Travel News Page 60
Barbados and BVI Leaders Receive Top Honors at Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards
Barbados’ top tourism executive Andrea Franklin, and Luce Hodge-Smith, junior minister of tourism and culture for the British Virgin Islands, received top honors during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) third annual Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards held at InterContinental New York Times Square during Caribbean Week in New York on Monday.
Roberto Alvo Chairs the IATA Board of Directors
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, has taken up duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Directors. His one-year term began at the conclusion of the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 8 June 2026. Alvo is the 84th Chair of the IATA Board of Directors on which he has served since 2020. Alvo succeeds Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG). Gallego will continue to serve on the Board.
oneworld Secures One of Asia’s Last Major Independent Flag Carriers as Philippine Airlines Joins
In a move that could reshape the competitive balance of aviation across Asia-Pacific, Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to join the oneworld alliance, bringing one of the region’s last major independent flag carriers into the global airline partnership network. Announced during the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, the agreement will see Philippine Airlines become oneworld’s 16th member airline, strengthening the alliance’s position in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
Middle East Disruptions and High Fuel Prices Halve Airline Industry Profitability
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its latest financial outlook for the global airline industry showing a halving of profitability as a result of war-related Middle East disruptions and high fuel prices. The regional landscape, however, is highly differentiated. At the geographic center of the Middle East war, airlines in the Middle East are expected to collectively fall into the red with weak demand and operational disruptions. All other regions are expected to deliver profits, but at reduced levels from previous projections.
Xiamen Airlines to Host 83rd IATA AGM
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Xiamen Airlines will host the 83rd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in Xiamen, China, from 30 May to 1 June 2027. “We are excited to bring the 83rd IATA AGM to China, hosted by Xiamen Airlines. China is a major player in the aviation industry. China’s airlines are among the top airlines by passenger traffic in the world. And the country is at the forefront of how technology and digitalization can be deployed to improve efficiency. Hosting the AGM in China will allow the leaders of the global aviation industry to witness first-hand the impressive development of the China market,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Lufthansa Group welcomes visa-free airport transit for Indian nationals via Germany
The Lufthansa Group welcomes the decision of the Federal Republic of Germany to abolish airport transit visa requirements for Indian nationals travelling to third countries via German airports, effective 3 June 2026. This policy change, announced by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in New Delhi, will make journeys via key German hubs more seamless for Indian passengers and further strengthen air connectivity between India, Germany and the rest of the world.
Lufthansa flies the men’s national team to the U.S.
Starting in Chicago, with the World Cup on the horizon: Earlier this week, flight LH434 took off from Frankfurt Airport with the German men’s national soccer team on board, en route to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. As the official airline of the German men’s national soccer team, Lufthansa bid the team farewell with an exclusive departure event at the new Lufthansa Group Hangar One Congress and Visitor Center.
Ethiopian Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Mauritius, Boosting Regional Connectivity
Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest network operating carrier in Africa, is pleased to announce that it will launch its new three-times-weekly direct passenger service to Port Louis, Mauritius, effective July 12, 2026. This new route to the idyllic island nation underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic commitment to deepening continental integration while driving economic growth across Southeast Africa and beyond. By expanding regional connectivity, this service will elevate tourism, catalyze trade, and foster stronger people-to-people interactions, while creating an essential gateway that links regional markets to global networks.
JAL Achieves FY2025 Single-Use Plastic Reduction Targets
In order to fulfill the responsibility to pass on our precious Earth to the next generation, the JAL Group is working on the effective use of limited resources. By promoting 3R (Reduce/Reuse/Recycle) + 1 (Redesign) , the JAL Group has set and worked towards reduction targets up to FY2025 for all single-use plastics of JAL original items provided to customers.
American Airlines takes the FIFA World Cup 26 beyond the pitch — and 100 stories high at Edge NYC
As anticipation builds for the FIFA World Cup 26™, American Airlines is giving fans a new way to be part of the world’s biggest sporting event, from the streets of the Host Cities to 100 stories above New York City. This summer, American is launching its Spot the Bag campaign, a dynamic, on-the-ground experience that brings the excitement of the tournament directly to fans. The campaign is further brought to life through creative featuring former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard, who helps kick off the journey of the campaign’s signature suitcase, representing fans traveling to the FIFA World Cup 26™.
American takes lounge dining to new heights
American Airlines is redefining the premium lounge experience with significant upgrades to dining across its Flagship® and Admirals Club® lounges. Refreshed culinary offerings deliver greater choice, more complete meal offerings and a noticeably elevated presentation — reflecting American’s substantial investment in creating a premium, restaurant-inspired experience for customers before they fly. The updates broaden menu variety, introduce new ways to build a well-rounded meal and add premium touches that further elevate the experience for both leisure and business travelers.
Emirates recycles and reuses 88,000 kilograms of plastic from inflight dining
In celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June, Emirates is highlighting the significant impact of its closed-loop recycling programme, first launched in June 2023. Over the past year, the airline has repurposed more than 88,000 kilograms of plastic from Economy Class inflight meal service items, transforming them into new products for use onboard.