Jet.AI Inc., a leading private aviation and artificial intelligence firm, has announced the official launch of its nationwide jet card program. This program offers access to all classes of private jets for use within the continental U.S., with fixed rates, guaranteed availability, and a 48-hour callout. Key highlights of the program include an optional escrow account and only 44 peak days.
From May 6th to May 20th, 2024, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi will be hosting an interactive pop-up event titled ‘Meet Me in Shanghai.’ This immersive experience will provide travelers with a taste of Shanghai’s vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and culinary delights. Engaging activities include the Shanghai Immersive Parallax Photo Booth, themed zones featuring a Shanghai Coffee Shop and Xiaolongbao Shop, and an Instagram competition with exciting prizes. The event aims to showcase Shanghai as a top tourist destination while enhancing cultural exchange and stimulating excitement about travel.
Egypt is making strides at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2024) in Dubai, showcasing a series of ambitious tourism projects and initiatives designed to boost its presence on the global travel stage. With a focus on diversification and innovation, Egypt aims to attract an increasing number of international visitors, particularly from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with the United Arab Emirates leading the pack.
Chicago’s O’Hare Airport has completed a major addition and overhaul, including the installation of a new high-quality terrazzo floor in Terminal A. The terrazzo, installed by Menconi Terrazzo of Bensenville, Illinois, features a simple epoxy design with all-sided mirror aggregate, zinc divider tiles, and a five-color design that improves wayfinding through the airport. In addition, the airport has also installed new precast terrazzo tiles in some sections.
Akasa Air has announced enhancements to its ‘Pets on Akasa’ service, including an increased pet weight limit in the cabin, extended travel certificate validity, and numerous complimentary amenities for passengers traveling with their furry companions. The airline has also transported over 3,200 pets since the service’s inception and remains committed to providing a safe and comfortable pet-friendly travel experience.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) reported a strong increase in passenger traffic in April 2024, with approximately 2.1 million passengers traveling on its flights. This represented a 12% growth compared to the same period in 2023. The airline’s capacity expanded by 7% and revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) improved by 9% year-over-year. The flown load factor for April stood at 77%.
Amadeus reported strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2024, with significant growth in revenue, EBITDA, operating income, and adjusted profit. Air distribution revenue increased by 12.6%, Air IT solutions revenue grew by 17.0%, and hospitality and other solutions revenue increased by 13.2%. Overall, group revenue increased by 14.1%, EBITDA by 14.2%, operating income by 19.1%, and adjusted profit by 18.8%. Amadeus’ Free Cash Flow also increased by 23.1% to €336.1 million. The company’s Net Financial Debt at March 31, 2024, stood at €2,460.0 million. Amadeus’ CEO, Luis Maroto, highlighted the company’s strong start to the year and its ongoing strategic efforts, including a partnership with Expedia Group for NDC technology integration.
Marking a historic milestone in culinary innovation, DoubleTree by Hilton has sent its iconic chocolate chip cookie to space, becoming the first food ever baked in the cosmos. This pioneering experiment, conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), aimed to enhance the comfort and hospitality of long-duration space travel.
The groundbreaking venture, initiated in 2019, placed DoubleTree at the forefront of space exploration as the first hospitality company to engage in ISS research. Partnering with Zero G Kitchen and Nanoracks, DoubleTree developed a space-friendly oven to bake the cookie, which successfully orbited Earth in 2020 for testing. The cookie’s aroma filled the ISS, creating a comforting and familiar touch in the vastness of space.
Upon its return, the DoubleTree cookie embarked on a journey from the Johnson Space Center to the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. It is now proudly displayed in an air-tight exhibition box, commemorating its historic mission.
Shawn McAteer, DoubleTree by Hilton’s brand leader, highlighted the significance of the spacefaring cookie, reflecting the brand’s unwavering commitment to hospitality and innovation. He noted that DoubleTree’s mission aligns with Hilton’s long-standing fascination with space exploration, harkening back to Barron Hilton’s ambitious plans for a lunar-based hotel during the Space Race.
Visitors to the Udvar-Hazy Center can marvel at the space-baked DoubleTree cookie, a testament to the ingenuity and culinary exploration that enhances the human experience in space. Those seeking a terrestrial treat can indulge in a warm, original DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie or an allergy-friendly version at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in the United States, including the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sterling – Dulles Airport, conveniently located near the museum.
Saudia and Kenya Airways have formed a partnership to improve connectivity and provide enhanced benefits to passengers. The partnership allows for simplified booking, ticket issuance, and smooth transitions between connecting flights on a single ticket. Passengers will also gain access to a mutual rewards program and enjoy the convenience of checking in their luggage directly to their final destination. Additionally, Saudia will facilitate transit visas for guests, enabling a stopover of up to 96 hours for the purpose of tourism, religious pilgrimages, or visiting holy sites.
Carnival Corporation’s Celebration Key project in Grand Bahama is making significant progress as a newly designed private cruise port. Aiming to become a premier cruise destination and economic revitalization catalyst, the project expects to attract 2.2 million guests annually starting in 2025. Boasting an 85% local workforce, the project is actively engaging local businesses and providing unique employment opportunities to the community.
