Travel News Page 529
Luis Monreal new Director Sales Middle East, Lufthansa Group Airlines
Luis Monreal has been appointed new Director Sales Middle East Lufthansa Group Airlines, starting 01 April 2025. Based in Dubai, he will be steering the sales and commercial activities as well as coordinating and managing the representation for Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss and Eurowings in the large Middle East sales region, consisting of 16 countries. This region is comprised of all markets in the Gulf region (GCC), Turkey, the Levant region, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan. In his new position, Luis Monreal will report to Julia Hillenbrand, Vice President Sales Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Lufthansa Group Airlines. He will be succeeding Serkan Guerguen, who has taken over a new position at Lufthansa Group headquarters in Frankfurt.
Finnair celebrates 30 years of flights to Osaka
Finnair, the flag carrier of Finland, is celebrating three decades of flights to Osaka this weekend, having initially launched the Asian route in 1995. Taking to the skies for the first time on 19 April 1995, Finnair became an industry frontrunner, connecting Europe and Asia via the ‘short northern route’ and bridging the emerging Japanese city to Europe.
Turkish Airlines Celebrates a New Era in European Aviation
Turkish Airlines proudly marks a historic milestone in Türkiye’s aviation journey as iGA Istanbul Airport becomes the first in Europe to implement Triple Independent Runway Operations, effective as of April 17. This remarkable advancement reinforces the airport’s role as our global hub and solidifies Türkiye’s strategic position at the heart of international air travel.
SAS backs Bodø e-SAF declaration
SAS joins a broad coalition of aviation and energy stakeholders to support large-scale deployment of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), with a particular focus on e-SAF (Electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel).
RYANAIR AND EXPEDIA GROUP PARTNERSHIP TAKES OFF
Following the announcement of their “Approved OTA” partnership in July last, Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, this week announced that its low-fare flights across the airline’s industry-leading network of 230+ destinations are now available to book on Expedia Group – one of the world’s largest travel technology companies – providing Expedia Group customers with more choice and value for their European travels.
JetBlue Foundation Kicks Off 2025 Grant Cycle
The JetBlue Foundation launched its Spring 2025 granting cycle, championing innovation and accessibility in aviation and STEM education. As part of its ongoing mission to inspire and cultivate the next generation of aviators and engineers, the Foundation is now accepting applications for grants of up to $50,0001 through Friday, May 2, 2025. Grant application forms and criteria can be found on the JetBlue Foundation programs page here.
easyJet announces new winter seasonal services from the UK to the Scandinavian Mountains
easyJet this week put two new winter routes on sale between London Gatwick and Manchester to the Scandinavian Mountains • easyJet is the only UK operator to connect the UK with the Scandinavian Mountains - a brand new destination in easyJet’s network • Flights are now on sale from £38.99
Icelandair’s inaugural flight to Nashville
Icelandair has launched a new non-stop seasonal service between Nashville and Iceland. Nashville is Icelandair’s eighteenth destination in North America and the airline will offer four flights a week until the end of October.
Aeroflot becomes the first airline to implement domestic tablets for cabin crews
Aeroflot has become the first airline in Russia to introduce domestically-produced tablets for its cabin crews. The airline’s flight attendants are now using Russian-made Fplus T1100 tablets, running on the domestic operating system Aurora. In total, the airline has purchased over seven thousand devices. The mobile application Crew Tablet, developed specifically for Aeroflot by Aerogroup, is fully optimized for Aurora operating system, ensuring high performance and system stability.
The Luxury Collection Expands in Canada
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the introduction of Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax — marking the brand’s continued expansion in Canada. The Nova Scotia hotel joins the brand’s esteemed global portfolio, known for offering exceptional, authentic experiences rooted in the world’s most captivating destinations.
Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana Unveils New Holistic Wellness Retreats
Family-owned, art-infused boutique resort, Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana near Ubud, Bali has launched a trio of new holistic wellness retreats that guide guests on explorations of spiritual renewal, mental clarity and physical rejuvenation. Ranging from two nights to five nights, programmes are shaped by ancient Balinese traditions, harmonising cultural heritage and contemporary healing practices to create journeys of inner peace, balance and self-discovery.
NOVOTEL AND PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN UNVEIL PEDRO MIGUEL PAULETA’S LEGENDARY ROOM IN RIYADH
Novotel, in collaboration with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is delighted to unveil the Legendary Room celebrating Pedro Miguel Pauleta at Novotel Riyadh Sahafa. As part of the global Novotel Legendary Rooms initiative, this immersive and bespoke hotel room brings to life the legacy of one of PSG’s most iconic players, offering guests a unique blend of storytelling, design, and hospitality. The Legendary Room at Novotel Riyadh Sahafa pays homage to Pedro Miguel Pauleta “the Eagle of the Azores”, renowned for his contributions to PSG and the wider football world.