After two years of planning and construction WestJet’s flagship lounge is set to open at Calgary International Airport. The Elevation Lounge offers a more than 9,300 square feet of space with panoramic views and Canadian-inspired details.
Ground Services
AirAsia, Vision-Box boost biometric boarding
AirAsia is pushing hard into biometrics, dramatically expanding its FACES contactless facial recognition system in partnership with Vision-Box.
AIX/WTCE 2021 takes a delay
Even as the aviation industry pushes harder and harder for passengers to return to the skies, the companies behind the scenes concede that recovery will be a long, slow path. The latest tell on that front is a decision to delay the Aircraft Interiors Expo and World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo, typically hosted in early April. The new dats are 31 August to 2 September 2021.
American brings food back to the Admirals Clubs
Food is coming back to the American Airlines Admirals Club lounges. The carrier announced plans to resume the complimentary and paid options this month as part of its phased lounge reopening strategy.
United adds domestic lounge benefit for Global Services members
United’s top frequent fliers just scored a nice improvement to their travel experience. The company’s Global Services members will have access to United Club lounges when traveling on domestic itineraries starting in January 2021. The announcement is the latest play to secure the loyalty of the carrier’s high value customers.
Swanky cabins for space or safety: The Weekly Wrap
Swanky space cabins and safer airline cabins lead this week’s episode, while more options for buying blocked seats are reaching the market. Add some more nutritional food on board and this Weekly Wrap is ready to fly!
American Airlines adds AAdvantage redemption option for Five Star Service
How can you make the loyalty program more relevant for the travelers slowly returning to the skies over North America? Points and travel are not a compelling as they were last year, but American Airlines is hoping that its AAdvantage members will consider spending some of their account balance to gain a bit of extra comfort and privacy during their travel day through the Five Star Services program.
Slot swappin’ – How New York operations could shift for American Airlines and JetBlue
When the deal was first announced JetBlue and American Airlines chose to keep quiet about potential slot swaps at New York City’s airports. With some time now passed, however, both sides are sharing more. And – pending regulatory approval – it is clear that they have big plans together.
Air Canada revamps services as Maple Leaf Lounges reopen
The buffet is out while masks are in. Air Canada begins the reopening its Maple Leaf Lounges this week with a new set of rules and services for passengers.
SITA, NEC partner for touchless airport experience powered by your face
Touchless travel is top of mind for passengers today. Most developments on that front are for limited scenarios, such as just bag drop or just flight boarding gates. SITA and NEC want to change that through a new partnership launched today. The pair will integrate NEC’s I:Delight identity management platform with SITA Smart Path and SITA Flex to enable a secure walk-through travel experience from curb to aircraft.