Travel News

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has collaborated with Collinson, a global leader in the provision of airport experiences, loyalty, and customer engagement solutions, to offer Lounge Pass to SIA’s passengers. As of right away, thanks to this agreement, SIA travelers can reserve airport lounge access for both their departure and incoming flights. No matter their cabin class, programme status, or itinerary, all passengers flying with Singapore Airlines and their codeshare airline partners are eligible to purchase a Lounge Pass. In order to ensure that SIA’s passengers have an improved experience wherever they fly, Lounge Pass now enables pre-bookable airport lounge access at over 600 airport lounges worldwide, spread across 100 regions and countries, at over 350 airports. This partnership with SIA is perfect as travel is once again booming and customers are looking for upscale experiences that enhance their trips. According to Collinson’s most recent Global Traveler Sentiment Survey, approximately 62% of travelers are prepared to forgo making non-essential retail purchases in order to fund their trips and pay for upscale experiences that will improve their visits. In particular, 47% of respondents stated they would pay for a direct flight, 43% an improved seat, and 39% lounge access. “Singapore Airlines has a superb reputation for giving its customers excellent service. According to Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and President of Asia Pacific at Collinson, “Collinson is happy to work with this prominent airline and to help further enhance their travelers’ experience by giving access to airport lounges. “We are eagerly anticipating welcoming SIA customers to our airport lounges and providing them with a relaxing airport environment where they can unwind and recharge before their flight.” Source- travel daily

Following a fruitful short-term arrangement, renowned elite private and corporate jet charter business KlasJet, an ACMI service provider, has signed a one-year contract for wet-leasing services with FlyEgypt, an Egyptian low-cost and charter airline. Through this partnership, a Boeing plane will be leased and based at Hurghada International Airport, where it will fly to numerous cities in Europe. With regard to this collaboration, Augustinas Riskus, Deputy Chief Commercial Officer at KlasJet, said: “Earlier this year, we started working with FlyEgypt for a 2-month partnership and are thrilled that the airline was satisfied with our services, leading to an extension of our collaboration for an additional year. We place a strong emphasis on quality and professionalism in all facets of our operations because we are committed to providing our clients and their guests with a flawless experience. The choice to prolong this contract was simple because of the skill displayed by the KlasJet team, according to Ahmed Elhelw, vice chairman and CEO of FlyEgypt. We are confident that both businesses will continue to benefit from this successful and beneficial cooperation. KlasJet is a member of the Avia Solutions Group family, the largest ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) supplier in the world with a 180-plane fleet that travels to every continent. Additionally, the company offers a range of aviation services like MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), training for pilots and crew, ground handling, and other related solutions. Source- travel daily

A contract has been given to BLS International to start offering visa and legalization services in Senegal in July 2023. According to the agreement, BLS International will offer visa and legalization services in Senegal, The Gambia, Cabo Verde, the Republic of Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Mali, six important nations that fall under the purview of the Italian Embassy in Dakar. BLS International has increased its footprint in Africa and the surrounding areas as a result of this development. The agreement covers a wide range of services, including document legalization and the gathering and processing of visa applications. Maintaining the highest levels of client satisfaction and operational effectiveness, BLS International will make sure that candidates have a flawless and trouble-free experience. BLS International is dedicated to provide Senegalese people a quick and simple procedure by utilizing its vast experience in offering visa and consular services abroad. A seamless and effective application procedure will be made possible by the company’s cutting-edge technological platforms and skilled people, reducing response times and raising general customer satisfaction. The joint managing director of BLS International Limited, Shikhar Aggarwal, commented on this by saying, “It is our main aim to ensure an efficient experience for the Embassy of Italy. We are using this chance to give digitalization of services top priority because it will definitely improve the general customer experience in public services. We feel comfortable handling and managing the amount of applications because we have experience in the field. The contract’s award confirms BLS International’s standing as a provider of dependable services related to visas and legalization. This collaboration demonstrates BLS International’s commitment to growing its worldwide reach and helping countries improve their consular and visa services. A seamless experience for candidates across borders is made possible by the company’s wide network, which spans multiple nations. A contract has been given to BLS International to start offering visa and legalization services in Senegal in July 2023. According to the agreement, BLS International will offer visa and legalization services in Senegal, The Gambia, Cabo Verde, the Republic of Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Mali, six important nations that fall under the purview of the Italian Embassy in Dakar. BLS International has increased its footprint in Africa and the surrounding areas as a result of this development. The agreement covers a wide range of services, including document legalization and the gathering and processing of visa applications. Maintaining the highest levels of client satisfaction and operational effectiveness, BLS International will make sure that candidates have a flawless and trouble-free experience. BLS International is dedicated to provide Senegalese people a quick and simple procedure by utilising its vast experience in offering visa and consular services abroad. A seamless and effective application procedure will be made possible by the company’s cutting-edge technological platforms and skilled people, reducing response times and raising general customer satisfaction. The joint managing director of BLS International Limited, Shikhar Aggarwal, commented on this by saying, “It is our main aim to ensure an efficient experience for the Embassy of Italy. We are using this chance to give digitalization of services top priority because it will definitely improve the general customer experience in public services. We feel comfortable handling and managing the amount of applications because we have experience in the field. The contract’s award confirms BLS International’s standing as a provider of dependable services related to visas and legalization. This collaboration demonstrates BLS International’s commitment to growing its worldwide reach and helping countries improve their consular and visa services. A seamless experience for candidates across borders is made possible by the company’s wide network, which spans multiple nations. Source- Travel biz

According to Khaama Press, the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) pleaded with Pakistan on Sunday to halt the “tragic deportation” of Afghan refugees. It said that the forcible expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan is disastrous and endangers the lives of numerous people. A number of human rights activists, protesting women, prosecutors, former government military personnel, and media activists are reportedly among the deported refugees, according to AIHRC. According to Khaama Press, Pakistani officials have been detaining and arresting hundreds of Afghan migrants from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other Pakistani cities during the past week. An Afghan news organisation called Khaama Press was founded in 2010. The AIHRC requested the Pakistani government to stop arresting, harassing, and extraditing Afghan migrants after the deportation of hundreds of Afghan refugees, who have been the main victims of Afghanistan’s political instability, conflict, and regime change. In order to stop the oppression of Afghan refugees, the AIHRC urged the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to have meaningful discussions with important Pakistani government agencies. According to AIHRC, Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission, the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, and other significant regional and international bodies should look into the human rights situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Hundreds of Afghans fled to Pakistan after the Taliban made a comeback in August 2021 out of fear of Taliban persecution and death threats. Khaama Press said that human rights organisations and refugee advocacy groups are extremely concerned about the imprisonment and forced return of Afghan refugees. According to the Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR), more than 2,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from Iran, according to Afghan news outlet Khaama Press. According to the Taliban-run Ministry of migrants and Repatriation (MoRR), at least 534 Afghan migrants entered Afghanistan through Islam Qala in Western Herat province. In addition, it stated that at least 288 of the 2000 returnees had been connected with the International Office for Migration (IOM) in order to obtain the most fundamental assistance. According to Khaama Press, there are many reasons why the number of Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan from Iran has risen in recent months at a never-before-seen rate. According to a Khaama Press story, the head of the Taliban’s refugee department for Nimruz Mawlavi Abdullah Reyaz had claimed that around 65,000 refugees had returned to Afghanistan via the Pul-e-Abresham crossing site in the previous month. In the meantime, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, which is run by the Taliban, reported that more than 527,000 Afghan refugees had returned to their country in 2022. It went on to say that Afghans either voluntarily fled Iran or were forced to. The UNHCR asserted that the persistent repatriation of Afghan refugees from nearby countries is directly tied to the escalating prices and a lack of employment opportunities in the host countries. The Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation stated earlier on May 5 that as many as 2,106 Afghan refugees had returned to Afghanistan from Iran via the Islam Qala border in western Herat province. The Refugee and Repatriation Ministry stated in a series of tweets that these migrants arrived back in Afghanistan on June 3, according to Khaama Press. At least 193 returnees were transferred to the International Office for Migration (IOM) for basic assistance, according to Taliban officials. Source- the print

Pegasus Airlines anticipates its busiest flight schedule to date from London Stansted this summer, with more flights than ever before to well-liked locations all around Turkey (Türkiye). This year, the main low-cost airline in Turkey (Türkiye) will operate 55 direct flights each week to five of the nation’s most popular vacation locations, including Istanbul, Antalya, Dalaman, Ankara, and Izmir, giving tourists in London and the East of England greater flexibility and options. Six million people have travelled on airline routes since the airline began operating from Stansted in 2007 with a single scheduled daily to Istanbul. Barbaros Kubatolu, the chief financial officer of Pegasus Airlines, said: “That more than six million passengers have travelled with Pegasus Airlines from London Stansted since 2007 is a remarkable milestone in our history. At the core of what we do is connecting people, places, and cultures, and we’re happy to carry on this purpose by transporting passengers between the UK and Turkey and beyond. We always work to improve the onboard experience on our convenient low-cost flights and advance our sustainability programmes. “We are pleased that Pegasus Airlines has expanded its summer schedule from London Stansted to its largest ever,” said Gareth Powell, managing director of London Stansted. The airline has established a hugely well-liked network that connects travellers from the area to locations all around Turkey (Türkiye) since it first began operations here 16 years ago. Passengers won’t have to travel to other airports because the capacity and frequency on existing routes will be increased. We are extremely proud to have them as a highly valued and important partner at the airport. They operate one of the most up-to-date aircraft fleets in all of Europe, with an emphasis on the Airbus A321 Neo. As they expand and enhance their services out of London Stansted, we anticipate working with them for a very long time. Pegasus Airlines was established in 2005 and offers flights to 129 locations around Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, including 36 in Turkey (Türkiye).  The airline has 93 aircraft in its fleet, including the fuel-efficient Airbus A321 neo. Source- travel daily

Through Amadeus’ Cytric corporate travel and expense booking platform, CWT has begun giving its worldwide clients access to NDC content from Air France-KLM. Travellers looking to search and book NDC-enabled content and continuous pricing offers from Air France-KLM can do so without any difficulty through Cytric by Amadeus as part of CWT’s ongoing commitment to develop scalable, functional solutions for corporate travel programmes to access NDC content through preferred channels. This comes after the start of a pilot programme last year in which CWT travel advisors used the Amadeus Travel Platform to book Air France-KLM NDC flights for a small group of customers. “The ability to offer NDC content through an online booking channel is a major step forward in our ambition to create an omni-channel experience for our customers,” said Erik Magnuson, CWT’s Vice President of Product Management, Travel Content & Connectivity. This was made possible by our tight cooperation and relationship with Amadeus and Air France-KLM, and it builds on the achievements of our ongoing joint efforts. “We’re very happy to see the joint effort of CWT, Air France-KLM, and Amadeus come to fruition, and to bring the airline’s NDC-sourced content to CWT’s corporate travellers through Cytric by Amadeus in an effective and comprehensive manner,” said Ludo Verheggen, Director Air Distribution Growth, Amadeus. It has been a great example of all parties involved working together to share needs and discover solutions in order to advance NDC and speed up contemporary retailing. NDC is becoming more significant in Air France-KLM’s distribution strategy, according to distribution vice president Stephane Ormand. Our teams are collaborating closely with CWT and Amadeus to adapt our NDC technology to business travel requirements after placing a lot of emphasis on adoption in the leisure sector. We’re happy to begin a new online pilot phase after an earlier this year successful offline proof of concept phase. Through specific corporate bundles, CWT’s key corporate customers will now gain access to our exclusive NDC content, which includes continuous pricing, ancillaries, and customisation. Stephen came to an end. In order to create scalable solutions for NDC-sourced content through the major international content aggregators, CWT has been closely collaborating with its airline and technology partners. This most recent pilot programme marks another significant turning point for the sector and signals the coming later this year of other NDC-only services like seat packages and sustainable aviation fuel solutions. Source- travel daily

According to the Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR), more than 2,000 Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from Iran, according to Afghan news outlet Khaama Press. According to the Taliban-run Ministry of migrants and Repatriation (MoRR), at least 534 Afghan migrants entered Afghanistan through Islam Qala in Western Herat province. In addition, it stated that at least 288 of the 2000 returnees had been connected with the International Office for Migration (IOM) in order to obtain the most fundamental assistance.According to Khaama Press, there are many reasons why the number of Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan from Iran has risen in recent months at a never-before-seen rate. According to a report by Khaama Press, the head of the Taliban’s refugee department for Nimruz Mawlavi Abdullah Reyaz had claimed that around 65,000 refugees had returned to Afghanistan via the Pul-e-Abresham crossing point in the previous month. In the meantime, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, which is run by the Taliban, reported that more than 527,000 Afghan refugees had returned to their country in 2022. It went on to say that Afghans either voluntarily fled Iran or were forced to. The UNHCR asserted that the persistent repatriation of Afghan refugees from nearby countries is directly tied to the escalating prices and a lack of employment opportunities in the host countries. Earlier on May 5, according to a report by Afghanistan’s Khaama Press and the Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, as many as 2,106 Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan from Iran across the Islam Qala border in western Herat province. The Refugee and Repatriation Ministry stated in a series of tweets that these migrants arrived back in Afghanistan on June 3, according to Khaama Press. Taliban representatives claim that at least 193 returnees were brought to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for basic necessities. Source: theprint

Turkish Airlines, the airline that travels to most countries worldwide, and ITA Airways, the national flag carrier of Italy, jointly announce the start of a codeshare cooperation that will go into effect in July 2023. Customers of both airlines flying between Italy and Turkey will have more flight options thanks to the inked agreement between the two flag carriers. Through this codeshare agreement, Turkish Airlines will place its marketing flight numbers on ITA Airways’ flights from Rome to Istanbul, and ITA Airways will place its marketing flight numbers on Turkish Airlines’ flights from Rome to 9 Italian destinations, including Brindisi, Bari, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Palermo, Lamezia Terme, Turin, and Trieste. Through the seamless connectivity of a single ticket and the check-in of passengers and luggage at their destination, this cooperation will provide consumers of both airlines improved services. Istanbul and Rome have always been excellent cities for attracting and connecting people, according to Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi. I am convinced that this code-sharing arrangement between Turkish Airlines and ITA Airways will expand the current network with new locations and promote collaboration and travel between two highly prospective nations. Additionally, this alliance will do wonders for the tourism industry, Turkish Airlines’ market reach, and customer benefits. According to Fabio Lazzerini, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, “With the codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, ITA Airways’ commercial strategy of growth makes a step forward, along with the existing partnerships with the world’s leading carriers. This partnership opens up a preferred access route to Istanbul, one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in the world, for all ITA Airways passengers. The 32nd codeshare owned by the Company is represented by this agreement, a great accomplishment in less than two years. Through the airlines’ sales channels and websites at ita-airways.com and turkishairlines.com, customers can purchase the new codeshare flights. Source: traveldailymedia

As of June 5, 2023, just after 7:30 p.m. local time, British Airways’ first aircraft from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) touched down at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The city in Ohio joins the list of 27 American cities that British Airways now serves, solidifying its status as the biggest foreign airline operating in the country. As it taxied to stand, the inaugural flight was given a hearty greeting. By the exit gate, British-themed snacks were provided, while musicians and performers delighted passengers as they left. The central Cincinnati metropolitan region, which spans both sides of the Ohio River, includes parts of southern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. With more than 11 million residents living within a 120-mile radius of Cincinnati’s airport, British Airways’ outstanding service is now available in a new part of the United States thanks to this innovative positioning. British Airways Director of Networks and Alliances Neil Chernoff said, “When we look at the Cincinnati region, we see a vibrant part of the U.S. with a great mix of business and leisure travellers who have long requested more international service and global connectivity. This is what made it so attractive to us and why we’re confident this new route will be a success.” “Our incredibly positive and welcoming conversations with the airport team, the business development community, and tourism partners — combined with all the region has to offer visitors from outside the U.S. — were a clear sign that Cincinnati was the right place to expand our flying in America.” Customers living in Cincinnati can now easily travel non-stop to London, the capital of the United Kingdom, and all of its famous sites. There is something for every style of adventurer, from the most well-known attractions like “Big Ben,” Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace to trendy hotspots like Borough Market, Shoreditch, Battersea, and Notting Hill. The service provided to one of the major commercial hubs of the world benefits Cincinnati’s business community as well. Additionally, British Airways provides easy connections from Terminal 5 at London Heathrow to more than 200 locations in 65 nations, including flights with its partner airlines. Unlike any other airline in the area, the introduction of British Airways connects Cincinnati to the rest of the world. “We are delighted that this day has come when CVG has non-stop service to and from London Heathrow,” CVG Airport CEO Candace McGraw said. Between the UK and our region, this flight has enormous growth prospects for business travel, economic development, and tourism. We appreciate the cooperation of our partners in Ohio and Kentucky for this flight, which will help travellers for many years to come. I would like to express my gratitude to British Airways, our new friends, for this chance. Customers of British Airways will find a city and region in the United States that are bursting with things to do when they arrive in Cincinnati, where the airport received more than six million visitors in 2021. There are numerous sports teams, performing arts centres, museums, and parks in the city itself. Covington and Over-the-Rhine, two distinctive neighborhoods, provide a diverse selection of eateries, breweries, cocktail bars, and art galleries. A journey along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, which runs through the state’s middle region and extends south, provides visitors with a truly American experience and a sense of history. During the present summer flying season, service between Cincinnati and London is provided five times per week, and four times per week during the winter flying season. The British Airways fleet will include a number of different aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787, for the brand-new non-stop trips. All of the aircraft that fly to Cincinnati have three distinct cabins: Club World (for business), World Traveller Plus (for premium economy), and World Traveller (for economy), each of which offers a unique selection of distinctly British onboard experiences. Source: traveldailymedia

A Memorandum of Understanding titled “Tourism for Development” was signed by the Government of Cape Verde, TUI Group, and TUI Care Foundation to further their collaboration on a range of sustainability-related issues. Their shared objective is to increase the positive impact of tourism on the islands. The agreement identifies the main strategic areas of concentration that the three signatories want to pursue together. The Memorandum was signed by Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the Board of the TUI Care Foundation, Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group, and Minister for Tourism and Transport Carlos Jorge Duarte Santos. On the Sal island, the Government and TUI had a two-day work meeting during which the signing took place. The partners have decided to capitalise on and further enhance Cape Verde’s enormous tourism potential. They will collaborate closely and keep funding the growth of tourism in order to accomplish this. Their shared objective is to create a more diverse and sustainable tourism industry for the archipelago that will benefit the local populations on both an economic and social level. The agreement covers 18 sectors, with a special emphasis on generating local added value, protecting the environment, forming innovative collaborations, and enhancing the Cape Verdean tourism offering. To promote energy independence and decarbonize the industry on the islands, the signatories will be especially ambitious in analysing and increasing the production and use of renewable energies including solar, wind, and hydrogen power. Below is a summary of the 18 topics addressed under the MoU. The main economic engine of Cape Verde in recent years has been tourism. The nation was able to create a successful tourism industry in less than 20 years. For many years, TUI and Cape Verde have been close collaborators. TUI was a vital partner in the growth of Cape Verde’s tourism sector and actively encouraged it. More than 10,000 bedrooms are available to visitors at TUI’s portfolio of eight hotels on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista that feature well-known brands like RIU, Robinson, or TUI BLUE. TUI is also by far the largest airline provider in the nation, operating all year long and providing approximately 2,000 flights annually. Each winter season, TUI cruise ships make port calls at Cape Verde. The TUI Care Foundation also has Cape Verde as a priority destination. Since its founding in 2016, the independent foundation has been working on the archipelago. For young people in particular, a self-determined future depends on education in school and work training. The foundation gives young people new living possibilities with the TUI Academy on Sal. With its activities, it also promotes regional agriculture, which is difficult given the climatic circumstances in the area. The TUI Field to Fork programme supported the local production of fruit and vegetables by using innovative techniques. The organisation has long been involved in the protection of the islands’ threatened turtle populations. The Foundation has big aspirations to expand its portfolio in Cape Verde, with an emphasis on helping small and medium-sized businesses have an impact and safeguarding the region’s history and culture. In the upcoming months, more initiatives will be launched. Source: traveldailymedia