2024 Top Travel Trends as picked by American Express

American Express Travel released its 2024 Global Travel Trends Report1 today, highlighting the inspiration and trends driving global travel bookings this year.

The report, based on survey data from travellers in the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, found that 84% of respondents plan to spend more or the same amount of money on travel in 2024 compared to last year. Additionally, 77% of respondents care more about having the right travel experience than about the cost of the trip.

The four trends driving booking decisions are:

For the Love of the Game: Sports fans are planning trips around athletic events, whether it involves a favorite sport, a beloved team, or an international multi-sport competition

Planning Big: Major, expedition-style adventures, like a trip to the Galapagos Islands or trekking with the gorillas, deliver the transformative experiences that travelers are looking for

Going Solo: Travelers are takings trips alone, embracing the ease of planning and ability to tailor itineraries that are a perfect fit

On a Whim: With so much of life being structured and scheduled these days, people are seeking flexibility in their travel plans and leaving room for spontaneity

 

“Travellers are focused on creating the right itineraries and building memories, whether that means booking a trip to see a favourite sports team compete or taking a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise,” says Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “Our Global Travel Trends Report sheds light on what is driving global travel bookings and provides inspiration for where to go next. Our American Express Travel Consultants can help, no matter what type of trip you want to take.”

Top insights from American Express Travel’s 2024 Global Travel Trends Report include:

A desire to see sporting events live and to watch favourite teams and beloved players in person are driving where travellers are going and what they are doing when they get there.

67% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents2 (compared to 58% of all respondents) are interested in travelling for sporting events in 2024

58% of respondents who are travelling for sports in 2024 will do so for soccer, basketball or Formula 1 racing

New York, Miami and Paris are the top destinations respondents are planning to travel to for sporting events this summer

Transformative, once-in-a-lifetime trips, like visiting the Galapagos Islands and hiking in Antarctica, are at the top of many travellers’ wish lists, and younger travellers want an expert to help them plan.

Houston Airports enhance traveller experience with next-gen mobility using HPE Aruba Networking

To continue delivering reliable and dynamic traveller experiences, Houston Airports, one of North America’s largest public airport systems, is modernizing guest connectivity by expanding its relationship with Hewlett Packard Enterprise by adopting a Wi-Fi 6E-enabled HPE Aruba Networking solution. The deployment will improve wireless and location-based services the organization delivers to its approximately 60 million annual passengers and visitors across its George Bush Intercontinental Airport and the William P. Hobby Airport.

As an international gateway to the south-central United States and Latin America, Houston Airports contributes more than $36 billion to the local economy and provides more than 190,000 jobs. Hosting over 30 passenger airlines, Houston Airports is ensuring it can meet the mobile experience expectations of today’s travelers by rolling out high-performance, free guest Wi-Fi connectivity and debuting a step-by-step wayfinding app to help travelers get to their gate, baggage claim, and airport amenities.

Additionally, Houston Airports deployed HPE Aruba Networking Beacons to provide additional location-based telemetry data in support of its new mobile app, which was built using The Aruba Meridian App Platform.

“We’re continuously evolving our services to supply travelers and facility users with next-generation connectivity experiences, while also being good stewards of public funds,” said Darryl Daniel, CTO at Houston Airports. “HPE Aruba Networking has proven a responsive, reliable partner that has provided us with robust, cost-effective solutions for our wireless infrastructure.”

RAF Voyager operates with Swedish and US fighters over Scandinavia.

Royal Air Force Voyager tanker has successfully refuelled Swedish Gripen fighters taking part in NATO’s biggest exercise in decades.

The tanker was operating from RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland when it rendezvoused with the Swedish jets and United States Marine Corps F-35Bs, over the Arctic Circle.

Normally based at RAF Brize Norton, the Voyager flew sorties from Lossiemouth on Exercise Nordic Response, part of Exercise Steadfast Defender.

The Royal Air Force and Swedish Air Force have been increasing cooperation in recent months. This latest exercise saw dogfighting fighters refuel over Sweden, in the run-up to the country’s NATO accession. Steadfast Defender is demonstrating NATO’s ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area during a simulated emerging conflict across the maritime, land, air, space and cyber domains.

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Voyager is the RAF’s sole air-to-air refuelling (AAR) tanker and also operates as a strategic air transport.  The aircraft is in service as the Voyager KC.Mk 2, equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, and as the Voyager KC.Mk 3, with an additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft. 

BRA's reorganisation plan complete.....

The reorganisation plan that Swedish regional carrier, Braathens Regional Airlines (BRA) has been working on since 19th October last year was approved by the creditors and decided in Solna District Court on 16th February this year. The judgment has now gained legal force. The purpose of the reconstruction has thus been achieved and the company has created long-term sustainable financial conditions to secure the business. This good news means that BRA is now putting the reconstruction behind it and returning to normal operations.

Ulrika Matsgård, CEO of BRA said "The fact that we have reached the goal of the company reorganisation is very gratifying news for customers, employees and partners who have been both supportive and patient throughout this process. We now look forward to continuing our important work to offer more sustainable, punctual travel opportunities with a high level of service, both domestically in Sweden and throughout Europe together with tour operators and other partners." 

During the reconstruction process, BRA has had a strong focus on developing and improving its operations and strengthening its long-term financial conditions. Both customer and supplier agreements have been renegotiated, while measures to strengthen profitability have been initiated. In addition, the owners contribute a new share capital of SEK 114 million.

Per G. Braathen, Chairman and owner of BRA, said: "We are proud to have flown passengers and contributed to keeping the whole of Sweden alive for over 25 years – the ambition is to continue to do so for at least another 25 years. Braathens Regional Airlines now has very good opportunities to continue to preserve the aviation infrastructure and accessibility in Sweden, while at the same time actively driving our important sustainability work forward. I would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who has supported us in this process."

Delta heading back to Venice.....

The U.S. mega-carrier Delta has confirmed it is restarting its nonstop flights between New York-JFK and Venice Marco Polo Airport. The airline will fly daily using a Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 216 seats.

Delta says it will also offer two flights from Venice to Atlanta – resuming its nonstop service later this month and adding a second service throughout the summer. In total, Delta will operate 17 weekly flights between Venice and the U.S. during peak season.

The airline seeks to capitalize on the growing demand following recent news that large cruise ship visits to Venise are going to be restricted and the city barring entry to tourists on certain peak weekends and ket dates.   

Columbia Helicopters names David Balevic as President & CEO

Columbia Helicopters announced this week that David Balevic has been appointed President & CEO, effective immediately. Balevic will succeed Michael Tremlett, who is departing the company to pursue other opportunities.

Columbia Helicopters is a global leader in the heavy and super heavy-lift helicopter sector, with a more than 60-year track record of innovation, technological firsts, and industry milestones. The Company manufactures, provides sustainment services for, and operates the Model 234, CH-47D Chinook, and Model 107-II tandem-rotor helicopters. The Company’s principal customers include the U.S. military, foreign allied militaries, U.S. and foreign civil protection agencies, and a broad range of commercial customers.

Balevic brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across the aviation industry to Columbia. He previously spent eight years at CHC Helicopter, where he served as the Senior Vice President for Engineering & Operations before being promoted to President & CEO in August 2019. During his tenure, Balevic oversaw all aspects of the business, including aircraft flight operations, supply chain, and the global MRO services. Additionally, Balevic has over two decades of experience at GE in their Aircraft Engine, Power, and Oil & Gas business units.

Rocket Lab successfully launches 45th Electron mission for Synspective

Rocket Lab USA, a global leader in launch services and space systems, today launched its 45th Electron rocket, successfully deploying a fourth synthetic aperture radar satellite to Synspective’s Earth-observation constellation.

“Owl Night Long,” a dedicated mission for Synspective, launched from Pad B at Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand at 04:03 NZDT on March 13, 2024 (15:03 UTC, March 12). The mission delivered a single spacecraft, the StriX-3 satellite, to a 561km Sun Synchronous Orbit, where it joined Synspective’s growing constellation.

Rocket Lab has been the sole launch provider for Synspective’s constellation, previously delivering three satellites across launches in September 2022, February 2022, and December 2020. Rocket Lab will launch two more missions for Synspective as part of a multi-launch agreement signed in 2023.

ONEflight elevates operations with a new massive headquarters.....

ONEflight International, a leading provider of private aviation solutions, is thrilled to announce its relocation to a brand-new, cutting-edge facility. The move represents a significant milestone in the company's journey and sets the stage for unprecedented growth and expansion opportunities.

The new facility, located in Englewood, CO at the Centennial Airport, boasts modern amenities and ample space to accommodate ONEflight's current and future needs. With a total area of approximately 52,600 square feet consisting of offices, storage, restrooms, utility and service rooms and garages. The building provides a comfortable and conducive environment for the company's 76 employees. Moreover, the facility has been designed to support ONEflight's ambitious growth plans, with the capacity to scale up to 250 employees.

An outstanding aspect of the new facility includes an additional 28,000 square-foot hangar space and hangar maintenance purposefully designed to accommodate ONEflight's two Gulfstream aircraft. This advanced hangar prioritizes the safety and upkeep of the company's fleet, reinforcing ONEflight's dedication to providing unparalleled service and reliability to its VIP clients.

Emirates and Butterfly Aero Training Win 2024 IATA CBTA Center Innovation Award

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Emirates and Butterfly Aero Training were each recognized with the IATA Competency-Based Training and Assessment Center (CBTA Center) Innovation Awards.  Butterfly Aero Training was recognized for developing an AI ChatBot that serves as a virtual instructor within its training programs. This enhances learning by offering personalized, interactive sessions that adapt to the unique needs of each learner. The AI ChatBot facilitates an efficient and engaging learning experience which includes real-time question-answering capabilities. Emirates was recognized for developing a Mobile App dedicated to the safe carriage of lithium batteries. The Li-Battery Acceptance App complements traditional classroom training by providing immediate and clear guidance on transporting lithium batteries, based on their quantity and power. This solution contributes to the industry’s holistic approach to safely managing the risks associated with the transport of lithium batteries. "The evolution of the air cargo sector and the challenges that brings, including the safe handling of dangerous goods, requires innovative training solutions that are both efficient and accessible. Butterfly Aero Training and Emirates have risen to the challenge with forward-thinking approaches that not only meet the current demands of the industry but also adeptly position them to meet the challenges of tomorrow. We are proud to have them among the growing IATA CBTA Network of 208 centres," said Frederic Leger, IATA SVP of Commercial Products and Services.

United turning its back on Boeing's 737 MAX 10 jets.

United Airlines has told Boeing to stop making the 737 MAX 10s the U.S. mega-carrier ordered from the manufacturer, as it moves away from those aircraft and heads for the MAX 9 variant.

Bloomberg has reported that United's CEO Scott Kirby made the revelation at the JPMorgan conference.  "We’ve asked Boeing to stop building Max 10s, which they’ve done, for us and start building Max 9s. - It’s impossible to say when the Max 10 is going to get certified."

Kirby continued:  "We are in the market for A321s, and if we get a deal where the economics work, we’ll do something," however, there was no guarantee a deal could be struck with Airbus.  "If we don’t, we won’t and will wind up with more Max 9s." 

Boeing failed 33 of 89 audits in FAA investigation: report | Fox Business

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Frontier Airlines Introduces New UpFront Plus Seating

New upgraded seating in first two rows will provide extra leg and elbow room and ensure customers are first off the aircraft

Introductory upgrade pricing starts at $49 per passenger, per flight segment

Ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines today announced the introduction of UpFront Plus, a new upgraded seating option with extra space and comfort in the first two rows of the aircraft. Customers in UpFront Plus will enjoy a window or aisle seat with extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat, providing additional personal space and comfort at an exceptional value.

Starting today, customers can upgrade to UpFront Plus seating for flights departing on or after April 10, 2024, by reserving seats on the Frontier mobile app or at FlyFrontier.com. As a special introductory offer, UpFront Plus seating upgrades will be available starting at only $49 per passenger, per flight segment for travel between April 10 and April 30, 2024, when purchased by March 20, 2024*. Seats are limited and restrictions apply.

“Many consumers strongly prefer a seating option that offers extra space when flying,” said Barry Biffle, CEO, Frontier Airlines. “Frontier is all about choice and giving consumers the flexibility to customize their travel to suit their individual needs and preferences. UpFront Plus is a great option for those who want expanded personal space and extra comfort.”

Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D satellite shipped inside the BelugaST to its launch site

22nd Airbus-built satellite for EUTELSAT

Fourth Airbus Eurostar Neo satellite delivered

The Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D geostationary telecommunications satellite has been shipped from Toulouse, France to Sanford, Florida, USA, on board an Airbus BelugaST (A300-600ST). Its next step is the Kennedy Space Center, in Florida, where it will be launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 later this month. With the advent of the new BelugaXL, based on the larger A330-200 platform, the A300-600 based BelugaST fleet is now fully available for outsized freight transport services globally.

EUTELSAT 36D is based on the latest generation Eurostar Neo geostationary telecommunications satellite and will provide TV broadcasting (DTH) and government services over Africa, Europe and eastern countries and has a planned lifetime of more than 15 years.

Philippe Pham, Head of Telecommunications & Navigation Systems at Airbus, said: “EUTELSAT 36D is the latest milestone of our longstanding partnership with Eutelsat stretching back more than 30 years. It is the 22nd geo satellite we have built for them and will provide extended capacity over Africa and Eurasia.”

With 70 physical Ku-band transponders, the all-electric EUTELSAT 36D will assure all the main legacy missions of EUTELSAT 36B, with enhancements to coverage and performance.

It is the fourth Eurostar Neo in orbit. Eurostar Neo satellites combine increased payload capacity and more efficient power and thermal control systems with reduced production time and optimised costs as part of a fully digitalised production process. EUTELSAT 36D combines 18 kW of electric power with a reduced launch mass of approximately five metric tonnes, enabled by Airbus’ EOR (Electric Orbit Raising) capability, reinforcing Airbus’ position as the world leader in electric propulsion.

The Eurostar Neo family of Airbus telecommunications satellites is based on a next-generation platform and technologies, developed with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), and others, including the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA).

This is the third time that a Beluga transport aircraft is delivering an Airbus geostationary satellite to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Previous missions include HOTBIRD 13G on 17 October 2022 and Inmarsat 6-F2 on 30 January 2023. Airbus' ability to offer an autonomous European solution is demonstrated by the transport of the Airbus satellites on the unique Beluga aircraft, a true example of pan-Airbus synergies.

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United raises miles for Girls Scouts of the USA to help inspire the next generation of leaders

Miles donated will help offset travel costs for Girl Scouts participating in educational experiences and leadership programs across the country

United will match the first one million miles raised for Girl Scouts of the USA through Miles on a Mission, United's leading fundraising and crowdsourcing program

This March, in celebration of International Women's Day and Girl Scouts' 112th birthday, United is encouraging MileagePlus members to donate miles to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to help fund life-changing experiences for Girl Scouts through travel.  

United will match the first one million miles raised for GSUSA through Miles on a Mission, United's leading fundraising and crowdsourcing program, giving MileagePlus members a chance to use their miles for good. Travel is an essential part of many Girl Scouts' journeys as they are encouraged to explore, make global connections and cultivate skills they can use for the rest of their lives. More than 59,000 Girl Scouts traveled either domestically or internationally in 2023, with many troops funding their own adventures with money earned through the Girl Scout Cookie Program^®.

"We are honored to be the featured partner for United's Miles on a Mission program this month," said Wendy Lou, Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Membership, GSUSA. "As we come to a close on our 2024 cookie season and many are figuring out creative ways to use their cookie proceeds, including travel, we hope this program can help them take their travel dreams even farther."

Sustainability, digitalization and safety in air cargo

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reviewed progress in digitalization, safety and sustainability at the opening of the IATA World Cargo Symposium with the aim of accelerating progress on these critical priorities.  “Air cargo volumes are now firmly back to pre-pandemic levels. The challenge now is to ensure that air cargo growth is efficient, safe and aligned with achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through the hard work of the air cargo industry, the building blocks are in place to significantly accelerate progress in all these areas,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo at the World Cargo Symposium (WCS), which opened in Hong Kong, today.  Digitalization  “The biggest opportunity for the air cargo industry is digitalization. This has not happened as fast as any of us would have liked. But progress is real. Inefficient paper-based, manual processes are being replaced with digital solutions in all aspects of cargo operations from tracking to customs clearance. That’s a fact. And it’s making international trade more efficient. Our call to action is clear: Governments must consistently implement global standards, supply chain partners need to collaborate to overcome shared challenges, and the entire industry must align to ensure a unified and effective approach to digitalization,” said Sullivan.  Three areas were highlighted to illustrate progress: •    Seamless sharing of digital information: The adoption of the ONE Record standard is enabling efficient data exchange throughout the supply chain. The aim is for all IATA members to achieve ONE Record capability by January 2026. Cathay Cargo and Lufthansa Cargo have already met this target. And all major airline IT platform providers have pledged to attain ONE Record capability to support this transition.  •    Digitalization of customs and trade facilitation processes: Among countries already implementing, Brazil's use of IATA's digital standards has cut cargo release times from 5 days to just 5 hours, potentially reducing manual processing by up to 90%. And the EU, UAE and Canada recognized the value of accurate data sharing across the air cargo supply chain and will adopt pre-loading advance cargo information systems by the end of 2024. The US was the early-adopter of this in 2019.  •    Shipment tracking: The updated IATA Interactive Cargo Guidance offers a unified framework, enabling tracking devices to ensure the quality and accuracy of conditions for time and temperature-sensitive goods. This is critical to facilitate growing demands for real-time shipment tracking by e-commerce and pharmaceutical trade.

Hyatt to debut the Andaz brand in Florida with vibrant Miami Beach hotel

Following a property-wide renovation, luxury lifestyle hotel Andaz Miami Beach is slated to open in late 2024, with reimagined spaces, programming and a new culinary collaboration with Jose Andrés Group.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, announced an update on the anticipated renovation of The Confidante Miami Beach and its complete transformation into the new Andaz Miami Beach, which is slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2024. The new hotel, which is owned by Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., will go beyond the familiar to discover and define guests’ personal essence while immersing themselves in the spirit of the eclectic culture around them through a barrier-free redesigned lobby, two reconceptualized pools and outdoor recreation experience, an exhilarating spa, inspiring guestrooms, suites and meeting spaces, and immersive dining experiences with the hotel’s new culinary provider, José Andrés Group. As part of the hotel’s transformation the iconic oceanfront property will temporarily suspend operations starting Monday, March 25, 2024, through the conclusion of the renovation.

"We are thrilled to unveil this new chapter for Hyatt as our hotel becomes the Andaz Miami Beach, blending the essence of Miami Beach with the allure of imaginative travel to stimulate guests’ curiosity and self-expression,” said Amy Johnson, general manager, of Andaz Miami Beach. “This exciting journey brings the luxury lifestyle Andaz brand to Florida along with exciting collaborations like Jose Andres Group. We look forward to welcoming back our guests and local community to a completely new and bold hotel, embodying the distinctly native experience and expressive nature of the Andaz brand, while still capturing the essence of Miami Beach.”

Archer and Falcon Aviation to jointly develop vertiport network in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to get ready for flying car operations in the UAE as soon as 2025

Archer and Falcon Aviation will jointly develop a vertiport network in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, enabling flights between the two cities with Archer’s Midnight flying car while establishing a key operational development for Archer’s plans to launch across the Emirates in both cities as soon as 2025.

 

On March 8, 2024, Falcon Aviation launched the upgraded Falcon Tours Heliport Terminal at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, which provides helicopter charter service to locals and tourists alike between Dubai’s top hotel on the Palm Jumeirah to key destinations, including Abu Dhabi and other cities in the UAE, as well as sightseeing trips above Dubai’s iconic skyline. As early as next year, the companies plan for this hub to serve Archer’s Midnight aircraft, operated by Falcon Aviation, as a quieter, safer, and more affordable option than helicopters.

This infrastructure partnership reaffirms the collaboration signed into agreement by Falcon Aviation last year to operate a fleet of Archer’s Midnight electric aircraft and expand the two companies' urban air mobility ecosystem in the UAE.

Archer Aviation, a leader in electric flying cars, announced this week that Falcon Aviation, a prominent Aviation Services Operator in the UAE, has been selected as their vertiport infrastructure partner for critical locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This collaboration marks a significant step towards launching Archer's Midnight flying car with Falcon Aviation in the UAE and across the MENA region as soon as 2025.

Under this partnership, Archer and Falcon Aviation will start by developing state-of-the-art vertiport infrastructure at Falcon Heliport at Atlantis, the Palm in Dubai and the Marina Mall heliport in Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. Driving between the two cities during peak traffic can take more than 2 hours. Archer and Falcon Aviation plan to offer passenger service in Archer’s Midnight flying car between these two Falcon vertiports, which will operate almost entirely over water with scenic views of both cities and clock in at as little as 30 minutes from takeoff to landing. Archer believes it is the first to announce a flying car service on this route between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, one of the world’s most prominent and congested commute corridors.

“Partnering with established operators such as Falcon Aviation, as well as the capital of the Emirates with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, has been key to quickly building our presence in the region,” said Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “We look forward to paving the way for the introduction of our Midnight aircraft to the region which will set the stage for the UAE to become a global leader in urban air mobility.”

Lufthansa Cargo Extends IATA CargoIS Agreement

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Lufthansa Cargo has renewed and expanded the scope of its agreement to utilize CargoIS for its air cargo data needs, extending a partnership that has spanned over a decade. 

"We are pleased to announce the extension of our partnership with IATA through CargoIS. The market intelligence IT has provided us over the years and has played a key role in shaping our strategic planning and improving our operational efficiency. This extended collaboration not only helps us to refine our shipping strategies but also ensures our position at the forefront of the industry, guided by data-driven decision-making,” said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.  

As part of the new agreement Lufthansa Cargo will also join the IATA CargoIS Direct Data (CDD) contribution program. This initiative facilitates the collective sharing and pooling of anonymized data among participating airlines. It empowers stakeholders to benchmark performance, identify industry trends, and make well-informed decisions within the competitive air cargo sector. This program draws on transactions from more than 230 carriers, providing the most comprehensive insights into the commodities transported and the services rendered.

ICEYE expands high-resolution SAR data products with Dwell Fine imaging mode

Dwell Fine deepens understanding of on-the-ground situations and enables detailed exploration of human-made structures against natural backgrounds

 

ICEYE, the global leader in SAR satellite operations for Earth Observation and persistent monitoring, today introduces its Dwell Fine imaging mode, which adds to the unique capabilities of Dwell mode and builds on the release of Spot Fine, launched in June 2023. With a 50-centimeter resolution, Dwell Fine enables a deeper understanding of changes on the Earth's surface, identification of specific models of aircraft on the ground and ships at sea, and exploration of human-made structures, such as vehicles and buildings, against natural backgrounds, such as tree canopy and vegetation.

 

ICEYE’s Dwell Fine is unique in commercial SAR satellite imagery. As a satellite orbits the Earth in Dwell Fine mode its radar signals focus on a defined area of the planet’s surface to create an image for 25 seconds – in contrast to the usual 10 seconds for a standard Spot image. Thanks to the longer duration imaging mode, Dwell Fine users can determine the shape of an aircraft's fuselage, wings, stabilizers, and engines; recognize narrow objects like power lines and antennas; or evaluate the extent and nature of damage to civil infrastructure. Short videos, composed of multiple images taken during collection and delivered as part of the Dwell Fine services, can detect vessels' movement, direction, and speed.

 

With its many practical applications, Dwell Fine can detect and emphasize the differences between human-made and natural features. And because images in Dwell mode are taken from a much more comprehensive range of angles, it can perceive objects through gaps in the trees and foliage.

 

Owner and operator of the world’s largest constellation of SAR satellites, ICEYE first introduced its Dwell mode in May 2023. With the introduction of Dwell Fine less than a year later, ICEYE underlines its commitment to constant innovation in serving private and public sector organizations globally with the most advanced commercial Earth Observation capabilities and SAR satellite imagery.

 

TAP is Europe's Best Airline for Africa and South America

The airline also receives MICE Award for “Europe’s Best MICE Airline".

TAP Air Portugal received a double honour in Berlin at the joint ceremony of the World Travel Awards (WTA) and the MICE Awards.

It was chosen as the Best European Airline flying to Africa and South America at the WTA 2024, but this year it was also honoured as the Europe’s Best MICE Airline at the MICE Awards 2023.

The MICE Awards are the WTA's "sister" event for the Meetings, Incentive, Congress and Exhibition (MICE) area and this year they honoured TAP.

For the seventh year running, TAP has been honoured by the World Travel Awards as the best European airline flying to Africa and South America.

To Africa, TAP has 85 weekly flights from Porto and Lisbon to 14 destinations in Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Morocco, Senegal, Gambia and Ghana.

Iberia Now Sends Operational Information on Its Flights via WhatsApp

Iberia now sends operational information on its flights via WhatsApp. The airline's passengers can receive communications through this channel on subjects such as the check-in process, the assigned boarding gate and, soon, any changes to their flight schedule and connecting gates. WhatsApp is thus added to the airline's other means of communication, such as SMS and emails. 

 

This new service is available to customers registered on the iberia.com website and those belonging to the Iberia Plus loyalty programme. In order to receive messages, customers must include their telephone number when they make their reservation, in the “Manage your reservation” section, or in the private area of the website if they are Iberia Plus cardholders. 

 

Every week, the airline estimates that it sends around 80,000 notifications via WhatsApp to more than 25,000 customers. 

 

In addition, passengers can ask questions on this same channel, where the Iberia AI bot will answer their questions. When customers require information beyond the chatbot’s capacity, an Iberia customer service agent will take over and provide the necessary information. 

Iberia, whose WhatsApp channel is one of the most used in Spain, thus expands its operational information channels as part of its omnichannel strategy, which aims to provide customers with the information they need as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

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2023 a good year for Etihad Airways

~40 per cent more passengers, from 10 million to 14 million, year-on-year

Passenger revenue increased by AED 4 billion (U.S.$ 1.1 billion) to AED 16.7 billion (U.S.$ 4.5 billion)

 Cost per Seat Kilometre excl. fuel decreased by 7 per cent year-on-year

Launched 15 new destinations, added 14 aircraft including four A380s

Hired over 2,300 new employees, primarily pilots and cabin crew

Transferred Abu Dhabi hub operations to state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport

          Etihad Airways announced its results for the full year 2023, recording AED 1.4 billion (U.S.$ 394 million) operating result, driven by AED 4 billion (U.S.$ 1.1 billion) year-on-year growth in passenger revenue, while decreasing unit cost excl. fuel by seven per cent, marking a significant improvement in passenger business profitability.

The airline carried 14 million passengers last year, up ~40 per cent from the year before, underlining continued robust demand for travel across its growing network, with an overall load factor of 86 per cent, compared to 82 per cent in 2022. Total revenue reached AED 20.3 billion (U.S.$ 5.5 billion) in the year ended 31 December 2023, compared to AED 18.3 billion (U.S.$ 5.0 billion) in 2022.

Through 2023, the airline launched 15 new destinations, including Lisbon, Copenhagen, Kolkata and Osaka, and grew its operating fleet by 14 aircraft, to support ~30 per cent growth in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs).

The airline also successfully strengthened its balance sheet by reducing net leverage to 2.5x net debt to EBITDA, from 5.0x in 2022, off the back of strong cash-flow generation and controlled CAPEX, supported by improving aircraft utilisation and re-activating previously parked aircraft.

Etihad’s strong performance in 2023 follows a successful reorganisation of its business, sharpening its focus on the core airline offering by divesting from ancillary support services and businesses; restructuring the fleet to focus on the most efficient and advanced aircraft; streamlining and rationalising its destination network; and increasing focus on productivity and cost savings.

Etihad's passenger widebody fleet comprised 78 per cent new generation aircraft, one of the highest ratios in the industry, underscoring its dedication to operational efficiency and contributing significantly to its reduced emission targets.

His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “A sincere thank you to our customers, as well as the Etihad family for giving flight to our ambition, and delivering the reliable, best-in-class service that is the hallmark of our operation. The team has continued to make our airline stronger and more efficient, while delivering extraordinary customer experiences.

“I am confident we will continue to build on this solid foundation as we grow our network, enhance our offering and connect even more people with Abu Dhabi as we support and promote the Emirate’s tourism ambitions, delivering our vision to be the airline that everyone wants to fly.”

Espacio Iberia Opens Its Doors in the Heart of Mexico City

•    Located in the Polanco neighbourhood, the Iberia pop-up store opened its doors on Friday, 1 March, on the first floor of Av. Pdte. Masaryk, 299 (esq. Aristoteles), where it will welcome its customers and the general public until 21 March.

•    In addition to having a taste of the on-board experience and trying the meals offered in the Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, visitors will be able to take the controls of an aeroplane in a flight simulator, enjoy wine, ham, and other Spanish products, and visit the exhibition of the airline's iconic uniforms, among other activities.

•    Mexico is the market with the greatest connectivity in Iberia’s Latin American network, with three daily flights and a record capacity in 2024, with more than 770,000 seats, 17% more than in 2019.

Espacio Iberia opens its doors in Mexico City, in the emblematic neighbourhood of Polanco, in the heart of the country's capital.

Although it first opened on Friday, 1 March, today the airline's space was officially inaugurated. For three weeks, until 21 March, it will offer visitors the chance, without leaving their city, to try out the Iberia experience: test the seats of the new A350 and sample the in-flight meals, pilot a plane with a flight simulator, learn about the history of the airline through its historical uniforms and, of course, participate in various events such as wine and ham tastings, as well as enjoying dishes such as cocido madrileño and other typical products of Spanish cuisine.

Espacio Iberia is open from 11am until 8pm every day of the week. All those who want to visit can book any of the experiences on offer, all of which are free, through the website www.espacioiberia.com

Record Capacity to Mexico

Qantas commits to financing Reef Restoration Fund

• Qantas partners with Great Barrier Reef Foundation to accelerate restoration of coral reefs
• The national carrier to invest $10 million over 10 years including rollout of world-first coral restoration technology
• Qantas Group launches Nature Action Plan outlining commitment to address nature and biodiversity loss

Qantas and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation have launched a new fund that will help accelerate the restoration of Australia’s reef systems, including investment in Coral IVF programs, corals with increased heat tolerance and world-first portable coral nurseries.

Building on a 15-year partnership with the Foundation, Qantas will invest $10 million over 10 years in the Reef Restoration Fund to support scientists, Traditional Owners and local tourism operators restoring corals across the Great Barrier Reef and other iconic Australian coral reefs.

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden and Qantas Group Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Parker announced the partnership at the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s National Sea Simulator in Townsville.

Ms Marsden said: “Australia is the guardian of some of the most iconic coral reefs in the world. It’s a huge responsibility and we’re proud to see one national icon supporting another. This partnership will help fund critical actions at a critical time.

“Coral reefs are the beating heart of our oceans. They’re a nursery and safe haven for a quarter of all marine life and support a billion people worldwide. But the Great Barrier Reef, and coral reefs around Australia and the world, cannot adapt fast enough to warming ocean temperatures, making them one of the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet. We must help safeguard their future from the impacts of climate change.

“We’ve made more advances in coral reef restoration science in the past five years than we have in the past five decades. Over the life of the partnership, we’re committed to finding opportunities to share these learnings with Australia’s other coral reefs.”

Mr Parker said the partnership is a key element of the national carrier’s Nature Action Plan, which launched last week.

“Connecting our customers with natural landscapes is at the core of what we do, including carrying millions of people to the reef each year,” said Mr Parker.

“We know that aviation is a high emissions industry, which is why we were one of the first airlines globally to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. We want to take the same leadership in addressing our impact on nature so that future generations can enjoy all the opportunities that global travel offers for years to come.

“By establishing the Reef Restoration Fund with our trusted partner of 15 years, we’re helping accelerate the development of world-leading technologies and projects to restore some of our most critical ecosystems.

“It’s part of our commitment to address nature and biodiversity loss by reducing the impact of our operations and supply chain, supporting the broader restoration of nature and advocating for cross-sector transformation.

“These commitments are just the first step. We are also developing rigorous nature-related targets and plans on how we’ll achieve them, which we expect to release by the middle of next year,” added Mr Parker.