Author: Shawon Hannan
Heathrow Airport’s annual profits are set to experience a decline, surprising analysts despite the increase in passenger numbers. With projected profits down nearly 13%, the financial outlook contrasts sharply with traffic growth.Heathrow Airport anticipates a rise in passenger levels by 4.5% year-on-year, reaching an estimated 82.8 million travellers. Though this is above initial forecasts, the airport is witnessing a notable 9.7% decrease in aeronautical revenue, amounting to £2.2 billion. This contrasts a growing demand with diminishing income, largely due to a 20% reduction in regulatory charges initiated at the start of the year.The airport reports strong operational performance in the…
Not in the Guidebooks has strategically expanded its trade support team by recruiting experienced professionals from Co-op Holidays.This expansion is aimed at bolstering their capacity to meet increasing demands for experiential and sustainable travel offerings.Expansion of Trade Support TeamNot in the Guidebooks, a B Corp certified operator, has made strategic advancements in enhancing trade support by onboarding a new team from Co-op Holidays. The integration includes Tracy Lote as a sales team leader, alongside Vicky Lawrence and Hannah Mildenhall. This move represents a significant investment in strengthening their capacity to handle trade enquiries efficiently.Their commitment to providing experiential, sustainable, and…
Aer Lingus is grappling with a significant industrial challenge as talks with its pilots’ union, aimed at resolving a critical pay dispute, have failed.The failure to reach an agreement has heightened the threat of industrial action, including an eight-hour strike planned for the weekend.Failed Negotiations and Impending Strike ActionDiscussions between Aer Lingus and its pilots union have faltered, unable to resolve a critical pay dispute. This impasse has precipitated the threat of an eight-hour strike scheduled for Saturday. The breakdown of talks, which occurred yesterday, eliminated hope that the Irish Airline Pilots Association (Ialpa) would lift an indefinite work-to-rule action…
P&O Cruises has announced an exciting expansion to its Caribbean fly-cruise programme for 2025-26. New flights will operate from Cardiff, Glasgow, and Newcastle.This expansion marks a strategic move to increase accessibility and cater to growing customer demand. Passengers can now embark on their Caribbean cruise journey from a wider range of regional UK airports.The expansion of P&O Cruises’ fly-cruise programme greatly enhances convenience for customers in the UK. By introducing flights from Cardiff, Glasgow, and Newcastle, the cruise line is responding to passenger demand for more accessibility. Previously, the 14-night Caribbean holidays were only available from a limited number of…
The UK Outbound Group is organising a significant meeting post-general election to discuss future strategies for the travel sector.This meeting will bring together leaders across the UK travel industry to reflect on the sector’s progress and strategise for future political engagement.Political Engagement StrategyThe UK Outbound Group is set to convene an industry-wide meeting to deliberate on the sector’s political engagement strategy in the wake of the recent general election. This initiative is spearheaded by the Advantage Travel Partnership, the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT).Scheduled to be held on Monday,…
Budget airline easyJet has announced the commencement of new services from City of Derry Airport starting 4th November.The new routes will connect Northern Ireland with Edinburgh and Liverpool, operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.easyJet’s new services from City of Derry Airport are set to improve connectivity between Northern Ireland and major UK cities. The routes to Edinburgh and Liverpool will operate twice weekly, offering enhanced travel options for both business and leisure passengers. These additions aim to cater to the growing demand for convenient and flexible travel solutions.Furthermore, the availability of flights on Mondays and Fridays is particularly advantageous…
Luxury cruise line Crystal has embarked on an ambitious project to expand its fleet with two new ocean cruise ships. In collaboration with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Crystal aims to enhance its offerings in the luxury cruise market.These new vessels are designed with cutting-edge features and superior amenities that promise passengers an unparalleled cruising experience. Anticipated for launch in spring 2028, the first ship will set a new benchmark in luxury travel.Partnership with FincantieriThe partnership between Crystal and renowned shipbuilder Fincantieri marks a significant milestone in luxury cruising. Crystal and Fincantieri have had a longstanding relationship, which continues to flourish with…
Norwegian has debuted a new flight route from Gatwick to northern Norway, specifically to Harstad-Narvik airport in Evenes.These flights are scheduled weekly and will commence in November, offering a direct link for travellers keen to experience the northern lights and the Arctic wilderness.Tickets for the new route, connecting London to northern Norway, have gone on sale. This weekly service, beginning 2 November, will operate during the winter season.Magnus Thome Maursund, chief commercial officer at Norwegian, highlighted the region’s attractions including the northern lights and the stunning Arctic wilderness.The launch of this route is a significant step in enhancing connectivity between…
Crystal has initiated a strategic expansion by ordering two new luxury ocean vessels.Partnering with Fincantieri, these ships will introduce innovative designs and amenities.New Fleet ExpansionCrystal has embarked on an ambitious expansion of its luxury fleet by signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. This marks the addition of two cutting-edge ocean vessels designed to enhance the cruising experience dramatically.These vessels, each accommodating 690 passengers with a gross tonnage of 61,800, promise to offer a multitude of new amenities. The architectural designs, spearheaded by Studio Ibsen and Studio Gem, aim to elevate the luxury and comfort of…
Caledonian Leisure has achieved a significant milestone with a 40% increase in annual turnover, reaching £55 million. This impressive growth is attributed to strategic expansions and acquisitions.The company expanded its operations in Scotland with the acquisition of Tartan Travel and new departure points, enhancing regional connectivity.Investment in a new series of hotels under The Caledonian Collection brand marks its entry into the hospitality sector.The continued focus on strengthening its network of regional travel centres has resulted in new central locations in Leeds and Newcastle.Customer-centric strategies underpin the company’s growth, with Abtot protection retained to ensure customer satisfaction and security.Caledonian Leisure…