INDUSTRY PARTNER UPDATES

Our new home at JFK – Terminal 8

Beginning December 1, 2022 British Airways co-located with American Airlines at JFK – Terminal 8

A $400m investment in the terminal, brings the Atlantic Joint Business partners closer together

Premium customers travelling on both airlines and other oneworld® partners will now enjoy an elevated journey through the terminal, featuring: co-branded premium check-in area, providing concierge-style services

Three distinctive lounges, Chelsea, Soho and Greenwich which includes an all-new champagne bar, fireside lounge, a la carte dining room, stunning views, library and a cocktail lounge

American Airlines look ahead to Summer 2023

We are pleased to be adding even more flights to our schedule taking the total of daily flights to 26 out of London Heathrow (LHR)

With the addition of an extra daily flight to Los Angeles (LAX) and one to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), this summer will mark American’s largest ever operation from Europe across the Atlantic This will firmly position AA as the largest U S carrier operating out of the UK

Details of our new daily flights (in addition to our current schedule of twice daily flights to Los Angeles and Charlotte) are as follows

Have you listened to the conversation between Steven Love, Commercial Director UK & Ireland at Amadeus and Clive Wratten, CEO of the BTA, as they discussed what it means to Steve to be appointed to the BTA Industry Partner Board and what to expect from Amadeus as a leading technology provider in 2023 and beyond

Listen here: thebta.org.uk/podcasts

ANA Receives Top Score for Service and On-Time Operations

ANA has ranked first in Cirium’s On-Time Performance Awards both in Asia-Pacific and Global categories This is the second consecutive year that we have been recognised as a top performer, a record accomplishment. In 2022, ANA focused on two main efforts to improve on-time performance: first, the method of boarding and disembarking was revised in stages, and ANA eliminated the detailed grouping, which was previously implemented to allow social distancing between customers. Additionally, ANA enhanced its mobile app function to streamline travel experiences: including a smooth domestic check-in and boarding process

ANA Announces Flight Schedule for 2023

Add a little Following the relaxation of Japan’s travel restrictions, demand for international travel to and from Japan is expected to increase The Tokyo Haneda - Munich route will resume operations, with 3 flights per week, while the Narita-Brussels route will resume regular service, with 2 flights per week For domestic routes, ANA will utilise the larger Boeing 777 aircraft to accommodate the increasing demand bit of body text

Cmac Group Appoints Jason Hilton As Head Of Account Management

CMAC Group, the award-winning ground travel management company, announces the appointment of Jason Hilton as their new Head of Account Management

Jason will be responsible for implementing CMAC’s growth and retention strategies for existing customers in the public and private sectors including travel management, rail, aviation and onward travel

Jason brings over 20 years ’ senior experience in industries such as travel and healthcare to his new role Prior to joining CMAC, Jason managed multi-million-pound client relationships as Retention Director at Health Management Ltd and earlier in his career, Jason held commercial and operational positions in ITC Travel Group, Red Sea Holidays and The Co-operative Group

“Jason has extensive experience in leading businesses, both operationally & commercially, which will be invaluable in building strategic relationships with our clients as we continue our expansion in the UK and overseas, ” said Neil Micklewhite, Chief Operations Officer at CMAC Group

“CMAC’s growth strategy is underpinned by our commitment to helping clients resolve their challenges and deliver a great travel experience at the same time as offering value for money, ” explained Micklethwaite “It’s driven by our “people first plus technology” approach to providing our global network with innovative, easy-to-use technology products that enhance the travel experience for customers and digital bookers.”

To find out how a managed ground transport provider can support your customers’ needs in 2023, visit CMAC’s blog: Finding a transport provider that exceeds your business travel needs | CMAC Group

Finding a transport provider that exceeds your business travel needs

In an increasingly complex world where uncertainty is normal; sourcing safe, consistently reliable transport options for employees’ business travel and commuting is hugely important

Ensuring your teams always arrive onsite safely and on time wherever they’re needed could be make or break for your company While competition is ramping up in every industry and contracts hinge on your people always being in place to get the job done, managing your employees effectively is a must

It means that you must commission a travel provider that delivers a top-notch staff transport service every single time.

Whether it’s a one-off executive minibus or a regular coach hire arrangement on a long-term basis, you need a vendor with an array of service options to hand to exceed your business travel needs

So what should you look for in a provider?

1. Round-the-clock availability

The right travel provider should be available to you at short notice, 24/7, every day of the year Having round-the-clock support means that your employees are looked after regardless of time or place. And if you ever need to make last-minute amendments to arrangements or require additional support, they’ll be there to ensure the job is done to your precise requirements.

2

Extensive supply chains

A good ground travel provider has long-standing, strategic relationships with nationwide and international networks of top, vetted local suppliers

With access to a huge supply of vehicles both in quantity and type the headaches associated with moving a significant number of people are taken away Knowing you can receive the right transport at the right time provides peace of mind and gives employees the most suitable option for travel

3

Complementary tech

Business travellers now value tech more than ever before, so partnering with a travel provider that is able to offer cutting-edge technology is vital Tech solutions make it easier for travel managers to make bookings, check transfer details and set spending levels via user-friendly, purpose-built portals

This means everything is fully managed and includes true cost transparency Furthermore, to ensure time is freed up from tedious administration, vehicles from multiple supplier contracts should be organised and coordinated by the right travel provider

This means everything is fully managed and includes true cost transparency Furthermore, to ensure time is freed up from tedious administration, vehicles from multiple supplier contracts should be organised and coordinated by the right travel provider

This is where tech plays a hugely important role in delivering successful business travel

However, it shouldn’t be relied upon solely, as it is no secret that things don’t always go to plan when it comes to transport.

A good travel partner is able to utilise tech to make bookings and admin more efficient, but will support this with real-life customer interaction. If something goes wrong, or you have specific transport needs, being able to speak with someone can be the difference between a successful trip or an unsuccessful one. Finding a travel provider that balances valuable tech with reliable customer service can be crucial

Ensuring your provider also has GPS tracking will ensure additional peace of mind, and enable you to manage and monitor passenger journeys, as you need.

4 No one-size-fits-all approach

No two organisations are alike, so flexible, tailored solutions that are built around a firm’s specific business goals can add real value to a corporate travel solution Find a partner who will work with you personally to deliver a bespoke solution for all of your business needs, as well as be able to work to any scenario and get everyone where they need to be

As the world of corporate travel continues to evolve, now is a great time to reassess how you support your employees’ transport needs With consumer habits changing and business approaches to operations being reviewed to find efficiencies and commit to a sustainable future, partnering with a suitable corporate transport provider can remove the burden from managers and ensure that your people get where they need to be in a safe and efficient manner

Make your transport simple with CMAC

So, if you want to improve the employee experience you offer with smart commuting options and a safe post-pandemic return to work, we’ll get you there

CMAC operates with a trusted list of suppliers, giving us access to a fleet of vehicles to suit your needs from taxis to MPVs Our centralised hub brings all employee journeys under one roof, allowing us to streamline your booking and management processes This gives you the power to monitor and locate travelling employees in real-time, as well as view your journey history.

To learn more about how CMAC can cater to all your travel provider needs, reliably and safely with maximum convenience, please submit your details here and a member of our team will get back to you

Alternatively, give us a call on 03333 207 100

New Year, New You – a common phrase at this time of year when we are all thinking about how we can make changes that are for the better. Eat better, move more, be happier and take care of our mental health and for many, particularly in the current energy crisis – be more sustainable

What does that mean? It is a word we see a lot at the moment in our home and work lives According to the Cambridge Dictionary it is ‘the quality of causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time: the company's commitment to environmental sustainability.’

At First Travel Solutions, one of our primary objectives as we enter our strategic planning phase for 2023 is to focus on our own sustainability and the offer we provide to all our clients Considering the most sustainable option when we create their bespoke transport solution, means looking at the best operator from our quality checked partners and building efficient pick up and drop off arrangements into the plan

We all know by now that using coaches or bus to replace car journeys is much more environmentally friendly – a coach uses 33 8 CO2 per passenger KM compared to 57 3 CO2 per passenger KM in an electric vehicle car! Making this form of travel much more sustainable in the longer term travel solutions@firstbus co uk

New Year, New You? Email us to see how we can help you deliver your quality, sustainable travel arrangements.

HotelREZ has over 2,500 independent properties worldwide in 100+ countries. We are proud to present to you The University of Edinburgh Hospitality and Events Collection: The Scott, The Scholar & KM Apartments

The Scott: Nestled among tranquil landscaped grounds adjoining Holyrood Park The Scott is a luxury 4* hotel that elegantly combines the modern and the traditional With no two rooms the same, the 36 junior suites and deluxe bedrooms blend modern luxury with the grandeur and grace of the original building

The Scholar: A newly refurbished hotel situated in the award-winning lush green landscaped grounds of the Pollock Estate, and close to the beautiful natural surroundings of Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park and the Meadows All of the bedrooms are luxurious and feature large beds and quality linen All rooms also include award-winning Novus tea, cafetiere coffee, and a desk with ample workspace

KM Apartments: KM Hotel & Apartments offers modern, vibrant accommodation in an enviable location that straddles Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and lively Southside All rooms feature top-of-the-range mattresses, large TVs, and free wi-fi The compact double rooms are perfect for those wanting to explore the city, whilst the studios and one-bed apartments all offer a little extra space for those who need to spread out over a longer stay

Available to book on the GDS under the HO chain code

The Scott

Apollo/Galileo: HO H3019 Worldspan: HO EDIST Amadeus: ΗΟ EDISCT Sabre: HO 285569

The Scholar

Apollo/Galileo: HO AU238, Worldspan: HO 20319 , Amadeus: ΗΟ EDIAGZ, Sabre: HO 257154

KM Apartments

Apollo/Galileo: HO F6682, Worldspan: HO EDIKM, Amadeus: ΗΟ EDIKMC, Sabre: HO 328465

Have you listened to the conversation between Paul Broughton, Travelport’s Director of Business Development EMEA, and the CEO of the BTA, Clive Wratten, as they chatted about Travelport’s vision for modern travel retailing in business travel If not, click on the link below, to discover insights from Travelport’s latest market studies and to learn more about Travelport’s easy-to-use next-generation platform Travelport+, helping agencies deliver a modern retailing experience’

Listen here: thebta.org.uk/podcasts