Ryanair (NYSE: RYAN), Edinburgh’s No. 1 airline, today (6th July) celebrated the 15-year anniversary of its base and 33 millionth passenger at Edinburgh Airport. Ryanair first began operating to/from Edinburgh Airport in 2001 with its first flight from Dublin. The airline has since grown to become Edinburgh Airport’s biggest carrier operating a record schedule for Summer ’23, with over 590 flights per week across 69 routes, incl. 6 new routes – Belfast, Bournemouth, London, Newquay, Rhodes, and Venice – on its 11 based aircraft, which represent a $1.1 billion investment and support over 3,800 local jobs.
To celebrate the 15-year anniversary of Ryanair’s Edinburgh base, as well as 33 million passengers and its record-breaking Edinburgh schedule for Summer ‘23, the airline has launched a special seat sale with fares from £29.99 for travel between July and Sept available only at Ryanair.com.
Qantas will reignite its love affair with Rome, adding direct flights from Australia to the eternal city from the middle of next year. From 22 June 2022, Qantas will operate the only direct service between Australia and continental Europe, flying three return Sydney-Perth-Rome flights per week to meet demand over the European holiday peak season.
The new flight will cut more than three hours off the current fastest travel time to Rome using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with cabins designed specifically for long haul travel.
Customers will be able to combine Qantas’ Rome flights with its double-daily direct flights between Australia and London, meaning they will be able to fly in and out of different cities on one return ticket through to October 2022.
The Rome service will also give customers another option for reaching onward destinations across the Mediterranean and southern Europe through Qantas’ network of partners.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said strong travel demand since borders re-opened had given the Flying Kangaroo confidence to explore new destinations as travelers look to make up for lost time.
The new route is expected to entice more visitors to Western Australia and Qantas will partner with Tourism Western Australia to boost inbound tourism from Europe into Perth and regional WA, as well as promote Perth as an ideal stopover for Australians travelling to Europe from the east coast.
Qantas recently started new flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Delhi and re-started a number of existing routes from Sydney and Melbourne to destinations including Los Angeles, London and Singapore.
Fares for the new Sydney-Perth-Rome flights go on sale today starting from $1785 return. Qantas will operate two Points Planes (bookable until 21 December 2021) for Frequent Flyers with every seat in every cabin available to book as a reward seat on the inaugural flight to Rome on 22 June and on the first flight departing Rome on 23 June.
The seasonal route will operate from 22 June until 6 October. Qantas will offer connections to 16 destinations in Europe including Athens, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Nice, Madrid and Paris and 15 destinations within Italy including Milan and Venice.
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 14th 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, 14th Feb 2021. Since these amazing low fares will be snapped up quickly, customers should log onto www.ryanair.com”.
Seasonal service between Detroit and Rome is postponed until May 1.
Due to the continued spread of COVID-19, Delta is temporarily suspending service between Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) and Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) starting Wednesday, March 11 through April 30.
Additionally, seasonal Detroit to Rome service will be delayed to May 1. It was originally scheduled to begin April 1.
Delta is also extending its suspension of service from New York – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to May 20. Service from New York-JFK to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is postponed to May 21.
Customers traveling between Rome and the United States will continue to have access through New York-JFK from March 11 through April 30. New York-JFK to Rome will be Delta’s only flight to Italy during this period.
The airline’s flight schedule between the U.S. and Rome will be as follows:
Flight
March
April
JFK-Rome (no changes)
5x Weekly
5x Weekly
Making changes to your flight
Customers with affected travel plans can go to the My Trips section of delta.com to help them understand their options. These may include rebooking on alternate Delta flights, rebooking on flights after April 30, rebooking on alternate or partner airlines, refunds or contacting us to discuss additional options. Delta continues to offer a change fee waiver for customers who wish to adjust their travel plans.
Planned Openings from Tokyo to Mexico City and Reykjavik to Melbourne, Marriott International Continues to Create Enriching Experiences Through Its Portfolio of Distinct Luxury Brands
BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced it is projecting to open more than 30 luxury properties in 2020 as the company focuses on creating the future of high-end travel through its portfolio of distinct luxury brands. With the world-renowned hospitality hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott and Bvlgari, Marriott International uses the global perspective gained from its boundless network of more than 420 landmark hotels and resorts in nearly 65 countries and territories to provide an unmatched variety of luxury experiences. From the world’s most established destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, Marriott International has more than 185 luxury properties in its signed development pipeline that could add more than 15 new countries and territories to the company’s luxury portfolio, from Iceland to Montenegro and the Philippines.
Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest
“Celebrating the distinct nature and individuality of our luxury brands, Marriott International offers a diverse variety of nuanced brand experiences that speak to the needs of the modern luxury traveler,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Brand Officer and Luxury Portfolio Leader, Marriott International. “Across our luxury brands portfolio, we will continue to incubate innovation and apply fresh thinking, both at the brand level and across our individual hotels, as we seek to be future forward, push boundaries, and continue to raise the bar by creating new, unexpected, and enriching guest experiences.”
“Our plan to open more than 30 luxury properties in 2020 – an average of about three exciting new hotels per month – speaks to the remarkable momentum that brands such as St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton and EDITION have with affluent travelers, our Marriott Bonvoy members and hotel developers around the world,” said Tony Capuano, EVP and Global Chief Development Officer, Marriott International. “Each year, our luxury portfolio continues to grow in both quality and quantity in strategic destinations around the world.”
Transformative Travel Gives Rise to The Purposeful Luxurian In looking at the future of luxury hospitality, Marriott International collaborated with a team of trend forecasters at The Future Laboratory to better understand the attitudinal shifts that are creating a new genre of travelers. Edmundson continued: “The concept of transformative travel – travel motivated and defined by a shift in perspective, self-reflection and development – has become more pronounced and it has given rise to The Purposeful Luxurian, a new breed of traveler that is more progressive, proactive, and looking to affect positive change. This new global explorer views travel as a way to improve physical and mental wellbeing, as well as a means to do good.” With its scale and breadth of distribution, Marriott International is on the frontlines of the evolving global luxury economy, elevating its approach and inviting globally minded travelers to look at the world through a new lens. “We are defining the future of luxury travel by creating the real, rare and personal experiences this new Purposeful Luxurian craves,” said Edmundson.
The Ritz-Carlton Elevates Luxury Through Legendary Service Known for leaving indelible marks and creating memories that last a lifetime, The Ritz-Carlton continues to set the standard for luxury. The iconic luxury brand recently celebrated the opening of its 100th property with the debut of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth and expanded the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio to four exceptional properties with the opening of Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos, Mexico. In the coming year, the brand is expected to bring its legendary service to Morocco for the first time, with the planned opening of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar es Salam in the country’s dynamic capital. The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko is slated to expand the brand’s footprint in Japan, while a highly anticipated property in Mexico City is expected to give guests a unique way to experience the Mexican capital. Overlooking Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley is slated to grow the brand’s resort portfolio, while the brand also anticipates an opening in Nanjing, China, expects to see the completion of a major renovation of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, and continues to work towards the inaugural voyage of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection expected in June 2020.
St. Regis Debuts the Newest Best Addresses in Extraordinary Destinations Offering modern glamour and sophisticated design, the St. Regis brand recently grew its footprint in Europe with the opening of The St. Regis Venice, boasting a magnificent outdoor garden and one of the most coveted locations along the city’s famed Grand Canal. Currently offering 45 hotels in more than 20 countries and territories, the brand in the year ahead expects to introduce St. Regis to Cairo, a destination that has long allured travelers with its enthralling history, and which is quickly reclaiming its place as a global hotspot. Additionally, St. Regis expects to expand its resort portfolio with the anticipated opening of The St. Regis Kanai Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is also slated to open in 2020, bringing highly bespoke service and beloved signature rituals to the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates.
Lux Rebel W Hotels Turns Traditional Luxury on its Head This year, W Hotels brought its boundary-breaking approach, bold design and innovative programming to destinations including Dubai,Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ibiza and Aspen, the brand’s first alpine destination in the United States. Multi-million-dollar renovations by owners are underway or completed at more than half the brand’s properties in North America, including W Washington D. C. and W San Francisco. In addition, the company recently announced plans to transform W New York – Union Square into a cutting-edge W Hotels showcase, advancing a larger strategy to redefine and reinvigorate the W portfolio in North America. Also underway is the exciting addition of W Nashville to the brand’s growing portfolio. The brand continues to trailblaze its way around the globe with 2020 expected openings in Philadelphia, Toronto, Chengdu, and Melbourne. Offering the insider track wherever the iconic W sign lands, the brand is also slated to debut in Italy with the planned openings of W Milan and W Rome, giving locals and visitors alike a distinctly W take on “la dolce vita.”
EDITION Matches Sophisticated Style With Global Growth In 2019, the EDITION brand made global news with the debuts of The Times Square EDITION in New York and The West Hollywood EDITION in Los Angeles, proving sustained high demand for its curated mix of modern design and service. Created through a collaboration between boutique hotel creator and innovator Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the lifestyle brand is slated to bring its distinct point of view to the in-demand destination of Reykjavik in 2020. Additionally, with 10 hotels in six countries and territories, the rapidly growing EDITION brand is expected to bring its sophisticated style to the global hotspotsof Tokyo and Dubai.
The Luxury Collection Continues on its Quest as the Destination Authority With a rapidly growing ensemble of 114 hotels in more than 30 countries and territories around the world, The Luxury Collection takes guests on journeys to the world’s most captivating places. In 2019, the brand celebrated the opening of North Island, Seychelles, the portfolio’s first private island destination, and welcomed properties in Cyprus, Nanning, Buckinghamshire, Kolkata and Çeşme. Looking to the year ahead, The Luxury Collection anticipates openings in coveted locations spanning the globe, including Nashville and Budapest, Hungary, as well as Hobart, Australia – a destination that signals the future of luxury travel.
JW Marriott Inspires Guests to be Mindful and Present through Uplifting Experiences JW Marriott offers warm and intentional luxury experiences at nearly 90 properties around the world, including the recent, highly anticipated debut of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to let guests focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized in spirit. Expected to reach more than 115 hotels by 2022, the year 2020 is slated to be a period of rapid growth for the brand, with planned U.S. openings in Savannah, Orlando and Anaheim, in addition to global destinations ranging from Istanbul and Danang, Vietnam, to Nara, Japan, Muscat, Oman and Monterrey, Mexico.
LONDON (Reuters) – The future of Alitalia was plunged further into uncertainty on Monday after British budget airline easyJet pulled out of talks to rescue the Italian carrier two weeks before a deadline to save it.
EasyJet said it had decided to withdraw from the process after discussions with Italy’s state-controlled railway Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane and U.S. airline Delta Air Lines.
Alitalia was put under special administration in 2017 after workers rejected the latest in a long line of rescue plans, leaving the government once again seeking a buyer to save the airline.
Ferrovie is racing against the clock to meet deadline of the end of the month set by the Italian government to present a rescue plan for Alitalia, and had been in talks with easyJet and Delta over a possible deal.
But the parties had not seen see eye to eye on the structure of a deal. Without an industrial partner fully on board, a source said last week that Alitalia could soon find itself in trouble since neither Ferrovie nor the state have the skills to run the carrier.
Delta said it was still in talks with Ferrovie.
“Discussions remain ongoing as Alitalia is a long-standing partner of Delta,” the U.S. airline said in a statement.
Alitalia and Ferrovie could not immediately be reached for a comment.
EasyJet, whose shares were unaffected by Monday’s announcement, had said several times it was interested in Alitalia’s short-haul operations and positions at primary airports.
A source familiar with the talks said easyJet still believed it could be a good partner for Alitalia, but that a deal was not feasible with the current approach.
“EasyJet pulled out because it wanted to control (Alitalia’s) Milan hub and use it for point-to-point flights. This could not be done,” another source with knowledge of the matter said.
EasyJet said it remained committed to Italy, as a key market for the company.
“We continue to invest in the three bases in Milan, Naples, (and) Venice,” it said in a statement.
(Reporting by Alistair Smout in London and Sangameswaran S in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Agnieszka Flak in Milan and Giselda Vagnoni in Rome; Editing by Keith Weir and Mark Potter)
British pilot Kate McWilliams became the world’s youngest ever commercial airline captain at age 26 with easyJet.
