Korean Air named best premium service by USA Today readers for second year

Korean Air has been voted the world’s best business and first class for the second consecutive year in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The airline also placed second for best inflight food for the second straight year, and moved up to 4th from 6th place for best cabin crew in this year’s rankings.

The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards spotlight the top performers across various categories, with nominees selected by a panel of experts before the final vote is cast by USA Today readers. USA Today ranks as one of the largest and most widely read newspapers in the U.S., both online and in print.

Korean Air’s First and Prestige Class offerings continue to receive widespread praise from both industry critics and passengers. The airline’s new Prestige Suites 2.0, launched earlier this year, have been especially well-received. These suites offer enhanced privacy, lie-flat seating, and an upgraded in-flight entertainment system, ensuring a superior travel experience.

Retired sails get a second wind as Emirates unveils Neo collection

In support of Emirates Team New Zealand gearing up to defend its champion’s title at the America’s Cup, Emirates Official Store has launched Neo, a limited-edition tote bag collection that gives new life to sails used at previous world series, regattas and America’s Cup competitions dating back all the way to 2011.

The Neo collection will feature up to 80 barrel and tote bags made from retired North Sails 3Di, known for their lightweight structure and underpinned by their durability and resistance to stretching and tears. The chic bags will consist of 95% upcycled sails, and will have a retro-feel, cut with the colours, stripes and deep shapes and angles that have characteristically defined the iconic Emirates Team New Zealand sail designs over the years.

The collection will be entirely produced by the UAE-based manufacturer, Jasani, and reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to minimising waste across its own business activities, in addition to exploring opportunities with partners like Emirates Team New Zealand to repurpose and extend the life of materials destined for landfill and turn them into valuable products.

The sails in this collection include:

A sail from an AC45 used in the World Series between 2011 and 2012, leading up to the storied 2013 Americas Cup in San Francisco.

A sail from an AC50, which played a pivotal role during Emirates Team New Zealand’s 2017 Americas Cup victory in Bermuda.

A Code 0 sail from an AC75, used and tested in the  lead up to the 36th Americas Cup in 2021, which saw another victory for Emirates Team New Zealand.

Emirates first upcycled items collection debuted in 2023 with the launch of ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’. The limited-edition range of products were made from upcycled materials from retrofitted aircraft and carefully ‘made to order’ by  Emirates’ tailors in a dedicated cabin workshop, at the airline’s Engineering facility in Dubai.

The airline will further announce new collections of upcycled items from the Neo line in the coming months.

The new tote and duffle bags are now available for preorders on the Emirates Official Store website.

Learn more about  Emirates’ environmental efforts.

Emirates and Emirates Team New Zealand’s two-decade partnership

Emirates has been supporting Emirates Team New Zealand for over 20 years,  jointly sharing the values of success and brand excellence across aviation and sailing.

The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in 2024 will see all participating teams, including Emirates Team New Zealand, race their AC75 America’s Cup class yachts. Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match starts on 12th October 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

Korean Air hosts ‘Parents Invitation Programme

Korean Air hosted 'Parents Invitation Programme' after a five-year hiatus, with the inaugural session commencing on September 27 at the airline's headquarters in Seoul's Gangseo District. Approximately 60 participants, including employees and their parents, attended the session, which featured tours of key facilities such as the Operations & Customer Center (OCC), Aviation Medical Center, Flight Training Center, and the in-house hangar.

Over the course of three months, Korean Air will host a total of three sessions, accommodating 60 families comprising approximately 180 participants. This initiative is designed to provide employees' parents with firsthand experience of their children's work environment, fostering a deeper understanding of Korean Air's operations.

A key feature of the program was the Flight Training Center visit, where participants experienced the Flight Training Device (FTD), an advanced pilot training simulator. Participants had the opportunity to operate cockpit controls, gaining insight into the complexities of aircraft operation.

London Gatwick firefighters climb 110 floors for charity......

Firefighters from the London Gatwick Airport Fire and Rescue Service completed a stair climb challenge raising £2,000 for Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and Fire Fighters Charity. 

The firefighters, joined by members of KSS, ascended and descended the central staircase in London Gatwick’s South Terminal departure lounge to simulate climbing 110 floors of a high-rise building. The participants completed the challenge carrying 23kg of full firefighting gear, including breathing apparatus. 

Throughout the event, passengers were able to learn more about the causes and how the funds raised would make a difference, with donations still being accepted through the official fundraising page. 

Melanie Wrightson, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, London Gatwick said: “We are incredibly proud of our firefighters for completing such a demanding challenge in support of these two remarkable charities.  

“Both KSS and the Fire Fighters Charity provide vital, life-saving services to our community, and the funds raised will help ensure they can continue their invaluable work.” 

 

KSS (one of the airport’s official charity partners) operates helicopters that provide rapid, life-saving response to more than 3,300 emergencies annually across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. 

Fire Fighters Charity supports both active and retired fire service personnel and their families, and provides face-to-face support at its three centres, most locally in Littlehampton. 

This year a total of £250,000 was made available for worthy causes across the region through the Gatwick Airport Community Trust. The London Gatwick Foundation Fund will also be making its third round of grant funding of £100,000 in November bringing the total in 2024 to £300,000. 

 

London Gatwick supported the Surrey Heli Hike on 10 August and will sponsor the upcoming Sussex Heli Hike on 5 October.  

Virgin Atlantic makes change to its Flying Club programme.

This week, Virgin Atlantic has made many changes to its Flying Club loyalty programme which will enable members to pay for any seat onboard with Virgin Points. This is in addition to the launch of new Saver reward seats and increased points earn rates in Premium and Upper Class. From 30 October these enhancements will revolutionise the world of redemptions for Virgin Atlantic customers, continuing a long history of innovation in Flying Club, alongside our rewards club partner Virgin Red.

Flying Club members will be able to use Virgin Points to pay for any seat on the plane on any date, offering absolute choice and flexibility for our loyal customers. The price of seats will vary in line with demand, in a similar way to standard tickets.

To make flying with points even more accessible, Virgin Atlantic is launching new Saver reward seats at our lowest possible prices. Flying Club members will benefit from the best value we’ve ever offered, with Saver reward seats available across thousands of flights. And they will start from prices even lower than reward seats today, with flights to New York from as little as 6,000 Virgin Points.

We know that everyone loves an upgrade, and so members will be able to use their points to upgrade to any available Premium or Upper Class seat from standard or reward tickets. In addition, members will be able to use their Companion or Upgrade vouchers on any seat, removing constraints of availability from even more products within Flying Club.

And in a further boost to Flying Club members, the number of Virgin Points earned on Upper Class and Premium tickets will also be increased at the same time.

Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic, commented: “Our customers mean the world to us. We are flying because of them and for forty years we have existed to make their journeys safe and special. Our aim is always to do right by them and to make them smile. In our special Ruby anniversary year, we are making every single seat available for purchase with points, becoming even more rewarding for our millions of loyal Flying Club members.”

Waldorf Astoria Set to Debut in Abu Dhabi

With elegantly designed rooms, enticing culinary options and seamless service, the property will enjoy a prime location next to Abu Dhabi’s lush mangroves 

Hilton and Aldar announced the signing of Abu Dhabi’s first Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property, transforming the Eastern Mangroves hotel into an unequivocal luxury hospitality experience. Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi will offer scenic mangrove views and bring Waldorf Astoria’s signature service and sophisticated accommodations to the UAE’s capital city for the first time.

Just a short walk away from the hotel, the Mangrove National Park is a vast forest which is home to over 60 bird species and wildlife such as turtles, dugongs, and dolphins, making it a delight for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Visitors can also experience the wonders of the forest by kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or boating through the park’s main water channel – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Waldorf Astoria Abu Dhabi will feature 167 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, many with views of the mangroves, continuing the brand’s globally renowned unparalleled hospitality. In addition, each guest will be assigned a Personal Concierge who will meticulously attend to every detail of their stay from pre-arrival to post-departure.

The hotel will also feature a thoughtfully curated range of food and beverage options including a brasserie, a rooftop specialty restaurant, a pool lounge, and the celebrated Peacock Alley – building on Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of culinary excellence.

Carlos Khneisser, vice president, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, “We are delighted to have signed Abu Dhabi’s first Waldorf Astoria, which will enjoy an unrivalled location overlooking the Mangrove National Park. With its anticipatory service and timeless elegance, it is set to be a destination of choice for those seeking modern luxury in the capital. Abu Dhabi, which plans to welcome more than 39 million visitors by 2030, is a world-class tourism destination where travellers can enjoy museums, architectural masterpieces and natural beauty. We see great opportunity in the city, and we are pleased to partner with Aldar to debut this iconic property.”

China Eastern Airlines launches two new direct flights to Italy

China Eastern Airlines (CEA) inaugurated a new direct flight route between Shanghai and Venice that flies three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The carrier has also added another Italian destination to its route network in Europe. Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays the airline will link Xi'an and Milan. These routes are operated by Airbus A330 aircraft which feature fast wifi connectivity.  As a demonstration of the technology, the cabin crew on the launch day of the two routes called each other to celebrate. 

These new routes not only provide more convenient travel options for passengers between China and Italy but also open up fresh opportunities for cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations.

With the addition of the two new routes, CEA now operates four direct lines between China and Italy, including existing flights from Shanghai to Rome and Wenzhou to Rome.

This expanded network is expected to further enhance connectivity between China and Italy, as well as in the broader China-Europe region.  It is reported that CEA currently flies to 14 cities and 15 airports across nine European countries, including Paris, Marseille, London, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Frankfurt, and Budapest.

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Phoenix Aviation Capital and AIP Capital lease four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines

Phoenix Aviation Capital, a full-service aircraft lessor, and AIP Capital, an alternative investment manager focused on opportunities in commercial aviation today announced that Phoenix has placed four next-generation Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on long-term lease with LOT Polish Airways, Poland's flag carrier.

Phoenix Aviation Capital is a full-service aircraft lessor focused on financing modern, in-demand aircraft and is dedicated to meeting the financing needs of its airline customers across the globe. Phoenix Aviation Capital is based in Dublin and is managed by AIP Capital, a global aviation asset management and investment firm.

The agreement demonstrates both Phoenix's and AIP Capital's focus on working with airline customers to provide flexible solutions and LOT Polish Airway's objective of expanding its aircraft fleet to enhance operational flexibility and accommodate network expansion.

"We are excited to have concluded this transaction with LOT Polish Airways," said Mathew Adamo, Managing Partner at AIP Capital who also serves on the board of Phoenix. "We look forward to expanding our relationship and continuing to support LOT in managing their fleet."

"We welcome AIP Capital as our next business partner in the aircraft leasing space," said Maciej Dziudzik, LOT Polish Airlines, Fleet Bureau Director. "Modern, next-generation narrowbody aircraft are an important element of our growth strategy for the following years. We are committed to provide our existing passengers and general public the improved connectivity opportunities in Central Europe, either travelling for business or leisure."

United has unveiled its new domestic economy cabin wine list.....

One of the leading mega-carriers in the U.S. United has unveiled its new domestic economy cabin wine list that expands the choices for customers, including a new rosé option and a brut bubbles wine available exclusively onboard United flights. Starting today, 1st October, passengers can enjoy high-quality canned wines from women-owned brands Just Enough Wines and Maker Wine.

United has served more than 20 million glasses of wine system-wide so far in 2024

According to United, the airline has served more than 20 million glasses of wine system-wide so far this year – that's 1.5 times the number of servings for beer or spirits – and more than 3.2 million glasses of wine in domestic economy alone.

"Our new economy wine list is giving travellers more variety and better quality," said Aaron McMillan, United's Managing Director of Hospitality Programs. "After the overwhelmingly positive response to the addition of rosé in United Polaris business class and ongoing fanfare for sparkling options, we're thrilled to now offer rosé and a higher quality brut bubbles option for our economy passengers, delivering a more premium experience onboard."

Now, United's domestic economy passengers will be able to choose from four different wine varietals onboard, each available in a 250 millilitre can – comparable to about a glass and a half of wine – and served with a cup for sipping. Available to purchase on every mainline flight for $12, the wines include:

London Gatwick first UK airport to earn ACI accessibility accreditation

.London Gatwick has become the first UK airport to receive Airports Council International’s (ACI) Level 1 Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation. 

The accreditation recognises London Gatwick’s commitment to accessibility services through its strategy, policies, and initiatives.  

The Level 1 Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation is designed to help airports measure, evaluate and improve their accessibility management and culture and it is the only international assessment or accreditation programme dedicated to airport accessibility for passengers with disabilities. 

The accreditation forms part of a wider programme that provides a continuous path of improvement for all airports’ accessibility for passengers with disabilities.   

Anna-Ruth Cockerham, Accessibility Manager, London Gatwick said: “We are delighted to be celebrated by ACI for our work in improving accessibility across London Gatwick for passengers. The accreditation recognises London Gatwick’s commitment to improving accessibility and enhancing the experiences of disabled passengers. 

“We have worked hard to introduce initiatives in recent years to improve our accessibility and are extremely proud to lead the way with several projects. We will continue to work with key industry partners and experts to make further advancements, to achieve our vision to be the airport for everyone whatever your journey.” 

London Gatwick, part of the VINCI Airports’ network, has been a trailblazer in accessibility initiatives for several years. The airport was the first in the UK to open a sensory room for passengers in 2018 and was the birthplace of the now widely recognised Sunflower Lanyard scheme, supporting people with hidden disabilities. 

London Gatwick has also recently launched a series of free, bespoke detailed access guides, in partnership with AccessAble, helping passengers navigate more easily, safely and confidently through the airport.  

 

IATA and ANAC work together to enhance aviation safety

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC Brazil) are partnering to strengthen safety oversight in Brazil’s aviation sector with an agreement for the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) programs to support and complement ANAC’s oversight of airline operations.

“Safety is a common top priority for everyone in aviation. We look forward to working with ANAC to further strengthen safety oversight in Brazil with IOSA and ISSA. Both programs have a solid track record of supporting improved safety performance. We are confident that this will be a model partnership for other regulators to follow,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security.

“This MoU marks an important step in enhancing the safety standards of Brazil’s aviation industry. By integrating IOSA and ISSA into our safety oversight processes, we are reinforcing our commitment to maintaining the highest levels of operational safety in Brazil,” Bruno Diniz Del Bel, Head of Department, Department of Flight Standards ANAC Brazil.

IATA and ANAC will collaborate in several key areas, including:

More than 30 routes being axed by budget carrier Spirit....

The U.S. budget carrier Spirit is axing more than 30 routes in another cost-cutting exercise at the airline which is struggling financially since the takeover by JetBlue failed at the last hurdle. 
The news of the massive cut to the schedule was first revealed by Cirium and The Points Guy and will see at least 32 routes go as part of a reorganization of the carrier. Some routes have been axed this week,  some will go next week and a few will survive until 3rd November and a small number will be withdrawn in the first week of December. 
Spirit, which is one of the most complained about airlines in the U.S. has been struggling for a long time prior to JetBlue's aborted takeover bid. It has debts of more than $2 billion and continues to add more losses each passing month. The airline management, it has been said, had been in discussions with two or three other midsized air carriers in recent times, neither of which has come to any fruition. 
The routes already axed include Atlanta - Chicago, Burbank - Portland, Charleston -Detroit, Columbus - Dallas-Fort Worth, Dallas-Fort Worth - Kansas City, Dallas-Fort Worth - Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale - Salt Lake City, Las Vegas - Minneapolis-St. Paul and San Diego - Salt Lake City.

2025 to be the “Year of the Travel Maximizer”

Emerging Trends – from the Go Getaway and Hurkle‑Durkling to the Rise of Frolleagues and MeMooners – Spotlight How Travelers Will Work to Have It All in the Coming Year

2024 was the Year of the Great Recharge, where sleep retreats made headlines, mindful drinking rose in popularity and wellness-themed guest rooms took off. Today, as the post-pandemic leisure travel boom normalizes, travellers surveyed in Hilton’s annual Trends Report are looking to pair their desire to relax and recharge with high-impact adventures and experiences to maximize their time and financial investment. 

Chris Nassetta,  President and Chief Executive Officer, Hilton said: "Our 2025 Trends Report uncovers what has been simmering for years – the intersection of work and play; of relaxation and adventure; of being alone but together. Travelers don’t just want to choose their own adventure – they want to maximize every moment of their time away."

UK's Foreign Secretary David Lammy announces that the UK has chartered a flight to help British citizens seeking to leave Lebanon.

The UK government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon to help British nationals wanting to leave following escalating violence in the region, the Foreign Secretary announced on today.

The government has been working with partners in recent weeks to increase capacity on commercial flights to enable British nationals to leave and has now chartered a flight to provide additional capacity. This flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday.

Those who have registered their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will be sent details on how to request a seat, the office confirmed today. It advises that "if you are a British national in Lebanon who has not already registered your presence, please do so immediately.  

Vulnerable British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18, will be prioritised for this flight.

British nationals should only make their way to the airport if they have a confirmed seat on the plane.  

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:  "The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly. 

The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.  

That’s why the UK government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed" 

An FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also arrived in Lebanon to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.    

'The safety of British nationals in Lebanon, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be the UK government’s utmost priority and the FCDO urges everyone to continue to follow the relevant travel advice, exercise caution, and monitor media in Lebanon for developments. ' 

Midlands set to drive the aerospace revolution in UK cities......

UK Civil Aviation Authority hosts a roundtable with companies across the Midlands aerospace supply chain.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has met with industry across the West Midlands to recognise the vital and central role the region will play in the coming aviation revolution. 

CAA Chair, Sir Stephen Hillier, praised the regional aerospace alliance for its work to support safe drone use in urban areas in the UK. This work will enable massive transformations to how goods and services are delivered across the country.  

Since September last year, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been funding the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund which has supported the Midlands Aerospace Alliance and Coventry City Council’s work on the Drone Ready Cities project. This prepares local authorities for the expansion of local drone use in the UK.  

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:  “Aviation is changing like never before and the West Midlands can lean on a rich aerospace history to be at the forefront of this new revolution.   

Being here today in Wolverhampton and listening to the industry and innovators that will play a key role in transforming the skies above us was an immensely valuable opportunity.”  

Major changes are already being seen and Sir Stephen highlighted the recent airspace approval for a trial for transporting blood samples from Guy’s Hospital across London via drone. This trial will help build an understanding of how drones can be used in urban centres.