Travel and Executive Breaks
- The news you choose »
- Login to Add to Watchlist
Swiss airline gears up for summer rush out of UAE
The Middle East is an important market for most international airlines and with the busy summer season on the horizon we look at what some are doing to entice passengers on board. On this occasion Phil Blizzard takes a look at Swiss International Air Lines which has several on-board enhancements following a record breaking financial year which saw an increase in yields and profits.
Sustainability key to development of Dubai Airports
An insight to the robust sustainability plans to make the Dubai Airports greener is given by Anita Mehra, VP Marketing & Corporate Communications, Dubai Airports. These include the banning of Chapter 3 aircraft from Dubai International Airport to staff programmes on saving energy.
Lufthansa upgrades Middle East services ahead of summer demands
The Middle East is an important market for most international airlines and with the busy summer season on the horizon we look at what some are doing to entice passengers on board. Phil Blizzard speaks with Joachim Steinbach, VP, Sales & Services, Middle East, Lufthansa German Airlines about their new in-flight services and the openning of a Senator Lounge at Dubai International Airport.
Luggage to come under better control with green systems
The nightmare of many travellers is that of lost luggage and that of the operator is luggage which falls apart and forces a system breakdown. At the Airport Show in Dubai Phil Blizzard spoke to Stephen McSorley, Systems Engineering Manager, I.O. Systems Ltd about the developments in belt systems which make them greener and how new operating aspects will elevate lost luggage.
Dubai World Central passenger flights towards end of decade
Passenger traffic could migrate to Dubai World Central towards the end of the decade suggests Anita Mehra, VP Marketing & Corporate Communications, Dubai Airports. The reasoning behind that time frame is explained to Phil Blizzard at the Airport Show, Dubai.
Speedy airport security checks generates greater business
Speedier security checks means passengers are less stressed and are likely to speed more time in Duty Free shopping, meaning greater business for airport operators. Andy Dowe, Business Development Manager, Herbert Systems explains to Phil Blizzard how this can be achieved with their automatic tray return system.
Innovations in passenger security checks and baggage handling to be introduced at airports
Security checks are to be quicker using innovative technology which aims to speed up the process and reduce stress encountered passengers at airports. Phil Blizzard reports on the latest developments which will increase traffic flow at security checks and also the technology which will provide greater efficiency in the handling of baggage.
Dubai a haven of peace says Gerald Lawless, Jumeirah Group
Talking about the impact of the unrest in the Middle East on the Dubai hospitality sector Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group says that Dubai and the UAE is seen as a 'haven of tranquillity, security and peace'. He also talks to Phil Blizzard about the public-private partnership encouraging visitors to Dubai, especially those from across the GCC during the summer season.
Jumeirah Group to open hotels in Baku and the Maldives
Dubai based hospitality organisation the Jumeirah Group are expanding their international portfolio at a fast pace, expecting to have 60 properties signed or under management by the close of 2012. In this interview Phil Blizzard talks to Executive Chairman Gerald Lawless about the hotel in Baku and the two properties in the Maldives.
Hospitality companies withdraw project bids as unrest continues
As unrest in the Middle East continues, companies and organisations in the tourism sector are facing challenging times. Peter Ward talks to Tarek Elsherif, MD, Five Continents Hospitality Group on how their plans have changed.
Buddha Bar looks at Dubai as location for hotel
Buddha Bar, the renowed chill out bar and restaurant, is considering Dubai as a location for their new brand of hotels. At the Arabian Travel Market Phil Blizzard spoke to Nabil Souhail, Director, Business Development, Buddha Bar Hotels, Resorts & Spas about their hospitality developments following the opening of their first hotel in Prague.
Emirates Group profits up 42.9% on last year.
For the 23rd consecutive year The Emirates Group has announced record profits and for 2010 - 2011 the group profits are up 42.9% on the previous year. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group talks to Phil Blizzard about how their record profit was achieved and how the Dubai-based carrier is riding the various challenges facing the airline industry.
Rocco Forte's first Middle East hotel to open in Abu Dhabi
Rocco Forte, the European luxury hotel brand, has announced that its first hotel in the Middle East will open in Abu Dhabi in the fourth quarter of 2011. Richard Power, the firm's brand managing director, talks with Jeff Florian about the strength of the Rocco Forte brand and the new hotel opening in the UAE.
St. Regis to open its first hotel in the Middle East
The first St. Regis hotel in the Middle East is scheduled to open in Abu Dhabi on 1 November 2011. John Pelling, the hotel's GM, speaks with Jeff Florian about the strengths of the St. Regis brand and the unique features of this hotel.
Challenges abound for Middle East carriers
As soaring oil prices and political unrest continue to weigh heavily on carriers in the region, London-based aviation consultant John Strickland talks with Jeff Florian about the strategies carriers are using to combat these obstacles and the likelihood that some airlines may shut down for good.
