Posts

Showing posts with the label Up in the Air

Singapore Airlines Group and Mandai Wildlife Group partner to co-create customer experiences

Image
The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group and Mandai Wildlife Group have launched a three-year strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Singapore’s appeal as a destination and co-creating customer experiences. The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group – a Headline Partner of APEX FTE Asia Expo , taking place in Singapore on 11-12 November 2025 – and Mandai Wildlife Group have launched a three-year strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Singapore’s appeal as a top travel destination, co-creating customer experiences through exclusive privileges, and spotlighting the crucial work of wildlife conservation. The collaboration champions Singapore’s vision of being a ‘City in Nature’ with the Mandai Wildlife Reserve as a unique window to the wild. As part of efforts to boost inbound travel from key international markets, SIA customers will gain access to curated wildlife experiences, exclusive co-branded retail collections, and benefits for visits to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to Singapore’s iconi...

flyadeal joins sister airline Saudia’s AlFursan loyalty programme giving members enhanced travel options

Image
flyadeal has joined Saudia’s AlFursan loyalty programme, giving members additional travel options to earn and redeem reward miles. It’s the latest move by flyadeal towards further integration with Saudia. flyadeal has joined sister airline Saudia’s AlFursan loyalty programme, giving members additional travel options to earn and redeem reward miles with the Kingdom’s fast-growing low-cost carrier. It’s the latest move by flyadeal towards further integration with national flag carrier Saudia, which codeshares on its entire domestic and international network. Saudia Group is a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub . “Joining AlFursan was just a matter of time for flyadeal,” said Steven Greenway, CEO, flyadeal. “We’ve scaled our operations significantly across Saudi Arabia and internationally that now give members of the AlFursan loyalty programme more travel options with great flexibility to earn and redeem reward miles on flyadeal’s rapidly growing network. B...

Cebu Pacific enhances operational efficiency with next-gen Lufthansa Systems solutions

Image
Cebu Pacific has signed an agreement with Lufthansa Systems to implement its next-generation operations control and crew management solution – to further enhance operational efficiency and CX. Cebu Pacific has signed an agreement with Lufthansa Systems – an exhibitor at FTE Global , the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Long Beach, California, on 9 to 11 September 2025 – to implement its next-generation operations control and crew management solution – a key step in supporting the airline’s ambitious growth plans. The NetLine suite from Lufthansa Systems was chosen for its advanced capabilities in flight operations, crew planning, rostering, and real-time disruption management. The operations control system collects and evaluates a wide range of data, such as weather conditions, airspace constraints and aircraft performance, alerting the operations control team to situations with potential operational, crew, or customer impact, enabling proactive measures to mitigate and resolve disrup...

JetBlue and United announce Blue Sky collaboration to link loyalty programs and enhance CX

Image
JetBlue and United have launched Blue Sky, a unique loyalty program partnership offering more flight options, mutual rewards benefits, and expanded booking access across both airlines’ global networks. JetBlue and United Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – have announced Blue Sky, which is a new and unique collaboration that links their loyalty programs. The aim is to give customers of both airlines even more options to find flights that fit their plans, as well as new opportunities to earn and use MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines. Blue Sky includes the following components, with some starting as early as this fall, subject to regulatory review: United’s MileagePlus customers can earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights. JetBlue’s TrueBlue members can earn and use points for flights on United’s extensive domestic and international network. Each airline will offer flights on one another’s website and app to...

American Airlines elevates inflight experience with introduction of tequila and expanded buy onboard menu

Image
American Airlines is enhancing the inflight experience by introducing tequila and an expanded buy onboard menu, underscoring its commitment to local flair, culinary creativity and customer-focused innovation. American Airlines is elevating the inflight experience with a bold, flavourful move. Starting on 1 June 2025, the airline will begin offering tequila on select flights as an inflight alcoholic beverage option for eligible customers. For this milestone moment, American knew it wanted to select a brand the airline can connect with beyond the glass, which is why the airline selected Dallas-Fort Worth’s own award-winning Socorro Tequila. Socorro Tequila is crafted in the highlands of Jalisco using traditional methods and 100% Blue Weber agave. Known for its clean, additive-free profile, Socorro Tequila delivers a premium flavour that will elevate any journey. Tequila will be onboard all American flights for customers to sip and enjoy by the end of June. This addition reflects American...

Icelandair redefines Business Class dining with nature-inspired tableware concept

Image
Icelandair, in collaboration with Kaelis, is introducing a new tableware collection inspired by Iceland’s stunning landscapes, aiming to elevate Business Class dining with artistic, nature-infused designs. Icelandair is unveiling a visionary new tableware concept developed in partnership with Kaelis that aims to redefine Business Class dining, inspired by the awe-inspiring natural landscapes of Iceland. This fresh approach to onboard service design draws deeply from the country’s dramatic contrasts – volcanoes and glaciers, black sands and icy waters, mossy fields and lava plains – each element woven into the very shapes, textures and colours of the crockery itself. Every item, from the main plate to the butter bowl, has been thoughtfully crafted to echo Iceland’s raw and poetic terrain. The ‘Water & Ice’ concept, one of the leading design narratives, aims to translate the serene beauty of Iceland’s glacial forms into minimalist pieces that balance elegance with durability. Each se...

Delta expands partnership with Missoni to further “elevate customers’ time in the air”

Image
Delta Air Lines is enhancing CX in partnership with fashion brand Missoni, with upgrades for its most premium cabin, Delta One, noting that the sleep experience is customers’ top priority throughout their flight. Delta Air Lines is enhancing the customer experience with upgrades for its most premium cabin, Delta One, noting that the sleep experience is customers’ top priority throughout the onboard experience. Delta and Missoni, a renowned Italian fashion brand, are expanding their partnership as the brands aim to elevate customers’ time in the air with comfort, sophistication and style. This year, the partnership will launch a luxurious Delta One collection, which includes a Missoni bedding set designed for Delta, along with a suite of amenities that include a refreshed Delta One amenity kit, custom socks, slippers and an eye mask. To enhance the sleep experience, Delta is also expanding its mattress pad and adding a memory foam cuddle pillow to flights over 12 hours. “In travel, ever...

Qatar Airways launches first-ever game competition enabled by Starlink connectivity

Image
Qatar Airways has held a pioneering onboard e-sports competition, ‘Gaming in the Sky’. The ground-breaking event was powered by next-gen Starlink connectivity, converging aviation, entertainment, and tech. Qatar Airways has set a new benchmark with the launch of a pioneering e-sports competition, ‘Gaming in the Sky’, onboard a commercial aircraft. The ground-breaking event was powered by next-generation Starlink connectivity and took place on 11 May 2025 during a flight from Doha to London. The tournament brought together a global roster of top gaming and entertainment talent, including Tfue, Castro1021, Lisa Zimouche, Alodia Gosiengfiao, Dantic, SV2, AJ3, Aameghessib, Danny Aarons, Ffearfful, MattHDGamer, and Slater with a special appearance by Oussifooty as the host. The experience marked a new milestone in the convergence of aviation, entertainment, and technology. At 35,000 feet, the airline transformed the skies into a competitive gaming arena as two teams – Team Burgundy Oryx and...

United Airlines supports innovation efforts with investment in next-gen blended wing aircraft startup JetZero

Image
United Airlines is investing in blended wing body aircraft startup JetZero. The company is creating an aircraft design that aims to deliver jet fuel efficiency and a greatly enhanced customer experience. United Airlines – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has announced an investment in blended wing body aircraft startup JetZero. The company is creating an aircraft design that aims to deliver jet fuel efficiency and a greatly enhanced customer experience. The investment includes a path to order up to 100 aircraft and an option for an additional 100. The conditional purchase agreement is based on JetZero achieving development milestones, including flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027, among other conditions, including that the aircraft meet United’s safety, business and operating requirements. The JetZero Z4 aircraft is designed to accommodate 250 passengers and fly on conventional jet fuel, with propulsion systems able to utilise Sustainable ...

Delta SkyMiles members can now earn miles with Uber and Uber Eats to enhance end-to-end CX

Image
Delta SkyMiles members and Uber customers in the U.S. can now link their accounts and start earning miles. The aim is to deepen the value of SkyMiles membership by enhancing the end-to-end experience. Delta SkyMiles members and Uber customers in the U.S. can now link their accounts and start earning miles. Once linked, members will automatically earn: 3 miles per eligible dollar spent on Uber Reserve trips 2 miles per eligible dollar spent on premium rides such as Uber Comfort and Uber Black 1 mile per eligible dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports 1 mile per eligible dollar spent on $40+ restaurant and grocery orders with Uber Eats “SkyMiles Membership is about giving Delta’s loyal customers more ways to earn even more miles, fly with more ease, and experience more of what really matters to them,” said Prashant Sharma, V.P. of Loyalty, Delta. “Our new partnership with Uber not only expands the value of loyalty and makes it easier than ever for our members to get...

Wizz Air unveils ‘Customer First’ transformation plan including investment in state-of-the-art technology

Image
Wizz Air has launched its ‘Customer First’ transformation plan by rolling out ‘Customer First Compass’ – a framework that is designed to place customers at the forefront of every aspect of its operations. Wizz Air has launched its ‘Customer First’ transformation plan by rolling out ‘Customer First Compass’ – a framework that is designed to place customers at the forefront of every aspect of its operations. The airline will be investing around £12 billion over the next three years to enhance every customer touchpoint, with the aim of ensuring that punctuality, affordability, innovation and service shape every journey. Anchored in four key pillars – Product, Price, Service and Communication – ‘Customer First Compass’ outlines Wizz Air’s future direction and renewed commitment to its customers, including investing in state-of-the-art technology, improving reliability, and delivering enhanced customer support. The transformation marks a step-change in how the airline services its customers...

Delta unveils cutting-edge corporate travel enhancements with “flexible, data-driven, customer-focused solutions”

Image
As part of Delta’s centennial year celebrations, Delta Business has unveiled three new product enhancements to the airline’s business travel program, providing greater flexibility, visibility and support. As part of Delta’s centennial year celebrations, Delta Business is ushering in a new era of innovation for the corporate travel industry. Delta Business has unveiled three new product enhancements to the airline’s business travel program, providing greater flexibility, visibility and support. Fuelled by customer feedback, Delta Business is introducing three significant innovations that promise to deliver more value to corporate and agency partners: More flexibility: The Unused Ticket Transfer program enables corporate customers to transfer eligible unused tickets from corporate travellers directly to a company’s corporate spend account, enhancing flexibility and control of funds. Greater personalization: The enhanced Data & Reporting Snapshot delivers customised, rotating me...

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines unlock shared benefits for members of loyalty programs

Image
Status match is now being offered between Alaska’s Mileage Plan and Hawaiian’s HawaiianMiles loyalty programs to further enhance CX. It is the first step towards an upcoming single combined loyalty program. Status match is now being offered between Alaska’s Mileage Plan and Hawaiian’s HawaiianMiles loyalty programs. For Alaska Airlines customers, this means the ability to redeem Mileage Plan miles on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights, select benefits for Mileage Plan elites when flying on Hawaiian Airlines, and the ability to earn miles across both programs. These benefits are the first step towards an upcoming single combined loyalty program, with the aim of delivering “the most generous benefits in the industry”. HawaiianMiles members can link their HawaiianMiles and Mileage Plan accounts together to have their status matched, allowing them to enjoy elite benefits when travelling on either airline. Importantly, if a traveller only has an Alaska Mileage Plan account, there is no need...

Riyadh Air unveils “sonic brand” – one of its first guest experience touchpoints to be revealed

Image
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new digitally-native airline, has released its sonic brand – “Sound of a New Era” – one of the first key guest experience touchpoints, as the airline approaches its first flight in 2025. Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new digitally-native airline, has released its new sonic brand – “Sound of a New Era” – revealing one of the first key guest experience touchpoints, with seats, airport and inflight products set to be shared in the near future, as the airline approaches its first flight later in 2025. This sonic identity, composed and orchestrated at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, is the creation of a talented mix of Saudi and international artists, designed to tell stories across horizons. Reflecting Riyadh Air’s mission, the sonic branding aims to create a journey deeply rooted in cultural identity while setting a benchmark for global premium travel. The sound is a central pillar of Riyadh Air’s brand universe. The Riyadh Air sonic identity will be subtly in...