tyne off north western France.

Throughout both journeys past the UK – permitted under international law in accordance with the right of innocent passage– the Russian warships and their support vessels were closely monitored by UK forces to ensure they acted in a safe and non-threatening manner.

Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke Commander David Armstrong said:  "These were the fourth and fifth such operations for HMS Iron Duke since we emerged from a period of intense training in July, and I am extremely proud of the professionalism and selfless dedication that my ship’s company consistently display as they perform their duty.

Maritime security operations of this nature are a fundamental capability of the Royal Navy, with the protection of our sovereign waters and critical national infrastructure a key focus."

 

In a six-day operation hand-in-hand with NATO allies, the Portsmouth-based frigate HMS Iron Duke shadowed the Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and its supporting tug Evgeny Churov through the Dover Strait and into the Atlantic.

The carefully-choreographed operation started at the beginning of September when Canadian warship HMCS Shawinigan escorted the diesel-powered submarine and her support vessel as they sailed from the Baltic and headed across the North Sea. The Canadian patrol ship handed over monitoring duties to the Royal Navy as the Russian vessels approached the busy Dover Strait.

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Brussels Airlines to sub-lease four airBaltic A220 jets and expand A330 fleet....

Brussels Airlines expands its fleet and invests in new cabin interior

 

More aircraft, over 250 extra jobs and a +100 million investments in brand-new cabins

Brussels Airlines will significantly grow its long-haul fleet by adding three Airbus A330 aircraft, bringing its widebody fleet to 13 in the coming years. Next to that, Brussels Airlines will invest considerably in a brand-new cabin interior. The national home carrier signed a contract with a wet-lease partner as well, who will seasonally operate four Airbus A220 aircraft on behalf of the carrier as from the summer season 2025. The airline also has growth intentions on its short- and medium-haul fleet.

Brussels Airlines is the Africa expert within the Lufthansa Group, and plans to continue strengthening its position in the continent. Many African countries have growing populations and economies, increasing the demand for air travel. Therefore, three Airbus A330 aircraft will join the Belgian airline’s fleet in the coming years.

The Belgian home carrier will mainly use the extra long-haul capacity to reinforce its Sub-Saharan Africa network. The ambition is to make Brussels a European hub for flights to and from Africa.

“The demand for flights to and from Sub-Saharan Africa is developing at a fast pace and it is crucial for Lufthansa Group to grow its footprint in the region. Brussels Airlines is the perfect airline to do just that as its expertise and presence on the continent is unparalleled. This is unique and makes us confident about the success of this expansion project.”

​- Dieter Vranckx, Chairman of the Board of Directors, SN Airholding

To support the long-haul growth plans, more than 250 new employees will be hired at Brussels Airlines. These will range from pilots to cabin crew, maintenance & engineering colleagues, airport and office staff. Moreover, expanding the fleet will create career opportunities for the current airline employees, for example as captain, senior purser or instructor. Additional jobs will also be created at suppliers’ and partners’ side, e.g. in ground handling.

Significant investment in new cabins

​The airline is planning to gradually introduce a brand-new cabin interior, to further elevate the inflight experience on the long-haul destinations. Details of the new cabin will be revealed at a later stage. These new cabins will be installed for all three classes: business class, premium economy and economy class.

The cabin renewal project is a considerable investment of more than 100 million euros, a clear sign of confidence in the future of Brussels Airlines and a tangible result of the ambition to offer all customers a premium experience.

“Brussels Airlines is further embarking on its profitable growth path and we continue putting Africa at the heart of our long-haul strategy. The multi-million investment in cabin interior allows us to offer our customers an even more premium experience. This is a moment of pride for everyone at Brussels Airlines. I’m also already looking forward to welcoming the new colleagues who will join us to enable our growth. It’s with great pleasure that we will offer more connections to our increasing number of passengers on our growing network.”

​- Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines

Three-year wet-lease agreement signed ​

​The national carrier also signed a three-year wet-lease agreement starting in 2025 with Air Baltic. The partner will seasonally operate four Airbus A220s for Brussels Airlines between end of March and October. With 148 seats, these planes are perfect aircraft for regional routes and routes with lower demand.

​The Belgian airline has growth intentions with its own short- and medium-haul fleet as well. More information on these plans will follow in due time.

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Artemis Aerospace investigates the evolution of the passenger airline seat

A comfortable seat to sink into when you board a plane wasn't always a given for air travel. Artemis Aerospace investigates – take a seat and find out more!

You've made it to the airport, checked your luggage in, browsed the shops and finally got on the plane. You've bagged a window seat, stowed your bag in the overhead locker and perused your fellow passengers, hoping you won't end up with a seat-kicker behind or seat recliner in front . . . what you're probably not thinking about is the design of your seat. However, there's an interesting history behind the evolution of airline seats. Here we delve into it …

Today, the comfort of travellers during their journey is a top priority for airlines competing for business; designers battle it out to provide the most relaxing experience. This is quite a change from the very first seating arrangements for passengers in the 1920s, which were plain wicker chairs – and these weren't even fastened to the floor, so any in-flight turbulence had the potential to cause an untidy heap of wicker and people. The wicker chairs lasted for around ten years and were subsequently fitted to the floor as well as having extra padding and being lined with leather. Leather was a practical option as it was easy to clean back in the day when air travel was a much dustier experience. By the end of the thirties, velour covers were making their way in.

In 1930, the Aluminum Company of America designed an aluminium passenger seat which was light and adaptable. Fast forward to the present day and nearly all airline seats are still manufactured in aluminium. This first seat may have been a state-of-the-art invention, but there was still no means of adjusting it, although foam-filled rubber seats were introduced to prevent discomfort from sitting on a hard metal chair.

Initially, seats were usually arranged in a 2+1, 2+2 or 3+3 formation as aircraft grew in size. As longer flights gradually became possible, the recliner chair was introduced in 1929, thus igniting the age-old issue of whether to recline and possibly annoy the person behind or remain upright. Some airlines introduced seats which converted to beds for an overnight flight, and the move towards the comfort of passengers began to grow in momentum, with improved shock absorbency in the seats and the introduction of head and footrests.

Some of the first seating arrangements involved seats configured around a table, as they are in trains, and when food began to be served on aircraft, it was brought to the traveller on a real tray. One can imagine the mess if the plane hit a rough patch! The tray tables which fold down from the back of the seat weren't introduced until 1973.

BepiColombo’s fourth Mercury flyby: the movie

Watch the closest flyby of a planet ever, as the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo spacecraft sped past Mercury during its latest encounter on 4 September 2024.
This flyby marked BepiColombo’s closest approach to Mercury yet, and for the first time, the spacecraft had a clear view of Mercury’s south pole.
This timelapse is made up of 128 different images captured by all three of BepiColombo’s monitoring cameras, M-CAM 1, 2 and 3. We see the planet move in and out of the fields of view of M-CAM 2 and 3, before M-CAM 1 sees the planet receding into the distance at the end of the video.
The first few images are taken in the days and weeks before the flyby. Mercury first appears in an image taken at 23:50 CEST (21:50 UTC) on 4 September, at a distance of 191 km. Closest approach was at 23:48 CEST at a distance of 165 km.
The sequence ends around 24 hours later, on 5 September 2024, when BepiColombo was about 243 000 km from Mercury.
Video ESA/BepiColombo/MTM  Image processing and video production by Mark McCaughrean

Air Canada and ALPA agree tentative deal to end strike

Air Canada says it has reached a tentative agreement with pilots union Air Line Pilots  Association (ALPA), which the company has agreed to most of the demands from more than 5000 pilots. The agreement will mean an extra $1.9 billion for pilots over the course of the four-year deal.  

The airline said "The new agreement recognizes the contributions and professionalism of Air Canada's pilot group, while providing a framework for the future growth of the airline. Terms of the new agreement will remain confidential pending a ratification vote by the membership, expected to be completed over the next month, and approval by the Air Canada Board of Directors."

If the deal is approved, there will be a massive reduction in the number of new routes the carrier was expected to launch for summer 2025 and winter 25/26.  

First Officer Charlene Hudy, chair of the Air Canada ALPA MEC said: "While it has been an exceptionally long road to this agreement, the consistent engagement and unified determination of our pilots have been the catalyst for achieving this contract.

After several consecutive weeks of intense round-the-clock negotiations, progress was made on several key issues including compensation, retirement, and work rules. This agreement, if ratified by the pilot group, would officially put an end to our outdated and stale decade-old, ten-year framework."

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Safe spalshdown for SpaceX's Dragon capsule.

It was all smiles early on Sunday morning when the SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew splashed down successfully after five days in orbit and what is believed to be the world's first commercial spacewalk.

The Dragon capsule came down in the sea off the coast of Florida at around 03:37 local time, in a well-planned procedure and was streamed live on Youtube and the SpaceX website.

The mission has been considered "a giant leap forward" for the commercial space industry, according to NASA.  

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OX1 Plant achieves 40% higher conversion....... ready to supply first PtL SAF customers

OXCCU’s OX1 plant, the world’s first demonstration of the direct conversion of CO2 and H2 into deoxygenated long-chain hydrocarbons, is now fully operational. Since going live in September, OX1 has consistently produced liquid fuel (OXEFUEL™), and OXCCU is now ready to supply its first customers.  The plant's performance has exceeded expectations, marking a significant milestone in OXCCU's journey to develop the world’s lowest-cost PtL pathway.

OXCCU’s Co-Founder and CEO, Andrew Symes has provided a comment that can be used for any upcoming article narratives:  "Our OX1 plant, the world’s first demonstration of the direct conversion of CO2 and H2 into deoxygenated long-chain hydrocarbons, is now live. CO2 and H2 in, liquid fuel out—this low-cost, single-step method makes achieving SAF targets possible. Since going live in September, OX1 has been consistently producing liquid fuel for more than a week, and we're now ready to supply our first customers. The results have exceeded expectations, with conversion increasing by over 40% and a significantly higher SAF selectivity than anticipated.

In May 2023, we committed to delivering OX1, a 1,000-times scale-up from the lab, and it’s now operating as planned at Oxford Airport, thanks to the incredible efforts of the OXCCU team. We are passionate about developing the world's lowest-cost PtL pathway, and the next step is OX2 in Saltend, Humber, where we will further scale this world-leading Oxford University IP. Our focus is on reducing e-fuel costs and helping the UK meet its SAF targets, with rapid scale-up from demo to commercial scale being fully achievable with this technology.

The SAF mandate, passed into law this week alongside the Refuel EU mandates, sets serious targets for the industry. PtL SAF will play a crucial role in meeting these targets. Greg Smith MP discussed this in parliament this week, referencing OXCCU's contribution to the sector. However, the primary challenge for PtL SAF remains cost, and OXCCU is tackling this directly with our one-step process.

As momentum in the e-fuels industry grows, so do expectations. Infinium's recent $1.1bn funding announcement demonstrates this. At OXCCU, we remain focused on scaling our patented one-step pathway, which is key to reducing the cost of PtL SAF and hitting the SAF mandates."

 

London Gatwick celebrates supporting local green space

Gatwick Greenspace Partnership - GGP is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking decades of collaboration with London Gatwick and local communities to enhance and protect the natural environment across Surrey and Sussex. 

Colleagues, volunteers and partners recently gathered at Tilgate Park in Crawley to celebrate the anniversary. Speeches were made by Sam Fulton, Director of Communications and External Affairs at London Gatwick, Pete Crawford, Parks and Countryside Manager at Horsham District Council, Mike George, Chair of GGP Steering Group and Horley Town Councillor, and Nikki Hills, Director of Communities at the Sussex Wildlife Trust.

Since 1994, GGP has promoted biodiversity and environmental education through its many conservation programmes, managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust.

With help from London Gatwick funding, Gatwick Greenspace Partnership (GGP) has engaged thousands of volunteers, local schools, and community groups in biodiversity enhancement activities. 

Supported by London Gatwick, which funds a full-time role dedicated to coordinating volunteer and educational activities within the airport grounds and surrounding areas, GGP has engaged thousands of volunteers, local schools, and community groups. 

Colleagues from across the airport have also participated in GGP’s volunteering initiatives, contributing their time and skills to projects such as installing dormouse boxes, constructing sustainable pathways, and removing litter. Their involvement has been vital to GGP’s ongoing success and demonstrates a shared commitment to wildlife conservation and community benefit. 

For details of the latest Gatwick Airport Community Trust awards. see below.

Nikki Hills, Director of Communities, Sussex Wildlife Trust said: "Reaching our 30th anniversary is a significant achievement, and it wouldn't have been possible without the support of London Gatwick, other funders and our incredible volunteers and community partners.  

"We are excited to continue the partnership with London Gatwick to advance our shared goals of community engagement and environmental stewardship." 

London Gatwick’s commitment to biodiversity has been recognised through receiving the Wildlife Trusts' Biodiversity Benchmark Award every year since 2014.  

Joby applies to become the first certified electric air taxi operator in UAE

Joby Aviation, a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced it has taken the first step towards becoming a certified air taxi operator in the United Arab Emirates.

During the International Civil Aviation Organization’s inaugural Advanced Air Mobility Summit, taking place in Montreal, Canada this week, JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, met with His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and presented Joby’s Letter of Intent to initiate Joby’s Air Operator Certificate application.

In February 2024, Joby signed a definitive agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the Emirate of Dubai, positioning the city as a world leader in the next generation of fast, clean and quiet air mobility.

In April 2024, Joby expanded its partnership with the UAE through a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), paving the way for Joby to establish and scale air taxi services in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

China’s Cangzhou promotes its canal culture in the Netherlands.....

Cangzhou, a renowned city along the Chinese Grand Canal and considered the northern starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, recently held a canal culture promotion event in the Netherlands, aiming to foster further exchanges and cooperation with Europe.

Cangzhou is located in Northeastern China’s Hebei Province, about 200 kilometres south of Beijing. The Cangzhou section of the Grand Canal spans 216 kilometres, making up about one-seventh of the total length.

“Cangzhou was born from the canal and has thrived because of it,” said Guo Xinyao, Minister of Cangzhou’s Publicity Department, at the event. “Cangzhou is also known as the hometown of Martial Arts and Chinese Acrobatics, boasting many famous tourist attractions and unique cuisine.”

According to Guo, Cangzhou has already established close ties with the Netherlands and Europe. The city has opened a direct sea route to the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. In addition, Cangzhou has hosted the China-Central and Eastern European Countries SME Cooperation Forum for five consecutive years and the China-UK Green Low Carbon and Remanufacturing Industry Development Conference three times.

China is famous for Kung Fu, but few people know that Cangzhou is its birthplace.

Unwind and revitalise in the urban wellness paradise of Hong Kong this autumn

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Hong Kong, when cosy weather combines with the city’s majestic natural landscape, offering all manner of ways to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Get ready to embark on a revitalising journey to Hong Kong, where you can enhance your physical and mental wellbeing while uncovering the hidden gems of this world-class wellness paradise. Explore like never before!

Get Active by Taking Part in World-Class Sporting Events

2024 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon: Hong Kong’s largest cycling event and carnival promises new excitement (13 October)

Turn up the energy dial and join the city’s largest cycling event that will see 6,000 cyclists from all around the globe race for glory, backdropped by Hong Kong’s incredible natural and man-made scenery. This year’s edition will be bigger and better than ever, with new elements including enhanced routes through four tunnels and three bridges that take in incredible views of Hong Kong’s natural landscape and the spectacular Victoria Harbour. Other key highlights include a new finishing point for the enhanced 50- and 32-kilometre rides at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). The expansive harbourside district will also host a brand-new sports- and cycling-themed carnival open to all, featuring photo-worthy installations, a cycling-themed market, yoga, stretching and dancefit workshops, and local drinks and delicacies – all set beside Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline.

To learn more about the event and carnival, please visit: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/cyclothon.html

TransLantau: Lace up for an ultramarathon backdropped by the rugged surrounds of Hong Kong’s largest island (8–10 November)

The TransLantau by UTMB invites long-distance runners of all experience levels to explore the rugged landscapes and untamed beauty of Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest island, presenting four races of varying levels of difficulty. One of the legendary levels that runners can take on is the 120-kilometre ultra challenge, that takes in diverse landscapes of the two country parks on the island. Lantau Island offers a stark contrast to Hong Kong’s bustling cityscape, providing runners with a remarkable journey passing iconic landmarks such as the Tai O fishing village, the majestic Big Buddha, and more.

Oxfam Trailwalker 2024: Ascend Hong Kong’s highest peak in the name of charity (15–17 November)

As the largest hiking fundraising event in Hong Kong, Oxfam Trailwalker promises adventure seekers an extraordinary journey up the city’s tallest peak, Tai Mo Shan, providing spectacular views of Hong Kong’s singular juxtaposition of natural and urban landscape from 957 metres high. A new 40-kilometre route is available this year for new and less experienced participants but be prepared for challenging uphill sections and rugged terrain along the way.

HONG KONG STREETATHON: Let the streets guide you on this urban fun run (8 December)

The renowned HONG KONG STREETATHON takes place entirely within the city’s urban centre around Victoria Harbour, and is headlined by a cross-harbour half marathon through Hong Kong and Kowloon. Adding to the excitement, the 2024 edition will introduce a new Five-Senses Marathon concept, creating a fully immersive running experience for all the senses. Make a pit stop to enjoy traditional local village delicacies, such as poon choi, at supply stations along the route.

Hong Kong 100: Race through the city’s UNESCO Global Geopark (15–17 January)

Hong Kong 100 is a signature trail running event that takes place in the lesser-explored countryside of Hong Kong. The routes traverse an incredible range of natural landscapes including the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, remote and unspoilt beaches, ancient forests, nature trails, reservoirs and steep hills, offering contestants breathtaking views of nature and a chance to explore some of Hong Kong’s hidden gems.

Restore and Rejuvenate on a Retreat for the Soul

Besides sports activities, on the path to rejuvenation, feeding the mind and soul should not be overlooked. Hong Kong is home to a number of world-class day spas, perfect for an afternoon of pampered relaxation, as well as a diverse natural ecosystem within easy access of urban centres for those looking to take a beat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, achieve mental relaxation and alleviate stress.

Connect with nearby nature for therapeutic activities

Wherever you are in Hong Kong, you’re never too far from a tableau of unspoiled natural beauty. There are many therapeutic ways to experience Hong Kong’s rich green landscape, including forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) – which has been found to lower blood pressure, heart rate and levels of anxiety- and stress-inducing hormones – and hiking on one of Hong Kong’s myriad trails, which offers the opportunity to slow down the pace of the everyday and be immersed in nature.

Island hopping between Hong Kong’s many outlying islands has long been a popular way to escape the city for a day and to discover the city’s spectacular natural wonders, including the breathtaking and expansive views of the archipelago at the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, which can help quiet the mind and alleviate stress. Curious about more ways to explore the great outdoors in Hong Kong? Please visit: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/great-outdoor.html

Take a break at a five-star urban spa retreat

Sky-high views await on the 116th floor of International Commerce Centre (ICC) at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Hong Kong, the world’s highest spa. The top-tier spa boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline, creating the perfect backdrop for individuals or couples seeking pampering and wellness experiences.

Inspired by the five elements and principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chuan Spa at Cordis, Hong Kong is a serene sanctuary for holistic wellness. Through techniques such as Chinese acupuncture, stone therapy and Gua Sha, the spa’s holistic approach addresses imbalances in the body helping to alleviate physical discomfort, emotional distress, and mental tension. This comprehensive method fosters a profound sense of relaxation and well-being.

For a rejuvenating travel experience this season, look no further than Hong Kong. Plan a holistic healing vacation now to rediscover the city in a whole new light and nourish your mind, body and soul.

 

New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel

One of the best 5-star hotels in Tsim Sha Tsui district

Conveniently located in the vibrant business and shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui East, New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel is an elegant 5-star luxury accommodation in Kowloon. Showcasing a recent HKD300 million makeover, our modern hotel offers the latest in sophistication and comfort close to sightseeing hotspots, business buildings, entertainment, shopping and dining options. During your stay, you’ll enjoy exceptional service, complimentary Wi-Fi, in-town shuttle service to Tsim Sha Tsui hotspots and nearby MTR stations. For added benefits, consider our Residence Club rooms and suites, offering exclusive amenities such as access to the RC Living Room, complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening cocktail, and free non-alcoholic drinks from the in-room minibar.

This sleek, iconic accommodation offers 464 spacious rooms and deluxe suites presenting spectacular views of the Victoria Harbour or the bustling city view. The Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Avenue of Stars, and the Hong Kong Space Museum are nearby. Other popular local landmarks include the Hong Kong Coliseum, Museum of History, Science Museum, the Garden of Stars and DFS Shopping Centre. Well connected with the rest of the city and the China border, the Hung Hom and East Tsim Sha Tsui stations of Mass Transit Railway (MTR) - which goes to Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, are just a quick five-minute walk away.

Book here

Air Kerala eyes takeoff by March 2025

Air Kerala  . com, a promising airline based in Kerala, is on track to commence operations by March 2025, following a pivotal meeting between its management and India's Civil Aviation Minister Shri: Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, along with senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

This key meeting saw discussions surrounding the airline’s operational strategies and regulatory requirements as Air Kerala.com prepares to take flight.

Zettfly Aviation Pvt Ltd, the parent company of Air Kerala.com, has recently appointed Mr. Harish Kutty as the airline’s CEO.

"We are thrilled to have Mr. Harish Kutty lead Air Kerala . com as CEO. His vast experience in the aviation industry will be crucial in realizing our vision of taking to the skies by March 2025," said Mr Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Air Kerala.com.

During the meeting, Civil Aviation Minister Mr Kinjarapu Ram expressed his full support for the airline's ambitious plans, stating, “The Government is ready to provide all necessary assistance to ensure the airline secures its approvals and launches successfully. This marks a significant milestone for India's aviation industry.”