Airline News Page 64
British Airways Holidays unveils the travel trends set to shape 2026
Wellness culture continues to impact in 2026, with three trends leaning into this overarching movement. Time loses all meaning, with almost 1 in 5 UK travellers ignoring the clock entirely on holiday, choosing to eat, sleep and explore whenever they choose. Meanwhile body-positivity goes global, with 31% of UK adults reporting that body-positive experiences are more socially acceptable now than a decade ago.¹
Rare and limited Emirates Skywards Platinum memberships to be auctioned
The Emirates Airline Foundation and Emirates Auction are partnering for an exclusive online auction to offer special Emirates Skywards membership numbers that come with Platinum tier status benefits valid for up to 20 years. Running from 17 December 2025 until 17 January 2026, bids can be made for special membership numbers with Platinum tier status benefits. The auction will be open to bidders worldwide.
Emirates rolls out retrofitted Boeing 777s with Premium Economy to Beirut and Beijing
Emirates has announced that retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy will serve flights EK953/954 between Dubai and Beirut from 6 January 2026 and flights EK306/307 between Dubai and Beijing, starting from 1 February 2026. * Beijing becomes the fourth city in the Chinese mainland to receive Emirates’ latest aircraft and next-gen products, while travellers to and from Beirut will experience the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy and new Business Class cabin in 1-2-1 layout for the first time.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC UNVEILS MAJOR INCENTIVE TO REWARD TRAVEL TRADE PARTNERS
Virgin Atlantic is taking its commitment to the travel trade to new heights, giving one lucky travel agent the chance to win unlimited flights across the airline’s global network for an entire year. Unveiled at the inaugural AIRmazing awards on 10th December, the incentive will run from 6th January to 2nd March 2026. Timed to reward and energise agents during a key trading period, the prize recognises the dedication and expertise of Virgin Atlantic’s invaluable travel trade partners.
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United Airlines winter holiday travel forecast and festive facts
UK Travel: United’s passenger bookings from London to the U.S. increased by 9% and from Edinburgh to the U.S. by 73% during the winter holiday travel season (December 18 – January 6) compared to last year. United increased service between London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare from twice daily to three-times daily flights during the winter period.
UK government unveils £750,000 funding boost to inspire the next generation of aviation talent
Young people across the UK are being encouraged to reach for the sky following a new £750,000 government funding announcement designed to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and open up access to highly skilled careers across the sector.
United Adds New Features to Award-Winning Mobile App Like Virtual Gate, Club Recommendation Tool
United today launched new features to its award-winning mobile app to save customers even more time and further improve the overall travel experience on the world's largest airline*:
LATAM Brasil and Revo launch unique partnership offering exclusive benefits for loyalty customers
In a first-of-its-kind partnership for both the commercial and urban aviation sectors in South America, LATAM Airlines Brazil and Revo are introducing exclusive benefits for their most loyal customers. Beginning December 10, Black Signature and Black members of LATAM Pass, LATAM Airlines' loyalty program, will earn miles when flying with Revo on the routes connecting Faria Lima (São Paulo) to Guarulhos International Airport.
RWANDAIR’S NEW KIGALI–ZANZIBAR–MOMBASA ROUTE GAINS STRONG EARLY MOMENTUM
RwandAir’s newly launched Kigali–Zanzibar–Mombasa service is already recording strong early uptake, just a week after the inaugural flights linked the three destinations for the first time. The route, which marked RwandAir’s return to Mombasa and introduced Zanzibar as its new island destination, is operated four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
WIZZ AIR ANNOUNCES AS ROMA PARTNERSHIP
Wizz Air – one of Europe’s leading low-cost airlines and a top carrier in Italy’s aviation landscape – is proud to unveil a major new partnership with Serie A club AS Roma. The agreement – the airline’s first with a football club – names Wizz Air as a Main Partner of the Club and introduces a prominent sleeve sponsorship debuting on 15 December. Under this partnership, Wizz Air will also become the Official Airline of AS Roma, flying the First Team to their domestic matches throughout the season.
Etihad Reports November 2025 Traffic Statistics
Etihad Airways welcomed 2.1 million passengers in November 2025, achieving a 28% year-on-year increase, marking a new peak in the airline's traffic for 2025. The airline maintained strong operational efficiency with passenger load factor 89% for the month. Through the first eleven months of 2025, Etihad has flown 20.2 million passengers, a 20% increase on the same period in 2024, while sustaining an 88% average passenger load factor across the period
Visit Dubai this winter and enjoy two memorable experiences with Emirates
Emirates is giving travellers even more reasons to visit Dubai this winter, with a special offer that combines world-class hospitality and unique experiences. Customers who book return flights to Dubai by 21st December 2025, will enjoy complimentary access to two popular tours and attractions.