News

Written on 16^th November 2017

American Airlines announces new Service to Reykjavik, Iceland

American Airlines is adding another new destination to its seasonal European footprint when service begins to Reykjavik-Keflavik, Iceland (KEF) next summer. Service to Iceland’s capital and largest city begins June 7th from American’s Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) hub.

Written on 16^th November 2017

Emirates brings in a step change in 3D printing for aircraft parts

Emirates has announced that it has used cutting-edge 3D printing technology to manufacture components for its aircraft cabins. The airline has reached a significant milestone in innovation by using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), a new and innovative 3D printing technique to produce video monitor shrouds.

Written on 16^th November 2017

Etihad Airways marks opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi with spectacular A380 fly-by

Hundreds of visitors from around the world, attending the official public opening celebrations of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, were treated to a low-level fly-by of the Jean Nouvel designed museum by one of Etihad Airways’ flagship Airbus A380 aircraft. Sporting the airline’s ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery, the aircraft chosen for the display now also features Louvre Abu Dhabi’s official logo on each of its four engines, to promote the opening of the institution.

Written on 9^th November 2017

British Airways revamps flagship Concorde Room

British Airways has revamped its flagship Concorde Room at Heathrow Terminal 5, taking inspiration from the very best of British Design. The refurbishment to the airline’s exclusive lounge included re-upholstering iconic pieces of furniture, and adding new feature pieces to the room, all of which are illuminated by hand-blown glass lighting with bone linen shades and ochre silk linings.

Written on 9^th November 2017

Air France-KLM's new Flying Blue programme

Flying Blue, Air France-KLM's loyalty programme, is changing from 1st April 2018 and will offer more simplicity and flexibility in the use of the programme, a clearer reward scale and more choice in the use of Miles. As of 1st April 2018, Flying Blue accounts will be automatically updated and customers will be able to keep using all functionalities of their account like today.

Written on 9^th November 2017

EasyJet are launching a new hold luggage proposition on Tuesday 15th November

From 15th November 2017, easyJet will be offering the choice of adding either 15kg or 23kg of hold luggage. This means the airline is replacing their current 20kg hold bag option with a lower-priced choice for those who need to travel with a bit more than a cabin bag, and a higher weight option if customers need to take more with them, for example when travelling to business exhibitions.

Written on 7^th November 2017

Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris - An artistic escapade

Written on 7^th November 2017

Belmond Grand Hotel Europe - Discover collection of the most distinctive suites in St Petersburg

A cultural and culinary landmark, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe dates back to the 19th century and has played a central role in the life of St Petersburg for over 140 years.  Hotel enjoys an ideal location on the famous Nevsky Prospekt, the primary avenue of St Petersburg, and is within walking distance to the Church of the Split Blood, Russian Museum, Palace Square and Hermitage Museum.

Written on 7^th November 2017

Abu Dhabi Stopovers with Etihad Airways

Its more than a stopover it’s a holiday. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a holiday within your holiday? Or a relaxing break after a tiring business trip? Stopover in Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways and let us show you a great time with our range of stopover options including 2-for-1 deals on stays and activities.

Written on 2^nd November 2017

Air France launches a new service to Seattle next summer

Starting 25th March 2018, Air France will offer its customers a non-stop service between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Seattle (Washington, USA). Up to five weekly flights will connect the two cities by Boeing 777-200 equipped with the latest long-haul travel cabins in Business, Premium Economy and Economy, with a capacity of 280 to 312 seats.

Written on 2^nd November 2017

British Airways - further London Heathrow changes - Summer 2018

British Airways have announced a number of changes to their schedule for summer 2018. BA 488 LHR-LPA 08:00-12:25 SAT 31st MAR 2018 BA 489 LPA-LHR 13:15-17:40 SAT 31st MAR 2018 BA 414 LHR-TFS 07:00-11:30 SAT 31st MAR 2018 BA 415 TFS-LHR 12:20-16:40 SAT 31st MAR 2018   Frequency increase and decrease: Increase Malaga (AGP) frequency from 2 to 8 per week Increase Reykjavik (KEF) frequency from 4 to 7 per week Increase Faro (FAO) frequency from 2 to 4 per week Increase Pisa (PSA) frequency from 9 to 10 per week Increase Berlin (TXL) frequency from 45 to 46 per week Increase Warsaw (WAW) frequency from 14 to 18 per week Reduce Barcelona (BCN) frequency from 53 to 49 per week   Source: British Airways.

Written on 2^nd November 2017

Maldives hand baggage restriction

The Maldives have now been included on the list of countries where hand baggage restrictions are in place on flights the UK. This restricts the carry-on of electrical items that are larger than 16cms x 9.

Written on 2^nd November 2017

Fly even higher with 10,000 Virgin Flying Co bonus miles

Receive up to a fantastic 10,000 Flying Co miles when you book and fly Virgin Atlantic or Delta Air Lines® between 1st November and 8th December 2017. Fly Virgin Atlantic Upper Class or Delta One® = 10,000 bonus miles Fly Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy = 8,000 bonus miles Fly Virgin Atlantic Economy or Delta Main Cabin = 5,000 bonus miles   Flying Co terms and conditions apply The bonus applies to all Virgin Atlantic routes, and Delta transatlantic flights to and from the UK only.

Written on 26^th October 2017

United becomes first U.S. carrier to offer boarding passes for partner airlines via its mobile app

United Airlines (UAL) announced a new enhancement to the United app that will allow customers to receive boarding passes when connecting to 19 airline partners on their smart phones, a feature which no other U. S.

Written on 26^th October 2017

Marriott International debuts Four Points by Sheraton in Tanzania

Marriott International, Inc.  announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel, marking the debut of the brand into Tanzania.

Written on 26^th October 2017

Delta expands flagship A350 service to Europe and China

By spring 2018, Delta’s A350 will be offered on Detroit-Shanghai service and select Detroit-Amsterdam flights. Delta has scheduled its flagship A350-900 aircraft on one of four daily flights between Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, effective  31st March, 2018.

Written on 26^th October 2017

Daylight Saving Time ends in Europe: Sunday 29th October 2017

On Sunday 29th October 2017, the clocks will turn back 1 hour across the UK and Europe when Daylight Saving Time ends (excluding Armenia, Iceland, Belarus, Turkey, Georgia, and Russia). The UK will turn their clocks back 1 hour from 2am to 1am.

Written on 20^th October 2017

Qantas unveils first Dreamliner, Great Southern Land

The latest addition to the Qantas fleet, the 787-9 Dreamliner features next generation seating in Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class, with more space and a lower passenger count than most of its competitors. Other Dreamliner features include larger windows to create a greater sense of space, better air quality to help reduce jetlag and ride dampening technology to minimise the effects of turbulence.

Written on 20^th October 2017

TSA raising aviation security baseline with stronger domestic security measures

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items at Southwest Florida airports, including Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD).   The new procedures, announced earlier this year, require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes.

Written on 20^th October 2017

Delta to offer Delta One customers option to pre-select meals, plans expansion to other cabins

Delta will begin rolling out the option to pre-select meals in 2018 as part of the airline's focus on personalizing the on-board customer experience based on direct customer feedback. Pre-select will allow Delta One customers to choose their meal six days prior to their selected international flights to ensure they receive their first choice onboard.

Written on 20^th October 2017

SAS expands its menu in SAS Go, focusing on the lifestyle and dietary needs of travellers

SAS recently launched its new food and drink concept, “New Nordic by SAS”, for travellers in SAS Plus on all flights within Europe and on Scandinavian and domestic routes. The concept focuses on locally sourced products and seasonal ingredients.

Written on 20^th October 2017

Manchester Airport transformation programme

The ABTA Destinations team have been made aware of temporary changes that will take effect from 19th October at Manchester Airport as part of their transformation programme. Manchester Airport has advised that they will be making some changes to the facilities in and around Terminal 2.

Written on 19^th October 2017

The Appointment Group - Global Service Disruption - Resolved

The Appointment Group is currently experiencing connectivity issues with our Internet Service Provider. This issue is affecting our operations and response times.

Written on 12^th October 2017

Turkish Government suspends visas to U.S. citizens

The government of Turkey announced the immediate suspension of visa services to U. S.