Airline, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have expanded their Iceland programmes for Winter 23/24, meaning they are offering customers and independent travel agents their biggest ever choice of winter services and dedicated trips to this bucket list destination.
This announcement sees the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest operator of city breaks to Europe put on a total of 14 additional breaks in February and March next winter from two airports (Leeds Bradford and Newcastle). 
The additional breaks come in response to strong demand from customers and independent travel agents, and are timed perfectly for customers wishing to experience the natural wonders of Iceland, such as the Northern Lights.
As a result of today’s expansion, the award-winning airline and city break operator will operate its biggest ever programme to Iceland, with flights and city breaks departing from all ten of its UK airports in Winter 23/24. 
The programme now represents over 150 departing flights and over 30,000 seats on sale, meaning a capacity increase of 36% compared to Winter 22/23.  ADVERTISEMENTThe new flights and breaks added today are:
Leeds Bradford:
Seven weekly departures added thanks to new Sunday services operating between 11th February and 27th March.  Thanks to these weekly Sunday services operating from Leeds Bradford during this time, this is perfect for those wanting a three-night break, returning on the Wednesday (weekly Wednesday services returning to Leeds Bradford during this time). This means the companies will now operate two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) from 27th September to 2nd November. Weekly Sunday services will operate from 11th February to 24th March, with twice weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) operating from 27th March to 21st April. Newcastle:
Seven weekly departures added thanks to new Wednesday services operating between 7th February and 24th March. Thanks to these weekly Wednesday services operating from Newcastle during this time, this is perfect for those wanting a four-night break, returning on the Sunday (weekly Sunday services returning to Newcastle during this time). This means the companies will now operate two weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) from 27th September to 2nd November. Weekly Wednesday services will operate from 7th February to 20th March, with twice weekly services (Wednesday and Sunday) operating from 28th March to 21st April. A programme of flights will also operate from Manchester and Birmingham Airports in Winter 23/24, with two weekly flights (Monday and Thursday) operating in late-September, October, November, February, March and April.
In addition, Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks’ popular programme of dedicated trips to Iceland are also available from Belfast International, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow Airports and London Stansted for Winter 23/24. Customers can choose from a wide selection of three-night or four-night trips, with trips taking place either in November or between February and March. 
Today’s expansion comes in response to customers booking early when it comes to choosing a flight or city break to Iceland. With Jet2.com and Jet2holidays pledging not to introduce any surcharges, this means customers can book their flight or city break, knowing that they have locked the price in.
Iceland has continued to experience strong demand thanks to its abundance of natural wonders, with early and late Winter proving to be particularly popular. Whether it is the cityscape of Reykjavik, the spectacular Northern Lights, or the stunning Golden Circle and its geothermal lagoons, spas and waterfalls, Iceland offers an incredible variety of things for customers to experience and see, which is why Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have expanded their programme for Winter 23/24.
Customers can pick from flight-only or package holiday options, with package options with Jet2CityBreaks available for a low £60 per person deposit. Jet2CityBreaks packages include a guided Northern Lights Tour, flights with Jet2.com, including 22kg hold luggage, coach transfers, as well as a choice of 3 and 4-star hotels in central Reykjavik which provide the perfect base from which to explore and experience authentic Icelandic cuisine. In addition, a choice of excursions are also available to purchase including those to the South Shore, Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon.
All flights to Keflavík International Airport near Reykjavik will be operated by award-winning airline Jet2.com.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We have continued to experience strong demand for flights and city breaks to Iceland from customers and independent travel agents, so we are very pleased to be expanding our programme today in response. This means we have our biggest ever programme on sale to Iceland for Winter 23/24 and the natural wonders of this magnificent destination, couple with our award-winning product, means we expect these new flights and breaks to sell very quickly.”
Grétar Már Garðarsson, director for airline relations and route development at Isavia, said: “We at Keflavik Airport are delighted by the news that Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks have decided to expand their services between Iceland and the UK for the Winter 23/24 season. We are excited to hear of the strong demand for flights to Iceland being the reason for this decision. Keflavik Airport looks forward to welcoming even more Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks travelers and seeing our good relationship with Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks continuing for many years to come.”

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flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, is offering passengers special holiday packages for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday break. Passengers can take their pick with attractive deals offered by Holidays by flydubai to a number of exciting destinations on the carrier’s network.
The Eid escapes special holiday packages include flights and hotel stay and caters to those looking for a relaxing beach retreat, a city adventure or an immersive cultural experience. Eid packages are available for booking by 20 April for travel between 15 April and 23 April 2023 and include return flights and a three-night hotel stay. Per person pricing is based on two adults sharing a room.
Baku from AED 2,299 per person
Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, is best known for its rich history, bustling downtown and some of the best culinary experiences in the region. Featuring stunning architecture and famous for its historical sites including the stone Maiden Tower, Baku is must-see.
Colombo from AED 2,749 per personADVERTISEMENTThis Sri Lankan city has something for everyone. In Colombo, travellers are spoiled for choice as they can either spend their days relaxing on a beach, explore bustling streets or discover this destination’s rich heritage. ​
Krabi and Pattaya from AED 2,649 per person
These two holiday destinations in Thailand are popular among beach goers and adventurers. While Krabi is known for its turquoise waters and magnificent limestone cliffs, Pattaya is unique for its vibrant atmosphere set against beautiful landscapes.
Maldives from AED 5,449 per person
The Maldives needs little introduction. Iconic for its pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters as far as the eye can see, this destination is perfect for some well-needed rest and relaxation this Eid break.
Yerevan from AED 2,399 per person
Located in Armenia, Yerevan is famous for its rich history linking back to ancient times and is home to a number of beautiful monuments and temples. Climb the famous Cascade to Victory Park for breathtaking views across the city.
Holidays by flydubai provides a one-stop-shop where customers can choose from a variety of specially curated holiday packages, including flights and hotels with the option to add on excursions, car rentals and much more.
To book a special Eid package, please visit: https://holidays.flydubai.com/en/promos/eid-al-fitr-2023

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The aircraft was received by Khalfan Al Salami, Country Manager, Morocco, along with a host of dignitaries including Alasri Al Dhaheri, the UAE ambassador of Morocco, Omar Abdulrahman Al Tunaiji, UAE Consul General of Morocco, Alarby Bin Ebrahim, Public relations Manager, and Abdalhaq Mazrour, Airport Director, Morocco.
Emirates’ iconic flagship A380 yesterday landed at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, signalling a better way to fly between Dubai and Casablanca, as well as increasing travel demand in and out of Morocco.Passengers onboard the first A380 to Morocco were in for an extra tinge of excitement as the superjumbo was dressed in a special livery marked for the occasion. The aircraft sported the Museum of the Future Livery, Dubai’s newest definitive marvel, architectural icon and centre for pioneering concepts and ideas.
The daily A380 service replaces the existing Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently used between Dubai and Casablanca. Emirates flight EK 751 takes off from Dubai International Airport at 07:30hrs and lands in in Casablanca at 11:55hrs. EK 752 departs Casablanca at 1445hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0115hrs the next day.
The aircraft was received by Khalfan Al Salami, Country Manager, Morocco, along with a host of dignitaries including Alasri Al Dhaheri, the UAE ambassador of Morocco, Omar Abdulrahman Al Tunaiji, UAE Consul General of Morocco, Alarby Bin Ebrahim, Public relations Manager, and Abdalhaq Mazrour, Airport Director, Morocco.
Emirates has been flying to Morocco for 21 years and the return of A380 services underscores its long-standing commitment to the country, boosting inbound traffic and supporting the tourism recovery of the country. Casablanca continues to be a popular leisure destination on the Emirates’ net, and the upgrade of services to an A380 will provide travellers more opportunities to connect to the Moroccan capital, as well as provide customers more connectivity to Dubai and beyond to cities through Emirates’ extensive global network. Passengers travelling on the first A380 are coming from the Middle East, South and South East Asia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Travellers flying from Casablanca to Dubai served by the A380 can enjoy seamless connectivity to its global network of 140 destinations.
First and business class customers can also take advantage of the recently launched Chauffeur Drive services launched in Morocco to enjoy a smooth, seamless, door-to-door experience in an immaculately presented vehicle with total comfort and privacy.ADVERTISEMENTThe Emirates A380 experience remains highly sought after by travellers offering 14 First Class suites and 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class. Customers travelling to and from Casablanca can look forward to enjoying its spacious and comfortable cabins, signature products that offer travellers the best experiences in the sky like the Onboard Lounge, First Class suites, Shower Spa and an award-winning inflight entertainment system that includes more than 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment.
The airline has been accelerating the deployment of its flagship A380 aircraft in line with growing demand for air travel. Currently, Emirates’ A380 is deployed to 43 destinations including Dubai with plans to expand to several other cities in the coming months.

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Amerijet International Airlines, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Amerijet Caribbean Express Ltd., opened a new branch office in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on March 28, 2023
Amerijet Caribbean Express Ltd. has been successfully operating at the Piarco International Airport for over 22 years. Recent legislation passed by the government of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago to encourage foreign direct investment will eventually allow for the establishment of special economic zones. In anticipation of the legislative change, Amerijet is moving forward with its expansion plans, focusing on hiring skilled and experienced labor in Trinidad & Tobago. Trinidad’s proximity to the United States, common language, and close time zone will allow the new Amerijet branch office to handle various financial and management functions and report directly to Miami’s headquarters.
“Amerijet made a strategic and targeted investment. We see great opportunities to continue the growth of our Shared Services Center into the future. Since the start of our air cargo operation in 1991, we have provided Trinidad with uninterrupted service for the past 32 years using a third-party handling company prior to investing in our subsidiary Amerijet Caribbean Express in 1995. Our airline has grown from one B727-100 to a fleet of 23 B767 and B757 freighters. Today, we serve Trinidad with a minimum of four flights per week; we employ more than 20 people at the Piarco International Airport, and we have built amazing business and personal relationships over the years,” said Joe Mozzali, Amerijet’s CFO. “We appreciate our customers here in Trinidad, and we will continue supporting and investing in the region. We are here to stay and to grow with our customers; the sky is the limit.”

Amerijet’s Director of Revenue Accounting, John Hagan, will manage the Trinidad branch office. John joined Amerijet in mid-2021 and has been actively engaged in several areas of Amerijet’s Finance and Accounting Departments, in addition to implementing new systems and processes to streamline these functions and prepare for scalability. “Following a review of different locations, we identified Trinidad as the ideal location for a regionally located service center. We wish to grow our longstanding relationships with the local government, our loyal customers, and we see the potential of hiring skilled and committed people to build the solid foundations for the continued growth of Amerijet,” said John Hagan.ADVERTISEMENTThe Shared Services Center in Port of Spain consists of 54 individual workstations covering seven distinct departments, with four management offices and two conference rooms. Two independent internet service providers have been contracted to supply seamless connectivity between the Shared Services Center and Amerijet’s Miami headquarters.
The opening of the Shared Services Center is the latest example of Amerijet’s commitment to streamlining processes and creating best-in-class services for its customers. As Amerijet continues to pursue and execute its growth strategy in the region, the Shared Services Center will integrate and collaborate seamlessly with its worldwide offices.

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The summer flight schedule will begin on Sunday, March 26, 2023, and end on Saturday, October 28. Munich Airport is offering many new destinations again this summer, as well as a new airline. Lufthansa, the biggest airline at Munich Airport, will start operating additional flight connections.Its long-haul routes will now include Osaka in Japan and Mexico City. After a long break, Shanghai will return to Lufthansa’s flight schedule from April 1 and later also Beijing.
In Europe, there will be flights to Bordeaux in France and Rzeszow in southeast Poland again. For the first time, the airline will also fly to Oviedo, the capital of the Asturias region in northern Spain. In addition to the new destinations, Lufthansa is now offering almost all routes that it used to fly before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The world’s biggest passenger aircraft is also making a comeback: Lufthansa will reactivate four of its out-of-service Airbus A380s for flights from Munich to North American destinations.
In addition, Air China is planning to start flights to the two metropolises Shanghai and Beijing this summer. While Lufthansa will be offering more frequent flights to Tokyo, the Star Alliance partner All Nippon Airways (ANA) is also returning to Munich after a three-year break. Starting from March 27, there will be three flights a week to the Japanese capital.Easyjet is also starting a new route from Munich. From June 28, the airline will fly to and from Naples up to three times a week. On June 27, Croatia Airlines will start offering its sixth destination from Munich. The new location is the popular holiday island Brac in Croatia.
In addition to the familiar carriers, one new airline is starting operations at Munich Airport. Fly One is planning services to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, from June 26.ADVERTISEMENTJost Lammers, CEO Munich Airport, comments: “With a large number of airlines and a wide variety of destinations in the upcoming summer flight schedule, we are well on track to return to our pre-crisis level and further enhance the appeal of our premium hub.”

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Discover Qatar, the destination management company of Qatar Airways, has announced that the second edition of its ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours will begin from 18 May, 2023 and run until the end of August. Daily tours and private charters can be booked exclusively through the Discover Qatar and Qatar Airways Holidays online platforms.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience departs every Thursday to Sunday for eight hours on a 40-seater catamaran, and starts from USD 249 per person. Nature enthusiasts can also avail private charters on a luxury yacht with a capacity up to 16 guests. Both tours include an expert guide, with Wi-Fi, refreshments, and breakfast and lunch provided.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Our second edition of the exclusive ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours, offered through Discover Qatar, presents an unmissable opportunity for nature lovers to witness and interact with the grand and gentle creatures of the sea. We are proud to call Qatar a home to one of the largest congregations of Whale Sharks in the world, and remain committed to being the leading destination to connect people from all over the world with such fascinating marine life.”
Qatar has the largest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world, making it the only place visitors can see so many in a single sighting. Often referred to as ‘gentle giants’, they are estimated to have existed for 60 million years, can live up to 100 years, and grow up to 12 metres in length.Launched in 2022, the ‘Whale Sharks of Qatar’ tour has been a resounding success, with nearly 500 explorers becoming the first to observe up to 300 Whale Sharks congregating off the north-eastern coast of Qatar. Discover Qatar have also produced a detailed e-brochure which provides more information about the tours.
For more information and to book please visit https://www.discoverqatar.qa/whale-sharks-of-qatar/ADVERTISEMENT

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The US has always been curious about British culture, but how well do Americans truly know the British? British Airways and VisitBritain have joined forces in a new campaign that gives an insider’s view on modern Britain, with all its vibrancy and warmth, to inspire US visitors to book their next visit.
The campaign ‘Ask Britain Anything’, created with Uncommon Creative Studio, takes a deep dive into 50 of Americans’ most-searched online questions about the UK and puts these directly to British people to respond.
Some of the most-searched questions by Americans included: What are British people like? Why do British people like queuing? Why travel to Britain? What do British people eat for breakfast? Is all British food beige? And, what do British people mean when they say ‘hello love’?
The new campaign, which launches this week across the US via connected television and social media, sees British Airways’ colleagues alongside people from across Britain answer some of these burning questions. Behind the campaign’s humor is a ‘bird’s-eye’ view of modern British society, with its unique people, cultures and quirks that make Britain such a special place to live and visit.
“The most surprising question was about British food being beige. I’ve been debating it among my friends ever since!” said British Airways Inflight Manager Jason Consiglio, who took part in the campaign. “Answering these questions gave me a chance to recognize how much I love being British, and the confidence to say how great we really are. We’re a beautiful country that champions traditions, cultures and people. I could not be happier to represent Britain, and British Airways, in this campaign.”ADVERTISEMENTBritish Airways Director of Marketing Hamish McVey said: “Everyone knows about Britain’s vibrant cities, historical sites and beautiful landscapes. But there is a curiosity around British culture – now more than ever. We’re incredibly proud of this campaign, which dispels the stereotypes, sheds light on who we truly are and why you should visit to get to know us better. And what better place to immerse yourself in the British spirit than on a British Airways flight.”
VisitBritain Executive VP for The Americas, Australia and New Zealand Paul Gauger said: “We are delighted to launch this fun and engaging campaign, inviting our visitors to ‘Ask Britain Anything’ and extending a warm welcome to the US, Britain’s largest and most valuable inbound visitor market. By telling the story of our dynamic destinations and diverse culture, we’re inspiring visitors from the US to explore further, stay longer and discover the new and surprising experiences to be had in Britain all year-round.”
The campaign includes a series of 12 unique and original films. More than 70 individuals were interviewed to take part in the series from across the UK’s nations and regions. The cast included a Welsh rapper, an NHS neurosurgeon, Liverpudlian firefighters and a Scottish astrologer, to name a few, as well as British Airways colleagues. A selection of the original films is available to view online through the campaign’s landing page at BA.com/visitbritain.
The British Airways and VisitBritain’s ‘Ask Britain Anything’ campaign is part of the UK Government’s GREAT Britain global campaign.

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TUI, the leading global travel and leisure company, is adding a further 150,000 additional seats for UK customers for winter 2023. TUI expects demand for winter sun to increase following positive bookings, with North African destinations providing great value and guaranteed sun. 
With nine additional flights added for the full winter season, including a new flight to Boa Vista, Cape Verde from Birmingham, and weekly flights to Sid, Cape Verde from Glasgow, Birmingham and East Midlands, plus a new weekly flight to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from Manchester, London Gatwick and Newcastle, holidaymakers have even more choice with TUI this winter. 
Egypt
Following recent news that TUI added Marsa Alam as a new winter spot in Egypt with two weekly flights from London Gatwick, the leading travel company have added 80,000 more seats for the winter season.  A solid winter sun favourite, Egypt offers the highest number of seats and holiday options across TUI’s North African destinations. There will be a weekly Monday flight to Sharm El Sheikh from Manchester and London Gatwick plus a weekly Wednesday flight from Newcastle. In addition to four weekly flights from London Gatwick and Manchester, three weekly flights from Birmingham and two weekly flights from Glasgow, Bristol and East Midlands, TUI is adding a Saturday flight from Manchester and London Gatwick and a brand-new Cardiff flight from Easter 2024.  Hurghada is another popular spot in Egypt and TUI is adding a London Gatwick and Manchester airport Saturday flight from Easter 2024, following strong Easter bookings this year to the destination. 
Cape VerdeADVERTISEMENTCape Verde has grown in popularity for British sun seekers since launching in 2005. With a further 45,000 seats added for this winter, customers can take advantage of the long sandy beaches, perfect temperatures and cultural spots off the west coast of Africa. TUI is adding a third weekly flight to Boa Vista from Birmingham, as well as weekly UK departures to Sal from Newcastle, Glasgow and East Midlands airport.
Tunisia
With incredible deals, Tunisia is a perfect sunbathing spot with great all-inclusive beach front resorts for customers looking for value breaks.  TUI is adding 15,000 new seats with new flights to Enfidha from Bristol, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, starting from Easter 2024. This came as extra flights were also added to Enfindha from Newcastle in February half term.
Morocco  
The rise of Morocco as one of the most popular winter destinations has continued, and to meet demand, TUI is offering additional flights from Easter 2024 to provide 10 and 11 night durations to Agadir from Birmingham, and to Marrakesh from Birmingham and Bristol, both starting from Easter 2024.
Andrew Flintham, Managing Director for TUI UK commented:
“Our North Africa destinations have gone from strength to strength with UK customers and remain a very important part of our vast holiday programme. I am really pleased we can offer customers further choice with 150,000 more seats for winter 2023 to amazing destinations. We’re seeing strong demand for travel, with bookings suggesting that customers are keen to plan far in advance for their perfect holiday. 
“At TUI, we offer unrivalled choice and flexibility travelling to 180 destinations worldwide, flying from 20 UK airports, our growing TUI cities programme and our owned concepts like TUI Blue as well as Marella Cruises, TUI River Cruises and Crystal Ski, and today’s news further confirms this.”
“TUI is proud to be an award winning travel company – recently winning Best Travel Company for summer sun holidays, Best Travel Company for winter sun holidays, Best Travel Company for Lakes and Mountains holidays and Best Travel Company for Ski/ Winter sports holidays at the British Travel Awards.”   
 For those still looking to book their break, TUI’s value hub Home of Holiday Value | TUI.co.uk features top tips on saving money and budgeting including best off-season destinations, deals of the week, current discount codes and easy free kids place finder to save money on your family holiday. Customers who book early can lock in their £0 deposit and spread the cost of their holiday over time with manageable instalments. Equally TUI’s value hub signposts people looking for last minute escapes for those who like to be spontaneous.  

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