eDreams ODIGEO outperforms market, triples Prime members to 2.9m and makes substantial progress towards 2025 targets

eDreams ODIGEO, Europe's largest online travel company, the largest globally in terms of flights outside of China and one of the largest European e-commerce businesses, today reports its results for Q4 and the year ended 31 March 2022.

With 247 websites and apps in 44 countries, 21 languages and 37 different currencies on one central platform, eDreams ODIGEO (eDO) now covers 80% of the global travel market.

Throughout FY22 we have seen the travel market improve and recover significantly, eDO outperformed the market (and its competitors) by a significant margin, and we positioned ourselves for future success with our innovative approach including the first and leading subscription programme in travel – Prime – which today[1] has 2.9 million members, triple that of a year ago.

Strong financial and operational improvement, significantly outperforming the market

Record 12.5 million Bookings, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, and up 10% above our pre-COVID-19[2] Bookings

Diversification Revenue up 340% at 73% of total revenues (FY21: 57%)

Cash Revenue Margin rose by 248% to €423.8 million from €121.8 million in FY21

Cash Marginal Profit at €107.4 million was three times that of FY21

Norse Atlantic Airways starting services between London Gatwick and New York JFK this August

Today, Norse Atlantic Airways has started selling tickets for its new route between London Gatwick and New York JFK which is set to start on 12th August 2022. Fares will start from as low as £255 return, including all applicable taxes. 

The first flight departing London Gatwick to New York (JFK) will take place on 12th August 2022. Norse Atlantic will offer a daily service between the UK and the US. Other US destinations will be announced soon. The flights will be operated by modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. 

The daily flight will depart from London at 13.00 and arrive in New York at 15.55 local time. The return departs New York at 17.55 and lands in London Gatwick at 06.20 local time the following day. 

Temporarily from August and throughout the summer Norse Atlantic will also operate flights between London Gatwick and Oslo. The daily morning flights between London and Oslo, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners offering both our Premium and Economy cabins, are available to book now with fares from only £41 one way including taxes. The London to Oslo flights will not only provide the most comfortable option to travel to Norway they will also allow UK customers to take advantage of connecting services from Oslo to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Los Angeles. 

“We are very pleased to now be able to welcome customers looking to book great value flights between London Gatwick and New York JFK. Customers now have an affordable option allowing them to book a last-minute trip or a holiday of a lifetime with an airline that offers choice and flexibility,” said Bjorn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways. 

Stewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport said: “We are delighted to welcome Norse Atlantic Airways to Gatwick. It’s always great to see a new tail on the airfield but the arrival of a new airline following the turbulent past two years for the industry, and one that will be offering fantastic long-haul routes across the Atlantic, is particularly exciting news. Passengers across London and the South East will now be able to benefit from another transatlantic service from Gatwick, with Norse offering excellent value for money for those flying out for a dream holiday, or important business trip, to New York, one of the world’s most famous and dynamic cities.” 

Joby receives part 135 Certification from the FAA

Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate received ahead of schedule, initially targeted for second half of 2022

Certification allows Joby to operate aircraft commercially

Joby will use conventional aircraft to refine systems and procedures in advance of launching eVTOL service targeted for 2024

Joby’s air operations team pictured receiving the company’s Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate from the FAA’s San Jose Flight Standards District Office. (Photo: Business Wire)

 

Joby Aviation, a California-based company developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, today announced the Company has received a Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing Joby to begin on-demand commercial air taxi operations.

Joby received the certification ahead of schedule, with completion of the process originally expected in the second half of 2022. The five-stage process included the submission of more than 850 pages of manuals for approval and required Joby’s initial cadre of pilots to demonstrate mastery of the Company’s procedures and training under FAA observation.

The Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate is one of three FAA approvals required for Joby to operate its revolutionary electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as an air taxi service in cities and communities across the United States, alongside a Type Certificate and a Production Certificate.

Bonny Simi, Head of Air Operations and People at Joby, and one of the Company’s FAA-approved pilots, stated: “The procedures we’ve prepared lay a foundation for our future eVTOL operations. Over the coming months, we will use our Part 135 certificate to exercise the operations and customer technology platforms that will underpin our multi-modal ridesharing service, while also refining our procedures to ensure seamless journeys for our customers."

“Receiving this certificate ahead of schedule is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our team,” added Simi.

Once Joby receives a type certificate for its eVTOL aircraft, the Company will complete the FAA review process to add the new aircraft type to its existing air carrier certificate. Pilots for the Company’s future aerial ridesharing service, expected to launch in 2024, will have the benefit of flying an environmentally-friendly aircraft on a reliable work schedule, ending each shift in their home city.

Kevin Sagis appointed as senior vice president and chief engineer at Reliable Robotics

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, announced today the addition of Kevin Sagis as Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer. Sagis joins in a senior strategic and technical leadership role as the company accelerates its development program to certify its Remotely Operated Aircraft System. Sagis has over 30 years of design, development, manufacturing, test and operational experience for the commercial sector, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Defense (DoD). He has successfully taken multiple programs to flight, including specially modified aircraft and space launch vehicles.

 “Kevin is one of the most innovative technical leaders with an impressive record bringing complex mission-critical engineering programs from idea to reality across the space, aviation and defence sectors,” said Juerg Frefel, Co-founder and CTO at Reliable Robotics. “He also has deep experience building and fostering high performing teams which will support our continued growth.”

In his role at Reliable Robotics, Sagis will drive the engineering vision and execution for the company’s Remotely Operated Aircraft System. At Virgin Orbit, he served as Chief Engineer and Senior Vice President of Engineering, working with Sir Richard Branson to reimagine how a 747-400 carrier aircraft could be used to launch orbital rockets. As one of the original visionaries, he was instrumental in forming the team and the technology that built the foundation for taking the company public. He was responsible for architecting the integrated system from initial concept to multiple successful orbital flights, leading a team of several hundred engineers. He has deep expertise in aircraft systems and directed the structural, electrical and subsystems modification of the 747-400.

Prior to Virgin Orbit, Sagis was at Lockheed Martin as technical lead on multiple rocket and aircraft-related programs. He was the Chief Engineer for the homeland defence program that launched rockets from the cargo hold of a C-17, achieving 100 percent mission success within three years. Earlier Sagis founded and served as Chief Engineer at Paragon Labs where he led the design, deployment and manufacturing of a vertical takeoff, vertical landing vehicle using a liquid oxygen/ethanol regeneratively cooled propulsion system. Prior to that, he supported multiple commercial vehicles for Lockheed Martin, NASA advanced concept studies and flight design software for the Space Shuttle program.

“Aviation is ready for a revolution and remotely operated aircraft will be key to this new era in the industry,” said Sagis. “I’m excited to join former colleagues and an incredible team that has already made aviation history on the path to commercialization of remotely piloted systems.”

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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Now you can pre-select your business class meal on SWISS flights......

Swiss International Air Lines - SWISS is further enhancing the air travel experience for Business Class guests on its long-haul services from Switzerland. With effect from today, such travellers can now pre-select their main inflight meal before they depart. The new option offers guests both a wider range of meal choices and the guarantee that they will be able to enjoy their preferred meal on board. The new pre-selection option is available with immediate effect for all long-haul flights from Zurich or Geneva from 1 June 2022. The meal desired can be selected free of charge via the separate swiss.com/preselect booking link within four weeks of and up to 36 hours before departure. SWISS is the first airline in the Lufthansa Group to offer the new service.

A varied selection of eight main meals

SWISS’s long-haul Business Class guests can choose from a wide and varied selection of eight main inflight meals. In addition to the four dishes featured in the current cycle of the ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ culinary programme, four further meals are offered. Three of these draw their inspiration from Swiss cuisine: a ‘Züri Geschnetzeltes’ (sliced veal in cream sauce), meatloaf with morel sauce and perch fillets with lemon butter. The fourth is a red vegetable curry with basmati rice from Zurich’s Hiltl vegetarian restaurant, SWISS’s long-standing culinary partner. The current ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ menu offers a main-meal selection of beef tenderloin with peppercorn sauce, herb-stuffed chicken, pikeperch fillet with lemon beurre blanc or the vegetarian option of Singapore noodles with vegetables which also comes from Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.

SWISS guests in all classes of travel can still pre-order special meals (depending on the flight) such as kosher or gluten-free options. Such meals can be ordered free of charge, either when booking the flight or later via the Service Center.

 

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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UK Armed Forces aircraft take part in final rehearsal before Queen's Platinum Jubilee Flypast

UK Armed Forces aircraft take part in final rehearsal before Queen's Platinum Jubilee Flypast

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

An amazing airborne spectacle occurred yesterday, 26 May as aircraft from across the UK Armed Forces soared over RAF College Cranwell in a rehearsal for the Platinum Jubilee Flypast over Buckingham Palace on Thursday 2 June 2022.

The Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy were all represented in the 22 aircraft that took to the skies to practice the formations which will form part of the Queen’s Birthday Parade celebrations next week.  The full flypast will see 70 aircraft, including the iconic Red Arrows and historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, put on a spectacular show over London.

The formation flew over RAF Cranwell’s iconic College Hall yesterday, which stood in for Buckingham Palace.  The first aircraft of the Flypast flew over College Hall at 13:00BST.  The display was reviewed by Air Commodore Mike Baulkwill, the Combat Air Force Commander for the RAF’s No 1 Group.  Air Commodore Baulkwill was standing in for Air Vice-Marshal Ian Duguid, Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, who is the Senior Responsible Officer for the Flypast.

Dedication, concentration and supreme skills needed to fly  in the flypast Photo RAF / Crown copyright

Commodore Mike Baulkwill, Combat Air Force Commander, No 1 Group said: "I was reviewing the Flypast from a safety and execution point of view, to make sure the timings, spacings, and the broad structure of the flypast was looking good for next week. It went really well, we’ll have to make some minor adjustments, but the timing was perfect, and the line-up was good."

"We are very proud to be able to show Her Majesty The Queen, our Commander-in-Chief, on this unique occasion for the longest-serving monarch and her 70 year Platinum Jubilee, our capability and present that as a fitting and appropriate tribute for her 70-year reign. It should be a good spectacle for the country, the union, and the Commonwealth."

Squadron Leader Greenhowe

Project Officer for the Flypast

The variety of aircraft that will take part in the flypast will highlight the armed forces' different roles and abilities.   Photo RAF / Crown copyright

Squadron Leader Longland, RAF Puma Pilot said: "The flypast today went really well. We made our time on target over the top of College Hall which was standing in as Buckingham Palace. It has been in preparation for months and requires detailed coordination between all the different aircraft which fly at different speeds. I feel hugely privileged and excited to get to fly over the Palace for The Queen on this momentous occasion."

The flypast on Thursday 2 June 2022 will follow the Queen’s Birthday Parade, known as Trooping The Colour, a major display of military pageantry involving 1,500 officers and soldiers and 250 horses from the British Army’s Household Division on Horse Guards Parade.  The Flypast will take place subject to weather, serviceability, and operational commitments.

THE ARMED FORCES PLATINUM JUBILEE FLYPAST WILL TAKE PLACE FROM COLLEGE HALL AT 13:00BST, ON THURSDAY 2 JUNE 2022

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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Photo RAF / Crown copyright

RAF Typhoons from Romania take part in large NATO exercise in North Macedonia

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

RAF Typhoons deployed in Romania, as part of Operation BILOXI, have flown to North Macedonia to take part in Exercise Swift Response, a major NATO exercise. 

The Typhoons, from 3 (Fighter) Squadron, are currently based at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania as part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, providing enhanced Air Policing and enhanced Vigilance Activities alongside the Romanian Air Force and on behalf of NATO.

 During the exercise, the Typhoons joined over 40 other aircraft operating over the Krivolak training area in North Macedonia.  The RAF Typhoons conducted a simulated Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance sortie, together with Close Air Support training with two AH-64 Apache aircraft from Aviation Task Force 1 of the British Army.

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

"Conducting coordinated strikes between Typhoon and Apache proved to be excellent training, and helped to develop understanding on both sides of the utility of two very different aircraft, and their capabilities."

Flight Lieutenant Travers, Typhoon Pilot.

The Exercise had begun with a High-Altitude Low Opening parachute jump from a C-17 Globemaster by British Army Pathfinders.  After landing, other airborne forces then also landed to seize ground positions and then defend them.  It was during these defensive operations that the Typhoons participated in the exercise.

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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Canadian Transportation Agency approves Canada Jetlines to start ticket sales....

Canada Jetlines the new all-Canadian, leisure carrier has been given approval from the Canadian Transportation Agency to start selling tickets for air travel prior to issuance of its license. The CTA considers whether Canada Jetlines is taking all the necessary steps to meet all the license issuance requirements and whether Canada Jetlines has demonstrated a high probability of obtaining the required license prior to commencing operations.

 This exemption follows the Agency’s determination that the Company has met the Agency’s financial requirements. The Agency had previously determined that Canada Jetlines met the Canadian Control requirements. The formal commercial license will be issued following the issuance of the Air Operator Certificate by Transport Canada.

“This exemption is a testament to all the great work Canada Jetlines has done towards obtaining its license in time for starting operation in the summer of 2022. We intend to go public with our schedule and start selling flights in the coming weeks,” said Eddy Doyle CEO of Canada Jetlines. “We are looking forward to our first flights and the opportunity to offer Canadians a new and exciting air service option.”

More on Canada Jetlines........

Air101: Canada Jetlines Receives Stage 2 Approval from Canadian Transportation Agency

Air101: Brad Warren appointed as Chief Operating Officer at Canada Jetlines

Air101: Canada Jetlines gets conditional approval from Transport Canada to start training flight attendants

Air101: Percy Gyara has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer of Canada Jetlines

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

Watch the "Ready for Take Off" interview series with #CanadaJetlines CEO, @Eddy Doyle, who shares more on progress towards take-off. ✈️#aviationdaily #travelexecutives #airplanenews #TorontoTravel #Travel2022 pic.twitter.com/BYZLLENNmz

— Canada Jetlines (@CA_Jetlines) April 12, 2022

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London City spreads jubilee joy for passengers, staff and the local community

London City Airport launches new commemorative logo for the Jubilee

 

Sponsors local community celebrations in Newham and Barking & Dagenham

LCY set to be busy as passengers fly into London for the Jubilee weekend from across the UK and Europe

As preparations gear up for the global celebration of the 70th year of Queen Elizabeth II’s historic reign, London City Airport today announced how it plans to mark the occasion.

The central London hub, which has been a favourite of the Queen and the Royal family since it opened in 1987, with Prince Philip once claiming to be able to get from Buckingham Palace to the terminal in 19 minutes, has today launched a new Jubilee logo as well as announcing how it will involve passengers, staff and the local community.

The new logo, with the Queen’s distinctive profile prominent, will be used from today for a week on all airport communications and social media channels.

For passengers planning a Jubilee jaunt away from London, a new parking promotion is now live, which could save 70 passengers, £70 by using the promo code “70JUBILEE” on early-booker parking products, which can be booked here.  

Furthermore, throughout the month of June, East London’s own Truman’s Brewery will be serving a special commemorative cocktail, called ‘Royal Dubonnet Gin Cocktail' (Dubonnet, 58Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice) from their location by Gate 2, to anyone who fancies a pre-flight toast to Her Majesty. Aelia Duty-Free will also be offering a range of special products, including Fortnum & Mason’s biscuits and loose-leaf tea.

With celebrations planned around the country over next weekend, London City is sponsoring two local community events. In Newham, the airport is supporting the Royal British Legion with its lighting of a special Jubilee Beacon, as well as a party at the iconic Brick Lane Music Hall, featuring food, drink and live music for over 300 people.

Across in neighbouring Barking & Dagenham, the airport is one of the sponsors of the Council’s extensive programme of celebrations, including the Youth Parade, which will be held on Sunday, June 5th and is set to welcome over 2,000 people.

Commenting on the Jubilee, the airport’s CEO Robert Sinclair said:” This is a unique and special moment, not only for the UK and Commonwealth but for the entire world. Whether you are working at the airport, travelling through it, or living close by, we want everyone to feel part of the Jubilee and for it to be a weekend that lives long in the memory – which I believe will be a fitting tribute to Her Majesty.”

The Jubilee weekend at the airport - which last week welcomed a post-pandemic record of 67,000 passengers - looks set to be busy, with inbound visitors from across its domestic network and international destinations, such as Amsterdam, Milan, Frankfurt and Zurich.

Furthermore, as part of the RAF’s London flyover, featuring 70 aircraft this coming Thursday, the airport will temporarily halt operations for 20 minutes from 11.48am so everyone can enjoy the special aerial tribute. The same will happen for a subsequent flyover on Sunday 5th June between 16.57 and 17.07pm.

 

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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Birmingham Airport sees post COVID bounce back......

Birmingham Airport is preparing for 89% of pre-pandemic customer volumes over the upcoming Platinum Jubilee weekend as Britain’s aviation bounce back continues. 

Over the four-day weekend - Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June, more than 147,000 people are booked to fly in and out of Birmingham Airport. That’s: 

144 times more than over the 2020 late May bank holiday (Friday May 22nd to Mon 25th May) when Britain was in Covid-19 lockdown 

over 10 times more than the 2021 late May bank holiday (Friday May 28th to Monday 31st) when Covid-19 restrictions were still in force 

89% of the numbers who passed through the airport over the 2019 late May bank holiday (Friday May 24th to Monday 27th) - before Covid-19 took hold 

Two years ago, Britain was in the grip of Covid-19 lockdown and stringent travel restrictions had all but switched off aviation. Over the Friday leading up to it and three days of the late May bank holiday itself, just over 1,000 people arrived and departed from the airport.  During the four equivalent days in 2021, 14,300 passed through the Midlands travel hub. 

On March 18th this year, all Covid-19 travel restrictions were suddenly scrapped prompting a strong bounce back in demand, including from people who’d been forced to postpone trips due to Covid-19. 

“We are so pleased to see customers back at BHX again,” said Birmingham Airport’s chief executive Nick Barton. 

“In the darkest days of lockdown, there were eerie moments when birdsong was the loudest sound on our airfield. Much as I love the sound of birds singing, I’m relieved to hear the buzz of airport activity once again as customers take to the skies in large numbers.” 

Nick added: “I’d like to thank customers who present compliant baggage at our pre-flight security screening - with liquids, gels, pastes and larger electrical items removed. This helps us help you keep moving. It also helps our security officers in their vital task of keeping everyone safe.” 

As a result of travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, 43% of Birmingham Airport’s employees were made redundant. In anticipation of restrictions being lifted, Birmingham Airport began a recruitment campaign back in November 2021.

Since the start of 2022, the airport has increased its pool of deployable security officers by 19% and its front-of-house customer service teams by 20%. Recruitment continues at the airport to rebuild its resources to a level that enables it to give the great customer service its customers expect. 

 

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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Emirates and Dilmah Tea celebrate 30 years of partnership

Emirates and Dilmah Tea have enjoyed a longstanding partnership of brewing the finest teas on board and in Emirates’ airport lounges around the world for the past 30 years. 

"Emirates focuses on dishes that emphasise fresh ingredients of the highest quality. We pay special attention to every detail and the quality of the tea we offer our customers is no different. The fact that we have served Dilmah Tea for 30 years across all our cabins is proof of its quality and our satisfaction with the perfect cup of tea. We have an exceptional partnership with Dilmah and we have grown in tandem for the last 30 years. Over 9.6 million tea bags are used each year across our fleet with more than 10 tea varieties on offer, including an exclusive Emirates Signature Tea served in First Class,” said Thomas Ney, DSVP, Service Delivery at Emirates.

Dilhan C. Fernando, son of Dilmah Founder and CEO of the family company explained: “For 30 years we have grown a tea-inspired collaboration with Emirates, offering customers a uniquely Emirates experience in tea. To celebrate the Pearl Anniversary of our partnership in tea, we made a tea that is as rare as it is magnificent. A seasonal tea with extraordinary finesse, handpicked from tea bushes prepared for months and crafted into a numbered limited edition tea. Our co-operation with Emirates truly presents the luxury in fine tea, and – in our tea mocktails and food pairings –contemporary, tea inspired hospitality. For the last 30 years we have created these unique moments for Emirates customers either on the ground in its lounges around the world or at 40,000 feet and this year is no different. We are excited to have the special 30 year blend on board Emirates’ fleet.”

A world-class partnership

Millions of world class cups of tea have been poured for Emirates’ customers since the airline’s partnership with Dilmah began in 1992.

The airline brings the finest products on board through long standing partnerships worldwide, including support for local suppliers and artisans. Emirates takes the Dilmah brand to more than 130 destinations on six continents.

The teas offered on Emirates are chosen by popularity amongst customers, catering to different preferences like minty or citrus infusions as well as by looking at tea drinking trends. With an increasing focus on wellness amongst customers, the airline recently introduced a new tea in its airport lounges – Turmeric, coconut and vanilla featuring antioxidant properties.

On board, the most popular tea in Economy Class is the Dilmah Ceylon Black Tea while passengers in First and Business Class favour Moroccan Mint and Breakfast Tea. Emirates serves a selection of six teas in Business Class and its airport lounges and a further six teas in First Class.

 

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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Oman Air commended for its support to the Oman Pavilion during recent Expo in Dubai

In a recent ceremony held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, was thanked and commended for extending its support to the Oman Pavilion national initiative throughout Expo 2020 Dubai by His Excellency Qais Mohamed Al Yousef, Oman Minister of Commerce & Industry & Investment Promotion. On hand to receive an official certificate of appreciation from His Excellency was Dr Khalid Al Balushi (PhD), Senior Manager of Government Affairs at Oman Air.

Oman Air’s longstanding commitment to national projects underscores the airline’s vital role in the Sultanate’s broader tourism strategy and its ongoing participation in the realization of Oman Vision 2040 objectives as a key enabler of travel into the country—linking Oman to important source tourist markets regionally and internationally.

The Oman pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai was an exceptional opportunity to showcase the Sultanate’s deep connection to frankincense while promoting the country’s benefits as a truly distinct travel destination in the Middle East. As the national carrier, Oman Air, along with several other public and private institutions, was active at the Oman pavilion to support projects and community programs.  

“The link between aviation and tourism development is significant and the role of airlines as enablers in the broader tourism ecosystem is especially significant given the challenges facing post-pandemic travel,” said Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air. “As the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, our readiness to support important tourism and country branding projects is absolute, and our presence throughout Expo 2020 Dubai was a national initiative we were delighted to take part in, and one which contributes to Oman’s economic development in travel-related sectors.”

In addition to boosting flight frequencies on its Muscat-Dubai corridor, Oman Air established an on-site presence at the Oman pavilion for six months. In conjunction with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, its team was on hand to promote the airline’s connectivity to Oman and respond to visitor enquiries; it was actively involved in supporting Oman National Day, the arrival of the Oman Youth Ship at the Dubai Tourism Port, Omani Youth Day, Omani Women’s Day, World Education Day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, International Film Day, World Education Day, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and the closing ceremony for Expo 2020 Dubai.

To facilitate travel to and from Expo 2020 Dubai for 200 youth volunteers, Oman Air offered subsidized tickets and streamlined its departure and return procedures at airports in Muscat and Dubai. Parallel to activities and events throughout Expo 2020 Dubai, and in line with its commitment to support economic activities that benefit the local community, Oman Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tayseer, the commercial platform tasked with managing the mini-commercial centre at Expo 2020 Dubai and providing shipping services and travel for affiliate SMEs.

 

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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New pre-select meal ption when flying SWISS business.

Swiss International Air Lines - SWISS is further enhancing the air travel experience for Business Class guests on its long-haul services from Switzerland. With effect from today, such travellers can now pre-select their main inflight meal before they depart. The new option offers guests both a wider range of meal choices and the guarantee that they will be able to enjoy their preferred meal on board. The new pre-selection option is available with immediate effect for all long-haul flights from Zurich or Geneva from 1 June 2022. The meal desired can be selected free of charge via the separate swiss.com/preselect booking link within four weeks of and up to 36 hours before departure. SWISS is the first airline in the Lufthansa Group to offer the new service.

A varied selection of eight main meals

SWISS’s long-haul Business Class guests can choose from a wide and varied selection of eight main inflight meals. In addition to the four dishes featured in the current cycle of the ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ culinary programme, four further meals are offered. Three of these draw their inspiration from Swiss cuisine: a ‘Züri Geschnetzeltes’ (sliced veal in cream sauce), meatloaf with morel sauce and perch fillets with lemon butter. The fourth is a red vegetable curry with basmati rice from Zurich’s Hiltl vegetarian restaurant, SWISS’s long-standing culinary partner. The current ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ menu offers a main-meal selection of beef tenderloin with peppercorn sauce, herb-stuffed chicken, pikeperch fillet with lemon beurre blanc or the vegetarian option of Singapore noodles with vegetables which also comes from Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.

SWISS guests in all classes of travel can still pre-order special meals (depending on the flight) such as kosher or gluten-free options. Such meals can be ordered free of charge, either when booking the flight or later via the Service Center.

 

 Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes Charity helps to rebuild the lives of those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, H4H give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

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FedEx delivers critical shipment for Operation Fly Formula to Dulles International Airport

On May 25, 2022, a FedEx Express MD-11 delivered 100,000 pounds of Gerber baby formula, equivalent to 1 million 8-ounce bottles, to Dulles International Airport from Ramstein, Germany. For the second time this week, FedEx Express supported the U.S. Government’s Operation Fly Formula with the movement of today’s shipment through the FedEx Express air and ground network. The shipment was offloaded and moved onto FedEx Express trucks for transport to a Nestle distribution centre in Pennsylvania.

FedEx remains engaged with the U.S. administration and agencies to provide logistics and transportation support as needed for Operation Fly Formula.

“Our network was designed for missions like this – to move time-sensitive shipments safely and quickly,” said Gina Adams, Senior Vice President for Government and Regulatory Affairs, FedEx. Corp. “The FedEx Express integrated air and ground network expedited the movement of baby formula from manufacturers overseas to the United States for distribution to retail locations and hospitals throughout the country. We’re proud to be working with the U.S. government and our healthcare customers to help alleviate this crisis.”

 

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