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    Youth travel agency KILROY opens first UK store in Bristol

    Youth travel agency KILROY launched its first UK store in Bristol this weekend – opening its doors for the first time on Saturday 16th September with a well-attended launch party. 
    KILROY celebrated the Bristol store opening at 43 Queens Road in Clifton with a jam-packed day of inspiring travel talks, prize giveaways and entertainment to attract the area’s vibrant population of students and young travellers.
    Established in Denmark in 1991, and now the largest youth and student travel agency in the Nordic region, KILROY announced its launch in the UK earlier this year, which was spurred by the country’s burgeoning youth travel scene.
    Niclas Lundquist, UK Commercial Director at KILROY said: “Bristol was the top choice for KILROY’s first UK store opening thanks to its young, vibrant student population and proximity to universities. The property at 43 Queens Road couldn’t be more fitting for a student and youth travel brand, having previously housed STA Travel. We’re incredibly excited to help fill the gap for tailored youth travel in the Bristol area and look forward to meeting the city’s dynamic young travellers.”   Jacob Strømfeldt, Sales Director for KILROY, travelled from Copenhagen to be part of the launch and said: “Bristol is the perfect location for our first UK store and marks the first step in our plans to be the go-to youth and student travel brand in the country. All of us at KILROY were excited to see such a great reception to the opening event and how our local team is bringing the brand to life in the UK.”
    The Bristol store opens with a team of four travel advisors to help plan and design dream adventures for students and young travellers, with that number expected to grow over the coming months.  ADVERTISEMENTLundquist added: “Our expansion into the UK market is a long-term investment for KILROY. We are committed to serving the market and will do so from Bristol to begin with. We are continuously evaluating new opportunities beyond Bristol to achieve a nationwide reach througha combination of physical stores and online presence.”
    From the start of Saturday’s launch event at midday to its closing at 5pm, KILROY gave away five incredible trips every hour, including a round-the-world adventure visiting three continents with stops in Thailand, Singapore, Australia and the USA. KILROY’s local team of travel experts presented talks on Thailand, Peru, surfing in Costa Rica and working holidays in Australia.
    More than 170 people attended the event on Saturday and five lucky locals were thrilled to win the chance to explore the world with KILROY.There was also food and drinks, music from local DJ Bad n Boothe, free travel-themed tattoos, and a live illustration by local artist Ruby Taylor who has worked with international brands including Gordon’s Gin and Schwarzkopf.

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    Emaar Reports a 15% Net Profit Growth in H1 2023 and Group Property Sales of AED 20.2 billion

    Emaar Properties PJSC (DFM: EMAAR) has released its financial results for the first half of 2023, showcasing consistent performance and operational efficiency across its various businesses.
    Key Accomplishment HighlightsEmaar’s recorded half-year 2023 revenues of AED 12.3 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) with net profit growing by 15% compared to same period last year, reaching to AED 4.9 billion (US$ 1.3 billion). The consistent performance was driven by the growth in tourism, retail sales, and sustained real estate demand in Dubai.Emaar’s focus on improving profit margins and operational efficiencies resulted in achieving higher EBITDA, which grew by 5% to AED 6.4 billion (US$ 1.7 billion) compared to H1 2022.
    Emaar achieved H1 2023 group property sales of AED 20.2 billion (US$ 5.5 billion), a 14% YoY growth.Supported by incremental property sales, the company’s revenue backlog from property sales reached AED 62.8 billion (US$ 17.1 billion) as of 30th June 2023. This backlog represents future revenue from property sales to be recognised over the next few years.
    During the period, Emaar has received credit rating upgrades from major rating agencies S&P (BBB), Moody’s (Baa2) and Fitch (BBB), all with a stable outlook. These upgrades reflect Emaar’s financial performance and improved financial position. Overall, these positive indicators point to a better outlook for Emaar’s future.
    Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, said: “Emaar’s recent performance reflects our ongoing commitment to sustained profitable growth and in our focus on meeting the needs of our loyal and new customers. Our investments have resulted in strong returns, driving our growth and improving our operations. We are confident in our ability to continue executing our business strategy and meeting customer demand as we move forward in the year.”ADVERTISEMENTUAE Build-To-Sell Property DevelopmentEmaar Development PJSC (DFM: EMAARDEV), a majority-owned subsidiary, achieved property sales of AED 19 billion (US$ 5.2 billion) during the first half of 2023, reflecting a growth of 25% over H1 2022.UAE build-to-sell operation reported H1 2023 revenue of AED 6.3 billion (US$ 1.7 billion) and successfully launched 16 new projects in the UAE. In June 2023, Emaar Development also unveiled yet another master-planned development, “The Oasis”, a luxury lifestyle destination.
    Shopping Mall, Retail and Commercial LeasingIn H1 2023, Emaar’s shopping mall, retail, and commercial leasing operations reported an 8% growth in revenue compared to the previous year, reaching AED 3.1 billion (US$ 844 million). During the same period, the portfolio yielded an EBITDA of AED 3.2 billion (US$ 871 million), a 77% increase over H1 2022. This success is credited to robust tenant sales, which rose by approximately 30% compared to H1 2022. Emaar Malls Management’s prime mall assets achieved an impressive occupancy rate of approximately 96%.
    Emaar International Emaar’s international real estate operations reported property sales of AED 1.2 billion (US$ 327 million) and revenues totalling AED 1.3 billion (US$ 354 million) during the first half of 2023. Primarily driven by operations in Egypt and India, revenues from international real estate operations represent 11% of Emaar’s total revenue.
    Hospitality, Leisure, and EntertainmentIn the first half of 2023, Emaar’s hospitality, leisure, and entertainment divisions generated AED 1.6 billion (US$ 436 million) in revenue, marking an 18% increase from H1 2022. The growth was driven by the steady recovery in the tourism industry and strong domestic spending. Emaar’s UAE hotels, including those under management, reported an average occupancy rate of 70% in the first half of 2023.During the period, Emaar also announced the opening of its newest hotel, Address Jabal Omar Makkah, featuring around 1,500 keys and conveniently located at the heart of the holy city.
    Recurring RevenueEmaar’s H1 2023 financial results show an 11% increase in recurring revenue compared to H1 2022.The company’s recurring revenue-generating portfolio, including malls, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and commercial leasing, collectively generated AED 4.7 billion (US$ 1.3 billion) during H1 2023. This revenue represents 38% of Emaar’s total revenue from these businesses.

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    New York Times’ Best Folding Bikes: DAHON’s Mariner D8 Tops the List

    For over four decades, folding bike pioneer DAHON has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. Its high-quality folding bikes are at the heart and mind of bike riders around the world.To find out which folding bike does it all the best for most commuter riders and utilitarian users, the New York Times has conducted a survey on 13 popular models from 9 manufacturers, with 85+ hours of research and rigorous testing on the aspects of user experience, comfort of riding, ease of folding, and bike weight.
    At last, the well-designed DAHON Mariner D8 stood out with all those aspects, combining good riding experience, high-quality components, and a reasonable price, topping the chart of “New York Times’ Best Folding Bikes”.
    The design inspiration of DAHON Mariner D8 originates from the sailing concept. The super anti-rust surface of its parts is suitable for high-salt and high-humidity environments. Marine D8 can be stored on board a yacht or a boat for a long time before the rider goes for a comfortable ride on the island.
    Upon folding, Mariner D8 can be stored in the trunk of a car or a recreation vehicle. Whether carrying on the bus or in the subway, commuters can easily carry it around in the hustle and bustle of the city. Mariner D8 can easily meet the travel needs of cyclists. It can be described as an “all-rounded chariot”.
    The New York Times notes that “the Mariner D8 rides comfortably, smoothing over bumps and shifting fluidly up and down hills; it folds and unfolds quickly and locks securely in both modes; the design also addresses practical concerns”. It comes with fenders to keep mud from splashing in the rain; the front bag can be installed on the frame, and the rear frame can carry and hang items.ADVERTISEMENTWell-known bicycle magazines such as Canadian Cycling Magazine and Momentum Mag coined DAHON Mariner D8 as the best choice for green commuting and leisure travel.
    “Good value for money with perfect craft design” is the true feeling of most riders who have experienced DAHON folding bikes.
    To make the single-beam folding bike stronger, more stable and faster, the Founder and CEO Dr. David Hon led the R&D team on a rigorous research to develop a patent of “Folding Bike Frame with Reinforced Cable at the Down Tube”, giving birth to the DELTEC cable nowadays.
    With DELTEC cable installed on a single-beam folding bike, a stable triangular structure is formed at the frame, which greatly increases the service life and load capacity of the overall frame structure. At the same time, the longitudinal rigidity of the whole vehicle is increased by 15%-35%, and the force of pedaling is effectively converted into propulsion, reducing energy loss and being faster than other vehicles.
    In the future, DAHON will continue to innovate folding bikes’ design and actively promote green and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
    For more information, please visit: www.dahon.com

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    Embraer deliveries increase 47% in 2Q23

    Embraer delivered a total of 47 jets in the second quarter of 2023, of which 17 were commercial aircraft and 30 were executive jets (19 light jets and 11 midsize jets).During the year, the company delivered a total of 62 aircraft (24 commercial and 38 executive). The second quarter deliveries were 47% higher than in the same period from 2022. In the first half of 2023, the volume has increased 35% compared to 2022, when 46 jets have been delivered. Compared to the second quarter of 2022, deliveries volume increased by 55% in Commercial Aviation and 43% in Executive Jets. The firm order backlog ended the period at US$ 17.3 billion.
    In Commercial Aviation, American Airlines signed a firm order with Embraer for seven new E175s. The aircraft will be operated by the subsidiary Envoy Air. With deliveries to begin 4Q23, Envoy’s fleet of E-Jets will grow to over 141 aircraft by the end of 2024.
    Embraer also received a firm order from Binter for six E195-E2s, which will bring Binter’s E2 fleet to 16 jets when deliveries are completed. This order will be included in Embraer’s backlog once all contractual contingencies are cleared.
    Malaysia’s SKS Airways closed an agreement to add ten E195-E2 jets to its fleet. In addition, SKS joined the Pool Program to support aircraft to be operated in Southeast Asia. Scoot, a low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is also adding nine E190-E2s to its portfolio. And Royal Jordanian Airlines reached an agreement to introduce eight E190-E2 and E195-E2 jets into its operations, with deliveries starting in the 4Q23. All three agreements involved contracts with the leasing company Azorra.
    Four E175s began to operate with Star Air, an Indian airline that already operates E-Jets. Star Air has also extended its Pool Program contract to include the E175s in its fleet.ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to Star Air and SKS Airways, Embraer Services & Support signed Pool Program contract extensions with Rex Group (Australia) and Amelia (France). Another highlight of the quarter for the business unit was the announcement of 20 E-Jets P2F for the Lanzhou Group. This is the first Embraer P2F agreement in China.
    In Executive Aviation, NetJets signed a contract with Embraer for the acquisition of up to 250 Praetor 500 jet options. The deal is valued at more than US$ 5 billion, and deliveries are expected to begin in 2025.
    For Embraer Defense & Security, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Saab to position the C-390 Millennium as the preferred solution for the tactical air transport requirements of the Swedish Air Force and in the search for opportunities for potential Gripen customers in Latin America.

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    Heathrow Launches Groundbreaking Trial of Low Carbon Concrete, Targeting 50% Emission Reduction

    Heathrow has kickstarted a ground-breaking new trial, exploring the viability of lower carbon concrete, which cuts emissions by 50% compared to a conventional concrete. The initiative followed Heathrow’s sponsorship of a PhD candidate at the University of Surrey who undertook three years of lab work to reach this point. The trial has been designed to test the concrete’s durability and longevity in a true to life airport setting and is one of the first of its kind at any airport in the world.
    As part of Heathrow’s holistic sustainability strategy – Heathrow 2.0 – the airport is committed to reducing on the ground emissions as well as those in the air. With at least 6% of global carbon emissions each year linked to concrete production, Ecocem and Cemex’s innovative concrete solution has the potential to radically reduce the carbon output of infrastructure projects at the airport. The aim is for the trial’s findings to be used to set out a blueprint that other airports, keen to reduce carbon from all facets of their operation, can follow. This trial is the first of a number being planned that will test and trial other low carbon concrete materials on the market. It is intended that the outcomes of these trials can be used to reduce embedded carbon in a number of projects being delivered by Ferrovial Construction and Dyer & Butler at Heathrow.
    The project, led by Jacobs and implemented by Cemex and Ecocem will see four different applications trialled in a pouring site located close to the control tower. These will replicate use in a range of typical airport infrastructure applications, including airfield pavements, encompassing runways and taxiways as well as reinforced pit cover slabs and other ancillary concrete types. With aircraft taking off and landing close to every 45 seconds at Heathrow, it is critical the concrete undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its strength and durability can withstand the pressures of the one of the world’s busiest airports.
    Nigel Milton, Chief of Staff and Carbon at Heathrow said: “Heathrow is once again serving as a testbed for ground-breaking technologies, demonstrating global leadership with regards to sustainable travel. We’re committed to cutting carbon emissions on the ground as well as in the air and we’re delighted to be hosting one of the first airport trials in the world to test lower carbon alternatives. I hope that this trial will help radically transform the built environment at Heathrow in the years to come.”
    Richard Moore, Europe Aviation Engineering Lead at Jacobs said: “Jacobs are delighted to have been the technical consultant on the Low Carbon Concrete initiative at Heathrow since its inception in 2018. Today’s trial is an exciting milestone in the development of lower carbon infrastructure solutions at the airport. It is the culmination of four years of research and planning towards these initial trials which will form the foundation of further work exploring other lower carbon products and materials. Testing the materials in a range of airport infrastructure applications, not just runway and taxiway pavements, allows us to maximise the opportunity to reduce embedded carbon in a wide variety of concrete types. Building on the success of today, we look forward to upscaling to usage in airfield projects being delivered by Ferrovial Construction, Dyer & Butler and other major programme partners across the airport.”ADVERTISEMENTMark Hill, UK National Sales Manager, Ecocem said: “Our technical solutions have long helped large scale infrastructure projects to reduce carbon emissions across Europe. Having the opportunity to partner with Heathrow airport on a project with huge potential in the UK and for the aviation sector is a testament to the innovation of our products and team. We look forward to working with Heathrow and our other partners to begin this trial.”
    Richard Kershaw, Technical Manager at Cemex said: “Cemex is renowned across the construction industry for its commitment to providing customers with more sustainable concrete solutions. We were the first supplier in the UK to launch a net-zero concrete product, making us ideally situated to support Heathrow with their lower carbon concrete trial. We hope this trial will prove successful and demonstrate to the aviation sector the opportunities available to cut emissions during their development projects.”
    Simon Wright, Regional Manager at Dyer & Butler, said: “As a trusted partner to Heathrow, we’re proud to be collaborating on this project to pioneer carbon reduction in the aviation industry. Our technical delivery team is excited to be involved in delivering this emerging technology. Dyer & Butler is committed to helping Heathrow work towards its net-zero targets on this, and future innovations.”
    Juan Pablo Perez, UK Airports & Civils Director, Ferrovial Construction said: “Our strategy at Ferrovial Construction is to deliver low carbon concrete solutions across our different projects worldwide. As part of our UK project portfolio, we are actively working with Heathrow, Jacobs and Cemex to achieve a low CO2e concrete mix. During the previous Heathrow framework (Q6), we achieved a reduction on carbon emissions in PQ mixes. We have taken that progress and development and are driving further reduction at H7 by exploring and trialling new technologies. As the first company at Heathrow to gain PAS2080 certification for Carbon Management, we have been able to deliver projects with the lowest Pavement Quality Concrete CO2e compliant with the high standard specification at the airport. We are excited to continue working with Heathrow, Jacobs and Cemex to drive the sustainable concrete development agenda in full support of Heathrow 2.0.”

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    The Newest, Independent, Luxury Glamping Sites Across the UK

    Unique hideaways welcome five new luxury, independent glampsites across the UK, into their one-of-a-kind collection. From a dog-friendly clifftop cabin in Devon to a shepherd’s hut in a walled garden on the edge of the Peak District, in the past month, Unique hideaways have welcomed a whole array of dream-worthy places to stay to their bespoke collection.
    The Nest- Devon
    Say hello to paradise. Perched atop a cliff and nestled amongst lush green trees, this heavenly cabin with dazzling sea views is sure to light a sense of adventure within you. The interiors are lavish, the view is awe-inspiring and the location is quite simply out of this world. Welcoming dogs, this hidden haven is perfect for a weekend escape to the seaside, while offering complete privacy and a sense of serenity from the bustling world outside.Secret Garden Escape- Staffordshire

    Perched within a beautiful walled garden, this majestic hut has a magical wood-fired hot tub and delicious pizza oven. Just a stone’s throw from the dramatic landscape of the Peak District National Park, this pocket of paradise is perfect for adventure dreamers, seeking a retreat off the well-worn path.ADVERTISEMENTLazydays Hideaway- Isle of Wight
    How does island life sound to you? This gorgeous family-sized yurt is idyllic for a getaway with the ones you love most. The sea view is sparkling, the interiors are sumptuous and the outdoor bathtub offers a little bit of luxury for your stay in nature. It’s time for an adventure with all the family and we’ve found the perfect hideaway for doing just that…
    Vista Paris- Cornwall
    Cosy interiors, spellbinding views and dream-worthy moments exist at our upcycled, handcrafted haven in the Cornish countryside. From the bubbling hot tub to the central location for exploring the very best that Cornwall has to offer, this stunning hideaway makes for the perfect last-minute getaway to this special corner of the UK.

    Matilda- Sussex
    This cute cabin offers you a dose of escapism. With folklore tales, a vibrant colour palette and rustic features, this quirky glamping abode is just the spot to call home for a little while. Nestled in the blissful East Sussex countryside, there’s so much to explore nearby that you’ll be wishing to return time and time again.

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    Budapest Airport Achieves Milestones in Passenger Traffic, Awards, and Safety in First Half of 2023

    The first half of 2023 has been a strong period for Budapest Airport in all respects: the series of developments worth more than 100 billion HUF over the past 4.5 years and the outstanding quality of the airport ecosystem have been confirmed by numerous awards based on passenger feedback and the assessment of the airport industry.
    Budapest Airport’s PR activities, airline marketing and annual partner event have also received accolades and an international rating certified the safety of the airport. Meanwhile, passenger traffic continues to grow, with the annual number of passengers likely to exceed initial expectations.
    Budapest Airport’s results in the first half of the year: rising passenger numbers and numerous awards
    In 2023, June was the fourth month in a row in which airport traffic exceeded one million passengers, and between January and June the airport handled a total of 6,683,524 passengers, which is 26.6 percent more than the same period of 2022 and more than the whole of 2021. As a result, total passenger numbers for the year to date are now only 9.4% below the record year of 2019, exceeding previous expectations. After a temporary global slowdown at the beginning of the year, cargo started to grow again in the spring, and cargo volumes handled at Budapest Airport in the first half of the year was 91 452 tons, which means that the annual target of 200 000 tons seems to be within reach in the near future.
    At the same time, thanks to a series of developments worth 100 billion HUF over the past few years, Budapest Airport and the entire airport community received numerous awards in the first half of this year. In addition to the awards for outstanding service and passenger experience, the airline marketing activities of the airline development team, which is the driving force behind passenger growth, and a major PR campaign that strengthened the company’s reputation were recognized, while the event industry honored Budapest Airport’s Annual Awards Gala with several awards.You may also be interested in:  IHG® Hotels & Resorts announces signing of Hotel Indigo Resort in Durrat Al Arus, JeddahThe best airport in Europe and the regionADVERTISEMENTFerenc Liszt International Airport and Budapest Airport have received an important, unprecedented recognition at the beginning of March. Airports Council International (ACI) has named Budapest Airport as the winner of the Best Airport of 15 to 25 Million Passengers in Europe Award. The ACI survey examines the quality of service at nearly 400 international airports based on 30 performance indicators and asks passengers, the most important target group for developments about their journey in person. The results provide a complex picture of the experience of arriving and departing passengers, from the moment they enter the airport, through their time spent there, to boarding.
    The next award was granted to Budapest Airport in mid-March, which also marked a jubilee for the airport community: Budapest Airport was named “Best Airport in Eastern Europe” by Skytrax for the tenth time in a row. The award is also based on passenger feedback: the World Airport Survey questionnaire is completed by people of more than 100 different nationalities over the eight-month survey period. Similar to the ACI survey, respondents rate the travel experience and airport services.
    After the passengers, auditors from the international aviation research organization Skytrax also examined the airport’s services and processes, and the organization upgraded the airport’s rating to four stars as a result of the three-day audit. Similar to hotel rankings, the independent experts rated Budapest Airport between 1 and 5 stars, but the process was tailored to airports: the rating analyzes all the areas that passengers may encounter, based on more than 500 performance indicators. This means that, following a number of prestigious awards this year, Hungary’s gateway is now in a similar league to airports such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Barcelona and Vienna Airports, in terms of passenger experience.
    In addition, the company’s cargo activities continue to be recognized by the industry: after winning the “Cargo Airport of the Year” award at the Air Cargo News Awards last year, Budapest Airport was again a finalist this year, alongside such prestigious competitors as Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore and Liège.
    Safe airport
    In April, Ferenc Liszt International Airport became the first airport on the continent to receive the international WELL Health-Safety Rating, which confirms that professionals are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and health of passengers and staff. During the certification process, independent experts examined five focus areas in passenger terminals: cleanliness, emergency preparedness, health, air and water quality, and stakeholder engagement.
    Outstanding campaign activity and high quality events
    Budapest Airport’s traditional Annual Awards Gala is usually a big hit with the company’s partners. For the second time, the event won the UNICEO live communication solutions award in the category of B2B events with more than 150 participants, while the Hungarian Association of Event Organizers and Service Providers granted the Event Design of the Year Award to the event, organized jointly by Progressive Advertising Agency and Budapest Airport.
    The joint production of Budapest Airport and MediaFactory, Fly into Work – Stars at the Airport, has won the industry’s biggest awards, the IPRA Gold Medal, also known as the international PR Oscars, the CMA content marketing award in the branded TV programs category and the Bronze Blade of the Golden Blade award in the PR solutions category. The entertaining and informative series was broadcast on TV2 at the beginning of this year, to showcase the colorful and varied jobs available at the airport and the complex, challenging and skilled tasks that can be found there. The show achieved outstanding ratings and attracted many applications for positions at the airport. Following the success of the award-winning first season, Budapest Airport and MediaFactory have started filming the second season, which will return to the screens in the fall with new stars and even more exciting challenges.
    At the Routes Europe Marketing Awards in Lodz, Poland, Budapest Airport won the award for the best airline marketing in the category of airports with 4-20 million passengers. The jury was impressed not only by the company’s B2B marketing activities, but also by the growth in passenger numbers over the past year, with the airport’s passenger traffic again exceeding 12 million last year, i.e. 75% of the pre-pandemic level, despite the adverse economic climate. Last year, 13 routes were launched or resumed, and this year this number rises to 23. Thanks to outstanding marketing activities, a total of 121 destinations will be accessible from Ferenc Liszt International Airport in the summer season of 2023.
    “I am proud of the airport community, as these awards are a testament to the work we do together, the dedication, energy and professionalism we put into running the airport every day. The recently received passenger satisfaction surveys show that passengers recognize the results of the continuous developments, and are happy to use the expanding services,” said Kam Jandu, chief executive officer of Budapest Airport. He also added: “We want to maintain this level of quality in the future, and keep our passengers satisfied by increasing the capacity in line with the growing number of passengers.”

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    Hamad International Airport Reports Impressive 33.5% Increase in Passenger Traffic in H1 2023,

    Hamad International Airport (DOH) continues its impressive growth in passenger traffic as it records promising numbers in the first half of 2023. The award-winning airport has witnessed an influx of travelers flying to and from Doha with a recorded 33.5% increase in passenger traffic and 18.1% increase in aircraft movements from the same period last year.
    The airport saw a total of 20,775,087 passengers during the first half of 2023 – moving 10,315,695 passengers in the first quarter of the year and a further 10,459,392 in the second quarter. Aircraft movements during the first half of 2023 also increased compared to last year, with a total of 116,296 arriving and departing from the airport – 56,417 in the first quarter of 2023 and 59,879 in the second quarter.
    During the first half of 2023, Hamad International Airport handled 1,121,382 tonnes of cargo and moved 17,596,776 bags, including 11,376,483 transfer bags through its facility.
    The second quarter of 2023 saw the airport manage a 24% increase in passenger traffic from the same period last year, with 3,281,773 passengers in April, 3,440,047 in May and 3,737,572 in June. Aircraft movements also saw a steady increase, with 18,762 in April, 20,226 in May and 20,891 in June. In terms of total destinations during the second quarter of this year, the airport saw a total of 194 scheduled passenger and cargo destinations.
    Hamad International Airport’s commitment to investing in the latest technologies has allowed it to implement the advanced screening technology to reduce processing time and enhance security within the facility. The adoption of the latest screening equipment allows transferring passengers to keep their electronic devices, along with liquid containers in their hand luggage. During the second quarter of the current year, the average processing time for transferring passengers at security check points was 28 seconds per passengers.ADVERTISEMENTCommenting on a promising performance from the airport, Hamad International Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammad Al Meer, said: “We are pleased to witness a surge in passenger traffic during the first half of this year. Our unwavering focus on enhancing our operations and investing in growth strategies has allowed us to augment our airport infrastructure and expand our product offerings. With these advancements, we aim to fortify our competitive position in the aviation industry and continue to exceed expectations.”
    Over the past year, Hamad International Airport has expanded its facilities, introduced new leisure offerings and adopted cutting edge technologies. Home to the recently opened Louis Vuitton Lounge, the first of its kind at an airport and offering a wide range of bespoke retail and dining options, the airport is committed to provide an exceptional travel experience to all its passengers. Furthermore, the ORCHARD, a tropical garden situated in the north portion of the airport and designed to invoke feelings of wellbeing and tranquility continues to inspire awe among travellers.
    Looking towards the future, phase B of the airport expansion is currently underway and once completed will increase the airport’s capacity to more than 70 million passengers annually. The expansion will ensure that Hamad International Airport retains its position as an industry leader, as passenger numbers in the Middle East are expected to double by 2040, according to the recently disclosed figures by IATA.
    As the gateway to the State of Qatar and the Middle East, the airport continues to solidify its position as the airport of choice among global travellers.

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