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Business Travel News: January 2024

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Week of January 1, 2024

United Airlines To Double Its Newark-Rome Flights From March 2024
From simpleflying.comToday, 11:29 AM

United Airlines continues to expand its flight offering, with the best network of any American carrier across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. In March, the carrier will increase its flights from Newark to Rome to twice daily.

British Airways Heathrow Terminal 5 First Wing Security Closes January 8, 2024, Through Late April/Early May
From loyaltylobby.comToday, 11:28 AM

British Airways Heathrow Temrinal 5 Fkrst Wing security is closed from January 8, 2024 for roughly four months due to updates.

SFO Announces Five-Month Closure of Runway 28L in Early 2024 for Taxiway Improvement Project
From www.flysfo.comToday, 11:24 AM

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced plans for a taxiway improvement project which will allow aircraft to exit runways more easily and safely after landing.

The visa interview waiver will continue into 2024 and beyond
From www.travelweekly.comToday, 11:23 AM

The State Department has indefinitely extended a program that gives consular offices the discretion to waive in-person interviews for low-risk nonimmigrant visa applicants who are applying within 48 months of their most recent visa’s expiration.

Alaska raises bag fees, will other airlines follow suit?
From thepointsguy.comToday, 11:28 AM

Alaska Airlines is raising checked bag fees. Alaska, JetBlue and United will have highest prices, but other airlines could soon match.

Qatar Airways Introduces its Next Phase of Digital Transformation by Empowering Cabin Crew with Smart Onboard Functionality
From www.qatarairways.comToday, 11:27 AM

Qatar Airways has introduced an in-house application that enables Cabin Crew to deliver personalized experiences to passengers. In its initial phase, the application offers real-time insights on flight information, and customer and service information. This allows Cabin Crew to view passengers’ profiles, including privilege club members and oneworld members, as well as all special service requests and preferences for a more personalized and integrated journey with the award-winning airline. The application also empowers Cabin Crew by providing access to up to date digital training materials.

Travellers will soon able to enter UK without using their passports in new trial
From www.mirror.co.ukToday, 11:20 AM

The Border Force is set to trial new hi-tech gates at airports that will use advanced facial recognition technology for people arriving into the UK under new ‘intelligent border’ plans

China to ease visa requirements for U.S. travelers in latest bid to boost tourism
From apnews.comToday, 11:19 AM

China will soon ease visa restrictions for people visiting from the United States. Starting Jan. 1, American tourists can visit the country without submitting round-trip air tickets, proof of hotel reservations, itineraries or invitations to China.

Week of January 8, 2024

American Airlines unveils 10 changes to the AAdvantage program
From thepointsguy.comToday, 2:45 PM

American Airlines is making major changes to the AAdvantage loyalty program for the 2024 membership year.

Breeze Airways adds nonstop flights from Jacksonville to San Diego starting May
From www.news4jax.comToday, 2:43 PM

Breeze Airways announced it will be adding a nonstop service from Jacksonville to San Diego, California starting May 1.

Uber Delivering a greener future
From www.uber.comToday, 2:43 PM

Uber believes in doing our part to create a clean future for the planet. That’s why in 2020 we announced commitments to make Uber an emission-free mobility platform by 2040 globally, with 100% of rides taking place in zero-emission vehicles, on public transit, or with micromobility like bikes or scooters.

American Airlines dropping some routes
From www.29news.comToday, 2:45 PM

American Airlines is dropping its nonstop Philadelphia flights at Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport.

Hilton reveals name for new extended-stay hotel brand: LivSmart Studios
From thepointsguy.comToday, 2:43 PM

Hilton’s extended-stay hotel chain finally has a name — LivSmart Studios by Hilton — and should be open for business by the end of this summer.

Brazil postpones visa requirements for U.S., Canada and Australia citizens to April
From apnews.comToday, 2:42 PM

Brazilian officials say they have postponed for the second time the reintroduction of requirements to obtain tourist visas for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada.

Turkey Drops Visa Requirements for U.S. Travelers
From www.travelandleisure.comToday, 2:41 PM

“2023 was the best year ever for American tourism to Türkiye, and with the cancellation of the visa requirement, 2024 is expected to be even bigger.”


Week of January 15, 2024

American Airlines unveils 10 changes to the AAdvantage program


From thepointsguy.com

Today, 2:45 PM

American Airlines is making major changes to the AAdvantage loyalty program for the 2024 membership year.

Breeze Airways adds nonstop flights from Jacksonville to San Diego starting May


From www.news4jax.com

Today, 2:43 PM

Breeze Airways announced it will be adding a nonstop service from Jacksonville to San Diego, California starting May 1.

Uber Delivering a greener future


From www.uber.com

Today, 2:43 PM

Uber believes in doing our part to create a clean future for the planet. That’s why in 2020 we announced commitments to make Uber an emission-free mobility platform by 2040 globally, with 100% of rides taking place in zero-emission vehicles, on public transit, or with micromobility like bikes or scooters.

American Airlines 


From www.29news.com

Today, 2:45 PM

American Airlines is dropping its nonstop Philadelphia flights at Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport.

Hilton reveals name for new extended-stay hotel brand: LivSmart Studios


From thepointsguy.com

Today, 2:43 PM

Hilton’s extended-stay hotel chain finally has a name — LivSmart Studios by Hilton — and should be open for business by the end of this summer.

Brazil postpones visa requirements for U.S., Canada and Australia citizens to April


From apnews.com

Today, 2:42 PM

Brazilian officials say they have postponed for the second time the reintroduction of requirements to obtain tourist visas for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada.

Turkey Drops Visa Requirements for U.S. Travelers


From www.travelandleisure.com

Today, 2:41 PM

“2023 was the best year ever for American tourism to Türkiye, and with the cancellation of the visa requirement, 2024 is expected to be even bigger.”

 

Week of January 22, 2024

Delta adds state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 to widebody fleet


From news.delta.com

Today, 3:01 PM

The fuel-efficient planes will power sustainability goals while providing world-class customer experience on long-haul routes and international hubs.

SAS To Launch Flights To SkyTeam Hub Atlanta 


From aviationweek.com

Today, 3:00 PM

Star Alliance carrier SAS Scandinavian Airlines is adding a new route to Atlanta ahead of its planned alliance switch to SkyTeam.

Latest on Eppley Airfield $950 million expansion plan leaves room to grow


From www.wowt.com

Today, 2:59 PM

The authority said passenger traffic demand has been on the rise. The year 2023 ended up being the second busiest in its history with more than 5 million passengers traveling through the airport. That exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Hertz Begins Selling Off EVs, Plans to Buy Gas Vehicles as Replacements


From www.ecowatch.com

Today, 2:58 PM

Hertz is selling off 20,000 of electric vehicles in its rental fleet, with plans to replace them with internal combustion engine vehicles.

Air travel reached 99% of 2019 ASK levels in November


From www.aircraftinteriorsinternational.com

Today, 2:57 PM

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for November 2023 air travel performance, which indicates that air travel demand topped 99% of 2019’s levels in the month

Emirates and Azul expand partnership to offer joint loyalty programme benefits


From www.emirates.com

Today, 3:01 PM

Emirates and Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras S.A (Azul) have taken their partnership to new heights with the launch of a reciprocal loyalty programme offering. Emirates Skywards and TudoAzul frequent flyer members can now earn and redeem Miles across a joint network of 280 destinations worldwide. The two carriers launched a codeshare partnership in 2021 to provide customers enhanced connectivity to/from eight cities in Brazil to Emirates’ global network via Sao Paulo.

Chase Opens Stunning New Sapphire Lounge By The Club At New York’s LaGuardia Airport 


From www.forbes.com

Today, 3:00 PM

The Sapphire Lounge LGA is Chase’s largest to date, spanning over 21,000 square feet across two extravagantly decorated floors and with a capacity of 269 people. It’s conveniently located in Terminal B, just past security on the fourth floor, right before the Eastern Concourse pedestrian bridge.

New Passport Kiosks for Two of Jamaica’s Airports


From recommend.com

Today, 2:58 PM

Jamaica’s Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA) is adding automated passport control system kiosks to two main airports.

A massive Signia by Hilton is now open in Atlanta close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium


From thepointsguy.com

Today, 2:57 PM

Here’s everything you need to know about the towering Signia by Hilton that just opened in Atlanta.

 

Week of January 29, 2024

Delta’s futuristic first-class recliners are coming to the Boeing 737


From thepointsguy.com

Today, 2:05 PM

Delta Air Lines is bringing its snazzy new first-class recliners to many more planes.

United adds 4 interesting new routes to Alaska, Canada


From thepointsguy.com

Today, 2:04 PM

United Airlines will fly a nearly eight-hour nonstop from Washington, D.C., to Anchorage, Alaska.

Alaska Airlines CEO Slams Boeing in NBC News Interview


From skift.com

Today, 2:00 PM

Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci told NBC News he was “angry” at Boeing after a door panel on a 737 Max 9 blew out mid-air.

Frontier Airlines adding 7 new nonstop destinations from Charlotte


From www.wbtv.com

Today, 1:58 PM

With the new service, Frontier will serve a total of 13 destinations from CLT.

JetBlue drops Baltimore from route map, cuts several New York routes


From thepointsguy.com

Today, 1:58 PM

JetBlue is cutting several routes – and dropping one city altogether – as it tweaks its route map in an effort to improve profitability.

IHG One Rewards “Welcome Back” Bonus For 2024


From loyaltylobby.com

Today, 1:53 PM

IHG One Rewards has launched targeted “Welcome Back” bonus for 2024.

IHG to debut Garner brand in Japan 


From www.businesstraveller.com

Today, 1:53 PM

The three hotels are located in the centre of Osaka, close to Midosuji shopping street and the entertainment area of Dotonbori, as well as Honmachi metro station, which is served by three lines and sees an average of 180,000 passengers per day.

Wyndham, sbe to launch new lifestyle brand


From www.hotelmanagement.net

Today, 1:50 PM

Days after Marc Anthony and his company Magnus became equity partners in Sam Nazarian’s | Sbe has partnered with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to launch a new conversion-focused “smart lifestyle” brand under the working name Project HQ Hotels & Residences.

Oneworld Opens Its First Dedicated Lounge In Seoul Incheon Airport


From loyaltylobby.com

Today, 1:49 PM

Oneworld has opened its first dedicated lounet at Soeul’s Incheon Airport with Swissport and ASPIRE.

United Airlines CEO says the airline will consider alternatives to Boeing’s next airplane


From www.detroitnews.com

Today, 2:05 PM

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said Tuesday on CNBC that Boeing needs “real action” to restore its previous reputation for quality.

Air France to Begin Phoenix-Paris Flight


From www.skyharbor.com

Today, 2:02 PM

Air France has announced the start of new nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France. This marks the first time there will be nonstop service between Phoenix and France.

Breeze adds new cities and routes for summer 2024 season


From thepointsguy.com

Today, 2:00 PM

Breeze Airways, a fast-growing low-cost airline, has added nearly a dozen new routes starting later this spring.

Hawaiian Airlines boosts summer schedule


From mauinow.com

Today, 1:58 PM

Hawaiian Airlines is increasing flights for the summer travel season between Honolulu and Austin, Boston, Las Vegas and Pago Pago. The airline will also add a fourth daily flight between HNL and Los Angeles from May 24 through Sept. 2.

Turkish Airlines to launch Istanbul-Melbourne service on March 15  


From www.businesstraveller.com

Today, 1:56 PM

Turkish has now confirmed that it will commence a thrice-weekly service via Singapore on March 15.

‘Hilton for Business’ Transforms the Travel Management Experience for Small? and Medium?Sized Businesses


From stories.hilton.com

Today, 1:55 PM

Hilton has debuted Hilton for Business, a new, digital-forward travel program that empowers professionals running small- and medium-sized businesses to simplify travel management while enhancing rewards and discounts for their loyalty.

Marriott partners with Delonix to grow Tribute Portfolio in China


From www.hotelmanagement-network.com

Today, 1:51 PM

Marriott International has entered a strategic cooperation agreement with Delonix Group to expand its Tribute Portfolio brand across China.

 O’Hare Courtesy Shuttles Moving to Terminal 2 starting Feb. 1


From www.chicago.gov

Today, 1:50 PM

Effective Thursday, Feb. 1, hotel shuttles and off-airport parking shuttles at O’Hare International Airport will pick up passengers on the Terminal 2 Lower-Level Arrivals roadway curbside. On that date, operations at the Bus Shuttle Center will cease, with all courtesy shuttles picking up at Terminal 2 and all regional buses picking up at the Multi-Modal Facility.

Federal officials recommend that airlines inspect door plugs on some older Boeing jets as well


From abcnews.go.com

Today, 1:45 PM

The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that airlines inspect the door plugs on certain Boeing 737s that are older than the Max 9 jetliner that suffered a blowout of a similar panel during a flight this month.

That’s a wrap for our business travel news for January 2024.

Contact CTM’s expert team today to arrange your travel.