Travel Industry News Page 70
Norwegian named Europe’s most punctual airline as it heads into the busy summer season
Norwegian has been named Europe’s most punctual airline in May 2026, according to the latest On-Time Performance (OTP) rankings from Cirium, the leading aviation analytics company. With an On-time performance score of 88.58 percent as measured by Cirium, Norwegian ranked first among all European airlines, underlining the company’s strong operational performance and reliability ahead of the peak summer travel season.
RYANAIR’S NEW SUMMER 2026 MANCHESTER ROUTES TAKE OFF
Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, has announced that the first flights of its new Summer 2026 routes from Manchester to Castellon, took off on Mon, 1 June, and to Rimini, which took off on Wed, 3 June. Ryanair will operate 2 weekly flights on these exciting new Summer 2026 routes, providing its UK customers with even more choice at Europe’s lowest fares.
Regent Hotels & Resorts partners with 28th Shanghai International Film Festival
Regent has been named the Official Hotel Partner of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), taking place from 12 – 21 June 2026. Regent Shanghai on the Bund will host the festival’s Official Opening Gala dinner in the third expression of Regent’s global film festival series which also included Festival de Cannes and the Hong Kong Film Awards. The momentous evening will gather filmmakers, stars of screen, and the industry’s most celebrated within the hotel’s ballroom. Here, backdropped by panoramas of the Huangpu River and Shanghai skyline, guests will experience Regent hospitality and fine dining by Executive Chefs Ting Wai Wan and Lorenzo Merolle.
AROYA Cruises Announces Strategic Partnership with Lufthansa City Center International
AROYA Cruises, the first Arabian cruise line and a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi, a Public Investment Fund portfolio company, today announced a strategic international travel trade partnership with Lufthansa City Center International (LCCI), the international franchisor of the Lufthansa City Center (LCC) global travel agency network. This partnership marks an important step in AROYA Cruises’ global distribution strategy, supporting the cruise line’s ambition to bring its "Remarkably Arabian" hospitality to new international audiences and strengthen its reach across key source markets.
Aeroflot to continue regular flights to Seychelles during the summer season
Aeroflot will continue operating regular flights to Seychelles during the summer season. Flights will commence on July 8 on will be operated using wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft in a three-class configuration: Economy, Comfort, and Business. Tickets are available.
Caribbean Week concludes in New York
Caribbean Week in New York 2026 concluded after four days of high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships and thought leadership, reinforcing the Caribbean’s unified vision under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) at InterContinental New York Times Square, the event brought together tourism ministers, commissioners, industry leaders, media, travel advisors and students from across the region and beyond.
Etihad and TAROM Open New Links Across Eastern Europe
Etihad Airways and TAROM, the national airline of Romania, have signed a codeshare agreement that connects Etihad’s global guests with Romania and Eastern Europe, and links travellers from Romania to Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s home and gateway to its worldwide network. The agreement was signed at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro. Under the partnership, Etihad guests can book a single ticket on TAROM flights from Bucharest to six cities across Romania: Baia Mare, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Oradea, Suceava, and Timisoara. The codeshare also extends to four Eastern European capitals: Belgrade, Budapest, Chisinau, and Sofia. Guests from Romania, in turn, can reach Abu Dhabi from Bucharest on Etihad’s new service.
ANA and Lufthansa Group to add ITA Airways to Their Europe Japan Joint Venture
ITA Airways takes another step towards becoming part of the Lufthansa Group. The strategic Japan Europe Joint Venture of All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Lufthansa Group (LHG) will be expanded to include ITA Airways by the Lufthansa Group as of autumn of this year. A corresponding agreement was signed the previous day at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
Jetstar introduces Points Plus Pay for Business Class upgrades
Jetstar has launched Points Plus Pay for Business Class upgrades, adding a new upgrade option for eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members. Through Points Plus Pay, eligible Frequent Flyers can bid for a Business Class seat on Jetstar‑operated Boeing 787 international flights using a combination of Qantas Points and cash, creating additional flexibility and great value when upgrading.
Winners of the 8th Edition of IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards Announced
“Diversity and inclusion give opportunities for the broadest of talent pools to build long-term, sustainable careers. Moreover, it brings airlines even closer to the diverse communities they connect to global networks. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s awards. They demonstrate the many ways that the aviation industry is growing stronger by advancing diversity and inclusion best practices,” said Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief, Air Transport World and Chair of the judging panel.
IHG Hotels & Resorts brings HUALUXE to the Taiwan market with Taipei signing
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed HUALUXE Taipei in partnership with Fullon Hotels & Resorts, marking the brand’s debut in the Taiwan market and another step forward in bringing HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts to more markets around the world. Expected to open in 2026, the hotel builds on the partners’ successful collaboration on voco Chiayi and IHG’s growing presence in the Taiwan market.
Explore More of Dubai This June with Exclusive Experiences, and Stay Offers at Rove Hotels
Rove Hotels is making June feel a little more adventurous, introducing fresh ways for guests to experience the city it calls home through playful stay offers, homegrown partnerships, and easy dining moments. Leading the line-up is the brand-new Scuba & Rove offer with Deep Dive Dubai, giving Rovers the chance to discover the city’s most iconic underwater attraction before unwinding with a well-earned stay at a Rove Hotel of their choice. The adventure continues with 36-hour stays, monthly living packages, and all-day tea and coffee at The Daily for guests looking to settle in a little longer.