Airlines News Page 29
British Airways launches special fares to celebrate 90 years of flying between Nigeria and the UK
British Airways proudly begins celebrations to mark the 90th anniversary of its first flight between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, a historic milestone that reflects nine decades of connecting communities, supporting trade, and deepening cultural ties between the two regions. To mark the occasion, British Airways has today launched a flash sale for customers travelling between Nigeria and London Heathrow. The special fares include up to 10% off World Traveller (long-haul economy) fares, with prices from USD 990 from Abuja and USD 1090 from Lagos. As well as Club World (business class) fares from USD 3490 from Abuja and USD 3690 from Lagos, all to London Heathrow*.
Aloha! oneworld welcomes Hawaiian Airlines to alliance
oneworld® has welcomed Hawaiian Airlines as its newest member airline, becoming the third US-based carrier alongside Alaska Airlines and American Airlines and adding Honolulu as a global hub. With Hawaiian Airlines on board, oneworld’s global network offers greater travel opportunities across the Hawaiian Islands and new destinations in the Pacific including Hilo, Hawai’i; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and Papeete, Tahiti.
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines transition to shared passenger service system
Hawaiian Airlines yesterday transitioned to the same Sabre passenger service system (PSS) used by Alaska Airlines, a significant integration milestone that provides guests flying with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines a more seamless and consistent travel experience from booking to boarding across a growing global network. The combined company’s shared PSS serves as the central reservation technology that connects the digital tools and programs used by guests and employees; from websites, mobile app, Atmos™ Rewards and Huaka’i by Hawaiian loyalty programs, to airport kiosks and reservation records.
British Airways launches St. Louis and Guernsey
Two new British Airways routes took to the skies this week, as the first flights to St. Louis, Missouri in the US, and Guernsey in the Channel Islands departed from London St. Louis became the 27th US destination to join the British Airways network, as the inaugural flight to the ‘Gateway to the West’ landed. The airline offers more direct flights to the US than any other European airline. In a playful pun, the first flight was operated by an entire crew named Louis, Lewis or Louise.
Emirates Expands Global Travel Rehearsal Programme to the UK
Emirates, the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, has launched its “Travel Rehearsal” programme in the UK, hosting its first session in the country at London Stansted Airport (STN). The Travel Rehearsal programme allows people with accessible travel requirements to experience a guided simulation of the complete air travel journey, familiarising them with airport procedures and onboard environments ahead of time – helping reduce anxiety and build confidence before an actual flight.
Qantas has launched a major domestic sale, with more than 2 million discounted seats
Qantas has launched a major domestic sale, with more than 2 million discounted seats across 90 routes on the airline’s domestic and regional network. The week-long sale* includes fares in both Economy and Business through to March 2027, including during the upcoming June long weekend and winter school holidays, one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Virgin Atlantic appoints Anthony Uphill as Vice President Sales
Virgin Atlantic today announces the appointment of Anthony Uphill as Vice President Sales joining the travel company on 5th May 2026. In his new role, Anthony will be responsible for the airline’s sales performance, with direct accountability for corporate and agency sales. He will work closely with joint venture partners Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, while exploring new revenue growth opportunities with SkyTeam and other partner airlines across Virgin Atlantic’s global portfolio.
The New Terminal One at JFK Welcomes Saudia as Newest Airline Partner
The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport will serve as the future home of Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, when the new terminal opens in 2026, marking a bold new chapter for the airline at the United States’ largest international gateway.
Ethiopian Airlines Converts Options of Six Boeing 787 Dreamliner Airplanes into Firm Orders
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announced today the purchase of six 787 Dreamliner jets as the airline fully exercises commitments from its 2023 landmark order. Ethiopian Airlines will use the 787-9 jets to expand its intercontinental network from Addis Ababa and increase cargo capacity as demand for long-haul travel continues to rise.
Emirates completes more than 40 Travel Rehearsals for youth with autism globally
Emirates has continued its commitment to making travel more accessible for all, by successfully arranging bespoke Emirates Travel Rehearsals across more than 40 cities globally over the past year. With more than 250 families positively impacted, Emirates Travel Rehearsals are designed to support children and young adults with autism, allowing them to practice the journey through the airport to prepare for real flights - easing travel anxiety and empowering them to fly with more confidence.
#LETSGETLOSTWITHWIZZ: WIN A SEAT ON WIZZ AIR’S MYSTERY GETAWAY
Wizz Air, London’s local airline, is giving British travellers the chance to swap predictable holidays for something far less expected, with the return of its Let’s Get Lost campaign. A select group of 30 winners will board a flight departing from London Luton Airport on Saturday 9 May to a destination that will remain a secret until arrival. The experience is designed to showcase the breadth of Wizz Air’s network with a focus on culturally rich cities and emerging destinations that are often overlooked in favour of more traditional hotspots.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC TAKES OFF IN CHATGPT WITH FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND AIRLINE APP
Virgin Atlantic has become the first airline in the world to launch an app within ChatGPT, opening up a new way for customers to discover and plan their next trip simply by asking. Building on Virgin Atlantic’s AI-powered Concierge, the Virgin Atlantic app in ChatGPT allows customers to search for flights using everyday language, whether they’re dreaming of a beachside escape to sun-soaked Barbados, planning a last-minute trip to the bright lights of New York, or looking to soak up the vibrant energy of Delhi.