December 1, 2023

News in brief: Singapore Airlines, United and Advantage

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has rolled out complimentary unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi for all Business Class customers, as well as its PPS Club members and PPS Club supplementary card holders. In addition, KrisFlyer members now enjoy free three-hour Wi-Fi plans when travelling in Premium Economy Class and free two-hour Wi-Fi plans when travelling in Economy Class. Customers who are not KrisFlyer members or have consumed their complimentary plans may take advantage of SIA’s new, simplified Wi-Fi price plans, ranging from US$3.99 (approximately £3.25) for one hour, US$8.99 (approximately £7.30) for three hours, and US$15.99 (approximately £13) for the entire flight.

United Airlines has appointed Karolien De Hertogh as Director Sales UK and Ireland, starting on February 15.  De Hertogh brings more than 15 years of industry experience to her new role, taking over from Bob Schumacher. She will report to Managing Director International Sales, Marcel Fuchs, will be responsible for spearheading United’s overall sales strategy in the UK and Ireland. She joins as United adds a second daily flight between London Heathrow and Los Angeles, starting March 26, increasing the number of daily services between Heathrow and the US to 23. United is also scheduled to introduce a new daily nonstop seasonal service between Shannon Airport and its hometown hub at Chicago O’Hare, on May 26, as well as a second daily flight from Dublin to New York/Newark for the summer season, commencing April 23.

The Advantage Global Network has announced that CT Partners Australia has joined its Global Accommodation programme. CT Partners is the largest independently-owned travel buying network in Australia and comprises 30 of the largest independent TMCs and premium leisure agencies. John Hobbs Hurrell, Head of Advantage Global Network, said that while initially CT Partners will benefit from accessing Advantage’s accommodation programme, moving forward the parties will seek to identify further synergies and opportunities to collaborate with a focus on advocating the role of the TMC. “As we further develop our international presence, we look for partnerships with organisations that share the same principles and values as we do at Advantage. CT Partners is 100% owned by its members, as is the Advantage Travel Partnership, and I have every confidence that the relationship between our two groups will grow significantly moving forward,” he said.

MOST READ