November 5, 2021 – Iberia and Repsol have completed the Madrid–Bilbao route with sustainable fuel produced from waste at the Petronor Industrial Complex. The flight was operated with an Iberia Airbus A320neo, one of the airline company’s most efficient aircrafts.
This low-carbon footprint flight is a further step towards the decarbonization of the aviation sector thanks to the use of biofuels and improved energy efficiency. It has resulted in a re-duction in emissions of 1.4 tons of CO2.
Aena, in line with its role as a promoter and facilitator of the decarbonization of air transport, supports this initiative and is also working on collaborative projects to promote the produc-tion of sustainable fuel to encourage its use by airlines.
This is the first initiative arising from the collaboration agreement towards a more sustaina-ble mobility signed by Repsol and Iberia last July, which includes the development of low-carbon aviation fuels.
Repsol is a pioneer in the manufacture of sustainable aviation fuels in Spain. With this pro-duction at its industrial complexes, the company is anticipating the different measures that the EU is aiming to establish to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels.
Iberia is basing its sustainability strategy on three pillars: more efficient operations, a more sustainable travel experience for its customers, and a commitment to research and devel-opment of sustainable fuels and other technologies.
Iberia and Repsol have made the first flight using biofuel produced from waste in Spain. The biojet used belongs to the batch produced last August at the Petronor Industrial Complex, which is located near Bilbao and belongs to the Repsol Group. The scheduled flight IB426 was operated with an Airbus A320neo aircraft of the Spanish airline, with a capacity of 180 passengers and currently one of the most efficient aircrafts in the world. Equipped with Leap-1st CFM engines, Iberia’s A320neo aircrafts reduces noise by 50% and are more environmentally friendly, emitting 5,000 tons of CO2 less per year and 50% less NOx. The flight also performed more efficiently through a flight operation that improves fuel efficiency by reaching the optimum altitude level in the climb and descent phases.
In this operation, Iberia and Repsol have counted with the participation of Aena that works collaboratively with the different agents to promote the global decarbonization of the air transport sector. It supports this initiative by also working on collaborative projects to promote the production of sustainable fuels, with the aim of encouraging its use by airlines.
On the Madrid-Bilbao route, this flight has managed to reduce the emission of 1.4 tons of CO2, thanks to the improved fuel efficiency provided by the aircraft, together with the use of the sustainable biofuel. In addition, a zero-emissions electric-powered aviation fuel supply vehicle has been used for refueling. All ground operations (loading and unloading of baggage, assistance to the aircraft, and towing to the runway) have used the most efficient vehicles that Iberia Airport Services has deployed throughout its network of airports in Spain, such as the mototok, an advanced electric vehicle controlled by remote control to perform the push back maneuver to the aircraft. On board, Iberia is also testing different packaging solutions to replace single-use plastics.
The batch of jet biofuel used is the third manufactured by Repsol and the first on the Spanish market produced from waste as raw material. The energy company thus integrates circular economy instruments in the process, transforming waste into high added-value products such as low carbon footprint fuels. Two previous batches were produced from biomass at Repsol’s industrial complexes in Puertollano and Tarragona.
This initiative is part of the collaboration agreement towards a more sustainable mobility signed by Repsol and Iberia last July and is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoted by the United Nations through the 2030 Agenda. The agreement translates into the development of ambitious joint pro-grams and activities in three areas: the development of low-carbon aviation fuels, the production of electricity and renewable hydrogen to decarbonize Iberia’s fleet of vehicles, and the ecological transition to more sustainable facilities through new technologies based on artificial intelligence, among others.
It is a first milestone in the roadmap of the agreement, which envisages future flights using biofuels with a low carbon footprint to achieve a more sustainable and efficient mobility in the aviation sector. Electrification is not viable at the moment and renewable hydrogen still requires a technological breakthrough in aircraft, so biofuels will be the fastest and most efficient option for reducing emissions in air transport over the next few years.
Decarbonization of aviation sector
The aviation sector is moving decisively towards decarbonization through the use of biofuels. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set itself the target of zero carbon emissions growth from 2020, for which it is developing various initiatives. Among these, the use of different sustainable fuels, such as biofuels and advanced biofuels produced from waste, stands out for its high contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
On July 14, the European Commission presented the Fit for 55 package, which includes the RefuelEU Aviation initiative. Its aim is to boost the supply and demand of sustainable aviation fuels in the European Union, reaching a use of 2% in 2025, 5% in 2030, and 63% in 2050. In this way, the environmental foot-print of aviation will be reduced, while contributing to the achievement of the European Union’s climate targets.
Repsol is a pioneer in the manufacture of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in Spain. With the production of these fuels in its industrial complexes it is anticipating the different measures that EU institutions are es-tablishing to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels. In this sense, both SAF obtained from biomass and advanced biofuels from waste are included in the list of sustainable fuels in the European Renewable Energy Directive.
Net zero emissions target by 2050
Repsol aims to lead the energy transition, in line with the Paris Agreement, and thus limit the increase in global temperature to well below 2ºC. The drive for sustainable fuels is in addition to the projects that Repsol has already deployed in energy efficiency, low-emission electricity generation, renewable hydro-gen, circular economy, synthetic fuels, and carbon capture, use, and storage, and is one of the company’s main strategic drivers to achieve its goal of becoming a net zero emissions company by 2050.
The company has a circular economy strategy in place since 2018. Itis embodied in more than 230 initiatives and the ambition to annually use three million tons of waste as raw material for its products by 2030. In October 2020, it announced the construction of Spain’s first advanced biofuels plant, which will be commissioned in 2023. It will be located in Cartagena and will have a capacity per year of 250,000 tons of biofuels produced from waste and valid for cars, trucks, and airplanes. In the port of Bilbao, in the vicinity of the Petronor Industrial Complex, Repsol is planning one of the world’s largest synthetic fuel plants, using renewable hydrogen and CO2 as the only raw materials. The plant will be commissioned in 2024 and will have a capacity of more than 2,100 tons per year.
In addition, technological progress and the deployment of current and future projects has enabled the company to increase its ambition in the carbon intensity reduction targets set out in its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. The new decarbonization path to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 establishes a reduction in the Carbon Intensity Indicator of 15% in 2025, 28% in 2030, and 55% in 2040, compared to the previous targets of 12%, 25%, and 50%, respectively.
For its part, Iberia is part of IAG, which was the first airline group to commit to achieving zero net emissions by 2050. In addition, by 2030, IAG airlines will operate a minimum of 10% of their flights with sus-tainably sourced fuels. The Group will purchase one million tons of sustainable aviation fuel per year, enabling it to reduce carbon emissions by two million tons by 2030, roughly the equivalent to the CO2 absorption of a forest the size of 400,000 soccer fields. In addition, IAG will become the first airline group in the world to extend its commitment to net zero CO2 emissions through its supply chain.
Iberia is basing its environmental strategy on three pillars: more efficient operations – including all fleet renewal initiatives, fuel consumption reductions, and vehicle electrification, among others; a more sustainable travel experience for its customers – through the digitalization of services, the progressive elimination of plastics on board, the development of its waste management system, and carbon footprint offsetting; and its commitment to the ecological transition of aviation, especially through its collaboration in the re-search and development of sustainably sourced fuels.
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November 5, 2021 – Melia hotels look to bring a touch of Spanish luxury to Indonesia with the opening of Gran Meliá Lombok in 2024. Already one of the hotel group’s most sought-after destinations, the new opening will mark the first Gran Meliá property on the paradise island of Lombok and its second in Indonesia.
Gran Meliá Lombok will be situated at the beautiful Torok Bay in the south of the island, surrounded by green hills and a beach with crystal-clear waters. The perfect destination to disconnect and enjoy a relaxed approach to life.
The hotel will boast 22 luxury beachside villas and another 105 villas on the mountainside, all with private infinity pools and stunning ocean views. Careful attention will be paid to the architectural design, utilising natural elements that represent the essence of the destination. The hotel will blend seamlessly with its natural environment, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in paradise. An abundance of large windows will allow in plentiful natural light and help the property merge with its surroundings, while the elegant furniture and warm tones convey a sense of pure luxury.
Lombok is an island to the east of Bali with a pristine natural environment and has become increasingly popular as a travel destination throughout the past decade. Its immense rice fields, rugged landscape and the famous Mount Rinjani volcano form part of the natural attractions of the island, which is surrounded by endless beaches and turquoise waters ideal for surfers.
The entire hotel has been designed as an authentic sanctuary for wellbeing. From the beachside YHI Spa offering relaxing rituals and treatments to the well-equipped fitness centre, Gran Meliá Lombok provides guests with everything they need to maintain their wellness routine. The hotel will also offer a kids club to keep children entertained and an extensive programme of activities designed for the whole family.
In keeping with the Gran Meliá brand, the hotel will feature world-class dining options that combine the best local ingredients and techniques to offer guests authentic Indonesian dining experiences. The spacious lounge with scenic panoramic ocean views will provide the perfect setting for couples planning an exotic destination wedding.
Gran Meliá Lombok will become the second Gran Meliá brand hotel in Indonesia after Gran Meliá Jakarta, a flagship urban oasis nestled in the Golden Triangle of the central business district of Kuningan, in Jakarta. The hotel boasts an iconic architecture inspired by Spanish heritage with renovated modern decoration, offering the finest dining experience, such as the awarded gastronomic offerings of Chef Tomoaki at Yoshi Izakaya Japanese restaurant.
Gran Meliá is a luxury hotel brand operated by Meliá Hotels International consisting of an exceptional collection of premium-quality hotels in the world’s most desirable destinations, defined by their extraordinary architecture, refined elegance, friendly and attentive service, signature cuisine, and exceptional experiences to help guests discover and enjoy the destination.
“Our commitment to Indonesia, where we opened our first international hotel more than 35 years ago, is stronger than ever and we are extremely happy to sign this new agreement, an outstanding property that will become a destination resort in itself in Lombok and will further increase the prosperity of the entire community” said Gabriel Escarrer, Vice Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International.
Gran Meliá Lombok is owned by Invest Islands, an award-winning property development company based in Lombok, and will become Meliá Hotels International’s 12th hotel in Indonesia, eight of them currently in operation and another four (including Gran Meliá Lombok) pending opening. Before the pandemic, the country received more than 16 million international tourists in 2019, with Lombok airport being the ninth-ranked airport in terms of visitor arrivals.
While Invest Islands is a real estate investment company at heart, it shares Meliá Hotels International’s commitment to sustainability. Based in Lombok and with offices in Bali and Hong Kong, it explores ecological solutions, whether that is through the use of native materials and local craftsmen or through its organic farm or plastic recycling centre. Its eponymous Invest Islands Foundation works tirelessly to improve education and healthcare, protect the environment, and empower local women.
“Gran Meliá Lombok is a huge milestone for Invest Islands,” said Jack Brown, who co-founded the company with business partner Kevin Deisser in 2015. “We are extremely proud to be working with a world leader in hotel operations and one of the key parallels we have with the Meliá brand is a focus on low carbon developments. Gran Melia Lombok has a very low density of building and a lot of natural green space.
“Hopefully this is the start of a great relationship that can continue for many years to come and we look forward to bringing Spanish luxury to Lombok, while respecting the natural environment. We’d also like to thank our investment clients from around the world that have trusted us to add value to the land we are developing.”
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November 5, 2021 – Turkish airlines has continued the recuperation process of international connectivity. From November 2nd, Colombia will have a daily flight with Turkish Airlines from Bogota to Istanbul, giving more opportunities to visit Colombia.
The 787-900 Dreamliner which flew Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays receive the Boing 777-300 ER which will fly on Tuesdays and Thursdays to offer daily operation between the countries.
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November 5, 2021 – Mauritius is ramping up its commercial operations, increasing frequencies to the principal tourist source markets to meet demand. The weekly services by destination are as follows:
Paris, France – daily flights as from 01 November 2021 (twice daily considering flights operated by Air France in partnership with Air Mauritius)
London, United Kingdom – three weekly flights effective 12 November, increasing to five weekly frequencies during the Christmas and New Year peak season
Johannesburg, South Africa – Seven weekly services as from 07 November
Gillot, Reunion – three daily flights as from 01 November
Antananarivo, Madagascar – twice weekly flights as from 02 November
We also plan to resume passenger operations on the basis of three weekly flights to Mumbai in November, subject to the relaxation of travel restrictions by the Indian authorities. Rodrigues will be served through three daily flights as from November, subject to the opening of borders. We have seen encouraging loads on our existing flights, following which flights were added to meet expected demand. Certain destinations like Paris and South Africa are expected to achieve higher loads hovering around 70% on average. With the vaccination campaigns worldwide, passengers are expected to regain confidence in the safety of air travel and demand for travel is projected to recover gradually. The outlook for the year 2022 appears brighter, though uncertainty remains about new COVID-19 waves and vaccine progress in some markets. According to IATA, the global demand for air travel is not expected to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels before 2024.
Is Air Mauritius thinking of introducing flights to/from new destinations in the future?
Air Mauritius is actively working on new destinations to be added to its route network. Depending on the relaxation of travel restrictions internationally and demand, we plan to reestablish air services to traditional destinations including Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong in South East Asia and the Far East. At the same time, new tourist-generating destinations are being explored. We are also leveraging on our existing partnership with partner airlines to offer a wider range of destinations and travel options to our passengers. For example, our passengers can connect to more than 70 destinations in Europe through the Paris gateway under our partnership with Air France.
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November 4, 2021 – Upload and go: Delta’s new online tools make travel to the U.S. easy Customers on nearly all international routes bound for the U.S. will be able to use new built-in functionality in Delta FlyReady to directly upload and verify their COVID-19 vaccination certificate and negative COVID-19 test results, starting Nov. 8.
Delta is simplifying COVID-19 vaccine and other related entry requirements during booking, check-in and beyond with new experiences on delta.com Customers on most routes into the U.S. will be able to verify vaccination status through Delta FlyReady As U.S. borders reopen to foreign visitors and the holiday season approaches, many are eager to reconnect with the places and people they’ve longed to see. Delta FlyReadySM and the Delta Discover Map give customers invaluable tools to plan, prepare and go.
Customers on nearly all international routes bound for the U.S. will be able to use new built-in functionality in Delta FlyReady to directly upload and verify their COVID-19 vaccination certificate and negative COVID-19 test results, starting Nov. 8. Those are key entry requirements imposed by the U.S. government for travelers wishing to enter the country starting as borders reopen.
While U.S.-based travelers have been taking advantage of Delta FlyReady for many destinations since this summer, new updates coming in November help take the guesswork out of travel for those bound for the U.S. in the weeks and months ahead. The tool simplifies the travel experience by sharing a streamlined view of the entry requirements at the customer’s destination, including those beyond health documentation.
Delta is also preparing updates to the Delta Discover Map, which has already inspired and informed countless travelers as they plan their journeys.
“In the months ahead, many of our customers will be traveling to the U.S. for the first time since before the pandemic – reuniting with family members, friends or colleagues and reclaiming the joy of travel,” said Rhonda Crawford, S.V.P. – Global Distribution & Digital Strategy. “And though international travel looks a lot different these days, we’ve listened to customers to make updates that will give them more personalized and better access to the information they say is important – removing the guesswork from travel plans and making room for them to enjoy their journey.”
MAKE SENSE OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS WITH DELTA FLYREADY Using Delta FlyReady is simple. Once directed to the tool via My Trips on delta.com or via the Fly Delta app*, customers on Delta FlyReady-enabled routes will automatically see the entry requirements in place for their destination along with informational resources that outline additional steps that may be needed prior to departure.**
Once health requirements are met, an indicator on the customer’s boarding pass will verify they are ready to travel.***
Announced early this summer in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways, the tool is just one example of how the airline is using innovation to smooth the return to global travel and offer a more personalized experience to customers.
UPDATED DELTA DISCOVER MAP PERSONALIZES PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY Delta customers’ favorite planning tool is getting even better. Coming soon, Delta will introduce a brand-new Delta Discover Map experience, powered by Smartvel, that will allow customers to conveniently filter destinations based on health requirements, including vaccination status.
In a couple of clicks, customers can use the Delta Discover Map to filter, search and view an interactive map of carefully curated data from national and local government agencies and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for a comprehensive view of the requirements that must be met prior to travel.
The map is a powerful tool for inspiration as well. Customers can filter by region and destination type – from beaches to cities and more – to get a better understanding of the destinations open for travel that fit their desired journey.
Since being introduced nearly one year ago, customers have relied on the Delta Discover Map as a key resource to gain insight into rapidly changing entry restrictions, local health guidelines, and links to necessary forms and applications needed to travel internationally.
Enjoy all-new food and beverage options, Spotify-curated playlists and podcasts, fast-streaming Wi-Fi and more on Delta this holiday season.
* Delta will share additional guidance with customers via email and SMS prior to departure and direct them to the tool.
** Customers may need to enter trip details if accessing Delta FlyReady from links other than My Trips.
*** Customers using Delta FlyReady should still bring paper copies of their test results and other required documentation with them on the day of travel per requirements in place at certain destinations. Delta FlyReady status is not accepted in lieu of other government-required documentation.
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November 3, 2021 – As a oneworld member, Alaska has implemented new partnerships with member airlines Qatar Airways and Iberia Airlines, and expanded cooperation with existing oneworld partners American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Finnair. These six oneworld airlines currently offer 16 daily international flights to Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles – enabling seamless connectivity to Alaska’s comprehensive network up and down the West Coast.
“We’re excited to deepen our partnership with British Airways,” said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “Alaska guests have valued access to London and Europe with British Airways for years, and the additional pathways announced today will make it even more convenient.”
With oneworld and our additional airline partners, Alaska guests can fly to as many as 1,000 destinations around the world. Flyers can also earn and redeem miles with our highly-acclaimed Mileage Plan program to fly on more than 20 oneworld and partner airlines worldwide.
Alaska remains committed to Next-Level Care for its guests and employees by implementing more than 100 ways to maintain the highest standard of safety – from clean planes to clean air in the cabin with hospital-grade air filtration systems. For everyone’s safety on board, Alaska continues to enforce the federally mandated mask policy, even for those who are fully vaccinated.
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November 2, 2021 – Germany’s largest vacation airline sends clear message after successful first flights in Czech Republic: route network to be expanded
First flights from Prague successfully launched: customers can choose from 14 new destinations, such as the Canary Islands, Italy, or Southern Spain Right at the start of its new base, Eurowings announces further summer destinations from March 2022 onwards Eurowings CEO Jens Bischof: “Expanding our route network significantly once again with eight new destinations.”
Eurowings has successfully launched from its new base in Prague: already this Sunday, the Lufthansa subsidiary brought its guests on time to Bristol, Copenhagen, Milan, and the sunny Canary Island of Fuerteventura, among other destinations. These are just four of an initial 14 new Eurowings destinations from Prague in the current winter flight schedule. The first flight coming from Bristol was duly welcomed with a water fountain at Prague Airport to mark the occasion.
New Eurowings summer destinations from March 2022
Right at the start of its new base, Eurowings CEO Jens Bischof announced today at an opening event at Prague Airport already further new summer destinations that the Lufthansa Group airline will fly to in its summer schedule starting in March 2022. “We are delighted that our new Prague service has already been so well received. Prague is a highly relevant location for Eurowings, so we will once again significantly expand our route network with eight new destinations in the next summer flight schedule. This will enable us to fly even more leisure and business travelers to attractive destinations throughout Europe from March,” Bischof emphasized in Prague on Tuesday morning. “Eurowings will once again bring more low-cost flights to the Czech flight market, but above all we strongly focus on customer needs and new, creative service solutions.”
All new direct flights from Prague
From Prague to Spain
Eurowings already flies its passengers from Prague up to four times a week to four popular Spanish metropolises and vacation regions in its current winter flight schedule: to Málaga, Barcelona, Fuerteventura as well as Tenerife. New in the flight schedule from March 2022: Alicante from 39.99€ (999CZK), the popular vacation island of Palma de Mallorca from 29.99€ (764CZK) and Valencia from 49,99€ (1279CZK).
From Prague to Italy
From now on, Eurowings customers can enjoy Italian flair and take off almost daily from Prague to Milan. New and already from December 2021, there will also be flights to the Italian capital and global metropolis of Rome, which passengers can reach from Prague via a direct connection starting at 29.99€ (764CZK).
From Prague to Portugal
From spring, Faro, the popular Portuguese port city in the Algarve region, will also be enticing. Eurowings passengers can take off from Prague to Faro from as little as €39.99 (999CZK).
From Prague to Cyprus
Also new in the flight schedule from March 2022: Larnaca, the port city in the Southeast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which is especially attractive for vacationers. Eurowings will take its customers there by direct flight from just €49.99 (1,279CZK).
From Prague to Greece
In the current Eurowings winter flight schedule, passengers already enjoy direct connections from Prague to the Greek capital Athens twice a week. In addition, starting in the summer, they will also be able to reach the Greek vacation islands of Corfu and Crete by Eurowings direct flight from €49.99 (1,279CZK) each.
From Prague to Sweden
Starting in March, Eurowings will be flying its passengers to the Swedish capital and the metropolis of Stockholm, which is popular with both vacation and business travelers. Tickets can be booked from as little as €39.99 (999CZK).
The new summer destinations can now be booked with just a few clicks via eurowings.com or the Eurowings customer app – the recently launched Czech Eurowings website also allows customers to book flights easily and conveniently in their national language. In the winter flight schedule, Eurowings is already flying its passengers to the United Kingdom (Bristol and Birmingham), Denmark (Copenhagen) and Croatia (Zagreb). All prices apply to one-way flights.
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November 2, 2021 – Czech Airlines (CSA) has resumed its Prague-Copenhagen service. The service will be operated twice a week, on Thursday and Sunday. Under the winter flight schedule, CSA will continue operating scheduled flights to Paris (daily), Stockholm (twice a week), Moscow (three times a week) and Kyiv (daily). Flights to more than 15 other destinations are available under code-share agreements with partner airlines.
CSA’s flight OK508 will depart from Prague – Vaclav Havel airport at 17:45 with arrival in Copenhagen at 19:05 local time. The return flight OK509 from Copenhagen to Prague will depart at 19:50 local time and arrive at 21:10.
Clients can purchase flight tickets on the Czech Airlines and Smartwings websites and at flight ticket vendors.
Czech Airline’s priority is to ensure maximum safety for passenger on board its airplanes and applies stringent hygienic standards. Passengers are allowed to board Czech Airlines aircraft only with a respiratory mask.
With respect to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Czech Airlines offers its clients free rebooking by 31 December 2021. Together with their flight tickets, passengers can purchase a travel insurance policy on the CSA website, complete with coverage of the costs associated with contracting the COVID-19 disease.
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November 1, 2021 – Avianca announced the beginning of sales of the tickets for its new Toronto – Bogotá route, to fly from December 2021. Initially, the commercial offer is 3 weekly frequencies for the Toronto – Bogotá route and another 3 for the return route Bogotá – Toronto. The flights will be operated in Airbus A320 aircraft with capacity for 150 passengers, which represents an offer of about 4,000 weekly seats available to travelers.
“Connecting Canada with Colombia is a strategic point for Avianca’s proposal to have more direct flights and have the most robust network in the region. We are excited about this new route, and we know that with the product and service that we offer, the Canadian passenger will choose us for their flights to Colombia and other destinations in South America with which we offer important connectivity from the Bogota hub”, commented Rolando Damas, General Director of Avianca for Mexico, North America, the Caribbean and Asia.
The itineraries of the new route are as follows:
Route**
Flight
Departure
Arrival
Frequency
Toronto-Bogota
AV205
22:50*
05:00*
Tuesday, friday and saturday
Bogota-Toronto
AV204
15:20*
21:30*
*Local time
** Operation subject to government approval.
Tickets for this route are already available for sale on the mobile application, the website and through travel agencies.
Jorge Alfredo Díaz Bravo, Consul General of Colombia in Toronto, said that “The opening of this route is great news for the Colombian community, for our country and for national tourism.”
The opening of the Toronto-Bogotá route joins the launch and reactivation of 12 additional routes that will be part of the wide catalog of destinations offered by the airline from the next few months. Currently, Avianca offers its customers one of the most robust networks in Latin America with 99 routes, more than 2,680 flights per week and nearly 400,000 weekly seats.
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November 1, 2021 -Together with Air France-KLM and Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today announced that it will be bringing its targets for reducing CO2 emissions in line with the UN Paris Climate Agreement. This agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels in order to combat the impact of climate change. “Very recently, a number of airlines – including KLM – committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 under the IATA umbrella. This constitutes another important aspect of the Paris Agreement. We are now taking the next, crucial step for the entire Air France-KLM Group. We are committing ourselves to the CO2 reduction path developed by SBTi specifically for the airline industry. This will bring our targets further in line with the Paris Climate Agreement,” says Pieter Elbers, CEO of KLM.
Air France-KLM, Air France and KLM have each signed a letter of intent in which the group declares its commitment to cooperating with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Based on scientifically substantiated targets to reduce CO2 emissions and working in consultation, a corresponding path will be established and validated. Pieter Elbers, CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: “The earth has clear limits as to how we use our resources and the volume of emissions we generate. In recent years, we have worked hard at a national, European and global level to cooperate, innovate and define agreements. By establishing SBTi, we can further reduce our CO2 emissions step by step in a transparent manner. Initiatives including fleet renewal, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and further operational innovation and efficiency will enable us to achieve the targets.” (see enclosed “KLM’s pathway towards the Paris climate goals”)
Fly Responsibly
In 2019, KLM introduced its Fly Responsibly sustainability initiative, directed at transforming KLM into a more sustainable airline. In addition to fleet renewal, scaling-up production and use of SAF form the cornerstone of KLM’s approach. Cooperation and supportive policies are needed to create a level playing field upon which SAF will become the standard. Elbers: “A successful, ambitious climate policy hinges on cooperating well with industry parties, knowledge institutions and governments. Together, we must reach solid agreements that truly support the energy transition.”
Despite the huge impact of Covid-19, sustainability has remained a top priority for KLM. In 2021, KLM added the first of 25 new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft to its fleet. This aircraft emits 31% less CO2 per passenger than its predecessor. KLM also took part in trials involving sustainable taxiing and operated the world’s first commercial flight powered by a fuel mixture containing synthetic kerosene.
How does SBTi work?
SBTi is a partnership between four NGOs and knowledge institutions: the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), World Resources Institute (WRI), UN Global Compact and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). SBTi helps private-sector organisations to set climate targets in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, based on what science tells them is necessary to honour the agreement, and to give short and medium-term targets concrete shape. Working with SBTi will enable KLM to gradually reduce its CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometre. Until the targets for Air France-KLM are set and validated, KLM will continue to work on its current ambitions for 2030.
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November 1, 2021 – Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to the holy city of Medina from 27 November 2021.
Three weekly Medina flights starting 27 November 2021
Medina will be served three times weekly from Abu Dhabi using a modern two-class Airbus A321.
Fatma Al Mehairi, Vice President Sales UAE at Etihad Airways, said: “We look forward to reconnecting Abu Dhabi with Medina, a city of enormous historic and religious significance for Muslims around the world. Our flights will support the growing demand for religious travel and strengthen the existing air links between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a key travel market for Etihad Airways.”
The service has been timed to provide religious, leisure and business travellers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with convenient flight options as well as connect seamlessly to major cities in the Indian Subcontinent and Asia for those travelling to and from Medina through Abu Dhabi.
Located in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, Medina is a three-hour flight from Abu Dhabi. The city is home to Prophet Mohammed’s Mosque and burial site and an important holy place for Muslim pilgrims.
The country’s two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina are allowing full-capacity attendance for worshippers who are fully vaccinated following an easing of restrictions earlier in October 2021.
Medina will be Etihad’s fourth destination in Saudi Arabia after Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh. The route was established in 2014 but was temporarily suspended in 2020 as a result of travel restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guests flying to Medina are not required to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated with either two doses of Pfizer, Oxford AstraZeneca or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson, or have received two doses of Sinopharm or Sinovac plus one dose of Pfizer, Oxford AstraZeneca or Moderna.
Travellers can fly with complete peace of mind thanks to the Etihad Wellness programme, which includes complimentary COVID-19 insurance for all passengers, valid for travel until 31 March 2022.
Flight schedule for Medina flights effective 27 November 2021. Subject to change.
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Ocotber 29, 2021 – Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s ultra-low-fare national airline, announces today a new route connecting Moscow with Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has long been a popular travel destination for those in Russia, and vice versa. The flight to Moscow will operate daily services, four times a week on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday (in December 2021 and January2022), ramping up to seven days a week in February. Tickets are on sale on wizzair.com and WIZZ mobile app with fares starting as low as 49.99 EUR *.
The Moscow route brings Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to a total of 33 announced flight destinations, since it launched operations in January 2021. The airline has been going from strength to strength after travel restrictions in and out of the UAE’s capital were eased in September 2021. This latest route addition connects Abu Dhabi International Airport to Moscow and provides affordable travel opportunities for both business and leisure travellers between the UAE and Russia. This new service allows travellers to experience each of the capitals’ rich cultures and history with a convenient WIZZ flight schedule
Speaking at the Wings of the Future conference in Moscow today, József Váradi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air said: “Today’s announcement underlines our commitment to bringing a growing number of low-fare opportunities for Russian travellers, and importantly, Wizz Air’s long-term strategic interest in the Russian market. With this new route, we are looking forward to opening up a Middle Eastern gem to Russian travellers, while allowing them to experience our high-quality on the young and sustainable fleet of our newest national airline, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. It is with excitement and great pleasure that I welcome passengers on board this new route.”
Dmitry Saprykin, Director General of Vnukovo International Airport JSC, said “On behalf of Vnukovo International Airport, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome the broadening of our cooperation with the Wizz Air Group of Companies – one of our leading international partners. As of December 15, 2021, the Group’s scheduled passenger services to Budapest, Debrecen (operated by Wizz Air Hungary), and London (operated by Wizz Air UK), will be complemented by scheduled rotations to Abu Dhabi, to be operated by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Over the years of our happy and most rewarding cooperation, Wizz Air has truly become a household name in Moscow and Russia, by winning over the traveling public’s affections and trust, thanks to the dependable, high quality, yet affordable service the companies of the Group invariably offer, further enhanced by their vast destination and optimum flight schedule offering. Of particular note and inspiration is the fact that the companies of the Wizz Air Group continue to actively pursue the strategy of expanding their route networks and offering their passengers ever more convenient and affordable air travel options in these particularly trying times and circumstances. All done with the emphasis on strictest compliance with the latest air travel safety and social distancing requirements that currently apply.
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Traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will be even easier for Delta customers enrolled in TSA PreCheck starting next month with the expansion of new facial recognition capabilities and the opening of the first-ever Delta-TSA PreCheck® express lobby and bag drop.
Customers with both the Fly Delta app and a TSA PreCheck membership will soon be able to visit a new dedicated bag drop lobby on the lower level of Atlanta’s Domestic South Terminal, pass through the security checkpoint, and board their plane at the gate using only their “digital identity“ (made up of a customer’s SkyMiles Member number, passport number and Known Traveler Number). Customers are free to travel from curb to gate, completely hands- and device-free.
“We want to give our customers more time to enjoy travel by unlocking simplified, seamless and efficient experiences from end to end,” said Byron Merritt, Delta’s Vice President of Brand Experience Design. “Delta has been a leader in testing and implementing facial recognition technology since 2018 as part of our vision for building airports that are effortless. The launch of Atlanta’s express lobby and bag drop is the latest step in our commitment to listening and innovating for our customers.”
Here’s how Delta’s new experience will ease transit through three airport touchpoints in Atlanta:
Delta is setting a new standard for the industry as the first and only airline to build a dedicated bag drop space for TSA PreCheck customers. In Atlanta, a sleek new facility features fully automated self-serve bag drop machines – allowing for a quick and easy drop.
After checking in on the Fly Delta app, customers can enter the dedicated lobby area, conveniently located next to the rideshare drop-off area on the lower level of Atlanta’s Domestic South Terminal. They’ll quickly verify their identity via a hands-free facial scan, print and attach a bag tag from a self-serve kiosk, and place their bag on the conveyer.
Not only does the new experience streamline steps required to check a bag, but it also saves customers an average of more than two minutes (and more during peak travel times) by allowing them to skip the lines inside the main airport lobby.
The space will open next month ahead of the holiday travel season. In Detroit, eligible customers will be able to enjoy self-serve bag tagging and a dedicated Delta bag drop queue at the Delta check-in counter later this fall.
After a short walk from bag drop to security, eligible customers will once again use a quick facial scan to pass through the domestic checkpoint in dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes – no need to show a government ID or boarding pass.
In Atlanta, customers will also have the benefit of industry-leading, more efficient security scannersthat allow travelers to keep electronics and approved liquids in carry-on bags. As always, CLEAR remains a good choice for members who prefer to use its services.
When it’s time to board, customers will swap a facial scan for a boarding pass, just as they did at bag drop and the security checkpoint. One photo, and they are ready to board.
In Atlanta, T1-T8 gates will be the first to offer a facial recognition option for domestic boarding. Gates A10 and A12 will offer the same digital identity-enabled boarding in Detroit.
“This element of the customer journey is possible thanks to our strong partnerships with TSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and airport leadership, which were built over years of testing and perfecting facial recognition options for international customers,” said Greg Forbes, Delta’s Managing Director – Airport Experience. “Delta is writing the playbook for the industry as the first and only carrier to test this experience with TSA and TSA PreCheck.”
“We are glad to support self-service technologies that enhance security and reduce physical contact for passengers and TSA employees,” said Atlanta’s TSA Federal Security Director Robert Spinden. “This is one of many such pilots at domestic airports, and we look forward to continuing to test new initiatives with airline and interagency partners.”
Customers with an active Delta SkyMiles membership, Known Traveler Number and passport details saved to their profile can opt in when checking in for their flight using the Fly Delta app. If a customer does not want to participate in this option, they can choose not to opt in and proceed through the airport as preferred – participation is voluntary. Delta does not save or store any biometric data, nor does it plan to.
Delta teams are working to expand the airline’s facial recognition-enabled offerings both in scale and scope so more customers can experience a hands-free journey in the future.
With ongoing enhancements to the customer experience both in the air and on the ground – and even more destinations on the map in 2021-2022 – Delta is giving customers more to look forward to as they continue returning to the skies.
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Qantas Airways Ltd said on Friday it would speed up plans to restart flights to many destinations and use some bigger planes amid “massive demand” for international flying as quarantine restrictions ease for Australian citizens.
All 11,000 of the airline’s staff idled without pay, around half its workforce, will return to work by early December as domestic and international flying returns to more normal levels, the airline said.
Qantas will bring back two of its flagship Airbus SE A380 super-jumbos in April – three months earlier than planned – and is in talks with Boeing Co about the delivery of three new 787-9s in storage to accelerate its international flight plans.
Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce said that for four of the last five weeks, the airline’s international sales were stronger than domestic sales for the first time since the pandemic began.
“There is massive demand for Australians wanting to see their family and relatives,” he told reporters. “There is massive demand for loved ones wanting to get together for Christmas. There is demand for people wanting to take that holiday that they have been looking forward to for nearly two years.”
The state of New South Wales, home to Sydney, last week said it would allow the entry of fully vaccinated travellers from overseas from Nov. 1 without the need for quarantine, although the easing of strict entry controls will initially benefit only citizens and permanent residents.
Qantas said it would launch a new route from Sydney to New Delhi on Dec. 6 and bring forward plans for flights to Singapore, Fiji, Johannesburg, Bangkok and Phuket due to the New South Wales rule change.
Neighbouring Victoria state, home to Australia’s second-largest city Melbourne, on Friday announced a similar policy from Nov. 1.
Qantas said it would bring forward the start of flights from Melbourne to London by six weeks to Nov. 6 and to Singapore by three weeks to Nov. 22. It will look at bringing forward other destinations if possible.
Joyce said Qantas was also hopeful Indonesia would relax quarantine rules for Australians, allowing its low-cost arm Jetstar to begin flights to Bali by Christmas.
“It will be in the early new year at the latest, I think, and we’ve got aircraft ready to go,” he said.
For the airline to make a full recovery in its loss-making international business, Australian rules will need to be eased further to allow international students, business travellers and tourists to enter the country.
Hong Kong and mainland China have also maintained tight quarantine rules that have stopped Qantas from resuming flights.
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Business air travel is recovering faster than expected and should remain solid through the winter, the chief executive of Germany’s Lufthansa said in remarks published on Monday.
Meanwhile private travel is seeing an “extension of the summer season” as people catch up on flights they were not able to take immediately after the onset of the pandemic, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr told Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung.
“In addition, we are seeing a positive trend in business travel, which was still at a low level in the third quarter and is now picking up strongly,” Spohr said in an interview.
Global air travel was brought to a standstill by the coronavirus pandemic, forcing Lufthansa into a multi-billion dollar bailout by the German government.
Lufthansa expects the level of business travel in the medium term to be around 90% or more of what it was before COVID-19.
“There will … be no sudden drop in demand in winter this year,” he said of the outlook for business travel as demand tends to fade less in that segment in winter and the “good development” in bookings is expected to last until December.
“Business travel has returned faster and more strongly than expected,” Spohr said, adding that it was being felt in particular in the German, Swiss, Austrian, Belgian and northern Italian markets, where more flights have been added.
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October 27, 2021 – American Airlines is redesigning its award-winning AAdvantage® loyalty program, ridding it of complicated elite qualifying metrics for an easy-to-understand point system that provides multiple ways to earn status. In 2022, AAdvantage members can earn status by flying, using an AAdvantage credit card for purchases or spending with an AAdvantage partner.
“Loyalty should be simple, and we have reimagined our AAdvantage program to a single point system that provides a clear path to earning status for our members,” said Chief Customer Officer Alison Taylor. “For our loyal members, the message is simple: Earn AAdvantage miles, earn status — whether that’s by flying on American or by spending on everyday activities. We thank our members for their continued loyalty and look forward to this renewed relationship as we enter 2022.”
Achieving AAdvantage status
For every qualifying AAdvantage mile earned, members will earn one Loyalty Point. Here’s how to earn points:
Members can earn Loyalty Points by flying on American or one of its eligible partner airlines.
Don’t fly often, no problem. Join fellow AAdvantage members who will earn Loyalty Points every year just by shopping online or dining out.
AAdvantage 2022 status requirements
Status
Loyalty Points
Gold
30,000
Platinum
75,000
Platinum Pro
125,000
Executive Platinum
200,000
Extending status and a chance to double dip
To thank our members for their continued loyalty, American is extending all current members AAdvantage status through March 31, 2022.
And members can also double dip as any qualifying activity earned in January and February will count towards both 2022 and 2023 AAdvantage status. This gives members an extra two months to earn elite status for both years.
In the future, members will qualify for status from March through February, with status valid through March 31 of the following year.
Unlock Loyalty Choice Rewards
Next year, AAdvantage members can unlock Loyalty Choice Rewards, formerly called elite choice rewards. Loyalty Choice Rewards is a menu of rewards awarded to members that earn Platinum Pro status or higher and fly at least 30 flights on American or qualifying partner airlines.
Members can select the Loyalty Choice Reward they value the most, including an Admirals Club day pass, systemwide upgrades or bonus AAdvantage miles. Additional Loyalty Choice Rewards are available to unlock as members accrue more Loyalty Points.
About American Airlines Group American’s purpose is to care for people on life’s journey. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.
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Alexandrina Denysenko, a senior flight attendant with seven years of experience, says she sometimes does not get a spare minute to sit down during a flight and dreams of resting her swollen legs after spending hours wearing heels.
SkyUp Airlines, the privately-owned Ukrainian carrier that employs Denysenko, decided to put an end to heels and pencil skirts after collecting feedback from flight attendants about their uniform. The new SkyUp uniform for women now includes white Nike sneakers and a loose orange suit with trousers and a silk scarf, both made by Ukrainian brands. White T-shirts will replace blouses.
“Shoes on heels look beautiful, I do not argue with that, but feet suffer and swell by the end of the flight. Sneakers are absolutely cool,” Denysenko told Reuters.
“God forbid, but if a crew has to do a landing in water and an evacuation, heels can damage the ladder and it won’t be very comfortable to swim in a skirt,” she said.
The company said they researched the history of cabin crew uniforms and decided to ditch what they called “conservative” elements of a flight attendant’s look. Braids will now replace a tight-bun or pony-tail hairstyle.
“We found out that despite the fact that the image of a female flight attendant is very romanticized, their job demands a lot of physical training,” the head of the SkyUp Airlines marketing department, Marianna Grygorash, said.
The new uniform will be officially launched on October 22.
Grygorash said the company also plans to launch a new uniform for male crew. A light suit instead of a vest, and a T-shirt instead of a shirt will be combined with black Nike sneakers.
“If the whole world and all fashionistas wear sneakers, why not to bring it to aviation?” flight attendant Zoryana said.
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October 26, 2021 – British Airways has announced that following the successful trial of mobile health pass, VeriFLY by Daon, and its subsequent rollout across its network, it has signed a long-term agreement with Daon.
British Airways and American Airlines were the first airlines to trial mobile digital health pass, VeriFLY by Daon
Over 500,000 customers have successfully used the pass to make sure they have the right documentation ahead of their flights
British Airways has extended its relationship with VeriFLY following the rollout of the technology across its network, with particular focus on the US ahead of its opening to UK and European citizens from November 8
The airline is on track to ensure that the whole of its route network is covered by a functionality that allows customers to have their documents checked before travel by the end of the year
British Airways is working with VeriFLY to ensure that customers connecting with other carriers, can use the platform to certify their documentation
The airline has worked closely with Daon to make travel as frictionless and smooth as possible for its customers. Travellers can upload any Covid-19 related documentation required for their destination, including vaccination records, negative Covid-19 results and government documents, straight into the VeriFLY mobile app so that they are verified before travel. This will let customers know if they have met the appropriate Covid-19 entry requirements for their destination before leaving for the airport, avoiding any uncertainty.
As well as ensuring a customer has the correct documentation for their journey, British Airways has further developed the technology to allow customers using VeriFLY to check in online on BA.com. Boarding passes can be downloaded ahead of arriving at the airport and customers travelling with hand luggage can head straight through security without the need to visit a desk once they arrive at the airport, further increasing the capability for contactless travel.
The airline initially started trialling VeriFLY in February 2021 on selected routes and has seen over 500,000 customers successfully verified before travel. VeriFLY is now available on all flights to North, South and Central America the Caribbean, Middle East, South Africa, Cayman Islands, Egypt and European destinations including Bulgaria, France, Croatia, Ireland and Switzerland, as well as on the majority of flights into the UK.
British Airways is working closely with Daon to make the customer experience even easier. Most recently it has extended the capability to read QR codes that appear on documentation such as a vaccination certificate or the UK passenger locator form, making document submission simple.
Anthony Allcock, British Airways’ Chief Information and Digital Officer, said: “We started working with Daon at the beginning of this year with one simple objective – to make it as simple as possible for our customers to understand and conform with different country entry requirements when they fly with us. Since then, we have worked with Daon to make it even easier, allowing customers to unlock online check in and automate approvals for digital documentation such as vaccination certificates or the Government’s passenger locator form, helping reduce complexity.
“We know our customers rely on us to help them through their journey and we will continue to ensure our travel verification processes are the most advanced, reliable and easy to use as we help get the world moving again, especially as we prepare for US borders to reopen on November 8.”
Tom Grissen, Daon CEO, said: “British Airways and American Airlines were the first global airlines to truly understand what their customers would need to successfully navigate the ever-changing government travel requirements related to COVID-19. By making VeriFLY available early on, British Airways travellers have had the advantage of a seamless and confident travel experience. We are delighted to see our partnership with British Airways grow stronger. Other organisations and airlines have followed their lead.”
For multiple customers travelling on one booking reference, they can use one smart phone to upload all documentation. The airline is also working closely with other airlines on the role that VeriFLY plays in multi sector journeys.
All data uploaded to VeriFLY or through www.ba.com is not retained by either organisation and is purged post travel, unless a government requires specific information to be temporary kept for attestation or contact tracing, in which case it will be safeguarded for a limited time strictly in line with GDPR laws.
For all other countries that British Airways flies to, customers can verify their COVID-19 documents through ‘Manage My Booking’ on ba.com and once verified they will be able to check-in online. Destinations include Hong Kong, Nigeria, Ghana, Singapore, India, Maldives and Pakistan, as well as a handful of European destinations
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The airline’s capacity increase also restores nonstops to the top 40 U.S. markets from JFK and LGA. With domestic consumer travel back to 2019 levels, Delta is focused on restoring capacity safely and reliably as business travel picks up with volumes not seen since the pandemic began.
The airline’s capacity increase also restores nonstops to the top 40 U.S. markets from JFK and LGA.
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World Travel Awards – the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in travel and tourism – has revealed its Europe 2021 winners.
Greece, with its resurgent travel and tourism economy, was voted ‘Europe’s Leading Destination’, Portugal’s Algarve was named ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’, and the Azores took ‘Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination’.
The imperial splendour of Moscow was acknowledged with the award for ‘Europe’s Leading City Destination’.
The fascinating city of Batumi, Georgia was declared ‘Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’.
Saint Petersburg won ‘Europe’s Leading City Break Destination.’
In the hospitality sector, Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul was voted ‘Europe’s Leading Hotel’, Sardinia’s Forte Village Resort lifted ‘Europe’s Leading Resort’.
Italy also featured in the newcomer section, with the cutting-edge medical retreat Palazzo Fiuggi named ‘Europe’s Leading New Hotel’.
One&Only Portonovi, nestling on the shores of Montenegro’s sparkling Adriatic coast, was recognised as ‘Europe’s Leading New Resort’.
Sani Resort, Greece claimed ‘Europe’s Leading Family Resort’.
The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands.
Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.
Graham Cooke, founder, World Travel Awards, said: “Our winners represent the very best of the Europe’s travel and tourism sector and my congratulations to each of them.
“They are all playing starring roles in leading the travel and tourism recovery.”
In the aviation sector, British Airways picked up ‘Europe’s Leading Airline’ as well as ‘Europe’s Leading Airline – First Class’, Air France was voted ‘Europe’s Leading Airline – Business Class’, with Lufthansa named ‘Europe’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’.
Zurich Airport scooped ‘Europe’s Leading Airport’.
Other winners include Europcar (‘Europe’s Leading Car Rental Company’); InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (‘Europe’s Leading Hotel Brand’); Turismo de Portugal (‘Europe’s Leading Tourist Board’); Madrid (‘Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination’); the Convention Centre, Ireland (‘Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’); Cannes (‘Europe’s Leading Festival & Event Destination’); and Dark Sky Alqueva, Portugal & Spain (‘Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award).
More Information
World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.
Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.
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