Riyadh Air revs up to ‘shape the future’ of global air travel
Tony Douglas, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s new airline, Riyadh Air, has promised that “digital innovation and Saudi hospitality” will be key in establishing the carrier’s international credentials.
The new airline, due to become operational within two years, will link capital city Riyadh with 100 international destinations.
Douglas, who served as CEO of Etihad Aviation Group from January 2018 to October 2022, added, “The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of customer experience.”
In a multi-billion dollar deal, the airline has ordered up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 39 of them confirmed orders with options for a further 33 of the same aircraft type.
The under-construction King Salman International Airport and Riyadh Air are among the latest investments of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in support of Saudi Vision 2030, whose primary goal is to promote the country’s non-oil business sectors, such as tourism, banking and IT.
Will business travellers subscribe to Accor’s card switch?
Accor is broadening its subscription cards offering following their launch in China and Brazil.
The France-based hotel giant has unveiled All Plus Ibis and All Plus Voyageur, to replace its Ibis Business and Business Plus frequent traveller cards.
In a statement, the groups says that ALL Plus unlocks benefits such as best pricing as well as last-minute room availability for frequent leisure and business travellers.
The ALL Plus Voyageur cards provide holders access to a 20% discount at luxury and premium hotel brands in the group and a 15% discount on midscale and economy brands.
The ibis card, meanwhile, gives holders a 15% discount on economy brands.
Accor says it hopes the launch will enable it to gain further share in the “bleisure” market that combines business with leisure.
The current Ibis Business and Business Plus cards cost €90 and €170 per year, respectively while the new cards will increase to €99 for All Plus Ibis and €199 for All Plus Voyageur.
Source: Linda Fox/Phocuswire
Air taxis take-off with SITA
SITA has been selected as urban air mobility pioneer Volocopter’s preferred digital and IT systems partner for vertiports.
Under the agreement, SITA has become the latest investor to join Volocopter’s Series E funding round.
UAM’s launch product, the VoloCity electric air taxi, will operate routes in congested megacities. Flights can be hailed via designated boarding points (or “vertiports”).
SITA will deploy its expertise in air transport for the emerging urban air mobility (UAM) industry, developing new operating standards and a digital-first passenger experience.
Sergio Colella, SITA president for Europe, said Volocopter was in pole position to make electric air taxis a reality, benefiting from its first-mover advantage.
“Together we will turn the theory into practice as early as 2024 when we expect the first commercial eVTOLs to take flight,” he added.
High-speed rail flagged for UAE
Abu Dhabi’s state-owned holding firm will back the planned US$3bn high-tech, high-speed 330-kms rail line between Abu Dhabi and Oman.
Mubadala Investment Company has signed a cooperation agreement with the Oman and Etihad Rail Company, a joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network.
Using the new line, travel time for passenger trains between Sohar in Oman and Abu Dhabi will be 1 hour and 40 minutes. As trains will be travelling at 200 kilometres per hour, travel time between Sohar and Al Ain will be only 47 minutes.
Klook recognised for brand excellence
Travel and experiences platform Klook has been recognised for its brand excellence.
The recognition has come from Influential Brands, whose choice of Klook as the top booking experience platform brand in Asia was driven by Klook’s commitment “to exceptional customer experiences and dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the face of the resurgence of travel in Asia”.
Marcus Yong, vice president, global marketing of Klook, said, “Travel is certainly back and we’re excited to see millennials and Gen Zs driving tremendous demand as they seek out new adventures and create meaningful memories.”
A survey conducted by Klook showed that more than 80% of travellers in Asia are eager to travel in 2023 despite economic uncertainties.
Jorge Rodriguez, managing director of Influential Brands, said Klook has become the industry standard for travel and leisure experiences in APAC – giving users over 530,000 products and services in more than 1700 destinations.
“Their outstanding performance in both online and social media shows their commitment to deliver an exceptional digital experience to their customers and their passion to embrace the spirit of adventure is worth recognising.”
Thumbnail image, credit: © SITA.
