Business Travel News: May 2024

Industry

Sabre says booking fees on the rise

Sabre’s average booking fee for Q1 increased to US$5.81, up 7% year-on-year, driven by growing corporate travel volume. CFO Mike Randolfi cited a favorable mix of travel types and airlines, with significant strength in the Asia Pacific region. Read more.

Japanese OTA acquires Singapore’s Silkway Travel Asia

Japanese online travel agency Adventure has acquired Singapore-based Silkway Travel Asia, making it a wholly owned subsidiary under Adventure APAC. This move signals Adventure’s expansion into Southeast Asia, leveraging Silkway Travel Asia’s established presence and expertise in Singapore and the wider region. Read more.

Airlines/ Airports

New Greater Bay Airlines Singapore flight spurs sale of Hong Kong

A new daily service between Singapore and Hong Kong operated by Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) is expected to make selling destination Hong Kong easier to leisure travellers and school groups, say Singapore-based agents attending a fam trip this week co-hosted by the carrier and Regal Hotels International. Read more.

Etihad Airways boosts interline deals with five airlines

Etihad Airways has initiated reciprocal interline partnerships with five new airline partners, broadening travel choices for passengers across its expanding global network. The airlines involved include Kam Air in Afghanistan, SKY express in Greece, Rex Airlines in Australia, Jeju Air in South Korea, and Myanmar Airways International. Read more.

Air Canada launches its longest flight from Singapore to Vancouver

Air Canada has just launched direct flights from Singapore to Vancouver, becoming the sole airline offering non-stop service between the two cities. This milestone route spans approximately 12,818 kilometres, marking Air Canada’s longest flight to date, with a flight duration of around 14 hours and 40 minutes. Read more.

It’s time for SAS to switch alliances

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is quitting the Star Alliance and will officially become a part of SkyTeam alliance on 1 September, giving SAS customers connectivity across SkyTeam’s network of 1,060-plus destinations. Read more.

The crown for the World’s Best Airport goes to another

Doha’s Hamad International Airport has claimed the coveted title of the world’s best airport, surpassing Singapore’s Changi Airport, which held the top spot for 12 consecutive years. Skytrax’s latest rankings for 2024 also positioned Seoul’s Incheon International Airport in third place. Read more.

Hotels

Changi Airport Terminal 2 to house Singapore’s first zero-energy hotel

With sustainability as a core component, Hotel Indigo Changi Airport aims to achieve operational energy neutrality by incorporating sustainability features such as solar photovoltaic panels, hybrid cooling systems, naturally ventilated corridors and rainwater-harvesting technology aimed at reducing environmental impact while enhancing overall guest comfort and well-being. Read more.

World of Hyatt members can now access 700 by-invite hotels

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a significant expansion of its World of Hyatt loyalty programme through a partnership with Mr & Mrs Smith, the luxury travel platform acquired by Hyatt in 2023. This collaboration provides World of Hyatt members with access to over 700 boutique and luxury hotels and villas worldwide, effective immediately. Read more.