Travel Industry News Page 602
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Air Canada lines up for take-off with new Porto to Montréal route
Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline and flag carrier, is gearing up for take-off with its bumper summer schedule, including a new route between Porto and Montréal. The global airline is set to touchdown in Portugal’s second city, Porto, for the first time on 5 June 2025, before departing for its home hub, Montréal, later that same day.
World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards partners with Future Hospitality Summit World for 2025
World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards has announced a strategic partnership with Future Hospitality Summit World (FHS World) to highlight the individuals and organisations driving the change towards a net-positive tourism and hospitality future. As part of the agreement, the 2nd annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards Gala Ceremony will take place in Dubai on 29 October, coinciding with the final day of FHS World 2025. Sustainable tourism leaders will gather for the VIP event at Terra, Expo City Dubai for the unveiling of the 2025 winners.
Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia Receive Final Go-ahead
Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia have received final go-ahead from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the airlines’ integrated alliance. This final determination officially signals the green light for Virgin Australia’s new 28 weekly flights between Australia and Doha – operated under a wet-lease with Qatar Airways – to proceed.
United Receives FAA Certification on Starlink Aircraft and Schedules First Commercial Flight for May
United have announced the FAA has approved its first Starlink-equipped aircraft type and that the first commercial flight is planned for May, less than eight months after the deal was first announced.
Airshare Named Official Private Aviation Provider of the PGA of America and 2025 Ryder Cup
The PGA of America and Airshare announced today a new multi-year partnership: Airshare will be the "Official Private Aviation Provider" of the PGA of America and the Ryder Cup in 2025 and 2029, as well as the PGA Championship and PGA National Club Championship through 2029. As part of the partnership, Airshare is also joining forces with the Southern California, South Florida, Metropolitan (New York) and Southwest PGA Sections in an effort to help promote golf in local communities.
LLA leads Europe in Next-Gen Aircraft usage
London Luton Airport (LLA) continues to lead the way in the adoption of quieter, more fuel-efficient "next-generation" aircraft, with the highest proportion of passenger flights operated using these advanced models than any other major European airport. Data from aviation intelligence specialist RDC Aviation shows that between March 2024 and February 2025, almost half (47.8%) of commercial passenger flights departing from LLA were operated using Airbus neo or Boeing Max variants, which reduce emissions by up to 20% and have a reduced noise footprint.
Radisson Hotel Group introduces the Radisson brand to Armenia
Radisson Hotel Group proudly expands its presence in Armenia with the opening of Radisson Hotel & Spa Gyumri, marking the debut of the Radisson brand in the country. Located in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city and a renowned cultural hub, the hotel brings Radisson’s signature Scandinavian-inspired hospitality to the heart of this historic destination. Situated adjacent to the city’s main square, Radisson Hotel & Spa Gyumri offers 64 elegantly designed rooms, reflecting the brand’s signature aesthetic — bright, functional, and inviting spaces that create a perfectly balanced environment for a seamless stay.
The Destination by Hyatt brand debuts in Canada with Hotel X Toronto
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Princes Gates Hotel Limited Partnership are proud to announce Hotel X Toronto will join the Destination by Hyatt brand, marking the brand’s entrance into Canada. This milestone entrance into Hyatt’s Classics portfolio marks an exciting evolution for the hotel, further strengthening its identity as Toronto's premier urban resort. In the last 10 years, Hyatt has quintupled its brand presence in Canada, demonstrating its commitment to the region.
SAS broadens its global network with additional Delta codeshare destinations
SAS announces the expansion of its partnership with Delta Air Lines, offering a wide range of new trans-Atlantic options and ensuring a more convenient travel experience between Scandinavia and North America. Starting April 2nd, 2025, customers will benefit from an expanded codeshare between SkyTeam partners SAS and Delta. The agreement will present a broader range of destinations and increased frequencies, providing a more streamlined and convenient journey.
Cathay and Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) collaborate to offer customers multiple insurance protection
Cathay and Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) (“Zurich”) are excited to announce a new strategic partnership that aims to elevate the lifestyle of Cathay members. This collaboration, “Cathay x Zurich partnership - Protect daily lives, Earn Miles” will provide a diverse selection of general insurance solutions alongside a seamless customer journey. The new offerings are designed to safeguard every facet of Cathay members’ lives while enabling them to earn Asia Miles.
Southend-on-Seeing more of Europe
easyJet has today opened its 10th UK base at London Southend Airport, creating 140 direct jobs for pilots and crew in the UK and supporting 1200 indirect jobs*. This marks a continued trajectory of UK growth for the airline as it opens a second base in as many years, having launched at Birmingham International Airport in 2024, fuelled by UK demand for its flights and package holidays.
PATA Forecasts Strong Asia Pacific Visitor Rebound and Growth Through 2027
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has released the latest Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027, providing in-depth insights into tourism recovery trends across the region. This comprehensive report, prepared in collaboration with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, presents forecasts for 39 destinations in the Asia Pacific region under mild, medium, and severe scenarios, offering critical insights for stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry.