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Aer Lingus recently announced changes to its AerClub loyalty programme, making it easier for members to move up through the tiers and enjoy benefits like lounge access, priority boarding, and complimentary upgrades.
AerClub has increased the Tier Credits earned on the best value Saver and Smart fares.
Saver fares: Tier Credits will double from 7.5 to 15 on all flights within Europe
Smart fares: Tier Credits will double from 25 to 50 on all Aer Lingus transatlantic flights
These changes have been introduced since the start of April 2026 on eligible flights. The update makes it easier for members to move from Green through to Silver, Platinum and Concierge, unlocking more perks as they progress through the tiers.
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:30:40 +0000
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Emirates’ flagship A380, long celebrated as one of aviation’s most iconic aircraft, is set to reach new heights as the first installation of next-generation Starlink Wi-Fi onboard has just been completed.
The Emirates A380 was one of the first commercial aircraft in the world to offer internet to its customers, with first generation systems offering a total aircraft bandwidth of less than 1 Mbps. Emirates’ installation of three Starlink antennas on each A380 will improve the Wi-Fi available onboard a thousand-fold - offering a ‘better than at home’ connectivity experience for customers, while flying at 40,000 feet.
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:27:31 +0000
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Southwest Airlines has joined IATA’s Schedule Data Exchange Program (SDEP), bringing the number of contributing airlines to 190.
The SDEP was launched in late 2023 to build a uniquely airline-owned schedule and minimum connecting time exceptions database. Schedule data underpins many aspects of an airline’s business, including network planning, slot coordination, and interline agreements. Data coverage now exceeds 70% available seat kilometers (ASKs) of airlines based in Asia, Middle East, and Africa, and is expected to reach 90% coverage globally by end of 2026.
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:24:05 +0000
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Shangri-La Group (“Shangri-La” or “the Group”) announces the grand opening of Shangri-La Kunming, a new gateway to Yunnan’s cultural discovery where design-led storytelling, tea traditions, and immersive moments are inspired by the region’s landscapes and artistry. Rooted in the concept of a “Tea Merchant’s Mansion,” the hotel blends Shangri-La’s signature Asian hospitality with Yunnan’s rich local culture, bringing to life the art and joy of Asian hosting for guests exploring “The Best of Yunnan.”
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:19:26 +0000
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Last Thursday evening in Cologne, numerous guests from the worlds of politics, the aviation industry, local society, and sports gathered for a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa. The Mayor of Cologne had hosted a reception at the Historic City Hall.
Cologne Mayor Torsten Burmester: “Cologne is proud to have played a major role in Lufthansa’s corporate history since World War II. Cologne is growing as an aviation hub, because in addition to being home to the headquarters of EASA and the DLR, as well as the prospect of a European space hub, Cologne/Bonn Airport is the cargo hub of Western Europe. I hope that the relationship between Cologne and Lufthansa will intensify again even beyond this anniversary year. I therefore congratulate all Lufthansa employees from the bottom of my heart on the company’s 100th anniversary.”
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:17:44 +0000
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Lufthansa is introducing a new uniform for its employees that combines tradition and innovation as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The new outfits for cockpit, cabin, and ground staff were unveiled at a fashion show at the Lufthansa Group’s “Hangar One” visitor and conference center. The design was created in collaboration with many employees from all uniformed departments, who tested all styles for comfort, functionality, and sustainability and provided the design team with valuable feedback on how to refine the elements. The designs were then brought to life in collaboration with the renowned fashion brand BOSS.
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:15:37 +0000
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Global hospitality group The Lux Collective continues to accelerate its commitment to advancing women in leadership with the appointment of Aubrey Wang as General Manager of LUX* Chongzuo Guangxi in China. Following the promotion of Sheila Malloo to General Manager of LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius, this latest move reinforces the Group’s intentional focus on cultivating a new generation of female leaders across key markets.
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:12:35 +0000
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Africa’s chain hotel development pipeline has reached a record high of 675 hotels and 123,846 rooms as of early 2026, representing an 18.6% increase year-on-year, according to the 18th annual Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa report published by W Hospitality Group. At the heart of this surge is Egypt, the continent’s undisputed hotel development powerhouse with 185 planned hotels and 45,984 rooms, representing 37.1% of the entire African pipeline.
North Africa as a whole now commands 50% of all pipeline rooms across the continent, with its pipeline growing 27% year-on-year - well over double the 11% growth recorded in sub-Saharan Africa. The North African pipeline stands at 284 hotels and 62,630 rooms, drawing from four active development markets: Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. There is no current development pipeline in Libya.
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:09:50 +0000
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Virgin Atlantic has announced the launch of an accredited Autism Awareness training programme for its cabin crew, developed in partnership with autism travel specialists, Autism Double-Checked. The programme forms part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to inclusive travel and supporting customers with non-visible disabilities.
Launching this May, the mandatory digital training consists of two modules - one covering general autism awareness, and a second designed specifically for the cabin crew role with a focus on the inflight experience. All cabin crew will complete both as part of their annual recurrent learning, giving every crew member the confidence and practical tools to support autistic customers onboard, from recognising sensory sensitivities and signs of distress, to adapting how they communicate and providing reassurance throughout the journey. Virgin Atlantic also plans to extend the training to all customer-facing ground teams in 2026, ensuring consistent support at every stage of the travel experience.
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:07:31 +0000
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Shura Island Residences, part of Red Sea Global (RSG), has welcomed its first homeowners to SLS The Red Sea Residences, bringing SLS’s bold, lifestyle-led approach to residential living to Shura Island, marking a significant milestone for the destination.
“Welcoming our first homeowners to SLS turns our vision into a lived reality. These residents are now part of our story, shaping life on Shura Island and helping us in pioneering a regenerative approach that benefits both people and the planet. This is just the beginning of a vibrant new chapter for our community at The Red Sea,” said Stephen Cheesebrough, Head of Development at Red Sea Global.
Published: Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:05:39 +0000