Business travel

The conversion of a loan from the French State to Air France into a shareholding will enable the national carrier to look forward to a brighter future.

With IATA's Travel Pass soon to be accepted by the Singaporean authorities and Japan Airlines exploring several solutions, digital certificates are continuing to make inroads into the airline industry.

The study by the UK charity Possible wants to impose a tax on the most frequent passengers. It shows, with figures to back it up, that the majority of flights are made by a small elite of frequent flyers. One more stone in the garden of air transport?

Hybrid meetings in partnership with Zoom, a recently launched covid test programme: the Radisson group is preparing for the resumption of corporate events.

Delta will be the last American airline to abolish the middle seat per row. This measure comes into force on 1 May.

The US President has unveiled a gigantic plan to stimulate the American economy and create millions of jobs. Called the "American Plan for Jobs", it provides for massive investment of 620 billion dollars in transport infrastructure.

Emmanuel Macron has announced a nationwide lockdown and a ban on inter-regional travel, except for business travellers. Those involved in the event industry are looking for a recovery from mid-May onwards.

Thalys has just published its results for 2020, which have been heavily impacted by the health crisis. Nevertheless, the rail company intends to demonstrate its ability to move forward again, as the carrier prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Hyatt plans to increase its portfolio in India by more than 70 % by 2023, notably under the Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place brands.

In this summer 2021 season, Qatar Airways remains the carrier offering the most connecting opportunities worldwide. According to the consultancy firm OAG, it is now the world's largest international airline in terms of seats/km, with 140 destinations offered.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is campaigning for the widespread use of antigen tests, which are faster, cheaper and just as reliable as PCR tests.

The tourism situation in Thailand remains difficult due to restrictions on the movement of international visitors. However, all those involved in the tourism industry believe that tourism will pick up very quickly, as soon as the country reopens. 

Business recovery, hybrid meetings, hotel teleworking and health safety: David Kelly, Hilton's senior vice-president for continental Europe, reviews the latest news from the American group.

Voco, IHG's contemporary and informal brand, continues its global expansion and has just passed the 50-strong mark.

The need expressed by the Biden administration to break the isolation of the United States and reconnect the country with its natural allies in Europe should result in the country reopening to international travellers in the near future.

The SNCF is unveiling a programme that has been revised downwards, while three additional départements are once again confined: Aube, Nièvre and Rhône.

Air France is closing most of its physical agencies in France from 1 April. This decision has been taken at a time when customer traffic in the cities is giving way to customer contacts via the airline's website and app.

From May, the Logis Hotels group will be offering a coworking service that could be deployed in most of its 2,300 affiliated establishments.

The Radisson Red lifestyle brand will be offering a 185-room hotel near London Gatwick airport in the second half of the year.

The lifestyle brand Ruby Hotels has just opened a new establishment in the heart of Frankfurt, crowned by a rooftop bathed in greenery.