Corporate Travel News

Kenya's President William Ruto stated (12-Dec-2023) "Kenya will be a visa free country" from Jan-2024. Mr Ruto said: "It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya". He added: "The Government has abolished the requirement of visas for all our visitors. To implement this new policy, we have developed a digital platform to ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform. All travellers will obtain electronic travel authorisation". [more - original PR]

Finnair, via its official Facebook account, announced (11-Dec-2023) it will increase the checked baggage allowance for long haul business class customers with classic and flex tickets. Passengers who have purchased these tickets on or after 11-Dec-2023, will be able to bring two checked bags up to 32kg each.

Etihad Airways plans to suspend three times weekly Abu Dhabi-Guangzhou service from 20-Feb-2024, as per a 07-Dec-2023 GDS inventory and timetable display. The carrier launched the service in Oct-2022, marking the first China route launched by Etihad since 2012.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced (08-Dec-2023) plans to increase Singapore-Brisbane frequency from 21 to 25 times weekly from 28-Nov-2024. The additional frequencies will be operated with 253 seat A350-900 aircraft and will see SIA reach 99% of pre-COVID capacity to Australia. [more - original PR]

Japan Airlines announced (07-Dec-2023) plans to commence daily Toyko Haneda-Doha service with Boeing 787-9 equipment on 31-Mar-2024. Qatar Airways also operates the route, according to OAG. [more - original PR]

Emirates Airline announced (07-Dec-2023) plans to introduce a new selection of fine wines in 2024. The wine list will include Montrachet 2011, Chevalier Montrachet 2013, Corton Charlemagne 2014, Grand Crus like Échezeaux, Clos Vougeot and Chambertin. Emirates is also planning to introduce several First Growths from Bordeaux in the coming years, from the estates of Château Mouton, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Cheval Blanc and Château d'Yquem. Currently Emirates offers 36 different varieties of French wines and Champagnes onboard its aircraft. Emirates features the most extensive wine cellar of any airline, with dedicated facilities in France which currently house around six million bottles of fine wine, some of which will not be served until 2037. Emirates Airline invested more than AED186 million (USD50.65 million) in wine and champagne in 2022. Emirates invested more than USD1 billion into its wine programme since 2006. [more - original PR]

Emirates Airline launched (07-Dec-2023) its premium economy offering in Brazil, marking the first destination in Emirates' Latin American network to offer premium economy. The carrier introduced premium economy class on three times weekly Sao Paulo service on 19-Nov-2023, operated with four class A380. The carrier plans to offer premium economy on daily Sao Paulo service from 11-Dec-2023. Country manager for Brazil and Argentina Stephane Perard said: "We are the only airline offering the premium economy experience on direct flights between São Paulo and the Middle East". GRU Airport Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport chief commercial officer João Pita said: "It is an important offering for long-distance flights, especially in markets where there is a significant corporate traveler segment and audiences who prefer premium travel, such as in São Paulo". [more - original PR]

EUROCONTROL reported (07-Dec-2023) the following highlights for European aviation, for the period between 27-Nov-2023 and 03-Dec-2023:

• The network recorded 23,809 average daily flights, -1.2% week-on-week and +5% year-on-year, reaching 92% of 2019 levels;
• Intra Europe: 18,125 daily flights, -2% week-on-week and 90% of 2019 levels;
• Intercontinental: 4977, +1% week-on-week and 93% of 2019 levels;
• On the intercontinental network, Europe-Middle East was the largest regional flow, with 1185 daily flights, 9% below 2019 levels;
• Europe-North Africa recorded the highest increase compared to 2019 (+25%), while Europe-Other Europe (including Russia) recorded the largest decrease (-69%);
• UK-US was the top long haul country pair, with 293 average daily flights, +13% week-on-week and +26% compared with 2019;
• The mainline (+8%) and low cost (+11%) sectors are recording year-on-year growth, while regional (-1%), business (-2%) all cargo (-5%) and non scheduled (-7%) are down. Compared to 2019, business (+22%) and all cargo (+10%) are recording growth. [more - original PR]

Vietnam Airlines launched (07-Dec-2023) three times weekly Ho Chi Minh City-Perth service on 07-Dec-2023. The service will provide around 43,000 inbound seats to Western Australia per year. [more - original PR]

STARLUX Airlines confirmed (05-Dec-2023) plans to commence three times weekly Taiwan Taoyuan-San Francisco service with A350 equipment on 16-Dec-2023. The airline plans to increase frequency to daily from Mar-2024. San Francisco will be STARLUX's second destination in the US, following Los Angeles. EVA Air, China Airlines and United Airlines also operate the route, according to OAG. [more - original PR]