Travel News Page 466
EVA Air to Join IATA’s Turbulence Aware Platform Enhancing Flight Safety
EVA Air remains at the forefront of innovation and advancing safety measures whenever possible. At the 81st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), EVA Air President Clay Sun and IATA Director General Willie Walsh signed a cooperation agreement announcing EVA Air’s official membership in the IATA’s Turbulence Aware platform.
IATA CO2 Connect Integrated into the Amadeus Travel Platform
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Amadeus are integrating flight-specific emissions data from IATA CO2 Connect in the Amadeus Travel Platform. This will allow airlines, travel agents, corporate travel managers, and online platforms that request IATA CO2 Connect data to provide travelers with a new source of trusted emissions data at the point of booking. IATA CO2 Connect uses real operational data, such as aircraft type-specific fuel consumption, directly contributed by over 70 airlines and calculated using a globally standardized methodology.
GOL, TAP Adopt IATA FuelIS to Deliver Long-Term Fuel Savings
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that GOL and TAP Air Portugal have become the first airlines to use IATA FuelIS—an advanced analytics solution designed to help airlines optimize fuel consumption. IATA’s net-zero carbon emissions roadmap (pdf) highlights that technology and operational efficiency improvements—which directly lower fuel consumption—are expected to contribute to about 10% of the emissions reduction in 2050*.
Malaysia Airlines debuts Manchester United livery during 2025 Asia Post-Season Tour
Malaysia Airlines proudly unveiled a specially designed Manchester United themed livery on its A330-300 aircraft, celebrating its ongoing role as the football club’s Official Commercial Airline Partner. The special aircraft will carry the First Team to their next match scheduled in Hong Kong on 30 May 2025 as part of its Post-Season Tour in Asia, showcasing a bold design that merges the airline’s iconic Malaysia flag livery with Manchester United’s iconic red - symbolising the shared values of passion, pride, and global unity.
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Turkish Airlines and THAI strike codeshare agreement
Turkish Airlines and Thai Airways (THAI) have announced a codeshare agreement to drive more passenger traffic between Türkiye and Thailand. The flag carriers signed a joint business agreement in Delhi at the IATA Annual General Meeting on 1 June 2025, extending an alliance that began in December 2023 when Thai Airways launched daily flights from Bangkok to Istanbul.
DCT and Rotana Unveil Summer Campaign to Drive Regional Tourism
Building on the strategic collaboration announced at Arabian Travel Market 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Rotana, the Middle East’s leading hospitality company, have now unveiled the first phase of their joint initiative to boost summer tourism to the emirate. This partnership aims to address seasonal travel lulls and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a dynamic, year-round destination. With Rotana’s strong regional appeal and global loyalty network, the collaboration is primed to drive bookings across Abu Dhabi’s diverse source markets, particularly the GCC.
Mews’ AI-Powered Smart Tips Top 5 Million Weekly Views, Revolutionizing Guest Personalization
Mews, the industry-leading hospitality cloud, has announced a major milestone in broadening hospitality teams leveraging AI in their day-to-day. AI Smart Tips is reshaping guest interactions by giving hotel staff easy access to a centralized summary of each guest’s key information and preferences, available at every point of contact throughout the guest’s stay. Mews AI Smart Tips are now viewed over 5 million times a week by hoteliers around the world, helping them to personalize the experience for their guests.
First-Ever StudioRes Hotel in Fort Myers, Florida
Marriott International, Inc. announced the landmark opening of StudioRes Fort Myers, the first-ever StudioRes hotel and the company’s debut in the midscale extended stay segment. The all-studios hotel is now accepting reservations for stays, almost two years to the day since Marriott unveiled the concept. A newly created brand within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, StudioRes was thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide variety of travelers, including those on long-term work trips and assignments, construction projects, relocations, and more.
Turkish Airlines Chairman Prof. Ahmet Bolat Re-elected to the IATA Board of Directors
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat, has been re-elected to the Board of Directors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for a second term during the IATA’s 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in New Delhi. During his three-year tenure, Prof. Bolat will continue to contribute to the global aviation vision and represent the industry among other leading aviation executives.
flydubai becomes the first UAE carrier to touch down in Damascus
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, inaugurated its operations to Syria with the resumption of flights to Damascus. The inaugural flight FZ 115 touched down in Damascus International Airport (DAM) on 01 June to a water cannon salute. The inaugural flight marks the start of flydubai’s daily flights to Damascus.
Etihad brings its flagship A350 to Sydney with private Business Suites featuring sliding doors
Etihad Airways is set to elevate its Sydney to Abu Dhabi service with the introduction of the Airbus A350-1000, bringing enhanced comfort, more premium seating and innovation to its important Australian route. Beginning 1 October 2025, the A350 will join the Sydney schedule on select flights, complementing the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner currently serving the route, with both aircraft offering the latest Business Suites. From 31 January 2026, Etihad will fully transition its 10 weekly Sydney services to A350 operations, offering guests a next-generation travel experience, and Melbourne will be served daily by Etihad’s latest 787-9 aircraft featuring Business Suites and increased premium capacity.
Aer Lingus Launches Onboard Digital Donations in Support of UNICEF
Aer Lingus and UNICEF Ireland today announced the launch of a new onboard digital donation capability, offering customers new ways to contribute to UNICEF’s vital work for children around the world. Customers flying on Aer Lingus long-haul services can now scan a QR code or tap their bank card on cabin crew devices to make quick, secure donations directly to UNICEF during their flight, in addition to the traditional collection of cash donations.