Tag: season (Page 1 of 3)

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection opens reservations for third superyacht Luminara

January 14, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unveiled its summer 2025 itineraries across its fleet, Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, marking an exciting moment as the company opens bookings for the inaugural season of its third superyacht. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection debuted in October 2022 with the launch of Evrima, the first time a luxury hospitality brand expanded into the cruising category. With all three superyachts now open for reservations, the brand extension continues to build on its success signifying continued growth and offering more opportunities for luxury travelers to enjoy unforgettable getaways at sea.

The Inaugural Season of Luminara
Inspiring curiosities and celebrations, Luminara, derived from Latin origin and meaning “light,” will measure 794 feet (242 meters) and accommodate up to 452 guests. In addition to 226 spacious suites, each boasting a private ocean-view terrace, a higher percentage of upper-suite categories, and superior guest amenities, the onboard experience will feature world-class dining, a wine vault, The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, and an expanded marina providing direct access to the sea. Among its range of upper-suite categories will be a new expansive accommodation, The Residential Suite, promising a collection of offerings that caters to a variety of preferences.

Luminara will embody contemporary craftsmanship and refined interior finishes envisioned by AD Associates, a renowned London-based architectural and design firm, with creative direction by Chapi Chapo Design, an internationally acclaimed Toronto-based luxury design firm, and celebrated lighting designer DPA. The yacht’s sleek and graceful exterior design, expertly envisioned by Helsinki-based design studio Aivan, draws inspiration from the elegant aesthetics of private yacht design. Inspired by light and luminescence, Luminara‘s design emphasizes elegance and sophistication. Its layout, featuring explorative passages and favoring circular silhouettes over geometric edges, creates a seamless design, forming a sense of limitless space in each area. A serene color palette of soft brown oak, Calcutta marble, leather accents, and touches of rich red, navy, and green will provide an elegant oasis at sea.

Click the link below to see the entire press release!

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Air Lease Corporation announces Airbus A330-200 placement with HiSky

September 19, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Los Angeles, California, September 18, 2023, Business Wire – Today Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced a long-term lease placement for one Airbus A330-200 aircraft with HiSky. Scheduled to deliver to the European carrier in 2023, this A330-200 aircraft joins one A319-100, four A320-200s and two A321-200neo LR aircraft currently on lease to HiSky from ALC.

“We are pleased to continue our support of HiSky Europe with the lease of this first widebody aircraft to the airline,” said David Beker, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Head of Aircraft Sales & Trading at Air Lease Corporation. “After two and a half years of steady and successful growth with their all-ALC narrowbody fleet, HiSky came to us ready to launch widebody operations and ALC is delighted to provide high-quality aircraft that will enable the carrier to realize their commercial objectives.”

“Over the past two years, we’ve experienced consistent growth that has brought us to this pivotal moment—the moment when we are prepared to acquire our first widebody aircraft. We’ve now become the fourth-largest air carrier at Romania’s primary airport and the largest operator of Airbus aircraft registered in Romania. Our partnership with ALC has undeniably proven to be a successful one. The aircraft they have provided us have been instrumental in helping HiSky achieve record-breaking passenger levels during this summer season. Having accomplished all the goals we set for ourselves over the years, we’re profoundly grateful for the trust and support of our partners as we embark on this exciting new venture,” said Iulian Scorpan, CEO of HiSky.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

United Adds 127 Nonstop Flights for 2023 College Football Season

July 30, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Chicago, Illinois, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – United (Nasdaq: UAL) today announced the addition of 127 new, nonstop flights to help college football fans cheer on their favorite teams at 30 games this season.

Last year, more than 50,000 fans flew United to some of the most iconic college football towns across the country. This year, the airline will continue to help fans get to games to cheer on teams including Wisconsin, USC, University of Michigan, Penn State and more.

In addition to the airline’s special schedule, United is partnering with USC Trojans quarterback and 2023 Heisman Award Winner Caleb Williams for a name, image, likeness (NIL) agreement to hype up college football fans in United’s advertising and social media. He’ll appear in a variety of United advertising and social media spots during the season as well as post to his own account.

The airline has added more flights and will be flying larger planes to select cities for the following games:

Sept. 2: Tennessee State University @ University of Notre Dame
Sept. 3: Louisiana State University @ Florida State University
Sept. 9: University of Texas-Austin @ University of Alabama
Sept. 9: University of Nevada, Las Vegas @ University of Michigan
Sept. 9: University of Cincinnati @ University of Pittsburgh
Sept. 9: University of Notre Dame @ North Carolina State University
Sept. 16: Northwestern University @ Duke University
Sept. 16: University of Washington – Seattle @ Michigan State University
Sept. 23: Ohio State University @ University of Notre Dame
Sept. 23: University of Arkansas @ Louisiana State University
Sept. 23: University of Mississippi @ University of Alabama
Sept. 23: University of Iowa @ Penn State University
Sept 23: University of Oklahoma @ University of Cincinnati
Sept. 30: Louisiana State University @ University of Mississippi
Sept. 30: University of Notre Dame @ Duke University
Oct. 7: University of Arkansas @ University of Mississippi
Oct. 14: University of Southern California @ University of Notre Dame
Oct. 14: University of Arkansas @ University of Alabama
Oct. 14: Louisiana State University @ Auburn University
Oct. 14: Ohio State University @ Purdue University
Oct. 14: University of Iowa @ University of Wisconsin-Madison
Oct. 21: University of Tennessee @ University of Alabama
Oct. 21: Penn State University @ Ohio State University
Oct. 28: University of Pittsburgh @ University of Notre Dame
Oct. 28: Ohio State University @ University of Wisconsin
Nov. 4: University of Notre Dame @ Clemson University
Nov. 4: Louisiana State University @ University of Alabama
Nov. 11: University of Michigan @ Penn State University
Nov. 11: University of Pittsburgh @ Syracuse University
Nov. 18: University of Georgia @ University of Tennessee
Nov. 18: Wake Forest University @ University of Notre Dame

Tickets are on sale now in the United app or at United.com

Chelsea Football Club and Hilton Announce Global Partnership with Exclusive Experiences for Hilton Honors Members

July 7, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Chelsea Football Club has today unveiled Hilton (NYSE: HLT), the global leader in hospitality, as its official global hotel partner. The partnership will enable Chelsea Football Club and Hilton to provide extended opportunities for Hilton’s more than 158 million Hilton Honors members around the world in a new and unique way, while also serving as the official host to the Chelsea team on the road.

As a pioneer in the industry for more than 100 years, Hilton will welcome Chelsea to its portfolio of hotels as the team’s official home away from home, starting with locations in the United States during the team’s summer tour. Recognizing how much it matters where an elite sports team stays ahead of key fixtures, players and coaches will experience and enjoy Hilton’s world-class service and hospitality.

Building off its high-profile partnerships in the music, sports and entertainment world, Hilton Honors will offer a curated selection of one-of-a-kind experiences, which will kick off during this summer’s pre-season tour and extend into next season’s matches in London. Look out for the Hilton name at Chelsea men’s and women’s matches, and across Chelsea digital channels with special and engaging content for fans to enjoy.

Airbus Delivers First of 60 A220 Aircraft to Air France

September 30, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, 29 September, 2021 – Air France (OTC: AFLYY) has received its first A220-300 from an order for 60 aircraft of the type, the largest A220 order from a European carrier. The aircraft was delivered from the Airbus (OTC: EADSY) final assembly line in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada and officially unveiled to the public during a ceremony held at Paris Charles-De-Gaulle Airport.

The A220 is the most efficient and flexible aircraft in the 100 to 150 seat market segment today. The renewal of the Air France single-aisle fleet with this latest generation aircraft will increase efficiency along with customer comfort and support Air France to meet its environmental goals and sustainability objectives.

The first Air France A220-300 will be operated on its medium-haul network from the 2021 winter season. Currently, Air France operates a fleet of 136 Airbus aircraft. Air France is also renewing its long-haul fleet, and has already taken delivery of 11 A350’s out of an order of 38.

The Air France A220-300 cabin is configured in a single-class layout to comfortably welcome 148 passengers. Offering superior single-aisle comfort, with the widest leather seats, largest windows and up to 20% more overhead stowage space per passenger, the Air France A220 also features full WiFi connectivity throughout the cabin and two USB sockets at each passenger seat.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation geared turbofan engines. With a range of up to 3,450 nm (6,390 km), the A220 gives airlines added operational flexibility. The A220 delivers up to 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, and 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. In addition, the aircraft noise footprint is reduced by 50% compared to previous generation aircraft – making the A220 a good neighbour around airports.

As of the end of August, over 170 A220’s have been delivered to 11 operators worldwide.

Date Announced for the 2022 Aer Lingus College Football Classic

May 27, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

A joint announcement in the US and Ireland has today revealed that Northwestern University (Wildcats) will take on the University of Nebraska (Cornhuskers) in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 27 August 2022. The Aer Lingus College Football five-game series was due to start in 2020 but was disrupted due the pandemic so this announcement is a significant milestone in getting the series back on track.

This is the first time that either team has ever travelled to play in Ireland and so, were thrilled to accept the invitation to take to the field and open the 2022 College Football Season at the world-famous Aviva Stadium. Nebraska was set to travel to Dublin later this summer for their game against Illinois, however, it was postponed because of Covid-19.

As Nebraska is one of the most successful American College Football teams in history, and with such strong Irish ties to the city of Chicago where the Wildcats are based, the game is sure to be a huge draw to sports fans here in Ireland as well as across the US and Europe. It is expected that it will also generate a massive €63million for the Irish Economy next year, providing a much-needed boost for the country’s Tourism and Hospitality sectors.

The wholly anticipated fixture is scheduled for week zero, and as both teams are a part of the famed Big Ten Conference, over 18,000 US fans and 5,000 European fans are expected to travel for the game that will be a major international, post-covid event for Ireland. The Series principal stakeholders are Aer Lingus, Failte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Dublin City Council.

Ticketing / Hospitality & Travel Packages

Hospitality packages for the 2022 game are on sale now through the official corporate hospitality game partner Corporate.ie. Travel packages are on sale through the official travel partner On Location in partnership with Abbey Group Ireland. Corporate group ticketing opportunities will also be launched towards the end of the year. General ticketing information to be released in due course, with a pre-sale sign-up option available on the official game website.

SBB Swiss Rail to Offer Customers with Bicycles More Space and Reliability

February 26, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

SBB is improving its services for travelling with bicycles for the 2021 cycling season. It is taking this step in response to strong demand and to insufficient capacity last summer. On key leisure travel lines (Bern to Brig, Zurich to Chur) SBB is tripling capacity at times of high demand from 21 March. SBB will offer customers with bicycles more reliable journey planning: thanks to reservations, passengers taking along bikes can be sure that they will find space for them on trains. The price of bicycle reservations is reduced from CHF 5 to CHF 2. SBB presented the improved services to cycling, consumer and industry organisations today and outlined future prospects for traveling with bikes.

There has been a sharp increase in demand for travelling with bikes and holidays in Switzerland due to the coronavirus crisis. In some cases this has led to capacity shortages and dissatisfied customers who were unable to travel with their bike on the train they had planned to use. Around 80,000 Bike Day Passes were sold in the peak month of July 2020, for example, which is up by around 45% compared to the previous year. SBB also transported up to 15,000 bikes with self-service loading on the main axes of Zurich to Chur and Bern to Brig.

SBB expects demand for travel with bikes to continue to rise and is responding to this trend. This is why – together with Pro Velo and the Swiss Transport and Environment Association – it engaged in broad-based dialogue with cycling stakeholders as well as consumer and industry organisations on the issue of ‘sustainable travel with bicycles’. The aim is to offer customers reliable journey planning and reservations, to further improve and simplify services and to make them even more customer-friendly. SBB has a duty of responsibility towards all customers and wishes to provide services that meet and take account of the needs of all passengers as far as possible – including, for example, people with disabilities or families.

In view of the forthcoming cycling season, which begins on 21 March, SBB has introduced various changes to make travelling with bikes easier:

SBB is increasing capacity for the self-service loading of bicycles at times of high demand on the key leisure travel lines, tripling capacity compared to the current levels where possible. These routes include Bern to Brig and Zurich to Chur. Additional capacity will also be provided on routes to Ticino, Interlaken and the southern foot of the Jura. Passengers will be assisted with the loading of bicycles by SBB staff on these lines where possible.

In order to expand capacity medium and long-term, SBB is currently assessing which technical measures can be implemented long-term to create additional bicycle spaces on various types of train. Only minor modifications to rolling stock are possible in the short term.

Customers with bicycles need to be able to plan their journey reliably and safely. SBB makes this possible on all Swiss InterCity trains with a reservation costing CHF 2. Passengers who made a reservation can be certain that they will find space for their bike on the trains. Trains are labelled with the well-known bicycle symbol in the online timetable. Bikes can only be transported using self-service loading on trains labelled with this symbol if a reservation has been made and a valid bike ticket is presented. Reservations can be made up until shortly before departure in the SBB Mobile app. They can also be purchased at the counter or several days in advance via the SBB Contact Center

(tel. 0848 44 66 88)

The price for reservations will be reduced from CHF 5 to CHF 2 for a continuous connection – for example for a route with more than one section. International trains within Switzerland can now also be used for bike transport with a reservation, but prices and booking options may differ. Bikes can be transported with a valid bicycle ticket but without a reservation on regional services (R, S, RE trains) as well as on InterRegio trains (IR).

Ryanair Launches Over 700 Winter Route Destinations For 2021/2022 Season

February 15, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Ryanair (London: RYA.L), Europe’s no. 1 airline, has today (11 Feb) launched its Winter 21/22 schedule, covering its most popular destinations for trips taking off from late October. Boasting over 700 routes across the Ryanair network – and further destinations to be released in the coming weeks – winter sun is where it’s at for 2021. Ever popular with its customers, Ryanair has launched routes to the likes of sunny Cyprus, Gran Canaria, the Greek islands, Sicily and Malaga for Winter ’21 and avid skiers who missed out on their trip to the slopes can dust off their skis with popular destinations such as Turin, Milan and Salzburg set to welcome visitors once again next winter.

In addition to winter sun and ski, customer can also book winter city breaks to Lisbon, Paris, Venice and many more. Having missed out on holidays and weekend breaks in 2020, an eclectic mix of destinations is on offer from Ryanair this winter spanning beach holidays, city breaks, cultural and foodie hotspots. To celebrate the release of Ryanair’s Winter ’21 / 22 schedule, Ryanair has launched a seat sale with fares available from €29.99 for travel from October ’21 – March ’22, available for booking on the Ryanair.com website only until midnight, Sunday 14^th Feb 2021.

Statement from Ryanair’s Director of Marketing, Dara Brady

“While we believe the successful roll-out of the vaccine will see Europeans enjoying their favourite spots this Summer, Ryanair wants to give customers further choice and something to look forward to, whether that is a break to reunite with friends and family in July, or a winter sun getaway to the sunny Greek Islands in November. With 20m seats on sale on over 700 routes and further destinations to be released in the coming weeks, customers can now book a Winter getaway until the end of March 2022, always on the lowest fares.

We’ve added firm favourites Barcelona, Malta and Marrakech to the list of destinations this year, and to celebrate we’ve launched a seat sale with amazing fares available from just €29.99 for travel from October 2021 until end of March 2022, which must be booked before midnight Sunday, 14^th Feb 2021. Since these amazing low fares will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com”.

Taos Air Suspends Winter 2020/2021 Service Due to COVID-19

January 3, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Taos Air has announced that it will suspend all planned Winter flights during the 2020/2021 ski season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hopefully, we will see the return of this popular service connecting California and Texas with the Taos Valley ski area in New Mexico when the winter 2021/2022 season starts?

KiwiRail to Resume TranzAlpine Service on July 4th

June 29, 2020 / WIL BALDWIN

KiwiRail is delighted to announce the return of its acclaimed TranzAlpine train service between Christchurch and Greymouth.

“I’m excited to be able to say that this award-winning train, which last ran on March 22 before the lockdown, will be back from July 4,” KiwiRail Group Chief Executive Greg Miller says.

“We will resume with a weekend and school holiday timetable in July and August as KiwiRail continues to assess demand in a difficult season for tourism, with borders still closed to international visitors.

“We’re conscious of how important this service is to the West Coast economy and we’re looking forward to bringing visitors to the Coast again, allowing them to see the snow-capped Southern Alps along the way.

“This will be an ideal time for New Zealand families to try something new, and together experience what Lonely Planet has described as one of the world’s 10 most amazing rail journeys.”

During July and August, the TranzAlpine will run on weekends, departing Christchurch at 8.15am, and spending an hour in Greymouth before leaving at 2.05pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It will also run every day of the school holidays, July 6-17 inclusive, on the same timetable as weekends. KiwiRail hopes this will be an opportunity for families to share this unique experience. All fares will be changeable, fully refundable and available at the winter special rate of $75 per seat one way.

Opening the TranzAlpine is KiwiRail’s priority for its scenic train services which, on average, have more overseas than domestic customers. The company also operates the Coastal Pacific train between Picton and Christchurch, which does not run during winter, and the Northern Explorer between Auckland and Wellington which is not currently considered financially viable. No decisions have yet been made on the return of the Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific. KiwiRail also runs a commuter rail service between Palmerston North and Wellington, which resumed in late April.

“Covid-19 has taken a heavy toll on tourism everywhere and unfortunately, like other tourism providers, KiwiRail and the communities we serve have suffered the impact,” says Mr Miller.

“We have utilised this downtime to look at exciting opportunities and options, including offering different classes of service onboard the TranzAlpine, beginning this spring. We are confident we can serve the market at different levels with an enhanced service for those who want something extra, while still ensuring more accessible fares are also on offer.”

The booking system at www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/tranzalpine/ is open now for TranzAlpine bookings in July and August, and bookings will open shortly for September and beyond. KiwiRail will be contacting those people who have bookings on services that have been cancelled. Those people already booked on the Northern Explorer – which has very light advanced bookings – will be given a 100 per cent refund or, if they prefer, a letter of credit. People booked on the TranzAlpine on days when it will not now run can choose to be rebooked, or receive either a 100 per cent refund, or a letter of credit for a future booking.

In addition, anyone with an existing booking on the TranzAlpine for one of the winter weekends or the July school holidays will receive a refund of the difference between the higher fare they paid, and the new winter special rate of $75 per seat. For example, if you have already paid $150 for a ticket on the TranzAlpine, we’ll either refund you the $75 difference, or give you a voucher for $75 to spend onboard, or you could use the difference to buy another ticket for a friend or family member.

“We know that our customers all look forward to their trips with us, just as we look forward to serving them. We apologise to affected customers for any inconvenience as we urgently consider how to make long-distance train journeys more attractive, more diverse and more financially sustainable.

“Our Interislander ferries and scenic trains play a significant role in New Zealand’s tourism sector but 2020 has turned out to be difficult for all operators. We are focussed on our return, and on better days ahead.

“We’re working hard on options and opportunities, are looking forward to making further announcements. In the meantime, we will welcome families and holidaymakers aboard the TranzAlpine from Saturday, July 4.”

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