Organisations & Operators,

During its 2024 press conference, Selahattin Bilgen, CEO at iGA Istanbul Airport, stated that the airport invested 160.1 million Euros in 2023 and announced an investment target for 2024 as 656.5 million Euros, as well as outlining key targets across flight routes, runways, sustainability and passenger satisfaction.Increasing its influence as a global transfer hub day by day, iGA Istanbul Airport started 2024 with innovations and ambitious growth targets, following a very successful 2023. Despite being open for only five years, it has held the title of “Europe’s Busiest Airport” in terms of number of flights for the last four consecutive years. Bilgen said:
“Since we started flight operations in 2019, we have increased the number of flights from 329,876 to 505,968 at the end of 2023, and thereby the number of passengers from nearly 53 million to 76 million, breaking records for both daily flights and passenger numbers in the summer. Türkiye as a destination has also seen a boost in tourism, becoming the fourth country in the world to host the highest number of tourists. We are so thrilled to be able to contribute to Türkiye’s national economy and to our citizens through this sector.”
Targets for 2024

Increased passengersADVERTISEMENTAnnouncing that its passenger target for 2024 is 85 million, Bilgen stated that iGA Istanbul Airport continues to grow its passenger traffic with more passengers every day. “We plan to increase the number of flights to 532,000 in 2024,” said Bilgen, highlighting that the airpor plans to increase the number of passengers by 12.77%.

Additional airlines
Expressing that the airport is proud to increase the number of airline companies it serves, from 61 in 2019, to 101 by the 100th anniversary of the Republic, Bilgen announced that iGA will be welcoming a total of 11 new airlines by the end of 2024. He stated: “This signifies iGA Istanbul Airport establishing leadership in the global aviation industry. iGA Istanbul Airport ranks among the world’s top three airports regarding the number of served airline companies.

Upgraded runways
iGA Istanbul Airport also has plans to implement the first triple parallel runway operation in Europe in 2024. Selahattin Bilgen added, “We will break new ground among ICAO member nations with our triple independent runway operations.” Bilgen continued: “We are targeting operations with the highest efficiency and capacity, after the USA. With this method, our 120 ATM/h (hourly air traffic capacity) capacity can potentially exceed 148 ATM/h. This capacity increase in air traffic will play an essential role in our airport exceeding its contract’s 150 million passenger target and reaching 200 million passengers without any additional runway investment following Phase 5.”

Increased Investment
Stating that it had invested 160.1 million euros in 2023, Bilgen confirmed plans to increase their investment at iGA Istanbul Airport in 2024. He continued; “2024 will be the “Year of Investments” for iGA.  We will invest 35 million Euros for the General Aviation Terminal, which we plan to complete at the end of the year, and we hope to invest 146.4 million Euros in the Eskişehir GES Project, which we will also complete by the end of the year. With the 199.32 MWe unlicensed SPP (Solar Power Plant) to be established on an area of 3,000,000 square meters by iGA Havalimanı İşletmesi A.Ş. in Eskişehir,  iGA will be the first airport in the world to meet all of its electricity needs with renewable energy. We anticipate an annual energy production of 340.446.833 kWh/year through this plant. For the Hilton Istanbul Airport, which we plan to complete in the first quarter of 2025, we have an investment target of 25.6 million Euros this year. We aim to invest a total of 656.5 million euros in 2024,  with a total investment of 331.2 million euros planned for the construction of the East-West runway and the North-South backup runway in 2024.”
Cargo expansion
iGA Istanbul Airport is a significant centre in terms of world cargo transportation, with the cargo area now reaching three times that of Hong Kong Airport’s. Bilgen added: “There are currently 14 scheduled cargo airline companies that are actively operating at the airport, and our current infrastructure could reach a capacity of 5.5 million tons, at an impressive level of 1.4 million square meters.”
Investment from FedEx and Trendyol
iGA Istanbul Airport also announced its cooperation with Trendyol and FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company. FedEx Express has started installing a 23,000-square-meter facility in the iGA Istanbul Airport Cargo Zone, which will be a hub that will integrate operations on three continents, providing strategic connectivity between Asia and Africa. Bilgen commented that the team “is proud to host Europe’s new global air transportation facility.”
The Trendyol project, which will have a total area of ​​12,000 square meters and a daily output capacity of 150,000 products, with an investment of 36 million euros, is planned to become operational in the first quarter of 2025. Thus, the storage areas will increase to 150,000 square meters, the number of warehouses to 14, and the parcel area to 353,000 square meters.
Reducing emissions
iGA Istanbul Airport, with its “Our Focus is the World, Our Goal is the Future” mission, is among the world’s airports committed to “Net Zero CO2 Emissions”, aiming to reduce their emissions by 45% in six years compared to the base year.  “We will achieve a 73% emission reduction in 2040 and reach the Net Zero Emission target in 2050”, Bilgen said, underlining that iGA completed the year 2023 with 14% less emissions than targeted, according to the Net Zero roadmap prepared in line with the IPCC 1.5°C scenario.
He added: “With our waste recycling program, we are determined to achieve our zero emission targets by 2050, taking concrete steps such as reducing waste emissions by 50% and converting 50% of our vehicle fleet to electric vehicles,” he said. iGA Istanbul Airport has already achieved significant success in the ACI Airports Carbon Accreditation programme by reaching Level 4 in three years. This was achieved through decreasing energy consumption by nearly 11%, and decreasing the water footprint by 5%. iGA Istanbul Airport recycled 35% of their waste and ensured its addition into Turkey’s economy as a raw material.
Passenger satisfaction
The passenger satisfaction rate is increasing every day, and following a study conducted by GfK Research Company over three years, the public’s appreciation rate of Istanbul Airport has increased continuously, reaching 89% in 2023. Selahattin Bilgen stated that he believes this rate will increase even higher with the opening of the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport metro and emphasised how proud they are to be the preferred airport of the people of Istanbul.
Source: https://www.timesaerospace.aero/news

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Introducing Inclusive Morocco the first LGBTQ+ -founded and led luxury travel company in Morocco with a 100% Moroccan team. Set up by two passionate advocates for sustainability and inclusivity, Bilal El Hammoumy and Rania Chentouf, Inclusive Morocco itineraries are meticulously designed to celebrate the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture, with the local environment top of mind. The experienced team champions excellent hospitality and inclusiveness, ensuring every traveller leaves Morocco with a unique and profound connection to the country’s abundant spirit.
Featured trips include Echoes of the Atlas, Morocco with a Family, and Northern Morocco.
**NEW** for 2024: Echoes of the Atlas: This pioneering trip underscores the power of regenerative travel, showing that luxury and sustainability can happily coexist. It invites travellers to experience the Atlas Mountains’ grandeur through a lens of luxury that does not compromise the environment, ensuring a journey as enriching as it is responsible. Prices start from £13170 per person based on two people sharing.Morocco with Kids: Specially designed to cater to the UK market, this trip is adaptable to families of all sizes, including multi-generational groups. It offers a blend of activities that ensure every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, experiences the magic of Morocco in a way that is meaningful and memorable. Prices start from £3165 per person.Northern Morocco: Spotlighting Inclusive Morocco’s area of expertise and origin, this trip offers an intimate exploration of Northern Morocco’s rich heritage and new experiences. From the historical streets of Tangier to the rugged Rif mountains, travellers will discover a region brimming with culture, history, and new opportunities for adventure. Prices start from £3710 per person.Commitment to sustainability and social impactInclusive Morocco operates with sustainability as its compass, embedding eco-conscious practices and community engagement into the core of its operations. The company is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a positive social and environmental impact, aiming for a harmonious balance that not only resonates with the vibrant spirit of Morocco but also secures an inclusive future for all.
Through active engagement with the local LGBTQ+ community and support for non-profit organisations such as the High Atlas Foundation, Association Darna, and Kif Kid Organisation, Inclusive Morocco pledges to contribute significantly to the communities it touches.
Collaborations with environmental start-ups like MJ Bike Morocco and initiatives with WeTravel to offset carbon emissions are testament to their goal of achieving a negative carbon footprint by 2026, underlining actions that echo through the valleys of Morocco to create lasting positive change.ADVERTISEMENTA pioneering force in LGBTQ+ and luxury travelInclusive Morocco stands as a beacon of progress in the travel industry, not only highlighting the beauty and diversity of Morocco but also championing the values of inclusivity and diversity.
Join Inclusive Morocco on a journey where luxury meets sustainability, culture embraces inclusivity, and every travel experience is an opportunity to make a positive impact. Discover a new way to explore Morocco, where every step is a step towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
Visit www.inclusivemorocco.com for more information.

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Adding to the attractions of Dubai as a cosmopolitan city of the ME, IMG Worlds of Adventures is celebrating the Chinese New Year from the 18th of Jan 2024 till the 20th of Feb. The year of the dragon, on Saturday, February 10, 2024. The Chinese themed decorations and traditional performances and colorful parades are the main key of this dragon year, to add many more activities like the “Lunar Wheel of Fortune” to spin your luck and win many surprises, Chinese Zodiac photobooth and festive menu in Chang’s Golden Dragon restaurant and Chinese sweets in the Coffee House.
Visit also IMG Worlds retails shops in each zone and take with you souvenirs, original and one-of-a-kind collectables to remember your incredible day. The entry tickets are available on www.IMGworlds.com

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Specialist tour operator Journey Latin America has refreshed three of its Private Journeys offering visitors even better value for money in 2024 as well as the opportunity to explore some of the region’s off-the-radar locations.
COSTA RICA
Value Costa Rica: The Essential Highlights showcases the country’s top attractions: Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud forest and Manuel Antonio in just 12 days. The holiday costs from £1,750 per person, almost £250 per person less than last year, and includes additional wildlife excursions in the Santa Elena Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park. The price includes good-quality accommodation in beach and wilderness lodges, breakfast daily, two dinners, transfers and excursions. International flights are extra.
MEXICO
The enchanting silver cities that lie Northwest of Mexico City and are easily accessible by road yet are almost always overlooked by first-time visitors to Mexico. Each city has its own character: the university town Guanajuato built in a narrow gorge is a centre for music, theatre and dance, while the homely little town of San Miguel de Allende with cobbled streets and leafy plazas is a magnet for artist and Querétaro is renowned for its impressive colonial aqueduct. Journey Latin America’s 12-day Explore and Relax: Silver Cities to Pacific Coast holiday has been revamped to focus on San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and Querétaro before ending on the jungle-fringed beaches of Zihuatanejo. The holiday costs from £3,830 per person and includes first-class hotels on a B&B basis, transfers, a domestic flight and excursions. International flights are extra.ADVERTISEMENTANTARCTICA
A holiday to Antarctica will offer a dazzling display of larger-than-life landscapes, a kaleidoscope of colours and a symphony of sounds. Along the shores and among the hauntingly beautiful bergs and glaciers thrives vociferous and always entertaining wildlife. Journey Latin America’s 14-day Signature Antarctica: Highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula has been refreshed to include a 10-day mid-range expedition cruise on board the Ocean Endeavour allowing guests the chance to camp on the ice, kayak and take a photography course. This excellent value-for-money holiday costs from £8,250 per person and includes an expedition cruise to Antarctica, full board during the cruise, domestic flights in Argentina, mid-range hotels on a B&B basis pre and post cruise, excursions and transfers. International flights are extra.
For further information contact Journey Latin America (020 8747 8315, journeylatinamerica.com)

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Becci Aldridge, Villa Select General Manager, said: “We are delighted to be expanding into a brand-new destination for 2024.  Our initial nine Crete Villas are all based in the North of the island and offer spacious modern living with private pools and there is a property for everyone, ranging from family bolt holes near the beach, to picturesque countryside villas. We plan to add further Crete properties in the coming months and our destination experts have been working hard to get to know the properties and resorts first hand – an invaluable resource for both customers and agents who may not be entirely familiar with the destination themselves”.
Villa Select specialists have visited every resort in the collection, so holidaymakers can be assured of first-hand knowledge and personal recommendations. From flights to car hire and local advice, Villa Select offers the highest level of service – recently achieving a Silver award in the 2023 British Travel Awards for ‘Best Travel Company for Villa Holidays’, for the third year running.
Trade friendly sample package: Joy of The Sea, Elounda, Crete. Sleeps 6 | 3 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms. Fri 05 Apr 2024, 7 nights. Accommodation only total Price £1,188 per week (Based on 6). With flights (return from London Gatwick inc. luggage) £5,496.

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Airport Handling, a majority-owned subsidiary of leading global air and travel services provider dnata, has been awarded a seven-year ground handling license by Aeroporti di Roma and will establish operations at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). The company is targeting to launch operations in the Italian capital in the second quarter of 2024.
Airport Handling will provide a range of quality and safe ramp and passenger services to airlines in Rome. It has already committed an investment of over €20 million to purchase new ground support equipment (GSE), including advanced electric vehicles. Having recruited a local senior management team, which is very familiar with the Rome market, Airport Handling is targeting to employ over 1,800 customer-oriented aviation professionals at FCO.
Airport Handling’s expansion into Rome further strengthens its position as a leading air services provider in Italy. A trusted partner of over 60 airlines, the company’s dedicated teams already handle more than 22 million passengers and 82,000 flights annually at the two Milan airports, Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN).
Alberto Morosi, CEO of Airport Handling, said: “We are proud to have secured operating license at another leading Italian airport as a result of a highly competitive tender process. Expanding into Rome Fiumicino is a significant milestone that aligns with our growth strategy and underlines our commitment to consistently enhancing our operations.
“We look forward to working with the airport to deliver high quality and safe services for our airline customers and their passengers travelling to or through Rome. I thank our partners for their continued trust in our services and our team for their hard work and dedication.”ADVERTISEMENTThe majority stakeholder of Airport Handling is dnata, a global player in the combined air services industry, which operates at over 120 airports globally. Besides its ground handling business, dnata also provides catering & retail services at all major Italian airports, including Rome Fiumicino.
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Frank Dobbelsteijn will join Swissport International AG on 1 January 2024 as Global Head of Operations. In his former role as Vice President for the Heathrow operation of Menzies Aviation and other senior roles in the aviation and logistics sector, he gained the frontline operational experience and the managerial credentials for this key position on Swissport’s Global Management team.
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Frank Dobbelsteijn succeeds Richard Male, who has served as Swissport’s interim Director of Global Operations since April and recently decided to accept a job offer outside of the company.
Frank Dobbelsteijn’s background in logistics, aviation ground handling and passenger services will allow him to make quick progress towards even more stable operations while further enhancing the quality of Swissport’s service delivery to airline customers across the globe. Prior to joining Swissport, he played a pivotal role as Vice President of Menzies’ single largest station at London Heathrow Airport. He had previously served the company as Vice President USA West Coast and Vice President Los Angeles, start-up project manager Europe and General Manager low-cost division Amsterdam. He also served as Senior Station Manager at Amazon in Los Angeles, where he oversaw the company’s third-largest US distribution center in Los Angeles.ADVERTISEMENTAs the global leader in aviation ground services, Swissport is also setting the industry benchmark for safe airport operations and overall employee health and safety. The company sees its uncompromised commitment to safety as the key prerequisite for delivering superior operational excellence for its airline customers.

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Civitatis, the leading technological platform for booking Spanish-speaking activities, day trips, guided tours, and excursions worldwide – both in the B2C and B2B channels – has today announced a substantial growth in the number of products and supplier partnerships, projecting a significant increase in activities and partners by the close of 2023.
Comparing data from 2019, Civitatis has experienced exceptional growth of 200% in its product portfolio, rising from 29,000 to 87,000 activities available.
In a similar vein, the supplier partnership network has undergone a remarkable transformation, witnessing a rise from 3,500 providers in 2021 to over 6,000 at present, marking an impressive 71% increase.
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