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TravelTech Show research reveals shifts in travel operator booking and payment tool adoption

TravelTech Show research reveals shifts in travel operator booking and payment tool adoption

Mobile app investment and integration across travel booking and payment platforms has slowed in the last year as operators increasingly turn attention to AI to drive customer engagement and spend. Mobile apps are now being integrated by just seven per cent of operators, down from nearly a third – 30 per cent – in 2025.

Aer Lingus celebrates 10 years of AerClub with its first transatlantic Avios-Only flight

Aer Lingus celebrates 10 years of AerClub with its first transatlantic Avios-Only flight

17 June 2026 Press Release Airline News Organisations & Operators

Aer Lingus has announced its first-ever transatlantic Avios-Only flight, with an exclusive service from Dublin to New York (JFK) set to take off as part of the airline’s celebrations for 10 years of its loyalty programme, AerClub. Marking a decade of rewarding loyal customers, the milestone flight represents a major moment for Aer Lingus’ popular Avios-Only offering – where every seat onboard is exclusively available to purchase using the airline’s reward currency Avios. This is the first time the concept is being extended across the Atlantic with Aer Lingus.

Eurowings Expands Mallorca Commitment with Winter Growth and New Jobs Initiative

Eurowings Expands Mallorca Commitment with Winter Growth and New Jobs Initiative

Eurowings and the Government of the Balearic Islands have agreed to work together to further position Mallorca as an attractive travel destination beyond the summer months. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Balearic President Marga Prohens and Eurowings CEO Max Kownatzki at the government headquarters in Palma. The goal is to distribute tourism demand more evenly throughout the year and create additional employment opportunities, particularly during the autumn and winter months.

Vietnam Airlines Remains Among the Top 100 Companies in the  Fortune Southeast Asia 500

Vietnam Airlines Remains Among the Top 100 Companies in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500

17 June 2026 Press Release Airline News Organisations & Operators

Vietnam Airlines has further strengthened its position among Southeast Asia’s leading companies, securing a place in the Top 100 of the 2026 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for the third consecutive year. The national carrier is the only Vietnamese airline and one of just three airlines included in this Top 100, alongside Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International.

Red Sea Global completes modernization of AlWajh International Airport

Red Sea Global completes modernization of AlWajh International Airport

17 June 2026 Press Release Airline News Organisations & Operators

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernization of AlWajh International Airport (EJH) located in northwest Saudi Arabia. The airport is once again receiving flights, with three weekly connections from Riyadh (RUH) and two from Jeddah (JED) operated by Saudia. International flights are expected to commence soon.

Saudia Earns 2026 APEX Best Cabin Service in the Middle East Award

Saudia Earns 2026 APEX Best Cabin Service in the Middle East Award

17 June 2026 Press Release Airline News Organisations & Operators

Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has received the 2026 APEX Award for Best Cabin Service in the Middle East. The award was presented during the APEX Awards ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event, a leading aviation industry platform focused on innovation and the future of the guest journey. APEX’s global airline ratings program is built on independent, verified passenger feedback, placing the voice of travelers at the center of the awards process. For the 2026 cycle, more than one million flights across over 600 airlines worldwide were evaluated, with assessment categories covering cabin service, seat comfort, food and beverage quality, entertainment systems and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Celebrates World Wellbeing Week

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Celebrates World Wellbeing Week

This month, in celebration of World Wellbeing Week (24-30 June 2026) Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites guests to embrace an array of experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. Guided by this year’s theme of Global Wellness Day, JoyMagenta, the resort’s programme celebrates joy through movement, creativity, connection and gratitude — from mindful rituals to a reflective Full Moon gathering beneath the June Strawberry Moon. Inspired by Banyan Tree Wellbeing’s eight pillars, the month’s experiences encourage guests to slow down, cultivate awareness, and discover simple practices that support a balanced and joyful way of life amidst the natural beauty of the Maldives, under the guidance of the resort’s resident wellbeing practitioner, Dr Sharma.

Vueling launches ‘Yellow Day’ sale with discounts of up to 25% off flights

Vueling launches ‘Yellow Day’ sale with discounts of up to 25% off flights

17 June 2026 Press Release Airline News Organisations & Operators

Holidays are the perfect opportunity to switch off, recharge and return feeling more relaxed, making travel one of life’s simplest mood boosters. To celebrate Yellow Day on the 20th of June and the joy of travel, Brits can enjoy discounts of up to 25% off selected Vueling flights, with fares starting from just £24, when booking between the 16th and 21st of June. It’s the perfect excuse to plan an end-of-summer escape or autumn getaway – and even more reason to smile.

BTN Exclusive with Josh Littman - Appointed EMEA Development Lead at Langham Hospitality Group

BTN Exclusive with Josh Littman - Appointed EMEA Development Lead at Langham Hospitality Group

17 June 2026 Press Release Hotel News Organisations & Operators

Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Josh Littman as Head of Development – EMEA. Based in London, Littman will lead the Group’s expansion efforts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a focus on securing new hotel and branded residence contracts for The Langham Hotels & Resorts, Cordis Hotels & Resorts, Eaton and Ying’nFlo. BTN recently had the opportunity of putting several questions to Josh as he takes up his new position within the company.

Travel Tech Celebrates Innovation and Policy Leadership at Third Annual Policy & Innovation Showcase

Travel Tech Celebrates Innovation and Policy Leadership at Third Annual Policy & Innovation Showcase

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) has hosted its third annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill. The event served as the backdrop for honoring Congresswoman Young Kim (R‑CA) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D‑WA) with Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award, recognizing their work to advance transparency, competition and innovation across the travel ecosystem. The event, sponsored by Chase Travel Group and Booking Holdings, brought together Travel Tech member companies, policymakers, congressional staff, and industry stakeholders to highlight the role of travel technology in creating a more transparent, competitive, and innovative travel experience for consumers. 

Emirates launches world’s most comprehensive travel insurance

Emirates launches world’s most comprehensive travel insurance

17 June 2026 Press Release Airline News Organisations & Operators

Emirates has become the first airline in the world to offer Comprehensive Travel Cover, an industry-first travel insurance product that handles it all, including medical cover for conflict-related incidents, backed by airline-managed hotel accommodation and extended-stay support across a range of disruption scenarios. When itineraries include connecting on other airlines or Emirates services are unavailable, Emirates will also rebook disrupted customers to their destination at no additional cost, including where flights have been cancelled due to conflict-related disruption.