ROUTES TECHNOLOGY
UK-China flights to jump 150 per cent
THE UK AND CHINA HAVE AGREED to more than double the number of permitted flights between the two countries. Under the new deal, passenger flights can now increase from
the current maximum of 40 per week for each nation to up to 100, helping to boost tourism and trade opportunities for the UK. Flights had previously been limited to serving just six airports in each country. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the deal is a “big moment” for the UK.
Google launches mobile travel planning app
GOOGLE HAS EXPANDED IN THE TRAVEL SECTOR with the launch of mobile app Google Trips. It describes the app as a “personalised tour guide in your pocket”, with categories of information, including day plans, reservations, things to do, and food and drink. Users need a Gmail account to use the app as Google
scans email accounts to access upcoming trips including flight, car rental and accommodation bookings. This is accessed through the ‘Reservations’ tile. There is also a ‘For You’ option which provides personalised recommendations based on your browsing history. Google says the app utilises “fast dynamic” algorithms and “crowd wisdom” for itineraries, and it cites research showing 74 per cent of travellers find planning details the most stressful part of a trip. One of the app’s key features is that it is available offline, but the user must download their itinerary before the trip. Google has trips and suggestions for 200 cities. The information is based on historic visit data from other travellers. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.
AIRLINES
Iberia unveils premium economy for long-haul
IBERIA HAS UNVEILED ITS NEW PREMIUM ECONOMY CABIN for 37 of its long-haul aircraft. The product, planned for summer 2017, will be installed on eight Airbus A330-300s and 13 of the airline’s A340- 600s, and on 16 new A350-900s to be delivered in 2018. The seat, at 19 inches, will be wider than the current economy seat and seat pitch will be 37 inches. Seat recline will also be increased by 40 per cent compared to economy, and the premium economy seat will feature a larger IFE screen. Other features will include adjustable head and foot rests, and noise-cancelling headphones. The first routes to feature the new seat will be from Madrid to Buenos Aires, Lima and Chicago next summer.
TMCs Egencia outlines strategy for ‘Expedia generation’
TMC EGENCIA HAS ANNOUNCED ITS STRATEGY for the next few years, focusing on providing business travel for the ‘Expedia generation’. At the core of the new strategy is increasing investment in product innovation and technology such as the
12 BBT November/December 2016
recent Apple Watch and Android Wear app announcement. Egencia said it will continue to deliver similar products through an “expanding global platform”. The company will create two new global organisations – the first will comprise Egencia sales and account
management and will be led by chief commercial officer Christophe Peymirat. The second will be focused on “scaling”
Egencia’s business operations and on leading all supplier partner relationships. This organisation will be led by chief operating officer Mark Hollyhead.
BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM
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