Organisations & Operators,

Richmond International Airport (RIC) has earned the Most Efficient Airport in North America* award from the Air Transport Research Society (ATRS). The honor took place July 2, 2023, at the organization’s 26th World Conference in Kobe, Japan. This is RIC’s first win from ATRS, recognized as one of the most reputable aviation research societies in the world.
“We are thrilled to win this award and we could not have done it without our fantastic team,” said Perry J. Miller, A.A.E., I.A.P, President and CEO of RIC. “We’ve been an economic engine for our region for almost a century – generating about $2.1 billion in economic impact per year – and it’s because everyone here is committed to delivering an extraordinary travel experience. We want the world to know what RIC and the Greater Richmond region has to offer.”
The award is granted based on performance indicators like productivity and operating/management efficiency, airport charge comparisons, and more. In 2021, the airport began facility updates to welcome international travel, which included a now complete Concourse A expansion, preparing for additional ramp space, and customs upgrades to meet global travel protocols. Last year, RIC was named the Best Little Big Airport in the world by Business Focus Magazine. And this year, RIC has increased its direct service options by 36%.
“RIC has had a direct impact on local business vitality, resident happiness, and increased tourism spending,” says Frank Thornton, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors. “And you can see that they’re not content to rest on their laurels; they’re deliberately taking steps to improve. For instance, the addition of new and affordable nonstop options to popular destinations like San Francisco and New Orleans has moved the needle for RIC – and for us as a region.”
“If you have the same flight pattern, you’ll keep arriving at the same destination,” says Miller. “We are laying new groundwork to grow as an airport of choice, one that leads the way in the future of our industry. This means a lot of exciting projects in the works, like making flights available to Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Japan, and building a hands-on facility where the future generation of workers can learn about the aviation industry. If you think we’ve done great things so far, you’ll be thrilled to see what’s on the horizon.”ADVERTISEMENT*under 5 million passengers per year

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Europe’s leading airline easyjet and the UK’s fastest growing tour operator easyJet holidays, have today announced they will launch 15 new routes for next summer from Birmingham, with thousands of package holidays on sale today to the range of brand new destinations.Holidaymakers from Birmingham looking for a relaxing beach holiday, or exciting city escape, now have thousands of packages to choose from with easyJet holidays and can make the most of brand new routes to Barcelona, Tenerife, Antalya, Berlin, Jersey, Malaga, Sharm El Sheikh, Rhodes, Alicante, Dalaman, Corfu, Heraklion, Larnaca, Tunisia and Kos.
easyJet holidays customers have exclusive early access to the flying schedule, enabling them to book packages from today. What’s more, packages include flights, hotel, 23kg luggage and transfers on beach holidays, all covered by its Ultimate Flexibility, offering freedom to change a booking, a refund guarantee, and best price guarantee. Flights across the new routes will be on sale on easyJet.com in the coming months.
The network expansion comes just a month after easyJet confirmed that that it will open a new three-aircraft base at Birmingham Airport in spring 2024.
easyJet already serves 13 key domestic connections and international routes from Birmingham to popular beach and city destinationsincluding Amsterdam, Geneva, Milan, Naples, Lisbon, Faro and Palma de Mallorca. The opening of the base with the addition of three aircraft at the airport has enabled the airline to further expand its Birmingham network with 15 new routes that will prove popular with leisure and business travellers flying from the UK’s second largest city.
Paul Bixby, Commercial Director at easyJet holidays, said:ADVERTISEMENT“We’re delighted to be putting thousands of package holidays on sale from Birmingham today. We’re absolutely committed to ensuring our brilliant holidays at unbeatable prices are available to holidaymakers across the UK, so we’re pleased that those from the West Midlands can now fly from their doorstep.
“We’re offering a huge range of holidays on the 15 brand new routes. Whether customers are seeking relaxation by the pool, or a cultural city escape, we’re got a fantastic range of Europe’s most loved destinations, with hundreds of hotels to choose from.”
Ali Gayward, UK Country Manager at easyJet, said:
“We are delighted to announce our network expansion for our new base in Birmingham, which will create around 100 direct jobs for pilots and crew and over 1,200 more indirect jobs.
“Investing in a ninth base in Birmingham further strengthens easyJet’s network by positioning it as the carrier of choice to serve UK consumers and capture the continued demand for travel, further growing its share of the UK leisure market for both the airline and easyJet holidays.”
Tom Screen, Aviation Director for Birmingham Airport (BHX), said:
“As we look forward to easyJet basing three of its aircraft here from March 2024, we are thrilled to see the launch of easyJet holidays to BHX customers.
“In addition to an attractive roster of destinations, including beach resorts like Faro, Palma and Malaga and cities like Berlin and Paris, easyJet holidays customers get exclusive early access to new flight schedules.
“With packages including flights, 23kg of luggage and transfers, easyJet staying true to its name – by making things easy for customers.”
Customers from Birmingham have a huge range of package holidays to choose from, (www.easyjet.com/en/holidays tel: 0330 365 5005):
> Antalya: seven nights at the 4* Eftalia Splash Resort on an All Inclusive basis for £601 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Birmingham on 6 May 2024.
> Sharm El Sheikh: seven nights at the 5* Aurora Oriental Resort on an All Inclusive basis for £561 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Birmingham on 1 June 2024.
> Tenerife: seven nights at the 4* Landmar Costa Los Gigantes on an All Inclusive basis for £787 per person including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Birmingham on 16 September 2024.
> Berlin: three nights at the 4* Hotel Riu Plaza Berlin on a Bed & Breakfast basis for £366 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from Birmingham on 3 May 2024.
> Paris: three nights at the 4* Dream Castle Paris on a Bed & Breakfast basis for £332 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from Birmingham on 24 April 2024.

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CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi has announced the return of the Junior Flying Club, offering little ones the chance to make the most out of their summer experience with a record-breaking adventure every Saturday at 1:30 PM, starting this week and running until August 20.
Kids up to 14 years can learn how to fly like a pro for an unforgettable adrenaline kick inside the world’s largest indoor skydiving chamber. Every guest will be directed under the supervision of personalized instructors and in a secure environment according to their respective groups.
The Junior Flying Club at CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi provides young adventurers with a fun flying experience, encompassing a total of 20 flights. Each session comprises five flights, during which dedicated instructors offer a comprehensive briefing and debriefing ahead of the session. As part of the package, kids can rent flight gear and receive personalized skill and progression monitoring from the instructors, along with a tailored development plan.

All passes purchased are valid for 3 months from the date of purchase and little ones can avail up to a 35% discount on the Junior Flying Club once registered. CLYMB Abu Dhabi’s unique offering aims to inspire young minds and encourage them to pursue their dreams of reaching to new heights in a controlled and supervised environment.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information visit: https://www.clymbabudhabi.com/en/tickets/junior-flying-club
Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.

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TUI UK has appointed the nation’s favourite duo, Ant & Dec to bring holiday inspired fun and smiles to Brits. The Geordie pair will share their mischievous plans as they define their new roles as TUI’s ‘Happiness Ambassadors’. 
Launching on the 28th June, the social media campaign will focus on how TUI create ‘happy’ every day. In a cheeky and entertaining way, Ant & Dec brainstorm their new job title, creating the perfect holiday pitch, and dial up the holiday inspo with TUI’s retail agents and cabin crew. 
The social content focuses on the moments customers experience before they step foot overseas; from the planning and booking and just before they jet off, at the airport. Ant & Dec have a lot of fun creating extra happy moments every step of the journey in a surprising and memorable style. 

The campaign, a creative co-production between Ant and Dec’s Mitre Studios and Leo Burnett London, is set to run across TUI’s and Ant and Dec’s social channels from 28thJune for six months. Be sure to follow @antanddec and @tuiuk to find out what they’ve been up to from today. ADVERTISEMENT
Andrew Flintham Managing Director at TUI UK commented: “Ant and Dec are the perfect pair to showcase what our Makers of Happy do every day; delivering the best possible experiences for our customers. The partnership has come at an exciting time for TUI as our customers cannot wait to create amazing holiday memories. It’s brilliant to be working with Ant and Dec as they really are the happiest people on TV and are already sharing some great ideas on how we can bring even more fun to the holiday experience.” 

Ant says: “We have worked successfully with TUI in the past on Saturday Night Takeaway so we were delighted to be invited to become their Happiness Ambassadors and create some fun content around their staff and customers as they plan holidays this year. 

Dec adds: “We have loved working collaboratively with everyone at TUI and getting to know the team even better. We hope what we’ve created brings a smile to people’s faces and spreads a little happiness from the start to the finish of this year’s holidays.”

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The competition, launched around two categories – high school students and undergraduates – attracted applicants from leading educational institutions from across the country. In making their decision, the expert jury looked at the feasibility of the ideas presented by the teams through their social media campaigns as well as on their potential to contribute to the fulfillment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Celebrating young tourism talent
In the end, eight teams made it to the final, representing the Srednja stručna škola (Team AANSS Tourist), JU Turističko-ugostiteljska škola Tuzla (Team Champions), Mješovita srednja škola Travnik (Team RoseBrandis), JU Mješovita srednja škola “Bosanski Petrovac (Team StazeSrece), JU Centar srednjih škola (Team Tribuni), Faculty of Economics Pale (Team Tusists Economy), Visoka škola za turizam i menadžment Konjic (Team VS-TIM) and University of Business Studies (Team We Grow with Nature).
The winning solutions from Team RoseBrandis from Mješovita srednja škola Travnik and Team Vs-Tim from Visoka škola za turizam i menadžment Konjic included social media campaigns to support rural development on the Via Dinarica in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Students also created synergies between the different teams by becoming film producers and created a video on traditional folk costumes in Rural areas.
The 2023 UNWTO Students’ League: Bosnia and Herzegovina has been organized by UNWTO, under the framework of UNDP BiH “Building Relations for intercultural Dialogue (BRIDGE) Project” which counts on the financial support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The initiative is implemented and co-financed by the United Nations Development Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNDP BiH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH.ADVERTISEMENTFor this first national edition, the jury panel was made up of national and international experts from UNWTO, UNDP, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, Ministry of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska, Verne Tourism Experts and SISMOTUR.
Youth empowerment for tourism’s future
According to the participants, the Students League offered a unique chance to gain practical experience within the tourism sector while also benefitting from networking and mentorship opportunities.
“This project is a wonderful experience for young people who will be the bearers of tourism in the future, because they study tourism, ecology, economics, which are closely related to the sector,” said Team We Grow with Nature from the University of Business Studies.
“By participating in this project, we learned a lot and discovered various hidden treasures both in our and in other countries. The project helped us get introduced to Instagram and how we can use it in business. Most importantly, we had fun and enjoyed participating in this project,” addedTeam RoseBrandis, from Mješovita srednja škola Travnik
The UNWTO Students League Bosnia & Herzegovina has benefited the support of leading international partners, including representatives from the UNWTO Best Tourism ViIlages Programme –  Cumeada and Krupa Na Vrbasu,  Visit Blidinje, Greenways Association, Verne Tourism Experts, Sismotur, Outdoor Bosnia and the City of Trebinje.

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The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and AviaDev Limited (AviaDev) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote and develop cooperation in the African aviation sector, specifically related to route development activities and advocacy for the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
The MoU signifies the commitment of both organizations to enhance their effectiveness in serving the interests of the AFCAC Member States and Stakeholders.AFCAC is a specialist agency of the African Union on all Civil Aviation Matters in Africa and the Executing Agency of the YD/SAATM is responsible for facilitating cooperation and coordination among African States towards the development of integrated and sustainable Air transport system, and foster the implementation of ICAO SARPs by Member States. whereas, AviaDev is a platform dedicated to improving air connectivity to, from, and within the African Continent. AFCAC and AviaDev have a shared objective of promoting a safe, secure, affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly operating environment in Africa.
Under the terms of the MoU, the Parties will engage in various cooperative activities, including information sharing, events attendance, podcast participation and collaboration at relevant industry events. AFCAC will join the AviaDev Insight Africa podcast regularly to provide updates on the SAATM implementation. AFCAC will also participate in AviaDev Africa’s annual event to engage with aviation stakeholders from across the continent. Similarly, AviaDev will attend relevant AFCAC events to strengthen cooperation in the civil aviation sector.“We are delighted to enter into this MoU with AviaDev Limited. This partnership will enable us to strengthen cooperation and coordination in the civil aviation sector, facilitating the development of an integrated and sustainable Air Transport System in Africa.” Said Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of AFCAC.Jon Howell, CEO of AviaDev Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to work closely with AFCAC to support the growth of air connectivity in Africa. We believe our platform complements the work of AFCAC and this partnership will catalyse the process of realising open skies in Africa.”

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dnata’s culinary demonstration features the world’s first AI-powered robot capable of handling cooking operations in commercial and residential kitchens.
Developed by Moley Robotics, it is able to recreate identical dishes at scale by following pre-recorded chef instructions. It is equipped with multiple sensors and machine learning capabilities, enabling it to precisely measure ingredients and execute complex cooking techniques. The innovative solution ensures consistent quality, high levels of safety, and rapid adaptation to changing parameters in real-time.
Robin Padgett, CEO of dnata Catering & Retail, said: “We are excited to showcase a revolutionary cooking robot alongside our world-class culinary and retail offering at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo.
“We are constantly looking for ways to further improve quality and efficiency by leveraging the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, across our global network. In recent years we have implemented a number of sophisticated solutions to optimise various aspects of our operations, ranging from consumption analysis to ingredient sourcing, inventory and waste management. We will continue to closely monitor trends and further integrate AI into our operations to harness the power of innovation.
“We look forward to meeting and discussing the exciting future of our industry with our partners at our unique stand in Hamburg.”ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to the cooking robot, dnata’s guests can also meet Bella, a hospitality robot, who serves world-class meals and refreshments at WTCE. Bella’s twin bot already resides in the UAE and assists guests at Sharjah Airport’s (SHJ) lounge along with its partner, Kitty. ‘The Lounge’ at SHJ is operated by dnata’s local joint venture, Alpha Flight Services.
dnata’s spacious stand in Hamburg also features a live cooking station, offering visitors world-class culinary experiences. dnata’s senior executives and award-winning chefs from across the globe will be present to engage with customers and partners throughout WTCE.
dnata’s catering and retail division is one of the world’s leading inflight hospitality providers. The company’s 10,500 catering professionals produce over 110 million meals annually, serving full service, low-cost and VIP carriers from more than 60 locations.
Source: https://www.timesaerospace.aero/

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Disneyland Resort is kicking off the summer season with a limited-time ticket offer for California residents who wish to visit again and again. With thrilling adventures, popular attractions, beloved characters and delightful treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Disneyland Resort. As Disney marks its 100th anniversary this year, Disneyland Resort is celebrating this milestone with special experiences, entertainment and more.
For a limited time, California residents may visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks for as little as $83 per person, per day with this special ticket offer. These 3-Day, 1-Park per day tickets start at $249 for admission Mondays through Thursdays, or as low as $299 ($100 per day) for admission any day – including weekends – for eligible guests. Upgrades such as Park Hopper tickets or Disney Genie+ service are also available. The limited-time tickets are available for purchase beginning June 6, 2023, and California residents may redeem their tickets on any three eligible days from June 12 through Sept. 28, 2023, subject to park reservation availability.* These tickets may be purchased at Disneyland.com, through a travel agent or by calling (866) 572-7321. Valid admission and park reservation for the same park on the same date are required for park entry.
From immersive lands to new attractions and shows, here are several ways the whole family can enjoy this summer at Disneyland Resort. 
Disneyland Park
In the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown, guests will find new, interactive experiences and returning familiar favorites, plus the new attraction Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, where guests of all ages can embark on a zany adventure through the cartoon world of Mickey Mouse on a train engineered by Goofy.Part of the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, “Wondrous Journeys” is a heartwarming nighttime spectacular that honors 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios with nods to every film released by the iconic studio over the past century. Through Aug. 31, 2023, guests can marvel as state-of-the-art projections and fireworks bring beloved stories and characters to life in multiple locations.A lively parade with nine vibrant floats, fashion-forward costumes and upbeat music, “Magic Happens” celebrates moments where magic comes to life with characters from Disney Animation tales including “Frozen 2,” “The Sword in the Stone,” “Moana” and “Sleeping Beauty,” as well as Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests can embark on missions to aid the Rebellion aboard two exciting attractions, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Once their missions are complete, guests can wander the trade outpost on Batuu and perhaps spot some familiar faces including R2-D2, Chewbacca and the Mandalorian and Grogu.Disney California Adventure ParkADVERTISEMENT“World of Color – ONE” – an impressive water show which debuted on Paradise Bay as part of the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort – celebrates how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. This is the first Disneyland Resort nighttime spectacular with characters, music and moments from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, the Avengers and Star Wars in the same production.For a limited-time engagement beginning June 30, 2023, “Rogers: The Musical” will tell the tale of Steve Rogers – Captain America – in an all-new, one-act musical theater production. Performed in the famed Hyperion Theater, the show will feature five original songs, appearances by select members of the Avengers and more.In Avengers Campus, thrill seekers can get their adrenaline pumping on Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! Guests of all ages can help save the land from pesky Spider-Bots on WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. After a busy afternoon around the campus, guests may encounter favorite Super Heroes such as Spider-Man, Black Widow and Black Panther.From a spin on the Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind to a ride on the high-speed Incredicoaster, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy at Pixar Pier. In addition to five attractions, guests can dine on playful bites and drinks and perhaps even meet a character from a favorite Pixar story.  Plus, from Sept. 1-Oct. 31, 2023, Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will bring seasonal décor, bewitching new outfits for Mickey Mouse and his pals, the “Halloween Screams” nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park and so much more across the resort. From Sept. 1-Nov. 2, 2023, Plaza de la Familia will celebrate the spirit of Día de los Muertos in Disney California Adventure Park with colorful décor, menu items inspired by Mexican cuisine and entertainment featuring characters and songs from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”
When hunger strikes, guests can enjoy classic treats like churros, popcorn and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars alongside refreshing sips like cold brews, mint juleps and slushies. Foodies may also want to try limited-time food and beverage offerings from the Foodie Guide to the Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort.

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