Travel Industry News Page 256
Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines to Combine in Deal Valued at $1.5 billion
Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines today announced a definitive merger agreement under which Allegiant will acquire Sun Country in a cash and stock transaction at an implied value of $18.89 per Sun Country share. Sun Country shareholders will receive 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock and $4.10 in cash for each Sun Country share owned, representing a premium of 19.8% over Sun Country's closing share price of $15.77 on January 9, 2026, and 18.8% based on the 30-day volume-weighted average price. The transaction values Sun Country at approximately $1.5 billion, inclusive of $0.4 billion of Sun Country's net debt. Upon closing, Allegiant and Sun Country shareholders will own approximately 67% and 33%, respectively, of the combined company on a fully diluted basis.
Hong Kong to Host Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 after Historic Double Win
It’s been a banner year for Hong Kong’s restaurant, bar and hospitality scene. Fresh off its historic achievement, in which venues in Hong Kong became the first to receive both The World’s Best Bar and The World’s Best Hotel titles the same year, Hong Kong will host the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 award ceremony on 25 March 2026 (Wednesday) for the first time.
The Samla International Race Secures Strategic Partnerships Ahead of January 2026 Edition
The Samla International Race has announced the signing of a series of strategic partnership agreements ahead of its upcoming edition, scheduled to take place on 24 January 2026. The agreements were formalised during an official ceremony attended by representatives from partner entities and members of the media.
Lufthansa Group enters partnership with Amadeus
The Lufthansa Group and travel technology company Amadeus have entered a groundbreaking partnership to make booking, adjusting, and managing flights even easier and more intuitive for travelers. The focus is on the introduction of an "Order ID," a new identification number that will eventually replace the previous booking and ticket numbers and bring together all components of a trip.
Icelandair: Record number of passengers in 2025
In December, Icelandair transported 344 thousand passengers, up 10% year over year. During the month, 27% traveled to Iceland, 20% from Iceland, 48% via Iceland, and 6% within Iceland. In 2025, the Company carried a record 5.1 million passengers, an 8% increase compared to 2024.
Air Canada Intends to Extend and Expand Commercial Agreement with PAL Airlines
Air Canada and PAL Airlines announced today their intent to expand the commercial agreement under which PAL operates regional flights for Air Canada Express, helping protect and grow service in Eastern Canada. The existing agreement is to be extended by an additional four years to 2032, and the number of PAL Airlines aircraft covered by the agreement is expected to grow by five, to eleven.
Norwegian Group had 1.75 million passengers in December
In December 2025, Norwegian had 1.45 million passengers, while Widerøe had 304,000 passengers, totalling 1.75 million for the Group. Both airlines delivered solid operational performance, with improved regularity and punctuality. Norwegian and Widerøe had a total of 27.3 million passengers in 2025.
Boeing and Alaska Airlines Announce Largest Airplane Order in Airline's History
Boeing and Alaska Airlines today announced the carrier's largest-ever airplane order as part of its long-term plan to expand its domestic and international route networks. The order includes:
From Suite to Studio: The Balmoral Unveils Bespoke In-Room Reformer Pilates
In partnership with FÔLD, London-based fitness brand behind foldable, studio-grade at-home reformer beds, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is proud to unveil its latest pioneering wellness innovation: reformer pilates delivered to your suite.
American Airlines partners with award-winning Pecan Lodge to serve Texas barbecue on select flights
Beginning next month, customers aboard select American Airlines flights will be able to enjoy an authentic taste of Texas en route to New York as the airline partners with nationally recognized Pecan Lodge restaurant to serve Texas barbecue on board.
Marriott Bonvoy Forges Global Partnership with International Cricket Council
Marriott Bonvoy and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have signed a strategic partnership which will see Marriott International’s award-winning travel platform appointed the Official Accommodation Partner for ICC through to 2029.
Initiatives for an Inclusive Society Promoted by the JAL Group
Japan Airlines (JAL) received the highest honor, the “D&I AWARD Grand Prize” in the corporate category for companies with more than 3,001 employees, at Japan’s leading award recognizing and certifying companies promoting Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), the “D&I AWARD 2025*.” This marks the first time an airline has received this grand prize. In addition, JAL has been certified as a "Best Workplace" with the highest rating for five consecutive years since 2021. These recognitions reflect the ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse talents can thrive.