September 25, 2023

News in brief: Aer Lingus, Virgin Red, Sabre, Qatar and more

Aer Lingus has signed a sustainable aviation fuel supply agreement with US-based renewable fuels producer Gevo. It plans to start fuelling its aircraft with SAF from Gevo from 2026 with the purchase of 19,000 tonnes per year for five years. As part of IAG, Aer Lingus has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has committed to powering 10% of its flights using SAF by 2030. 

Virgin Red has announced a new partnership giving members the opportunity to earn 2,000 Virgin Points when they book a stay with Virgin Hotels. The brand has six hotels already open across the US and UK with more to follow. Rewards include flights, holidays or live concerts in the Virgin Red Room or smaller rewards including a cinema ticket for just 1,350 Virgin Points. 

Sabre Corporation will make Finnair’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) content available through Sabre’s global distribution system. This means Sabre-connected travel agents will be able to shop, book, and manage Finnair’s NDC offers through Sabre’s Offer and Order APIs, the point-of-sale tool Sabre Red 360 as well as the corporate booking solution GetThere starting in November 2022.

Air Canada and Emirates have joined forces to establish a codeshare relationship later this year. Air Canada customers will now be able to travel to the UAE and to destinations beyond Dubai. Emirates customers will also enjoy an enhanced travel experience when travelling to Toronto or to key destinations across the Air Canada network. Customers will have the ability to book connecting travel between both airlines’ networks with a single ticket.

Qatar Airways has unveiled Platinum, Gold and Silver lounges at Hamad International Airport. The brand new facilities will offer new spaces where passengers can rest, unwind and enjoy amenity products from Diptyque, and indulge in international cuisine and a wide beverage selection.

BLVD hotel has opened on Blackpool Seafront, ideally located for business travellers. The five-star property is within walking distance of the new Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre, which accommodates up to 2,000 delegates across 2400 sqm.

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