More stories

  • in

    Munich Airport to modernize and equip its Terminal 2 with state-of-the-art technology

    Renovation work gets under way at Munich Airport’s Terminal 2: The central security checkpoint at Munich Airport’s Terminal 2 is being modernized and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, with completion scheduled for fall 2024As a result, passengers of Lufthansa and its partner airlines will benefit from faster, more effective procedures and much greater convenience.
    Instead of the familiar traditional checkpoints, lanes with innovative technology will be used in the future. First of all, in the week commencing Monday, December 12, 2022, Lufthansa’s Service Center on Departures level 04 will be sealed off and dismantled to create the required space. A newly designed Service Center will be opened in the southern part of the check-in level. During the renovation phase of the screening lanes starting in January, passengers will be rerouted, and the number of screening lanes will be reduced at times.
    Once the work is complete, passengers will benefit from a total of 15 new security screening lanes that meet the highest standards in terms of convenience and ergonomics. The Southern Air Office of the regional government of Upper Bavaria, the body responsible for passenger checkpoints at Munich Airport, is installing special CT scanners here.
    As well as checking all items of carry-on baggage for solid and liquid explosives, the CT scanners provide the screening staff with a three-dimensional view of each carry-on baggage item on a screen. These new CT scanners mean that electronic devices and liquids will no longer have to be removed from passengers’ baggage. All personal items will be placed in large trays at the four preparation points of each lane and returned on a long output conveyor with lots of individual space. Passengers can take as much time as they need, and can even overtake slower passengers. As the modern screening lanes are so efficient, the passenger flow per screening lane can be increased significantly compared with the conventional screening lanes.
    From now on, the central passenger checkpoint in Terminal 2 is being converted to the new technology in six construction phases. Upgrading of the first three screening lanes in Terminal 1 will start in the first quarter of 2023. In periods with high traffic volume, e.g. at Pentecost or during the Oktoberfest, the renovation work will be temporarily suspended in order to ensure availability of sufficient screening lanes and smooth handling of screening during these busy periods with particularly large numbers of passengers. Munich Airport will then be the first airport in Germany to be almost entirely equipped with the new security technology and convenient screening lanes.ADVERTISEMENT

    Older
    SAS presents its 2023 summer program with more than 200 routes

    Newer
    KLM and partners continue sustainable taxiing trials as part of the ALBATROSS project More

  • in

    IATA and Travalyst team up to help consumers calculate their carbon footprint

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Travalyst, have joined forces with the aim of providing consumers with a consistent, accurate and widely available calculation of their carbon footprint from air travel.As all sectors of the aviation and travel industries come together in pursuit of net zero CO2 goals, this new and major collaboration effort will bring even greater transparency, accuracy and consistency to how a traveler’s carbon footprint is calculated.
    Travalyst and IATA both possess a deep understanding of the traveller as well as relevant technical and operational expertise, which will enable the two organisations to collaborate closely to align CO2 emission calculations. This collaboration will focus on both data and standard methodology for route-based passenger CO2 emissions calculations for aviation at scale. This will include a shared position on how to account for sustainable aviation fuel.
    “Consumers want to understand the environmental impact of their travels. Both Travalyst and IATA are continuously working to improve their methodologies by incorporating emerging knowledge of climate impacts. So we are working together to provide the consumer with easy access to consistent calculations of the environmental cost of their travel,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
    Sally Davey, CEO, Travalyst said, “This is the first time that airlines and the travel technology sector have come together in this way. As such it is a milestone moment in the decarbonisation of the sector. In the face of the climate emergency, travellers want and need clear and unequivocal information about their carbon footprint on which to base travel decisions. Today we are bringing some of the leading travel brands around the table with the world’s leading airline association, with the aim of easily providing consumers with the most accurate carbon calculations.”

    Older
    KLM launches direct service to Rennes, France

    Newer
    SAS presents its 2023 summer program with more than 200 routes More

  • in

    Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations” to Welcome 2023 Together with the World

    Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), “Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations” will be held on 31 December night (New Year’s Eve) to welcome 2023 together with the world.
    A succession of energetic young performers will stage an exuberant performance through live broadcast and online livestreaming to welcome the New Year, featuring internationally-acclaimed young pianist Niu Niu (Zhang Shengliang), multiple-timeworld champion Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club, and local taiko drumming group Gekko, which has previously performed in many large-scale international events.
    No on-site audience will be admitted
    Online and TV audience can get prepared for the countdown moments with a 3D animation celebrating the city’s diversity and dynamics as the short film hypes up the countdown ambience with rhythmic drumming, dancing fires and exciting music.

    Older
    Abu Dhabi Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Project Set to Expand

    Newer
    Thai PM chairs “Amazing Thailand 10 Million Celebrations” at Suvarnabhumi Airport More

  • in

    Abu Dhabi Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Project Set to Expand

    The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to create a pre-release turtle rehabilitation area at Louvre Abu Dhabi, in the waters surrounding the museum. The project, which is the last step of the rehabilitation cycle before the marine animals are released back into the sea, is an extension of the EAD’s Wildlife Rescue Program in partnership with The National Aquarium, in line with Abu Dhabi’s existing conservation efforts to prepare the animals for release into Abu Dhabi’s waters in 2023.
    The MOU, signed by HE Saeed Al Fazari, Strategic Affairs Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi and HE Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director, Environmental Information Science and Outreach Management at Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi, aims to reinforce communication and cooperation between the involved parties and ensure effective collaboration on the project. The National Aquarium will provide valued expertise from the Wildlife Rescue Program to ensure the sea turtle rehabilitation area operates to the highest possible standard, under the supervision and guidance of EAD, and supported by DCT Abu Dhabi.
    Reflective of the sea turtles’ natural habitat, Louvre Abu Dhabi was chosen as a suitable rehabilitation area for the marine animals to exercise and acclimatise in preparation for their eventual release. The area will be accessible to visitors, who can gain insight into the rehabilitation of the turtles through exhibits, workshops and curated events. 
    HE Al Geziry, said: “The collaboration of government departments, environmental groups, and leading academics to work towards a common goal is a powerful formula for facilitating positive conservation outcomes. By signing an MoU with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, DCT Abu Dhabi is strengthening the strategic position of the emirate as a champion of critical sustainability issues. We are amplifying our ability to provide solutions to today’s challenges while collaborating with leading figures to benefit from new perspectives and to develop new solutions. By supporting this programme, which thus far has led to the rescue and release of more than 500 sea turtles, we are showcasing our conservation efforts and highlighting Abu Dhabi’s role in prioritizing sustainable tourism-focused initiatives.”
    HE Dr. Al Dhaheri, , said: “We are very excited about this partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi for the establishment of a turtle rehabilitation area at Louvre Abu Dhabi. This project is a testament to the increased interest in environmental conservation and protection of our precious biodiversity by other government entities and highlights Abu Dhabi’s leading position as a centre for the propagation of species. ADVERTISEMENT“The turtle rehabilitation area will be overseen by EAD, and operated by The National Aquarium, whose experts will help rehabilitate the animals before they are released back into their natural habitats so that they can grow and breed, leading to an increase in their numbers. We would like the whole world to see and learn more about our biodiversity, which is varied and abundant, and Louvre Abu Dhabi offers the perfect location to achieve this goal.”
    Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “As a museum open to the sea, Louvre Abu Dhabi is committed to raise awareness on environmental sustainability and the preservation of the UAE’s natural ecosystem. It is a privilege for the museum to play a role in the turtles’ rehabilitation cycle, before they are released back into their natural habitat. This project is in line with the museum’s longstanding mission to honor our unique connection with the land and sea.”
    Marine wildlife provides balance and stability to the natural ecosystem in the UAE. The goal of conservation and rehabilitation efforts is to ensure the survival of Abu Dhabi’s abundance of important yet fragile marine species whilst educating the public on living sustainably alongside these creatures.
    The National Aquarium’s marine biologists will ensure the area operates at the highest level of safety, quality and professionalism in line with international benchmarks for best practice. EAD, as the main environmental regulator in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and an organisation with several rehabilitation programmes for the conservation of biodiversity will play an integral role in this project, leading all turtle releases back into their natural habitats. To date EAD and The National Aquarium have released over 400 turtles.
    Additionally, as a partner in the project, DCT Abu Dhabi is playing a leading role in supporting eco-tourism initiatives catering to the essential conservation needs of protecting wildlife and promoting biodiversity in the emirate while appealing to the interests of international visitors and the domestic market.

    Older
    Bartlett Cops MBCCI 2022 President’s Special Award

    Newer
    Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations” to Welcome 2023 Together with the World More

  • in

    Boeing Delivers First P-8A Poseidon to New Zealand

    New Zealand received the first of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in a ceremony at the Museum of Flight.“As a maritime nation, delivery of the P-8A will ensure New Zealand maintains a patrol and response capability that will protect and support law enforcement in our Exclusive Economic Zone and Southern Ocean,” said Sarah Minson, acting Deputy Secretary Capability Delivery, New Zealand Ministry of Defence. “The P-8A will also assist our South Pacific neighbors and deliver long-range search and rescue capability.”
    The milestone comes four years after the New Zealand Government entered into an agreement with the U.S. Navy for the P-8A.
    “The unmatched, multi-mission maritime patrol capabilities of the P-8 will provide New Zealand the ability to extend their reach into the Pacific and beyond,” said Philip June, vice president and program manager, P-8 Programs. “New Zealand joins eight other global customers including nearby Australia that have selected or already operate the P-8 and benefit greatly from its long-range maritime surveillance and warfare capabilities.”
    Boeing Defence Australia will provide sustainment services for New Zealand’s fleet with the support of the P-8 International Program.
    New Zealand’s three remaining P-8 aircraft are all in advanced stages of production and will be delivered in 2023. The aircraft will replace New Zealand’s current fleet of six P-3K2 Orions and will be based at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea.ADVERTISEMENTTo date, the global operating P-8 fleet has amassed more than 450,000 mishap-free flight hours. The P-8 is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations. In addition, the P-8 performs humanitarian and search and rescue missions around the globe.

    Older
    VIKING TAKES DELIVERY OF NEWEST SHIP

    Newer
    IHG Hotels & Resorts Opens Canada’s First avid hotel More

  • in

    Discover Qatar Offers Educational Tours to School and College Students

    Discover Qatar (DQ) is offering specially-designed tours to showcase Qatar’s top-tier educational and tourism resources as well as the distinctive features of Doha. Custom-made for school and college students from across the globe, these tours present a unique opportunity for a holistic view of Qatar’s premier academic ecosystem, while immersing guests in the culture of the country.Through these tours, Discover Qatar aims to provide life-enhancing travel experiences to empower students to learn beyond the classroom. These tours will enable cross culture connections for the students to develop new ideas and perspectives through special experiences, training, and networking opportunities.
    Mr. Steven Reynolds, Senior Vice President, Discover Qatar, said: “The successful development and launch of our educational tours for school and college students is a testament to Qatar’s dynamic offerings as a unique global destination for educational pursuits. We look forward to enriching the academic growth of students around the world with resources, insights, and experiences from leading academic and cultural institutions in Qatar.”
    DQ’s educational tours focus on a range of subjects including architecture, art and culture, sports and performance excellence, fashion and design, business management, and gastronomy, all with the goal of stimulating learning for students through curated activities and workshops. Bringing learning curriculums to life, students can develop problem-solving skills, improve critical thinking, broaden their worldview, and learn through a variety of custom-designed workshops, activities, and interactive experiential sessions. The specially-designed programmes are offered for five days and can be extended up to 10 days based on the subject or expected learning outcomes. These are all-inclusive group programmes that combine services such as hotel accommodation, meals, airport & local city transfers, sightseeing activities & a guide who escorts the group for a complete stay in Doha. More details can be found on the Discover Qatar website https://www.discoverqatar.qa/education-tours/.
    DQ recently conducted familiarisation tours during which participants discovered diverse opportunities through interactions at Qatar Foundation and Education City, mainly at Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar. DQ also arranged visits to National Museum of Qatar, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, Fire Station, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, M7, Katara Cultural Village, and Aspire Academy to present an all-inclusive understanding of Qatar.
    Mr. Mark Alexander, Founder and CEO, Happymiles Outdoor Learning, who was part of familiarisation tour said : “I was pleased to witness things beyond my imagination in Doha. Fascinating architecture influenced by its traditions and culture, priceless art treasures, sumptuous gastronomy diversity, state of art interactive museums, fantastic education infrastructure in form of modern campuses, labs, classrooms, teaching facilities and open spaces – there is so much to learn from. Qatar is one-step ahead in fashion & design uniquely maintaining its culture and a country that encourages top quality sports in world-class facilities. It was a treat for my eyes to see the serene white sand dunes merging with blue sea. Qatar has a high focus on innovation and sustainability, I truly believe there is a lot to learn from this forward-looking country.” Happymiles Outdoor Learning is aiming to send approximately 25 student groups to Qatar in next 6 months. “ADVERTISEMENTDQ has already signed several agreements with key travel partners in India and is looking to Europe and USA markets for strategic key partnerships.
    Qatar combines globally renowned education with a rich culture, world-class facilities, and social stability, all-while offering it in a safe environment. Doha, which is up to a seven hour flight away from countless major cities around the world, offers a visa-free entry to eligible citizens of 95 countries. With the national carrier, Qatar Airways, currently flying to more than 150 destinations worldwide through the World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport, Qatar is an ideal destination for students’ educational tours. Students arriving in Doha will discover a vibrant, forward-thinking city presenting unparalleled learning resources in the fields of arts and culture, architecture, sports, fashion and design, gastronomy, business management and higher education, set against the multi-faceted backdrop of modernity and heritage with unique attractions, architectural marvels, museums, theme parks, shopping boulevards and much more. 
    Students between the ages of 18 and 30 can also benefit from Qatar Airways’ exclusive Student Club programme, which is powered by the airline’s loyalty programme, by receiving special fares on flights, extra baggage allowances, flexibility to change flight dates, complimentary Super Wi-Fi onboard, and more.

    Older
    Virgin Atlantic to purchase 70m US gallons of sustainable aviation fuel

    Newer
    The Northeast Alliance Adds 10 More Destinations, Providing More Choice and Service to Customers More

  • in

    Emirates Flight Training Academy hits three key milestones at the third graduation ceremony

    As the aviation world grapples with pilot shortages, Emirates Flight Training Academy’s (EFTA) third graduation ceremony held earlier today welcomed 53 new pilots trained at their world-class facility into the industry.
    With the latest ceremony, EFTA celebrated crossing three major milestones, including graduating –
    international cadets for the first time since the academy opened its doors for non-Emirati cadets in late 2019the largest cohort – more than 50 cadets and double that of previous eventsmore than 100 cadets since its first graduation in 2020.At the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group congratulated and awarded certificates to the cadet graduates. Emirates’ executive management team in attendance included: Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer; Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer and Ali Al Soori, Executive Vice President Chairman’s Office & Facilities/Projects Management.
    EFTA also hosted senior leaders from across the UAE aviation community including His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA); His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC);  Tahnoon Saif, Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub; Major General Ali Atiq Bin Lahej, Director of the General Department of Airports Security at Dubai Police, and a delegation from the UAE Armed Forces.
    His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said: “Years ago, we realised there would be a huge demand for trained pilots to support commercial aviation’s needs, and as a global airline and an industry leader, we felt compelled to act. Today’s graduation ceremony marks the achievement of our long-term vision for establishing the state-of-the-art Emirates Flight Training Academy to welcome and nurture young talent not just locally, but globally. Our next generation of highly skilled, well-trained cadets is a demonstration of the academy’s contribution to the aviation industry. We’re incredibly proud of our graduates and our team at EFTA.”ADVERTISEMENTCaptain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Vice President Emirates Flight Training Academy said: “To say that our cadets, instructors and our teams at EFTA have flown through an incredibly turbulent two years is an understatement. We have great admiration for our cadets’ spirit, positivity and the gusto with which they went through the rigours of ground school and sailed through their flying lessons.
    “They are bidding goodbye to the academy, not just with a clutch of certificates and trophies, but with a range of professional and life skills, an array of amazing competencies, and vibrant memories. They’ve left their mark at EFTA, and we are confident they will be captivating the hearts and minds of the aviation industry. Today marks their last day of one journey and the exciting first day of another.”
    Ali Al Ali, cadet graduate, echoed the sentiments of the cohort in his address: “Before we move on to the future, we would like to remember the past couple of years. There are several moments etched in our collective consciousness. We remember the feeling of pride when we first joined the academy, when we first wore our uniforms, on our first solo flight. We loved ground school and our high-tech classrooms, even the sleepless nights we spent studying. But then, we loved our flying lessons even more – the hours we spent honing our skills in the open skies and knowing this is what we will be doing our entire professional lives. What can be more extraordinary than having an office 38,000 feet up in the sky? The academy has taught us all how to be leaders, how to be responsible, disciplined, and professional. On behalf of the Class of 2022, our sincere gratitude goes to everyone who made our graduation possible.”
    The ceremony evoked a range of emotions as the young graduates took to the stage, cheered on by their proud families and friends. And rightly so, as the young cadets had successfully completed the rigorous programme with 900 hours of ground-based training and 250 hours of flight instruction to obtain their Integrated Air Transport Pilot Licence.
    EFTA also honoured the highest performing and most diligent cadets for their achievements across all facets of the training programme.
    According to Oliver Wyman’s latest research, the aviation industry will experience a global gap of 34,000 pilots by 2025, which could increase to 50,000 given the impact of furloughs and retirements. Driven by a projected sharp increase in air travel demand, the Middle East region could face a shortage of 3,000 pilots by 2023 and 18,000 by 2032. Boeing estimates that by 2041 the gap will widen to 602,000 pilots globally and 53,000 in the Middle East.

    Older
    COMPANION VOUCHERS NOW REDEEMABLE ON IBERIA AND AER LINGUS FLIGHTS

    Newer
    Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nayhan breaks four GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ at CLYMB Abu Dhab More

  • in

    AirTrip International signs multi-year agreement to use Sabre GDS

    NFINI Travel Information, the exclusive Sabre GDS distribution partner in Japan, and Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, today announced a new, multi-year GDS agreement with AirTrip International Corp. The deal will see AirTrip International capitalizing on Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS) as part of its strategy to spur growth of its outbound business with advanced technology.
    Using Sabre’s rich GDS content, including NDC offers, as well as Sabre’s Bargain Finder Max API, AirTrip International will be able to expand its content regime while creating compelling offers for its customers.
    Bargain Finder Max utilizes Sabre’s proprietary shopping algorithm and broad array of rich content to deliver optimal itinerary offers in seconds. This will enable AirTrip International to create customized booking experiences for travelers by tailoring search results for the most relevant fares, based on itinerary preferences.
    “This is an important partnership for AirTrip International, and we are excited by the prospects of this collaboration,” said Yusuke Shibata, President & Representative Director / CFO of AirTrip International. “Our mission at AirTrip is to use advanced products and technologies with our unique position in the Japanese market to deliver a best-in-class travel experience for our customers. This mission is even more relevant as travel recovery gains momentum in Japan. Sabre is well-positioned to share its next-generation content and technology which will be an essential component in providing a superior customer experience.”
    AirTrip International established itself as a preferred choice of travelers in Japan’s highly competitive markets by focusing on meeting customer needs through a superior product experience. The OTA has proved itself to be resilient in its ability to adapt its business model quickly to the challenges which have emerged throughout the pandemic and is now focused on technological advancement for future growth.ADVERTISEMENT“We very much welcome the AirTrip International decision to choose the Sabre GDS as a distribution channel in Japan,” said Kimio Uemura, CEO, INFINI Travel Information. “It validates our vision for the Sabre/INFINI partnership and the need for advanced industry solutions that meet service needs, while effectively supporting travel agents’ desire to expand the breadth of their business models globally.”
    “As travel agencies look to secure a competitive edge amid continuing recovery, they need a technology partner with the stability and resources to continue investing in advanced and new technology solutions,” said Brett Thorstad, Vice President, Sabre Travel Solutions, Agency Sales, Asia Pacific. “There’s a huge opportunity for AirTrip International to act fast and position itself for growth. AirTrip’s decision to become part of Sabre’s GDS will enable the OTA to tap into expected increased demand, during the recovery period and beyond.”

    Older
    HERTZ NAMES WAYNE DAVIS AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

    Newer
    MSC CRUISES LAUNCHES NEWEST FLAGSHIP MSC SEASCAPE AT A DAZZLING CEREMONY IN NEW YORK CITY More