The post Air Astana releases Q3-2024 financial and operational results appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Central Asia’s Air Astana Joint Stock Company announced its financial and operational results for the third quarter and nine months ended 30 September on Tuesday, 5th November.

The airline firm reported robust RASK, EBITDAR, and steady ongoing margin growth throughout the third quarter of this year. 

The Q3 report also shows that total revenue and other income excluding non-recurring items increased 10.4 percent year-on-year (YOY)  to US$ 410.0 million. 

Adjusted EBITDAR excluding non-recurring items was up 12.6 percent YoY to US$128.8 million, while the adjusted EBITDAR margin excluding non-recurring items expanded to  31.4 percent.  

ASK up 8.4 percent YoY to 5.9B (Q3 2023: 5.4B), while RPK of 5.1B was reported, marking an increase of 9.8 percent YoY.

Improved operational capacity

Air Astana chief executive Peter Foster likewise remarked on the way the Group continued to improve overall capacity and operational efficiency throughout the third quarter.

Foster said: “We are also making great strides in increasing the Group’s capacity and operational efficiency. Our fleet  development plan remains ahead of schedule, reaching 57 aircraft, and we have accelerated the  simplification of our fleet with the redelivery of two E2s in 2024, with the remainder scheduled for 2025.  

“We have successfully introduced additional central fuel tanks on the Airbus A321LR enabling non-stop  flights over long-haul distances. Starting with a non-stop flight to London, Air Astana now offers one of  the longest narrow-body routes in the world on our most efficient fleet.” 

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The post Delta launches new flight map designed for accessibility appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Delta is bringing a new, more accessible flight map to most of its 165,000 seatback screens—the most in the industry—making the beloved moving map experience more accessible than ever. The new flight map prioritizes accessibility while continuing to provide the key features customers know, love and expect. Its high-contrast display and features are designed specifically with travellers with low-vision disabilities in mind. The enhanced product ensures that even more customers are empowered to experience the flight map effortlessly and independently.

“No one better connects the world than Delta,” says Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Managing Director of Customer Experience – In-Flight Entertainment, Delta Studio and Wi-Fi. “To truly fulfill that promise, we must ensure every customer can connect with their journey in a way that enhances their experience and makes them feel valued and cared for. We are proud to be the first airline to launch this technology, setting the standard for inclusive travel experiences across the industry.”

For countless travelers, Delta’s flight map is a beloved part of the in-flight entertainment experience—it’s an opportunity to immerse themselves in their journey while embracing mindfulness through the calming details of the moving map. Delta’s new flight map demonstrates the airline’s understanding of the importance of making this experience accessible.

Delivering a world-class experience to all travellers 

Delta’s commitment to accessibility is rooted in its belief that travel is for everyone. Already an industry leader with 100% closed captioning on all movies and series content and a 40% increase in audio descriptive content in the last year, Delta continues to seek ways to make travel more accessible.

While its flight map was already built to meet all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and European Accessibility Act (EAA) standards, Delta saw an opportunity to push further. Alongside inflight map provider FlightPath3D, the airline collaborated closely with its Advisory Board on Disability, presenting an early version of the map for hands-on testing and feedback that was instrumental in refining the final design and functionality that customers will experience today. This collaborative approach emphasizes the importance of listening, learning and innovating based on the real experiences of those most affected by inclusive design efforts.

“It’s exciting as a visually impaired person that Delta is making the flight map more accessible for low-vision users,” says Thomas Panek, Chair of Delta’s Advisory Board on Disability and President of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. “By making flight maps more accessible to low-vision users, Delta is making the experience better for all travelers.”

Inclusivity as a Core Design Feature 

The new flight map is rolling out to customers now on more than 650 aircraft across the airline’s global fleet. Core features include:

• High-Contrast Visuals: Bright colors against dark background or grayscale rendering ensures maximum visibility and reduced eye strain.

• Color Blind Palette: Use of patterns and textures in addition to colors to distinguish different areas and elements on the map.

• Large Text & Icons: All text and iconography is rendered at larger sizes, eliminating the need to squint or strain to make out details.

• Streamlined Information: Clearly labeled map features like countries, borders and major cities are prioritized to reduce clutter and enhance readability.

• Zoom & Pan Controls: Users can zoom in/out and pan around the map view to adjust to their preferred perspective and visual needs.

• Voice Narration (coming in future versions of the accessible map experience): Planned voice narration will leverage AI and flight data to provide audio updates on arrival times, points of interest and more.

Delta knows that the path to a more accessible travel experience is a journey, but the airline is proud to be moving in the right direction.

 

 

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The post Vince “Air Canada” Carter’s legacy soars with high-flying tribute appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Air Canada is joining forces with Vince Carter to celebrate his career as the Toronto Raptors prepare to retire his jersey tomorrow evening. Adding to the excitement, Air Canada has unveiled a special Vince Carter livery in honour of his impact on basketball in Canada.

Carter, known for his gravity-defying dunks, earned the nickname “Air Canada” during his seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors. This connection was solidified as he played in the arena where, at the time, Air Canada was the inaugural naming sponsor, tying the athlete, the airline, and Canadian basketball together in a memorable way.

“Everyone at Air Canada is beyond excited to celebrate Vince Carter’s trailblazing career,” said Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada. “As national carrier the country’s national airline, we’re proud of our long-standing support for Canada’s teams and exceptional athletes. Vince Carter’s legacy shows that in addition to his number taking its place in the rafters, it also is meant to fly.”

The livery will fly high until end of April 2025, proudly featuring Carter’s silhouette, signature, and jersey number. The aircraft undercarriage will also bear Carter’s name and number, so fans can spot the plane as it soars over the country he helped catapult onto basketball’s global stage.

“The city of Toronto, and Canada as a whole, has meant so much to me throughout my career,” said Vince Carter. “I am deeply touched by this tribute from Air Canada and can’t wait to share the excitement with all the incredible fans across the country.”

Air Canada is committed to supporting and celebrating Canadian teams and athletes who exemplify excellence while valuing diversity and inclusivity, as part of its ongoing commitment to share the best of Canada with the world. The partnership in honour of Carter reflects this commitment, celebrating a true icon and his remarkable career in Canada.

“Like Raptors fans, we are incredibly excited to celebrate a pivotal moment in franchise history, and Air Canada is uniquely positioned to join us in providing Raptors fans an unforgettable experience to honour the basketball icon dubbed ‘Air Canada’,” said Jordan Vader, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships, MLSE. “From the unveil of a first-of-its kind livery to special branded activations during the jersey retirement game, we look forward to sharing these history-making moments with fans alongside Air Canada.”

The airline will also salute Carter’s legacy during his November 2 jersey retirement, with in-game virtual signage, an employee-led t-shirt toss and heart-felt tribute video.

 

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The post Nium partners with HyperGuest appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Nium, the global infrastructure for real-time cross-border payments, today announced a strategic partnership with HyperGuest, a premier B2B marketplace for the travel and hospitality industry. This collaboration brings together Nium’s advanced virtual card payment solution with HyperGuest’s innovative travel distribution platform to deliver greater efficiency, speed, and security in payments for HyperGuest’s network of travel partners, hotels, and other accommodation providers around the world.

Payment failures, fraud, and inefficiencies are especially prevalent in B2B hotel transactions due to factors like high transaction volumes and tech incompatibility between payment systems. Many aggregators and online travel agencies are making payments to hotels through legacy banking systems and card networks, where transactions can stall for days or weeks with no visibility into status.

The integration of Nium’s virtual card solution into HyperGuest’s platform will facilitate faster, more secure, and transparent payments for travel businesses globally. Nium virtual cards, known for real-time local issuance in over 20 local currencies worldwide, will enhance HyperGuest’s ability to connect and transact with its expansive network of global partners, streamlining complex payment workflows and eliminating traditional bottlenecks.

Independent hotels and chains on the HyperGuest platform will benefit from automated reconciliaiton and faster settlement, reducing fraud and improving cash flow to unlock working capital. For travel distributors and merchants, improved acceptance and reduced payment costs enable increased collaboration with hotel and accommodation partners.

“In a short period of time, Nium’s innovative virtual card solution has enabled us to increase payment volumes and offer more choice, flexibility, and control for travel partners and hotels in our network,” said Amit Rahav, Chief Product & Strategy Officer and Co-founder at HyperGuest. “By removing the middleman from the payment journey, Nium is helping us to create a fairer travel payments landscape, streamlining the process to ensure secure, cost-effective, and timely payments for participants across the entire value chain.”

The partnership arrives at a pivotal time as the global travel industry adapts to new operational challenges and the growing demand for digital-first financial solutions. Together, Nium and HyperGuest are set to redefine payment processes in the B2B travel ecosystem, helping businesses remain competitive and resilient in an evolving marketplace.

“Our partnership with HyperGuest underscores Nium’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the travel industry with simpler, faster, and more efficient payments on a global scale,” said Max Lehmann, Senior Vice President of Travel Payments at Nium. “We are excited to grow our partnership with HyperGuest, delivering the benefits of our cutting-edge virtual card solution to more hotels and accommodation providers around the world. At the heart of it, it’s about unlocking new opportunities for travelers by enabling hotels to focus on what they do best; delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

 

 

 

 

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The post Virtuoso’s continued worldwide expansion leads to strategic executive realignment appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Thatcher Brown Joins Virtuoso as Senior Vice President, Global Products and Jennifer Campbell is named Senior Vice President, Global Events.

Virtuoso®, the global leader in luxury and experiential travel, has announced changes within its Senior Leadership Team and a strategic realignment designed to position Virtuoso for future growth and enhance its capacity for product innovation. With senior executive Travis McElfresh announcing his departure last month, Virtuoso has taken the opportunity to reimagine its organisational structure. These changes reflect Virtuoso’s commitment to shaping the future of luxury travel by optimising operations and accelerating the delivery of products, services and events for its member agencies, advisors, preferred partners and travelers.

With a focus on creating consistency across all nine geographic regions it serves, Virtuoso has named Thatcher Brown as its Senior Vice President, Global Products. The new Global Product division encompasses consumer, digital, design and network products. By consolidating all products under one unified team, Virtuoso plans to capitalize on synergies and efficiencies across its offerings, enabling further development of products that can serve its diverse and rapidly growing Network.

Brown comes to Virtuoso with an extensive background in developing successful luxury hospitality and lifestyle brands on a global scale. Most recently, Brown served as Chief Commercial Officer and head of joint operations for Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yachts. There, he led the go-to-market planning and implementation of global sales, marketing, revenue and deployment strategies and acted as the lead operational liaison with Four Seasons counterparts. Prior to that, Brown was CCO of Explora Cruises as part of the start-up executive team, as well as president of Dream Cruises and managing director of Crystal Cruises Asia, where he successfully grew market share with long-haul Asia source markets. His previous experience also includes senior- level roles at Costa Cruises, Jumeirah Group, Four Seasons and Fairmont Hotels &. Resorts.

Additionally, Virtuoso veteran Jennifer Campbell will now focus entirely on the organisation’s growing roster of events, having been named Senior Vice President, Global Events. The move further emphasises Virtuoso’s ethos around strengthening human connections within its network and across all markets, with more than 50 events worldwide planned for 2025. Campbell will continue to build her team in each region, ensuring relevance and consistency across all regional and global events, while also delivering value to attendees.

“Jennifer’s deep understanding of our brand, her strategic vision and her unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in making Virtuoso events the industry benchmark,” said Brad Bourland, Chief Operating Officer for Virtuoso. “She and her growing team will work to meet the increasing demand for the exceptional, unique and genuine interactions that define Virtuoso events.”

Bourland continued, “Travis McElfresh was instrumental in establishing the product discipline within Virtuoso and leaves a legacy for us to build upon as he departs to focus on family. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Thatcher Brown to build the future, tapping into his extensive experience in driving luxury product development and strategy, keeping our stakeholders and their customers in the center of all decisions. We are refining our structure to be more efficient, agile and responsive, enabling us to better serve the diverse and evolving needs of our global network, and Thatcher will have a strong hand in that. These changes demonstrate our commitment to our partners and members, continuous improvement and our dedication to maintaining Virtuoso’s leadership position in luxury travel.”

 

 

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The post IATA and ASA Strengthen Cooperation  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airport  Services Association (ASA) are strengthening their collaboration to improve ground handling safety and efficiency. Together, the organizations will work to reinforce standardization, promote safety  data sharing, and explore new approaches to enhance sector resilience.

“Global standards make aviation safer, and ASA and its members have been pivotal in helping  develop the IATA ground handling standards we rely on today. By sharing data, we will be able to  support this vital activity with data-driven insights and decisions. Maximizing the impact of data relies  on broad contributions. We encourage ground handler participation to strengthen our collective  insights,” said Nick Careen, Senior Vice-President Operations, Safety and Security at IATA.

“This partnership is a significant milestone that leverages the expertise of both IATA and ASA. By  coordinating our approach, we will ensure more robust support for ground and cargo handling  professionals worldwide. Our goal is to ensure that standards and best practices are in place that the  entire industry can rely on,” said Fabio Gamba, ASA’s Director General.

IATA and ASA collaboration will include:

• Safety Data: Through ASA’s Safety Incident Database and IATA’s Incident Data Exchange (a  part of IATA’s Global Aviation Data Management—GADM—initiative), both organizations will  share and analyze safety information to proactively address safety issues related to ground  and cargo handling.
• Industry Standards: ASA will continue to work with IATA in the development of industry best  practices and standards related to ground and cargo handling, taking advantage of relevant  data. In particular, this work will focus on key documents such as the IATA Ground Operations  Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM), their adoption by the industry and  reduction of variations.

 

 

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The post Holidaymakers owed £44.7 million in refunds for little-known fee appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

UK travellers could be owed an estimated £44.7 million in refunds for Air Passenger Duty (APD), according to new research. The study says that around one in 10 Brits could be eligible, but more than three-quarters (77%) of these travellers are unaware they might be owed a refund. In this case, it means millions potentially going unclaimed from airlines.^[1][2]

The figures come from Go.Compare, which asked Brits about their travel experiences over the last year to find out how many could be owed a refund. It then multiplied this by the average APD paid per passenger to uncover how much flyers could be entitled to.

APD, sometimes referred to as airport tax, is an excise tax on flights from the UK designed to raise funds for the government and encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport. Although airlines are required to pay the tax, the expense is often passed on to the customer in the ticket price.

However, the tax is only payable once the traveller has flown, meaning anyone who bought a ticket but then didn’t travel should be able to claim back the tax – even on a non-refundable ticket.

The insurance comparison site says that only a third of Brits have heard of APD. As a result, 3.6 million UK adults could be owed the refund without them even realising, equal to a small fortune in unclaimed repayments. Now it’s urging travellers to check if they could be entitled to claim their money back.

Holidaymakers could be reimbursed for the tax if they missed a flight and had to buy a second ticket, cancelled a booking for a non-refundable plane ticket or didn’t fly because their flight was cancelled. Eligible travellers could be owed up to £224 depending on the destination and flight class of their journey, and can claim by contacting the airline and providing their trip details.

Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert at Go.Compare, says: “Very few travellers know what Air Passenger Duty is and understand how it works. This means millions could be entitled to some money from their airline without even realising it.

“Your eligibility for the refund and how much you can claim depends on the circumstances of your trip, so you will need to check if you’re entitled to anything first. Keep in mind that you’ll likely only be refunded if you didn’t travel, so if you were placed on another flight as a result of a cancellation, for instance, you probably won’t be eligible, since you still flew.

“But, if for example you missed your flight and had to buy another ticket for a later departure, you could claim back the tax on the original ticket, as you paid the APD twice but only flew once. Some airlines do impose a deadline and an admin fee to claim, which can mean it isn’t worthwhile for some trips, but not all of them do this, so it’s worth looking into for your journey.

“You won’t be able to claim for any knock-on expenses as a result of an incomplete journey here either, that’s what your travel insurance is for. But, it’s a great way to take the sting out of a disappointing day at the airport.”

 

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The post Banyan Group establishes its Rewilding Banyan Fund appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

To commemorate its 30th anniversary, sustainable hospitality pioneer Banyan Group announced the establishment of its Rewilding Banyan Fund. 

As of 1st November, USD $1 from every direct booking of Banyan Group’s hotels and resorts will be pledged to the new fund, supporting long-term rewilding efforts to restore natural habitats in destinations where the Group operates.  

Building upon the success of the rewilding initiative piloted at Laguna Phuket in 2023, where 7,500 saplings from 84 native species were planted to create high-density, self-sustaining bio-diverse pocket forests, the new fund will drive the expansion of the Group’s rewilding efforts to at least 10 more destinations.

Banyan Group will continue working with rewilding specialists, SUGI, as a partner for various pocket forest projects in the pipeline.

Part of the brand’s history

According to Banyan Group deputy CEO Ho Ren Yung, rewilding is deeply rooted in the hospitality group’s history. 

Ho said: “The land of our flagship Banyan Tree resort in Phuket was rehabilitated from a barren tin mine into a lush sanctuary through an extensive clean up and tree planting efforts, laying the foundation for our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

That said, the Rewilding Banyan Fund now gives Banyan Group the opportunity to do the same with even more communities around the world, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and wonder of our natural world for a long time to come.

SUGI founder and chief executive Elise Van Middelem added: “Banyan Group’s commitment to responsible stewardship is closely aligned with SUGI’s goal to build biodiversity, climate resilience and wellbeing in communities. Following the successful pilot at Laguna Phuket, we are hopeful that our collaborative effort will drive lasting, positive impact on the environment and communities around the world, one pocket forest at a time.”

The Rewilding Banyan Fund joins Banyan Group’s collection of sustainability initiatives, among them, the Green Imperative Fund, which was established in 2001 to support environmental and community projects across the Group’s global portfolio. Together, both funds will support Banyan Group’s founding ethos and commitment of Embracing the Environment, Empowering People.

(Images all courtesy of SUGI)

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The post Frasers Hospitality opens its first hotel residence in Northern Vietnam appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Frasers Hospitality announced the opening of Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen, its first hotel residence in the Vinh Phuc province of Northern Vietnam. 

Centrally located in the heart of the city’s old quarters, it is the preferred address for urban dwellers in search of flexibility and comfort with easy access to authentic local experiences.

Ideal for exploring all that the city has to offer, Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen features 88 fully furnished serviced apartments comprising studios and one- to three-bedroom units, which are well-equipped with a kitchenette, separate large living and dining areas for both business and leisure travellers alike. 

For absolute peace of mind, the brand’s renowned hospitality excellence is evident in its 24/7 reception, security and concierge team, as well as housekeeping services.

Frasers Hospitality CEO Eu Chin Fen said of the Modena: “As we continue to drive growth in Vietnam, we are excited to introduce the distinctive experience of the Modena by Fraser brand to Vinh Yen. The launch of our third brand in Vietnam complements our existing portfolio in Hanoi to provide enriched living experiences for today’s travellers.

An excellent location

Home to thriving industrial parks as well as some of the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam, Vinh Yen is in the northern part of the country and a 50-minute drive from Hanoi. 

A vibrant city known for its rich history, and stunning landscapes, guests visiting this vibrant city can look forward to the picturesque scenery of the breathtaking Tam Dao Mountain range and tranquil Dai Lai Lake. 

This provincial capital is also home to numerous cultural and historical sites, such as the Vinh Son Pagoda and the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel.  

Modena by Fraser Vinh Yen’s strategic location provides myriad leisure activities for an enriching weekend getaway.

Foodies will enjoy exploring the famed Kim Ngoc Food Street, which offers a range of delicious street foods and snacks.

Avid golfers will appreciate the short 30-minute drive to three of the largest golf courses in Vinh Phuc, namely Thanh Lang Valley Golf & Resort; Dai Lai Golf Club; and Tam Dao Golf & Resort. 

Other amenities are easily accessible, such as supermarkets, Vinh Yen train station, and the Noi Bai International Airport, which is a mere 46-minute drive.

Great amenities for everyone to enjoy

The all-day dining restaurant, Yên Ả Café & Dining, offers a diverse menu of local and international cuisine, complemented by a selection of signature bubble teas inspired by the rich history and flavours of Vietnam, making it a versatile place for corporate events, evening cocktails, and business meetings. 

Gone are the days when movie lovers must travel to Hanoi to catch blockbusters from the silver screen: Beta@Modena, the first and only cinematic experience in Vinh Yen, will bring entertainment and pop culture closer to the local community with its seating capacity of 160.

Other thoughtful amenities include an outdoor pool and two sauna rooms while fitness enthusiasts can look forward to an invigorating workout at the 24-hour gym. 

Families travelling with young children will enjoy the Kids’ Playzone, an indoor play area for children 12 years and below.

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