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CORPORATE TRAVELLER

SUMMER 2014 NO. 50

“ 2014 Business Class Review” 

BEST HOTEL ROOM FOR CORPORATE TRAVELLER AWARDS 2014: THE FINALISTS

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CEO AND PRESIDENT OF TURKISH AIRLINES, DR TEMEL KOTIL

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First Class CORPORATE 004 Industry News TRAVELLER 7/07/2014 16:45:13

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER IN THE BENELUX

News from the travel industry

042 Exclusive interview with CEO and President of Turkish Airlines, Dr Temel Kotil

018 Amadeus launches Corporate Suite for meetings optimisation

WWW.THECORPORATETRAVELLER.BE CIRCULATION 26.000 DIFFUSION Belgium, France, Luxemburg and The Netherlands PUBLICATION FREQUENCY 4 issues per year PUBLISHED BY LEO bvba 1, rue des Ixellois, 4000 Liège, Belgium Tel: 0032 (0) 4 224 7871 Fax: 0032 (0) 4 226 9484 E-mail: jp@eventbox.be PUBLISHER Erik De Ridder – E-mail: edr@eventbox.be MANAGING EDITOR Jean Paul Talbot – E-mail: jp@eventbox.be EDITORIAL TEAM Joanna Pays, Angela Antrobus, Jeroen Coteur, Jacques Legros ART DIRECTOR www.be-able.be SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Corporate Traveller cost € 150 per year (excluding VAT).

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A sizable number of companies are succeeding at cutting travel costs thanks to self-booking tools and agreements with travel providers. Nevertheless, there are still great efficiencies to be found, and the focus here will lie on business meetings.

Founded in 1933 with 5 aircraft, Turkish Airlines has grown to achieve the world’s largest airline destination network of countries and cities. In an exclusive interview with The Corporate Traveller magazine, Dr Temel Kotil, President and CEO of Turkish airlines, shared some of the strategies that have contributed to carrier’s success.

044 Lufthansa introduces Premium Economy class

020 Best Hotel Room for Corporate Traveller Awards 2014 – The Finalists In our Spring issue, we announced the opening of our competition for the Best Hotel Room for Corporate Traveller Awards 2014, sponsored by Amadeus. One 5 star and one 4 star hotel will each gain not only the prestige, but an advertising campaign worth 16,000 euros in The Corporate Traveller Magazine.

AIR WAYS 023 Business Class Special There are no two business classes which are identical, whether on airlines or on railways. The travel sector is progressing very rapidly, and each year The Corporate Traveller points out the advances achieved by a series of airline companies. An excellent way to make an informed choice...

AIR PORTS 040 Transforming the retail experience at Brussels Airport

By launching its Premium Economy class this year, Lufthansa is offering a new choice between its Economy Class and Business Class with many advantages. Roberto Mamone, Lufthansa Sales Manager BeLux, shared a preview of the new product with us.

046 AIR FRANCE KLM opens new Air&Rail Terminal at the Brussels-Midi railway station On 5 June, AIR FRANCE KLM celebrated the opening of their new Air&Rail Terminal at the Brussels-Midi international rail station.

048 Behind the scenes with SWISS

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ISSN 1387-2400

Regular travellers to Brussels Airport will have noticed a number of exclusive new retail outlets and concepts appearing over recent years. Sky Shops is one of the driving forces behind these changes, operating almost 80% of the airport’s retail areas.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) gave The Corporate Traveller an exclusive behind the scenes glimpse of its operations at Zurich Airport. Our tour began with an ‘access all areas’ visit of the airport. As we were to discover, the airline’s workings are worthy of a true Swiss precision time piece.

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

SPRING 2014 | 3

The Traveller Journal NEWS FROM THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

Emirates to commence services to Brussels Emirates is to begin a new daily service to Brussels, as from 5 September 2014. The service will greatly increase convenience for the large number of Belgian consumers who currently have to travel via other airports to reach Dubai.

The non-stop service will be operated by a Boeing 777 in a three-class configuration. Emirates will be the first international airline to offer a First Class product from Brussels to the Middle East and Asia, offering customers an unrivalled travel experience.

“As the centre of European politics and a hub of economic activity, Brussels is already an important offline market for Emirates” said Tim Clark, President Emirates airline. “Our research has shown that there is high demand for this route from across our network, from both the business and public sector as

well as leisure travellers. Belgium operates an open and private enterprisebased economy and we expect this new service to further boost bilateral trade and commerce between the UAE and Belgium, which currently sits at around €4 billion per year. Brussels complements our existing European destinations and with our new flight, customers will now be able to fly direct from Brussels to Dubai, and onwards to key cities in the Far East, Australia, South Asia, the Middle East and South Africa.”

Emirates’ new daily flight to Brussels during the summer schedule will depart from Dubai at 07.50, arriving at Brussels Airport at 13.15. The return flight will leave Brussels at 14.45 to arrive at Dubai International Airport at 23.25.

Brussels will be Emirates’ 147th destination, closely following the launch of Oslo on 2nd September.

Japan Airlines, British Airways and Finnair begin joint business Oneword alliance members Japan Airlines, British Airways and Finnair have commenced their joint business agreement between Europe and Japan.

The joint business means that the three airlines will share revenue and cooperate on scheduling and pricing between Japan and Europe, providing customers with more flexible routing options and an attractive range of fares. Customer benefits will include the ability to mix and match flights on all three carriers for the most convenient scheduling and best pricing.

Passengers can also check-in with any of the three airlines, regardless of which is being flown.

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Currently, Finnair flies from Helsinki to Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, connecting Japan to more than 50 Finnair destinations in Europe. Japan Airlines also operates daily from Tokyo to Helsinki, Frankfurt, Paris and London, while British Airways operates daily flights from London to both Narita and Haneda airports in Tokyo.

“Since the authorities gave the green light for us to enter this joint business, we have worked very hard with our new partners to establish a wellfunctioning cooperation” says Finnair CEO Pekka Vauramo. “Together, the three of us will constitute the single largest player in Europe-Japan traffic, offering an extremely competitive customer proposition in this vital market.”

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

BCD Travel launches TripSource app for business travellers Etihad Airways and Alitalia statement Etihad Airways’ recently announced agreement with Alitalia was the latest step in a process which could lead to the finalization of a proposed transaction. The two airlines have agreed the principal terms and conditions under which Etihad Airways will acquire a 49 per cent equity stake in Alitalia.

The next steps, to be worked through over the coming months, include the application for regulatory approval, as well as final shareholder and board approvals. Etihad Airways has confirmed that it will forward a letter detailing the conditions for a proposed equity investment by Etihad Airways that have been negotiated with Alitalia and its stakeholders over the past months.

“We are delighted to be able to move forward with this process and look forward to the successful conclusion of the proposed transaction with Alitalia” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “An equity investment in Alitalia will be beneficial not only for the both airlines, but, more importantly, it will give more choice and broader travel opportunities to business and leisure travellers into and out of Italy.”

“This is an excellent outcome for Alitalia” said Gabriele Del Torchio, Chief Executive Officer of Alitalia.

“This investment will provide financial stability and confirms Alitalia’s key strategic role as an infrastructure player in the travel and tourism industry in Italy for long-term growth.”

Wim Melis, new Country Manager for Vueling Benelux Wim Melis has been appointed Country Manager Benelux for Spanish airline Vueling.

Wim Melis graduated from the Katholieke Universiteit in Brussels and has held management positions with airlines including Scandinavian Airlines, British Airways and, most recently, Brussels Airlines, where he was the Head of Corporate Sales.

In his new role, Wim Melis will leverage his 20 years of experience in the airline sector to support

Vueling’s expansion strategy for the Benelux, from Brussels Airport and Schiphol. Vueling serves 11 destinations in Spain, Italy and Portgual from Brussels Airport.

“I am looking forward to contributing to the expansion of Vueling’s activities in the Benelux that were strengthened in the spring with the opening of 7 new direct destinations in Spain, Portugal and Italy from Brussels Airport” said Wim Melis. “I am convinced that these unique challenges will make my job incredibly exciting!”

BCD Travel has launched TripSource, a robust itinerary management app for Belgian customers.

The new BCD app makes it easier to manage and share itineraries, while passengers have access to all important information about their trip via their smartphone at any time.

As well as facilitating travel for corporate travellers, it also helps them adhere better to their companies’ travel policies.

Travellers can use TripSource to view their itinerary and share information with their colleagues on their flights, hotels or other travel updates. The application also gives them real-time useful information, such as alerts if their flight is delayed or the gate has changed. A route to the destination is included in the app.

“Nowadays, laptops and other mobile devices are indispensable for travellers. However, there are few applications that focus on the specific needs of business travellers” said Diederik Banks, Vice President Commercial Benelux. “By centralizing all relevant information, TripSource is the ideal tool for managing business and a valuable companion for any business traveller.”

BCD Travel will soon also launch an Enterprise version of the application. The Enterprise version will provide travel managers with a real-time communications tool for encouraging travellers to make smart choices during trips, in order to limit the impact of hidden costs.

Companies can send messages via Trip Source Enterprise to support their travel policy, including tips on the best way to travel from one point to another, or negotiated discounts.

BCD Travel customers in Belgium can download the free TripSource app from the Apple App Store. Versions for other countries, languages and operating systems (Android and mobile internet) will follow soon.

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

SUMMER 2014 | 5

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

CWT explores ‘The Changing Face of Travel Management’ On 18 June, Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) hosted customers at its Global Exchange event in Washington D.C. and outlined its vision to fuse the very best technology and service together to remain at the forefront of the industry in the eyes of its customers.

In his opening address president & CEO Doug Anderson outlined an initiative titled ‘The Changing Face of Travel Management’, in which CWT highlights the ways in which it offers a seamless balance between the latest technology and customer service, both now and in the future.

CWT receives 45 million calls and emails from clients and their travellers each year - approximately 124,000 communications every day - indicating that in today’s fast-paced, digital world, human interaction and customer service are still important to travellers, and CWT is committed to bringing the two together in harmony.

David Moran, CWT executive vice president, Global Marketing & Enterprise Strategy said, “CWT is working on a number of initiatives to seamlessly integrate the latest digital technology and outstanding customer service. Our aim is to bring the two together even more closely by continuing to listen to our customers.”

At the Washington event CWT showcased new products, as well as some ideas still in the testing phase in an interactive products and services lab, allowing customers to try out new products and prototypes.

Anderson concluded, “Service is at the core of everything we do at CWT – it’s in our DNA. While corporate travel is constantly evolving and we adapt to the needs of our clients, incorporating new technology and keeping our eye on the next big travel innovation, we also know our customer service is what sets us apart from the competition.”

Global travel set for decade of sustained Alitalia appoints growth according to new Amadeus report new Country Manager and Key Account Manager for Belux Alitalia has appointed Filippo Diventi as Country Manager for Belgium and Luxembourg. At the same time, Nicolai Kurjaktin has been named as the airline’s new Key Account & Sales Support Manager for the region.

In his new position, Filippo Diventi is replacing Domenico Foggetti who has been posted to Italy. Filippo Diventi has held many senior positions within Alitalia and has an excellent knowledge of the Belgian market having held the position of Pricing & Marketing Analyst BeLux for the last few years.

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According to a new report on global travel trends, Shaping the Future of Travel, the global travel industry is poised for a period of sustained growth over the next decade.

households able to afford overseas travel set to more than double in the next 10 years. China will also become the biggest domestic travel market by 2017.

Written by Oxford Economics, the world leader in global forecasting and quantitative analysis for business and government, the study draws on detailed macro-economic modelling as well as qualitative interviews with industry experts, to forecast a wide range of future trends, including pockets of growth and opportunity that will shape the next decade of travel.

However, the report indicates that growth will not be exclusive to China, with forecasts showing that other large emerging markets such as Russia, Brazil, India, Indonesia and Turkey will each also average more than 5% annual growth over the next 10 years. Business travel will bounce back as links between East and West stimulate new demand, but western short-haul business travel will not reach pre-2008 levels until 2018. Asia will account for 55% of global business travel growth in the next ten years.

The report projects that the global travel industry will outstrip global GDP by some 2%, growing 5.4% per annum. Moreover, global travel is now set to grow at a significantly faster rate than during the financial crisis, where growth was just 4.1% per annum.

The forecasted growth is driven in part by China’s share of global outbound travel reaching as much as 20% by 2023. China is expected to overtake the US to become the world’s largest outbound travel market this year, with the number of Chinese

“Forecasts predict a new golden era for travel, which will be welcome news for many segments of the industry that are only just beginning to emerge from recession” said Holger Taubmann, SVP Distribution, Amadeus. “However, as the complexities in the business travel market clearly demonstrate, growth will be far from evenly distributed and there are likely to be both winners and losers.”

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Warwick International Hotels open its first hotel in Dubai.

Warwick International Hotels has reached a new milestone with the opening of its first hotel in Dubai.

The 47 floor Warwick Hotel Dubai is a 4+ star property which opened in April. Its 357 rooms and suites range from Deluxe and Club rooms, to one and two bedroom suites and Penthouses. The hotel’s facilities include an executive lounge and no less than four food and beverage outlets. The World restaurant on the 44th floor, and rooftop swimming pool with bar, offer breathtaking views over the city. Warwick Hotel Dubai boasts extensive meeting facilities for business travellers, as well as a spa and fully-equipped fitness Centre. Guests can even enjoy a game of tennis.

The opening of the Hotel marks a major step in the development of WIH, after having established its

presence in the Middle East in 2012. Its portfolio of hotels now includes the Warwick Il Palazzo Hotel & Suites and the Winter Valley Warwick Resort & Spa Dead Sea in Jordan and the Warwick Stone 55, Warwick Pangéa Beach Resort & Spa and the Warwick Palm Beach in Lebanon. This year, WIH is continuing its expansions in the Middle East with the Babylon Warwick Hotel in Irak and the Warwick Doha Hotel in Qatar. WIH is present on 4 continents, with a portfolio of 59 hotels and over 8500 rooms in the 4 and 5 star category.

The Warwick Hotel Dubai is located in the heart of Dubai, near the Dubai Financial Centre. The hotel is owned by Damas Real Estate, with whom WIH entered into a Management Agreement last year.

For more information visit http://warwickhotels.com/ dubai

Hoist Technology and Locatel Etihad Regional starts Genevamerge to create leading Toulouse flights hospitality IT supplier Swedish hotel supplier Hoist Technology and French hotel solutions provider Locatel have merged to create one of Europe’s largest hospitality IT systems specialists, HoistLocatel.

While Hoist Technology holds a strong position as a supplier for both independently operated hotels and hotel chains in the middle market, from 2-4 stars, Locatel is well established within the mid-market to high end segment of 4 and 5 star hotels. This combination will make HoistLocatel a strong supplier for all segments in its domain of system solutions and products, installation, service and support, hosting and IT services.

Hoist Technology and Locatel originally formed a business alliance in 2012.

The merger will bring further benefits for the companies and their customers.

The new entity, HoistLocatel, covers 14 countries in Europe and the Middle East, as well as many others via its distributor network.

“After over a year of successful partnership with Locatel this is a natural step that will benefit our customers across Europe” commented Malcolm Lindblom, CEO of Hoist Technology. “Our goal is to service all sizes of hotels, both independently operated and chains, with the most advanced systems to support each customer’s profitability” HoistLocatel is headquartered in Stockholm. The company has annual sales of around 100 million euros and employs 500 staff.

Etihad Regional has inaugurated a three times weekly service linking Geneva with Toulouse.

The flights are Etihad Regional’s first year-round route to France from its Swiss base. The airline already operates to Biarritz and Calvi during the summer season and recently commenced year round operations to Bordeaux, Lyon and Marseille.

“We are very excited that we have started this new direct service, linking our Geneva hub with Toulouse” said Maurizio Merlo, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Regional. “The new route is an important milestone in our strategy of expanding operations to key regional cities across Europe and providing travellers with greater choice. We are confident it will help boost business and leisure ties at both ends, in addition to flowing traffic on to the services offered by our partner, Etihad Airways.”

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SUMMER 2014 | 7

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Vueling launches 3 Shangri-La in the Himalayas extra destinations from Brussels for autumn Following the opening this spring of 7 new routes, Vueling is to offer direct services to 3 further European cities from Brussels this autumn.

From 24 October to 2 November, travellers from Belgium will be offered direct flights to the the Tcheque capital of Prague.

From 25 October to 1 November the airline will also serve flights to Catane. The fabulous city of Florence will be just two hours away from Brussels Airport with Vueling from 27 October to 2 November.

“The temporary opening of direct services for such a short time period is unique” says Wim Melis, Vueling’s Country Manager Benelux. “This confirms the great interest our airline has for Brussels Airport and a new stage in our expansion strategy. We are increasing our direct destinations from Brussels Airport and we offer the possibility to fly to 132 destinations, notably via our hubs in Barcelona and Rome.”

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ new retreat in Lhasa marks a sort of homecoming for the hotel group, as the legendary Shangri-La – the mythical ‘paradise on earth’ set in the Himalayas – was the inspiration for the Hong Kong-based luxury hotel brand.

glaciers and desert-like landscape. To help guests make the most of their visit, agents located in Routes, the hotel’s one-stop business centre, can arrange group and individual travel, tours and sightseeing for them. Travellers to Lhasa won’t find a better home base for taking in the stunning scenery or exploring Lhasa’s culturally significant Buddhist sites, including the Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace, both of which are within walking distance from the hotel.

The newly-built 289 room Shangri-La Hotel in Lhasa has been designed to provide guests with an authentic window onto Tibetan culture and hospitality. “It is extremely important wherever we operate hotels that we embrace the local community and culture and our hotels reflect this authentically in both their design and offerings” said Ester Marcaida, general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa.

Visitors to Lhasa are advised to acclimate to the altitude, and Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa’s well-being facilities include the first oxygen lounge in a hotel, a spa, gym and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa also offers extensive event and conference facilities, including the city’s largest ballroom and an event terrace overlooking Potala Palace and the surrounding mountain range.

Lhasa, the administrative centre of Tibet, is set on a plateau soaring 3,650 metres above sea level and is encircled by mountains,

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The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

KLM allows the use of Portable Electronic Devices on board Beatles photo exhibition at the Steigenberger Grandhotel Brussels

The news aligns with Air France, who recently implemented the use of devices during the whole flight. Portable electronic devices that can be used include smartphones, tablets, e-readers, cameras and small handheld game consoles. This provides more convenience for customers, as use is currently prohibited during take-off and landing.

Equipment operating with an antenna must still must be set in ‘flight mode’ whenever the aircraft doors are closed.

The Steigenberger Grandhotel Brussels has inaugurated an exhibition of photos of the Beatles taken by photo journalist Harry Benson between 1964 and 1966.

The Steigenberger Hotel is located at 71 Avenue Louise, Brussels. The exhibition of 10 iconic photographs are being shown at the hotel’s Loui Bar. The exhibition is open to the public until 19 August and then again from 19 September to 31 December 2014.

Brussels Airlines’ new website reinforces strong digital Qatar Airways moves presence 2014 marks a year of innovation for Brussels Airlines. The airline is investing in its digital channels to offer the best online experience to its customers, starting with its new website.

Brussels Airlines is launching several digital improvements to further improve its customer experience. The entirely revamped brusselsairlines. com is designed for simplicity and easy access to information and online services.

Thanks to smoother navigation, visitors can now easily find all the travel information they need. Visitors who are still looking for travel inspiration can look for destination tips and can see all flight promotions at a glance. Novelties include a weather forecast for the next seven days on destination pages, as well as extensive information about the destinations and local airports, all in one place.

The renewed website marks the first step in a series of improvements to Brussels Airlines’ digital platforms.

Later this year a new flight booking engine will be implemented on their website, which will help customers to easily choose the offer that best suits their needs. The airline is also working on the development of a mobile app, to offer easy access to flight booking and check-in and all travel related information while on the go.

In addition to the website, Brussels Airlines already has a strong presence on Facebook and Twitter since 2010.

“Our social media team strives to offer the best possible digital service by responding to customers within 1 hour, which makes it one of the fastest responding social customer services in Belgium” said Lars Redeligx, Brussels Airlines Chief Commercial Officer. “We want our guests to feel close to us, to be there for them on the channels where they’re already present.”

operations to Doha’s new Hamad International Airport Qatar Airways has moved all of its Doha flights to the brand new Hamad International Airport, near the Qatari capital.

“The move of our entire operations to HIA is a momentous occasion for Qatar Airways, and one that we have been preparing for extensively for a long time” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. “Our move to HIA heralds a new beginning for Qatar Airways, as we will now be based in a worldclass hub that has been entirely designed to meet the needs and expectations of even the most discerning passengers.

Qatar Airways passengers will be thrilled to enjoy the comfort and functional design of the new airport, along with the exceptional shopping and dining choices it offers.”

The HIA Passenger Terminal Complex will house a total of 138 checkin counters and 40,000 square metres of combined retail, food and beverage facilities, establishing the airport as a premier shopping and dining destination.

The new airport is located on the East coast of the peninsula, just 16km from the centre of Doha and 4km from Doha International Airport.

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SUMMER 2014 | 9

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The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

United Airlines Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Brussels-New York Service United Airlines is celebrating 15 years of daily nonstop services from Brussels to its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport.

“We thank our customers for choosing United over the past 15 years on this route” said Luc Geerts, United’s Regional Director for Southern Europe. “Our flights offer fast access to New York City, the most popular US business and tourism destination for Belgian travellers, as well as

unparalleled connectivity to cities throughout the Americas via our Newark Liberty hub. We owe our success to the important partnerships with trade and corporate customers we have built over the years, as well as the hard work and dedication of our local sales and operations teams.”

From its Newark Liberty hub, United offers flights to more than 300 destinations throughout the US, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Four Seasons debuts hotel industry’s first fully branded Jet The sky is the new limit for luxury hospitality, with the introduction of the Four Seasons Jet, the industry’s first fully branded private jet experience.

The jet is a completely retrofitted Boeing 757 with interior and exterior design customised

by Four Seasons design experts to set the stage for a travel experience like no other. Beginning in February 2015, the Four Seasons Jet will transport 52 guests on bespoke journeys, offering discerning travellers a distinctly Four Seasons’ experience from the moment they book their trip. Four Seasons in-flight staff, including a dedicated on-board concierge, will coordinate with local Four Seasons concierges in each destination to ensure that the experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

Eurostar on-track with strong growth in sales revenues and passenger numbers Eurostar has reported continued, strong growth in both sales revenues and passenger numbers during the first quarter of 2014.

During the first three months of the year, Eurostar has seen signs that growing economic confidence has translated into stronger business travel bookings on both sides of the channel.

Growth in sales of Eurostar’s Business Premier class has continued with passenger volumes up 6%. Compared to same period in 2013, total sales revenues grew by 7% to £227 million, while total passenger numbers increased by 3% to 2.3 million.

This trend, first reported in the second half of 2013 and related largely to the UK corporate travel market, has now begun to take hold in Eurostar’s other core markets. This positive corporate sentiment has contributed to Eurostar’s strong performance. The publication of the results

coincides with the opening of Eurostar’s brand new ticket office in St Pancras International, part of a wider programme to upgrade passenger facilities within Eurostar’s stations.

This programme includes work already underway at Lille Europe station to significantly increase the capacity and accommodate growth in connecting passengers.

The investments also include upgrades to Eurostar’s business traveller lounges, such as the transformation of the Brussels Midi lounge scheduled to commence this summer.

“Our ongoing programme of investment spans every area of our business from our fleet of trains to the stations from which they operate” said Nicolas Petrovic, Chief Executive, Eurostar.

“With many more initiatives scheduled to come online during our twentieth year of operation, 2014 is gearing up to be a watershed moment in Eurostar’s history.”

“Taking our legendary service to the skies is a natural extension of what we’ve been doing in our hotels for more than 50 years” says Susan Helstab, Executive Vice President Marketing, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “The Four Seasons Jet showcases the unforgettable people and experiences that make Four Seasons unique. It speaks to our pioneering spirit and the aspirations of today’s modern luxury traveller in an imaginative new way.”

Guests can look forward to handcrafted leather flatbed seats, globally inspired cuisine and signature Four Seasons service – on board and on the ground. Global in-flight WiFi keeps guests and staff connected, so that spa treatments, tee times, private excursions and more can be arranged ‘on the fly’ to augment each thoughtfully planned itinerary.

Travellers will also have access to exclusive experiences available only to Four Seasons Jet passengers.

Reservations aboard the new Four Seasons Jet are currently open for around the world trips in February and August 2015, as well as a ‘Backstage with the Arts’ tour, beginning in April 2015. Each journey includes air travel, ground transportation, planned excursions, meals and luxurious accommodations exclusively at Four Seasons.

The Four Seasons Jet and crew can also be privately chartered.

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SUMMER 2014 | 11

n the i g n i t e e m a “The trip: e in n o r e h t o n a morning, inute m t s a l a , n the afternoo est b e h t y l i k c ... Lu presentation rips t s s e n i s u b e s part of the ow h s ’ t i , t r a t s hey aren´t how t they end.”

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The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Amadeus Mobile Messenger helps travel agencies and corporations fulfil ‘duty of care’ Amadeus has announced the release of Amadeus Mobile Messenger, a comprehensive solution for travel agencies and corporations to handle global traveller tracking and communication in any travel disruption or crisis situation.

Amadeus Mobile Messenger is a stand-alone solution which works interactively with smart devices such as iPhones and Androids, using advanced messaging technology and standard SMS. With its sophisticated user interface, Amadeus Mobile Messenger allows travel agencies and corporations to locate, communicate with and assist their travellers in any travel disruption or crisis situation.

SWISS modifies its regulations on the use of portable electronic devices on board SWISS is now permitting the use of portable electronic devices throughout the flight, providing the device is switched to ‘airplane’ mode.

Wireless and Bluetooth functions must continue to be deactivated.

Until now, passengers on SWISS have only been permitted to use their portable electronic devices (PEDs) in ‘airplane’ mode while their flight is at cruising altitude. Devices can be now be used in airplane mode throughout the flight,

from takeoff to landing. Exceptions to the new regulations are that devices cannot be used during departures or arrivals in conditions of low visibility, and that the new provisions do not apply to larger folding electronic devices such as laptops or notebooks. These must continue to be switched off completely and stowed away for the taxi, takeoff and landing phases of the flight. The new provisions do not permit phone calls to be made or the internet to be used during the flight.

Amadeus Mobile Messenger incorporates innovative technology that optimises the workflow for incident management, delivering real time saving and making the process more cost-efficient. By proactively reaching out to their travellers as events unfold, travel agencies and corporations also reduce call volumes to their locations. Amadeus Mobile Messenger is complemented by an optional risk management module that delivers the information needed to identify risks, monitor threats and respond to incident as they arise. Information, pretravel advisories and risk alerts are provided by Riskline.

“Mobile solutions are leading travel industry trends, especially when facing unexpected emergency situations” commented Luc Pannecoeck, General Manager, Amadeus Benelux. “Corporations need technology that helps them to fulfil their duty of care obligations by informing, locating and assisting their travellers in times of crisis, using technology that is compatible with their corporate travel policy and cost saving objectives.¨ Amadeus Mobile Messenger is the result of a global partnership agreement with Charter Solutions International, a US-based mobile technology provider.

Singapore Airlines to be title sponsor Steigenberger Grandhotel Brussels opens newly of Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix renovated Davidoff smoking lounge Singapore Airlines has signed an agreement with the Formula One Group to be the Title Sponsor of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. The 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Grand Prix will take place from 19 to 21 September at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

“We are thrilled to be taking up the title sponsorship of one of the most exciting races on the F1 calendar, and we are

especially pleased to be doing so in the lead-up to Singapore’s 50th birthday next year” said Singapore Airlines CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong. “Singapore Airlines has always supported the development of both sports and tourism. Through our involvement with the world’s first F1 night race we will be able to enhance both for the benefit of Singaporeans and visitors alike.”

Guests at the Steigenberg Grandhotel Brussels can now enjoy the new smoking lounge, the D-lounge.

The spacious and elegantly designed D-Lounge, which opened on 26 June, is signed by Davidoff. It offers a wide variety of cigars for aficionados.

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The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

American Airlines and US Airways co-locate at London Heathrow and Paris, CDG As American Airlines and US Airways continue to align the travel experience for customers, co-locations are taking place at airports around the world.

US Airways flights to and from London Heathrow have now moved to operate from the airport’s

Terminal 3, zone F. The US Airways ticketing and check-in desks are located alongside those of American Airlines. Simultaneously, US Airways flights to and from Paris, Charles de Gaulle have moved to operate from the airport’s Terminal 2.

The US Airways ticketing and check-in desks will be located nearby to American Airlines.

United Airlines’ first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner rolls out of factory In April, United Airlines’ first 787-9 Dreamliner rolled out of final assembly at Boeing’s Everett, Wash., facility. The rollout marks the first major milestone in the aircraft’s production ahead of its expected delivery this summer.

Finnair brings new destinations in Thailand and increases frequencies to Japan Finnair will offer its passengers two new destinations in Asia, as from its winter season, with the introduction of Phuket and Krabi.

Nagoya flights are operated with A330 aircraft equipped with its new full-flat bed seats in Business Class.

From Brussels via Helsinki, Finnair will serve Phuket, from November 14 to December 13, every Friday and Saturday. From December 14 to March 28 2015, the Phuket route will be operated on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The airline is also bringing travellers the chance to discover Krabi, a pretty coastal town in the South of Thailand, surrounded by sumptuous landscapes and luxuriant jungles. Krabi will be flown, from December 10 to March 28 2015, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Both routes will be operated with A340 aircraft.

“After Bangkok, we are pleased to offer two new destinations in Thailand and meet the increasing demand of our passengers for both leisure and business travels” said Seline Hursever, Finnair’s Country Sales Manager Belux. “We are delighted to keep on developing our network to Asia and to serve next winter 13 Asian destinations.”

In addition, next winter, from Brussels via Helsinki, Finnair will increase its flights to Japan’s Nagoya, from four to five flights per week. The extra flight is timed to offer passengers optimal connections. Finnair’s

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Finnair operates 24 weekly flights from Brussels to Helsinki. The airline flies the shortest route between Europe and Asia via Helsinki, with very fast connections. From Brussels via Helsinki, Finnair serves 13 destinations in Asia - Bangkok, Beijing, Chongqing, Delhi, Hong Kong, Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo, as well as Hanoi and Xi’an in the summer.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is the second and newest member of the fuel-efficient 787 family. With the fuselage stretched 20 feet longer than the 787-8, United’s 787-9 will fly more than 30 additional passengers and up to 300 nautical miles farther with the same exceptional environmental performance, including up to 20 percent less fuel burn per seat and up to 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized aircraft. United Airlines is the North American launch customer for the aircraft.

Earlier this year, United announced that it will fly the 787-9 on nonstop service between its hub at Los Angeles International Airport and Melbourne, Australia, beginning in October. The airline will fly the route six times weekly with the aircraft. United will be the first North American carrier to take delivery of the 787-9, and this will be the airline’s first international deployment of the aircraft type. Over the following months, the aircraft will move to the next phase of completion, which includes final cabin configuration and painting.

United’s 787-9 will be configured with 252 seats – 48 in United BusinessFirst and 204 in United Economy, including 88 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space.

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Delta Air Lines now offers more Business seats between Belgium and the United States

Delta Air Lines recently showcased their fully flat-bed business class seats at the Pegasus Business Park in Brussels. For the occasion, the airline invited the press, travel agents, TMCs and several clients to come and experience the seat and see the onboard products on offer. Flight attendants were on hand to demonstrate the features and answer questions about the product, while pilots showed the new Microsoft tablets they use onboard.

Following recent upgrades to the BusinessElite cabin, Delta Air Lines now offers more flat-bed seats between Belgium and the United States than any other carrier. The airline operates daily flights from Brussels to both Atlanta and New York-JFK. Between these 14 weekly flights, Delta provides more than 980 fully flat-bed seats. Each one is forward facing and offers direct-aisle access, to enhance passenger comfort and privacy.

“Last year, Delta transported nearly 220,000 passengers between Brussels and the US,” said Bob Hannah, Delta’s Regional Sales Director in EMEA. “We are constantly working to improve the passenger experience and our in-flight

products are a key part of this. We have also worked to ensure our flights are conveniently timed for customers to connect in both Atlanta and New York.”

“The design of our BusinessElite, EconomyComfort and Economy class products means that our airline offers one of the best choices when traveling to the US” added Frédéric Schenk, Sales Manager for the Belux.

“From the seating comfort, to enhanced meals, amenities and in-flight entertainment, our latest developments have created even greater value for our business clientele, who also benefit from our attractive loyalty program. We are continuously investing to give our customers the wide range of options they desire on long flights, such as full connectivity via our in-flight WiFi.” Flights from Brussels to Atlanta and New York are operated with 225-seat B767-300 aircraft, featuring 35 seats in BusinessElite.

Premium passengers enjoy a five-course meal with a selection of fine wines. In addition, they have access to Delta’s Sky Club lounges, which feature airport terraces with runway views at both US gateways.

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The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Amadeus announces partnership agreement with the Belgian Association of Travel Management (BATM) Amadeus have signed a sponsorship agreement with the Belgian Association of Travel Management (BATM). This commitment will result in exposure and participation in all BATM 2014 forums.

BATM is a non-profit making organisation, representing the interests of the Corporate Travel Professionals within the Belgian travel industry by promoting best practice, education and providing forums for networking and knowledge sharing.

René Schukkink, Commercial Director Amadeus Benelux, says: “We are very proud to show our continued support for the Belgian corporate travel industry and help shape the future of travel for corporate buyers and travel management companies. We look forward to sponsoring and hosting the BATM educational forums and networking meetings. Our goal is to inspire travel buyers with the latest trends and how travellers are using technology for business travel.”

Geert Behets, President BATM, says: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with Amadeus. Having Amadeus on board both as sponsor and as member of our Supplier Committee will bring added value. We believe Amadeus’ decision to take its support to a new level is testament to the success and relevance of our organization representing Travel Managers and buyers within the Belgian travel industry.”

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A new signature and advertising campaign to carry Air France’s ambitions Italy. The images create an effect of surprise by mixing heritage and modernity, while echoing Air France’s past as a renowned poster specialist.

Pleasure, youth and vitality emerge from images of the Moulin Rouge, the French Revolution, the Sun King, master chefs and haute couture.

Air France has unveiled its new advertising campaign, ‘Air France, France is in the air’.

The campaign is running in printed press, internet, radio and social media in twelve countries.

Created by the agency BETC, the campaign consists of 6 visuals illustrating the services offered by Air France - the comfort of the A380, the new La Première cabin, the new Business cabin, gastronomy, the network and SkyPriority.

It is supplemented by 12 visuals depicting iconic destinations served by Air France such as Paris, New York, Brazil, China, Japan, Africa and

Fifteen years after ‘Making the sky the best place on earth’, Air France is adopting a new signature with ‘Air France, France is in the air’. It has been created to illustrate Air France’s openness, internationality and positive universal values associated with France such as the art of living, French spirit, luxury brands and Michelin-starred chefs. The signature reinforces Air France’s customer promise to enjoy a little piece of France while travelling with the airline.

The campaign includes the entire Air France digital strategy, including games and competitions on its social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Flybe’s major expansion with five year deal at London City Airport In a major expansion that will see the airline significantly boost connectivity between the UK regions and Ireland to and from London, Flybe has signed a five-year agreement with London City Airport.

The new Flybe routes to London City will boost connectivity to the heart of London’s financial district. The airline’s operations to and from the airport will commence on 27 October, with the deployment of five aircraft. The schedule will see four daily services to Edinburgh and Dublin, three daily services to Belfast and Exeter and double daily services to Inverness.

The agreement with LCY follows on from Flybe’s successful launch of eight new routes from Birmingham and a further four new routes launched from London Southend with franchise partner, Stobart Air. It is also a major step forward in meeting the Group’s stated strategic objective

to expand its branded scheduled commercial operation by developing new routes and bases within the UK following its successful fund raise of £150 million earlier this year.

“London City Airport is poised for significant growth in the next ten years – growth that will see it achieve 120,000 flight movements per annum, with an associated 6 million passengers by 2023” said Declan Collier, Chief Executive Officer, London City Airport. “Flybe will bring an immediate uplift of up to half a million new passengers to the airport. In addition, Flybe’s selection of routes serves to cement further LCY’s status as the business traveller’s airport of choice, underpinned by our ‘location, convenience and speed’ customer propositions. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Flybe routes to and from LCY are already available for advance booking.

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

MoMA Brussels SWISS becomes the world’s first certificated “allergy-friendly” airline in 2017

Brussels will have its own centre for modern art in 2017 and aims to compete with the best in Europe.

The Brussels Regional government has purchased the iconic art nouveau Citroën building by the Brussels canal, and plans to transform it into a 16,000m² showcase for modern art. The deal is part of the government’s plan to make Brussels one of Europe’s cultural capitals and not just home to the EU institutions.

The new Brussels art house won’t have to look far for its first exhibits. Sitting in storage at Belgium’s Royal Museums of Fine Arts is a modernist collection that includes works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Francis Bacon… just waiting for a wall.

“We need to start playing in the big league” says Brussels Region President, Rudi Vervoort. “We will have our MoMA, our Guggenheim.

Hilton Worldwide to introduce new Curio hotel brand.

Swiss International Air Lines is introducing a number of ground and inflight products specifically designed to enhance the air travel experience for allergy sufferers. The innovations will include alternative food and drinks, along with changes to the cabin interior.

SWISS has teamed up with the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) to offer its guests a service product that is particularly geared to travellers with allergies. The new product will see lactose- and gluten-free food and beverage alternatives - such as lactose-free coffee cream and a lactose-free version of the popular SWISS chocolate bar - offered as standard on all SWISS flights.

Depending on the length of the flight, SWISS guests with allergies or other intolerances may further request special snacks that pay full regard to their condition. Alternative dairy and bread products will also be available in all SWISS Lounges in Switzerland. And, as at present, allergy sufferers will be able to order special meals tailored to their needs in all seating classes on long-haul services

and in Business Class within Europe, up to 24 hours before their scheduled departure.

SWISS is making allergy-friendly modifications to its cabins, too. First and Business Class passengers will be offered pillows stuffed with synthetic materials as an alternative to the down-filled version. SWISS is also ceasing its use of decorative flowers and air fresheners that might cause nose and throat irritations and the on-board toilets will now feature soaps that are particularly gentle on the skin.

“We have seen a steady increase over the past few years in our customers’ need for an air travel environment that pays due regard to any allergic conditions” explains Frank Maier, SWISS’s Head of Product & Services. “So we’ve been working with ECARF to provide a concrete response to these demands and make everyone’s air travel experience as pleasant and problem-free as possible.”

SWISS is the first airline in the world to meet the ECARF criteria for ‘allergy-friendly’ airlines. As a result, SWISS can now place the ECARF seal of approval on its service product range.

Created for travellers who seek local discovery and authentic experiences, Hilton’s new Curio hotel brand will be a carefully selected, global collection of four to five star hotels.

Hotels for the new Curio brand are already in planning stages and letters of intent have been signed for a number of properties including the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Each Curio hotel will be different from the next, with individuality being a common thread.

“Our customers and owners have expressed strong interest in a brand from us that includes hotels that can retain their unique identity but also deliver the many benefits of our system, including our Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide. “That desire, combined with the current size of the independent hotel market and demand for differentiated hotel stays around the world, made for the right timing for this launch. Curio is an exciting new brand for us - one of two unique concepts we’ll introduce this year.”

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MANAGEMENT

Amadeus launches Corporate Suite for business meetings optimisation A sizable number of companies are succeeding at cutting travel costs thanks to self-booking tools and agreements with travel providers. Nevertheless, there are still great efficiencies to be found, and the focus here will lie on business meetings. By efficiently organising and managing its meetings, companies can make substantial savings on costs and time. Amadeus is aware of this and has thus developed Amadeus Corporate Suite. This solution streamlines the entire meeting process and provides a clear picture of the costs in advance that are related to meetings. René Schukkink, Commercial Director at Amadeus Benelux, explains just what makes Amadeus Corporate Suite so special.

C

ompanies whose employees travel a lot generally spend a great deal of attention on the processes that are associated with travel so that they can keep costs to a minimum. However, these companies can save even more, namely by giving the organisation of their business meetings a closer look. “When a company goes on the road, it of course does it for specific reasons,” explains René Schukkink. “It is mostly due to the fact that one or more people

want to meet with one another. But here a bunch of different elements come into play. Imagine you want to meet with four people, all coming from different places in Europe or the rest of the world. What would then be the best timing?

What’s the best place where you can discuss things with one another - in Paris, Madrid or Tokyo? What then is the best possible way to travel? It might be possible that one of the

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people doesn’t even fly, but participates via videoconferencing. What are the best available rates? Overall there are a lot of aspects that need to be taken into account.”

One-stop shop

The solution that Amadeus is now featuring to optimise company business meetings is known as Amadeus Corporate Suite. This is a true one-stop shop for corporate

travel-related services and enables travellers to make the most cost-efficient meeting choices. “Amadeus Corporate Suite not only integrates a wide range of processes, but also allows the traveller or company to determine the best possible manner in which to organise meetings. When a given meeting is needed, Amadeus Corporate Suite takes into account factors such as the calendars of participants

MANAGEMENT

Amadeus Corporate Suite

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Meet. Smart.

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Manage demand for corporate travel.

No more unnecessary message exchanges. No more switching between tools to plan a meeting, book a trip and complete expenses.

Organise meetings simply and efficiently, and confirm the most cost-effective meeting every time.

Smarter meeting participants

Introduce your meeting information metho place d

3

Need for a meeting

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Obtain your best meeting solution

Fast, convenient user experience.

Optimised meeting attendance and employee collaboration.

Improved self-booking tool adoption.

Smarter meeting and travel arrangers

Performance indicator insights from consolidated data.

Streamlined operations and cost reductions with a single application.

Insight on meeting process from meeting initiative to expense reconciliation.

Meeting costs calculated for different meeting method.

Invitations sent Participants rank their choice of meeting time and method

Participants log in to Amadeus Corporate Suite

Smarter corporate meetings

Total meeting costs calculated before meeting is scheduled.

Integration with meeting and travel policy for smart choice of virtual meeting or travel.

Best time, best place, best method secured.

The system delivers three individual travel offers to each participant

(including potential ones), the location of participants (and from where they have to travel) and the available means of meeting (face-to-face, telephone, videoconferencing). Based on all these various inputs, Amadeus Corporate Suite immediately provides three options for the meeting, which take into account the best time, the best place and the best method of meeting. Companies also gain immediately a clear picture of the costs involved upfront. In addition, the users can book the selected option with a single mouse click,” explains Schukkink.

Automatic process

Companies that make use of Amadeus Corporate Suite will benefit from an improved and automated process which will lead to faster organisation of meetings and simpler management of corporate travel policies, with eventual cost savings as a consequence. “This product was in fact developed in consultation with a number of large firms in the Netherlands and Belgium, and we had implemented a pilot version in a large pharmaceutical company. This solution serves companies with hundreds and perhaps dozens of larger or smaller meetings per year. For them, it is very appealing when the entire meeting process is automated. You have to indicate only once when a meeting has to be convened, and then Amadeus Corporate Suite will automatically check when the participants are available (via a link to their Outlook calendar) and then automatically makes a flight proposal.

One can then accept it with the click of a button, after which the booking is automatically made. No one has to go calling and or emailing around for rates or availability, since it has become one simple process. And since you can do this in series for a couple hundred meetings, you can see how this immediately becomes a very valuable tool,” says René.

Integration of different processes

Furthermore, Amadeus Corporate Suite reveals itself to be a complete all-in-one tool. It includes the capability of booking the best videoconferencing space and integrates extensive reporting and expense management as well. “Amadeus Corporate Suite in essence addresses the need to save on costs, and to look into a process efficiently, so as a result more processes can be integrated into the whole. For instance, the billing and invoicing are fully included in the process. That way all costs can be taken into account. This includes not only the price of the flights, but also the average hotel costs in a particular city, the potential taxi costs to and from the airport, et cetera. It thus presents you with a complete price tag,” concludes Schukkink.

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HOTELS

Best Hotel Room for Corporate Traveller Awards 2014 – The Finalists In our Spring issue, we announced the opening of our competition for the Best Hotel Room for Corporate Traveller Awards 2014, sponsored by Amadeus. One 5 star and one 4 star hotel will each gain not only the prestige, but an advertising campaign worth 16,000 euros in The Corporate Traveller Magazine.

A

t the beginning of July, our panel of judges travelled around Belgium to visit the hotel finalists. The rooms and suites were noted on a range of criteria including design, comfort, and new technologies. With the exceptional quality shown by all the hotels, the judges face a difficult decision. The winners will be announced in the Autumn edition of The Corporate Traveller. In the meantime, a short summary of our finalists follows:

5 STAR HOTELS ★★★★★ Steigenberger Grandhotel

natural materials, while floor to ceiling windows give plenty of light. All rooms benefit from Sofitel’s renowned MyBed™ concept with exceptionally comfortable beds and the finest cotton bedlinen. Bathrooms offer rain showers and Hermes amenities. All of the hotels 12 suites benefit from large living rooms, while the Magnifique Opera suite which is located on the top floor of the hotel has a large private terrace which offers splendid views over Leopold Park and the European Parliament.

Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place, Brussels The Steigenberger Grandhotel on Avenue Louise is a Brussels landmark. Since the beginning of 2013, most of the hotel’s public areas, rooms and suites have completed full renovations.

The Steigenberger counts 225 guest rooms and 42 suites.

Rooms are amongst the biggest in Brussels and the feeling of space is amplified by the use of clean design lines, luminous colour schemes and large arched windows. All feature luxurious marble bathrooms, custom made King size beds, large working desks, tea and coffee making facilities and ipod docking stations. Most of the hotel’s 95 Superior rooms benefit from their own balconies overlooking the courtyard café terrace. The hotel’s largest suites are its three Presidential Suites, at 175m2, and the Royal Suite at 320m2.

The Royal Suite features an elegant living room centred around an open fireplace, a dining room which can be used as a meeting room for up to twelve people, a kitchen, a large bedroom with 47” LCD screen which pivots form a mirror, an office with its own library, a 12m2 dressing room and a bathroom with Jacuzzi and steam shower.

Hotel Sofitel Brussels Europe

Situated next to the European quarter, the Sofitel Brussels Europe overlooks the Place Jourdan, with its café terraces.

The hotel bases its offering around the pillars of culture, design and gastronomy, always with a local flavour – as shown by the regular art exhibitions in its lobby. In the creation of the hotel’s 149 rooms and suites, French interior designer Philippe Capron has combined different textures using tones of crème, beige and turquoise in high quality,

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The Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place, situated a few steps from the Grand Place, offers 267 rooms and 23 suites. The largest category of room is the Premium Deluxe category, at 40 square metres, which benefit from windows along two sides. All rooms feature large flat screen TVs, individual temperature controls, luxurious bedding, high-speed Internet and contemporary bathroom facilities. European and Asian artworks feature throughout the rooms and suites.

The hotel’s suites range from junior suites, up to the truly breathtaking Grand Place Suite. Accessed by its own private elevator, the Grand Place Suite covers 300 square metres, in addition to a private terrace of 110 square metres overlooking Brussels. Besides a vast lounge with diverse seating and dining areas, there is a bar, an office, a fully equipped kitchen as well as a kitchenette, a master bedroom and a very large marble bathroom. Noble materials, inspirational artwork and customised design furnishings have been used throughout.

HOTELS

4 STAR HOTELS ★★★★ Hotel Van Der Valk Brussels Airport

The Hotel Van Der Valk Brussel Airport is a beautifully designed and welcoming hotel which feels far away from what one would expect from an airport hotel.

The Van der Valk Brussels Airport is an oasis of calm, centred around a pleasant private garden for dining or relaxing with a drink. There are 224 rooms, comprising executive rooms, club rooms and suites, all of which were completely redesigned in 2013. Rooms are spacious and filled with light due to floor to ceiling windows and the use of glass partition walls for the bathrooms. The neutral colour schemes are highlighted with notes of colour and nice design touches such as customised textured wall coverings and original artworks. All rooms feature large desks with international power outlets, walkin rain showers, coffee and tea equipment, free wifi and free drinks and snacks in the minibar. Suites benefit from an open jacuzzi bath, as well as a steam room complete with mood lighting and aromatherapy.

The top floor of the hotel offers truly exceptional meeting facilities with large panoramic windows overlooking the airport.

and suites, the hotel’s owner, Mr Johan Creytens, is also an architect. The hotel finished renovations of all its rooms, and its gastronomic restaurant, last year.

Blending comfort and classical elegance, Deluxe rooms benefit from distinct sitting and bedroom areas, as well as a walk in dressing areas. Technology features include sustainable air conditioning and heating systems, iPads, iPod/iPhone docking stations with Bose sound system and high quality 42” flatscreen TVs. Guests will also appreciate the hand crafted beds with fine Egyptian bed linen, tea and Nespresso machines and marble bathrooms with bath and separate walk in showers. Four suites are located on the hotel’s top floor.

The Heritage Bruges offers a welcoming bar and lounge, a gastronomic restaurant, a sundeck and a boardroom for 10, with private terrace. The final surprise is a fully equipped fitness centre complete with a solarium, hamman, sauna and exercise room in a truly original setting with vaulted ceiling.

Hotel Marriott Ghent

Warwick Barsey Hotel

Travellers who appreciate the neo-classic design of the Hotel Costes in Paris, will delight in staying at the Warwick Barsey Hotel when in Brussels, as the two hotels share the same interior designer – Jacques Garcia. This 99 room boutique hotel also prides itself on the excellence of its personalised guest service relations.

Rooms overlook the Avenue Louise, or the hotel’s charming interior garden with its distinctive Roman influence. The hotel has been undergoing renovations and its beautifully appointed Classic rooms have already emerged from their metamorphosis with splashes of vibrant colour and wood and velvet furnishing to create warm, timeless guest quarters.

Classic Rooms feature large flat screen TVs, individual temperature control, mini bar, luxurious bedding, high-speed Internet and contemporary bathroom facilities. The hotel’s 45m2 Warwick Suites were renovated earlier this year and benefit from their own private terraces.

Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage Bruges

The Hotel Heritage Bruges is located in the heart of the historic city. An independent boutique hotel with 22 rooms

The Hotel Marriot Ghent enjoys an idyllic location, on the bank of the river Lys in the heart of historic Ghent. A blend of modern and antique, parts of the hotel date back to the 16th century.

The hotel has been voted No 1 of all European Marriott hotels four times in terms of guest satisfaction and, in 2013, won the Trip Advisor traveller award for the best hotel in Belgium.

The Marriott offers 150 rooms and 11 suites, many of which were renovated last year. Suites range from Junior Suites to the Presidential suite. Junior suites situated on the top floor of the oldest part of the hotel, are spacious and light. They benefit from three window alcoves with seating to enjoy the magnificent views over the river and its medieval buildings.

Wooden floors, ceiling beams and white walls are highlighted by colourful modern art works and soft furnishings. All rooms feature Revive beds with over mattress for maximum comfort, ipod docking stations, large work desks and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel’s features include 8 meeting rooms totalling 500m2 and a gourmet restaurant, Korenhuis.

As well as enjoying an unrivalled location with its own terrace on the river bank, the Korenhuis offers an excellent menu.

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HOTELS

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AIR WAYS

The Corporate Traveller’s

Business Class Special Thirty years after their appearance, airline business classes have become subject to a mad rush in regards to improvement of services. In this area where the 3F (flat bed, full privacy, full access) rule reigns supreme, these are the details that make the difference, but also the rapidity with which these additional services are implemented.

AIR WAYS

F

ROM THIS PERSPECTIVE, THERE ARE NO TWO BUSINESS CLASSES WHICH ARE IDENTICAL, WHETHER ON AIRLINES OR ON RAILWAYS. THE TRAVEL SECTOR PROGRESSES VERY RAPIDLY, AND EACH YEAR THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER POINTS OUT THE ADVANCES

ACHIEVED BY A SERIES OF AIRLINE COMPANIES. AN EXCELLENT WAY TO MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE...

2014 BUSINESS CLASS REVIEW 025 BRUSSELS AIRLINES

033 DB BAHN

026 FINNAIR

034 TURKISH AIRLINES

027 AIR FRANCE

035 VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS

028 DELTA AIR LINES

036 ROYAL JORDANIAN

029 ETIHAD AIRWAYS

037 AUSTRIAN AIRLINES

030 SWISS

038 THALYS

031 KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES

039 QATAR AIRWAYS

032 LUFTHANSA

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY LUFTHANSA GERMAN AIRLINES

» COORDINATES Address: Brussels National Airport Tel/Fax: 070 35 30 30 Website: LH.com

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S)

» CATERING Thanks to our cooperation with luxury hotel chains and regional star chefs to ensure that our Business Class passengers aboard selected intercontinental flights to Germany enjoy delicious regional delicacies. With top quality menus, these masters of the culinary art shape Lufthansa’s sophisticated concept of in-flight service “Connoisseurs on Board”.

» BUSINESS SEATS

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A380-800/A340-600/A340-300/A330-300/B747-400/B 747-800

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS Lufthansa Business Class

» FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM Miles & More

SUMMER 2014 |

The star of the new Lufthansa Business Class is the new seat which, among other things, provides you with a completely horizontal surface to sleep on, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling even more rested. The new seat is impressive in any position due to the high level of comfort it affords and it enables you to lie fully flat on its 1.98 m length. Currently, you can experience the new Business Class on board all new Boeing 747-8s and three A330’s flying out of Munich. It will be fitted in the entire Lufthansa long-haul fleet within the next four years.

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

» CATERING

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY BRUSSELS AIRLINES

» COORDINATES Address: b.house | Brussels Airport | Airport bld 26 | General Aviation - Ringbaan | B-1831 Diegem | Belgium Tel/Fax: Reservations 0902 51 600 & After-sales service or web helpdesk 078 18 88 89 E-mail: info@brusselsairlines.com Website: www.brusselsairlines.com

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) Avro RJ100, Bombardier DH8-Q400, Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300, Airbus A319, Airbus A320

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS b.business

» FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM Miles & More

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Yes, Sunrise Lounge in T-Zone and Lounge in Terminal A and B

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT Yes, Airport Transfer

» PRIORITY BOARDING Yes. For b.flex economy, b.business and Miles & More Status passengers.

» EXTRA LUGGAGE Depending on size and weight of extra luggage and the class of travel of the passenger, the prices are calculated.

Business Class Longhaul - A lovely start: Enjoy your choice of aperitif, including Laurent Perrier champagne, with a selection of delicious finger food - Gastronomic: 4-course menu with a selection of starters and main courses, with highlights from Belgian cuisine - Savour the best: Enjoy fine wines and spirits from prestigious cellars - Sweet delights: Indulge in our world-famous Belgian chocolates, desserts and ice-cream - A healthy touch: Fresh fruit available throughout the flight Economy Class Longhaul - Fine Dining: Delicious Belgian and international dishes with an African Touch on our African flights - Fine wines and spirits: Discover our large selection, including a sparkling wine aperitif

» BUSINESS SEATS Short Haul Discover our all-new European Business Class offering a maximum of flexibility, luxury and relaxation: b.business. Enjoy our premium business service and free lounge access on more than 40 European destinations.* - 2 pieces of 32kg checked luggage - 2 pieces of 16kg hand luggage - Dedicated check-in desk in Brussels - Free Lounge access - Premium food and beverage (welcome drink, gourmet cuisine …)

- Guaranteed middle seat free - Free selection of newspapers - Seat selection before travelling Long Haul Enjoy the wonderful experience of luxury, great service and relaxation in our Business Class on longhaul flights, available on all our Airbus A330 aircraft.

Luxurious 1.97m long full flat bed with integrated massage function.

Revolutionary inflight entertainment system with one of the largest individual Business Class touch screens (15,3” or 39cm). Premium food & beverages concept.

- A choice of 2 appetisers & 3 main dishes served with a crisp, healthy salad - Coffee & liquors with Belgian chocolates - A fine range of cheeses or dessert - 5 different cellar-bottled wines

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY FINNAIR Plc

» COORDINATES Address: TIETOTIE 11, 01053 FINNAIR Tel/Fax: 24h Customer Service +358 600 140 140 Website: www.finnair.com

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) Airbus 330-300, Airbus A340-300, Airbus A321 Sharklet, Airbus A321, Airbus A320, Airbus A190, Embraer 170. In 2015 Finnair launches a new Airbus A350.

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS Business Class

» FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM Finnair Plus Finnair Plus

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Yes, Finnair has two lounges at Helsinki airport. Finnair Business Class passengers and Finnair Plus and oneworld tier members have free access to both lounges. In summer 2014, Finnair introduces a new Premium Lounge to complement the current Finnair Lounge in the non-Schengen area

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT No » PRIORITY BOARDING Yes » EXTRA LUGGAGE In business class, checked-baggage allowance is three pieces in long-haul flights and two pieces in short-haul flights (max weight per bag 23kgs) in addition to two pieces of carry-on baggage

» CATERING Our distinctive intercontinental Business Class menus have been globally awarded several times.

Every meal is completed with a high-quality selection of beverages and award-winning wines.

Business Class passengers on long-haul flights departing from Helsinki have the option of preordering one of our three ‘Meals designed for you’ options

» BUSINESS SEATS Our spacious full-flat seats on long haul flights make your time on board truly relaxing and enjoyable.

Our full-flat seats transform into a 200 cm (6’7”) long horizontal bed, offering you more room and privacy to work, dine and sleep while in the air.

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT All of our business class seats are equipped with an individual world-class in-flight entertainment system. Our long-haul flights now offer an even wider in-flight entertainment selection of 72 movies and over 150 TV shows.

» EXTRAS At Helsinki Airport all departure gates are under one roof in one terminal building ensuring smooth and easy transfer in 35 minutes. The two Finnair lounges offer innovative design and peaceful atmosphere between your flights. The Finnair lounge in the non-Schengen area has won several international awards throughout the years.

» OWN DESCRIPTION Finnair is the fast airline between Europe and Asia. Via Helsinki you will reach 15 destinations in Asia; Bangkok, Beijing, Chongqing, Delhi, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Krabi, Nagoya, Osaka, Phuket, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Xi’an and over 70 destinations in Europe. Flying via Helsinki on our modern fleet means fewer emissions and less fuel so Finnair is also your eco-smart choice.

Finnair is part of the oneworld alliance, bringing the whole world closer to you on the wings of the best airlines in the world.

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY AIR FRANCE

LOGO AIRFRANCE Nº dossier : 2007399E Date : 09/12/08 Validation DA/DC : Validation Client

P296C P032C NOIR P280C

» COORDINATES Address: Brussels-Zuid/Midi railway station, AIR FRANCE KLM Air&Rail Terminal Tel BE: +32 (0) 70 222 466 - Fax BE +32 (0) 70 222 480 Tel LU: +352 27 30 20 06 - Fax LU 352 27 30 20 08 e-mail: through www.airfrance.be and www.airfrance.lu, “contact us” Website: www.airfrance.be and www.airfrance.lu

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) Intercontinental fleet: Airbus A320, A330, A340, A380; Boeing B747 and Boeing B777

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS Business » FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM Flying Blue

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Yes Air France and SkyTeam lounges around the world.

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT Yes for departures from the Brussels-Zuid/Midi railway station (specific conditions applicable).

» PRIORITY BOARDING Yes » EXTRA LUGGAGE In intercontinental flights in Business class: customers can check-in up to 2 baggage items up to 32kgs each. Flying Blue Elite members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Club 2000) benefit from 1 additional baggage item up to 32 kilos for free.

» CATERING In the Business cabin, meal service is a treat. Menus are prepared by Michelin-starred “grands chefs” and prestigious French wines are being served. A culinary adventure on board your flight.

» BUSINESS SEATS Air France gradually installs a new Business seat; customer benefits include a fully flat bed, direct access to the aisle for every passenger and a multipurpose area (desk, restaurant table, bed) offering even greater privacy.

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT A 16-inch/41 cm HD touchscreen transforms the traveller’s space into an entertainment lounge: movie classics and blockbusters, concerts, and many more. Music, games etc. give plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy.

» EXTRAS Air France’s customers enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in a seat that transforms into a full bed. Nearly 2 m in length, it is made of comfortable materials and an armrest that lowers completely. With this additional space, each customer is free to find his or her preferred sleeping position.

» OWN DESCRIPTION Earlier this year, Air France unveiled its new Business class seat: a cocoon in the sky. Customers benefit from a unique design for more comfort and freedom, the fully flat seat bed, a direct aisle access for each traveller and a 41 cm HD touch screen.

In total, 2102 seats will be installed between June 2014 and summer 2016 on 44 Boeing B777, the core of the long-haul fleet.

Air France continuously develops the move upmarket of its entire range of products and services and to make a difference with a caring attitude towards the customer.

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

» COORDINATES Address: Louizalaan 149 Avenue Louise - 1050 BRUSSELS Tel/Fax: +32 (0) 70 300 872 CTO: Air France Brussels Midi Ticket Office Reservations: +32 (0) 70 300 872 Website: www.delta.com

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) Boeing 767-300ER aircraft

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS BusinessElite

» FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM SkyMiles

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Yes – British Airways Club (Terminal B – 4th floor)

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT No

» PRIORITY BOARDING Yes – through the Sky Priority lane.

» EXTRA LUGGAGE Delta allows one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as handbag or a laptop) and two checked bags up to 32kg each

» CATERING A personalized five-course menu produced by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein. This upscale culinary experience is complimented by a wine programme from Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, which contains 24 wines, an award winning champagne and a dessert wine. In between the meal offerings customers also have access to a wide variety of snacking options.

» BUSINESS SEATS Delta offers a full flat-bed seat on services from Belgium to New York-JFK (year-round) and Atlanta (summer only). Each seat converts to a 180-degree fully flat-bed and offers direct aisle access in a 1x2x1 configuration. The new seats are forward-facing and 22% wider than the seats they replace.

Delta will offer more than 1,000 of these seats between Belgium and the United States during the summer season.

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT The seats all feature a 10.6” individual screen in addition to a 110v AC power source and USB power.

All passengers have access to state-of-the-art personal entertainment system with thousands of choices, including Delta on Demand — an advanced, touch-screen digital entertainment system with up to 100 movies, HBO, an extensive music library with up to 4,100 songs, MP3s, and in-flight trivia.

» EXTRAS Delta already operates the world’s largest Wi-Fi-equipped fleet of aircraft within the USA with more than 3,000 flights daily, offering more than 400,000 customers per day access to the internet above 10,000 feet. In 2015, this service will be extended to passengers on long haul international flights including Belgium.

» OWN DESCRIPTION Delta Air Lines serves 165 million customers each year. Delta was named the 2014 Airline of the Year by Air Transport World magazine and FORTUNE magazine’s Most admired airline for the third time. Delta offers service to 319 destinations in 57 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs nearly 80,000 employees and operates a fleet of over 700 aircraft. The airline is a founding member of SkyTeam and of the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia as well as a newly formed joint venture with Virgin Atlantic. Including its worldwide partners, Delta offers customers over 15,000 daily flights. Delta has invested billions of dollars in airport facilities, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Additional information is available on delta.com, Twitter @Delta, Facebook.com/delta. .

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY ETIHAD AIRWAYS, THE NATIONAL AIRLINE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

» COORDINATES Address: Culliganlaan 2D Box 3, 1831 Diegem Tel. 02/200.88.80 – Fax: 02/725.81.77 e-mail: brusales@etihad.ae Website: www.etihad.com

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) A340 family, A330 family, A320 family, B777-300ER Ordered: A380, A350, B787

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS Business Class » FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM For individual travellers: Etihad Guest (www.etihadguest.com) For companies: Etihad BusinessConnect (www.etihadbusinessconnect.com)

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Yes Exclusive Etihad Business Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi; Brussels Airlines lounge in Brussels

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT Yes, Etihad Chauffeur » PRIORITY BOARDING Yes » EXTRA LUGGAGE Checked luggage in Business Class: bags with a total not exceeding 40kg.

Etihad Guest Silver members receive 50kg. Etihad Guest Gold members receive 55kg. Etihad Guest Gold Elite members receive 60kg.

Carry-on luggage: 2 bags with a total not exceeding 12kg.

» CATERING Our Food & Beverage Managers, recruited from the finest restaurants globally, will guide you through our extensive menu options and recommend the perfect accompaniment for your meal from a boutique wine list..

» BUSINESS SEATS Etihad is the only global airline that guarantees a fully-flat bed with aisle-access on every long-haul flight.

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT Stay entertained with over 750 hours of on-demand entertainment with the latest blockbusters, timeless classics and the best in interactive games along with noise-cancelling headsets. A range of connection ports at your fingertips help you stay connected.

» EXTRAS The Business Studios on our A380 and B787 are the embodiment of style, simplicity and functionality.

The modern design and thoughtful features create a sense of space and freedom, with direct aisle access, convenient storage spaces and mood lighting.

The seat converts into a comfortable fully-flat bed of up to 80.5”. Relax on all ultra long-haul flights on special mattresses for bedtime comfort in complimentary loungewear. Every Business Studio is equipped with a large personal 18” touch screen TV with noise-cancelling headsets.

With a special pneumatic comfort system to adjust the firmness of the seat, in-seat massage and lighting, all at the touch of a button, guests can customise the perfect environment for every stage of the journey.

» OWN DESCRIPTION Business Class with Etihad is not business as usual. We have created spaces where guests can work, rest and play. We call it ‘intelligent living in the sky’.

The luxury, comfort and service we offer in business equates to that of first class on other airlines.

The World is our Home, You are our Guest

factsheet »OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY : Swiss International Air Lines

»COORDINATES : Adress: Swiss International Air Lines, Customer Service, Postbox 2013, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland Tel/Fax : Telephone: +41 61 582 36 56 / Fax: +41 58 584 26 14 e-mail : info.swiss@swis.com Website : SWISS.COM

»TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) : Airbus: 15x A340-300, 14x A330-300, 8x A321-111, 23x A320-214 and 5x A319-112 Avro: 20x Avro RJ100 In 2015: Bombardier: 30x CSeries 100 (Successor of Avro RJ100) In 2016: 6x Boeing 777-300ER

»NAME BUSINESS CLASS : SWISS Business

»FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM : Miles & More

specifications »LOUNGE ACCESS : SWISS Business Lounge in Zurich SWISS Arrival Lounge in Zurich And more around the world

»LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT : No, but SWISS offers a Business Bus. SWISS Business passengers on short haul flights that land on the apron will be collected by a separate bus. The Business Bus goes straight to the gate with no waiting times.

»PRIORITY BOARDING : Yes, they can go to the aircraft on time with no waiting period.

»EXTRA LUGGAGE : 2 x 8kg Hand baggage 2 x 32kg Checked baggage

»CATERING : SWISS Taste of Switzerland is served on long haul flights departing from Switzerland. It is an awardwinning gastronomic concept with top Swiss chefs. The results are seasonal dishes from Swiss regions.

»BUSINESS SEATS : The SWISS Business seat is a spacious workplace that converts into a roomy 2-metre flat bed at the touch of a button and with an integrated massage function.

»FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT : SWISS has a wide range from over 140 films and just as many TV programmes. In additional, SWISS offers over 400 CDs and a variety of music channels and magazines.

»EXTRA’S : Travel professionals have repeatedly voted SWISS’s Business Class the best in Europe. Next to this, SWISS is the only airline with 2 meter-long beds in Business Class on all long-haul flights.

»OWN DESCRIPTION : SWISS is a byword for traditional Swiss values. True to its roots, the company is dedicated to providing the highest possible quality in all its products and services. SWISS Business is an experience from start to end. Being it the tranquil lounges, your personal space in the cabin, the exclusive on-board ambiance, the personalised care from our crew, our award winning culinary concepts or the two meter beds above the clouds, your flight will be nothing less than a relaxing journey

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES

» COORDINATES Address: Brussels-Zuid/Midi railway station, AIR FRANCE KLM Air&Rail Terminal Brussels Airport (Airport Ticket Office) Tel/Fax Belgium & G.D. Luxembourg : T +32 (0)70 225 335 - F +32 (0)2 717 20 00 E-mail: through www.klm.be and www.klm.lu – Customer Support Website: www.klm.be and www.klm.lu

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) Intercontinental fleet: Airbus A330, Boeing B737, B747, B777 and McDonnell Douglas MD11

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS World Business Class

» FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM Flying Blue

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Yes - KLM Crown Lounges at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, London, Dubai and Houston. And lounges a.o. SkyTeam lounges around the world.

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT Yes - when tickets are bought in Belgium and within specific conditions

» PRIORITY BOARDING Yes » EXTRA LUGGAGE In intercontinental flights in Business class: customers can check-in up to 2 baggage items up to 32kgs each. Flying Blue Elite members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Club 2000) benefit from 1 additional baggage item up to 32 kilos for free.

» CATERING World Business Class meals are prepared by top chefs and served on tableware created by designer Marcel Wanders. Premium wines and a wide selection of beverages and snacks make sure customers only get the very best.

» BUSINESS SEATS The new full-flat seat can be reclined horizontally so the customer can lie fully flat. The seat position in the cabin and the partition between television screens ensure greater privacy for passengers.

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT A 17 inch TV screen and a personal entertainment system - integrated in seats lets travellers enjoy the latest box office hits, music, and much more. On 1 of KLM’s Boeing 777-300 aircraft, KLM introduced – as a pilot -Wi-Fi on board.

» EXTRAS The new Full-Flat Seat offers optimum comfort. It can be reclined horizontally - 180° - so the passenger can lie fully flat. The bed length is 2,07m! The seat position in the cabin and the partition between television screens ensure greater privacy. There are also storage compartments in the seats beside the passengers and under the television screens.

» OWN DESCRIPTION KLM aims to accentuate the at-home feeling for Business Class customers and introduced a brand-new atmosphere, furnishings and style in World Business Class. The guiding principle is the customer’s comfort and privacy as befits KLM. In addition to the new full-flat seats, the interior features new carpeting, panel decorations, curtains, lighting, blankets, cushions and upholstery.

The new World Business Class is being introduced on increasingly more KLM aircraft, the Boeing 747’s have been redesigned and currently the Boeing B777-200 aircraft are being transformed.

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY LUFTHANSA GERMAN AIRLINES

» COORDINATES Address: Brussels National Airport Tel/Fax: 070 35 30 30 Website: LH.com

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) A380-800/A340-600/A340-300/A330-300/B747-400/B 747-800

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS Lufthansa Business Class

» FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM Miles & More

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Yes Business Class Lounge

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT No » PRIORITY BOARDING Yes Priority check-in and boarding

» EXTRA LUGGAGE General: 2 bags up to 32kg each Senators/ HON Circle Members/ Star Alliance Gold Members: 3 bags up to 32kg each

» CATERING Thanks to our cooperation with luxury hotel chains and regional star chefs to ensure that our Business Class passengers aboard selected intercontinental flights to Germany enjoy delicious regional delicacies. With top quality menus, these masters of the culinary art shape Lufthansa’s sophisticated concept of in-flight service “Connoisseurs on Board”.

» BUSINESS SEATS The star of the new Lufthansa Business Class is the new seat which, among other things, provides you with a completely horizontal surface to sleep on, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling even more rested. The new seat is impressive in any position due to the high level of comfort it affords and it enables you to lie fully flat on its 1.98 m length. Currently, you can experience the new Business Class on board all new Boeing 747-8s and three A330’s flying out of Munich. It will be fitted in the entire Lufthansa long-haul fleet within the next four years.

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT Lufthansa media world: a wide variety of audio/video on demand: cinema in eight languages, radio and TV programmes, music magazines, CD’s and audio books o demand. Boundless/wireless communication on longhaul flights with the Flynet® portal.

» OWN DESCRIPTION Just being comfortable was yesterday — today you can look forward to more. The star of the new Lufthansa Business Class is the new seat which, among other things, provides you with a completely horizontal surface to sleep on, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling even more rested. But it is not only the new seat that makes the difference and ensures you enjoy an excellent travel experience in Lufthansa Business Class. Be it flexible check-in with Lufthansa eFly services, the preferential baggage service or relaxing with a drink and a snack in the Lufthansa Business Lounge before departure, our promise of providing you with a special service is already apparent in many details on the ground too.

factsheet » OFFICIAL COMPANY NAME DB Bahn, DB Vertrieb GmbH

» CONTACT Address : Avenue du Boulevard 21/27, B-1210 Brussels Fax : +32 2 21113-53 e-mail : info@db-benelux.com Website : www.bahn.com Information and Booking: +32 70 654 321 (Belgium) (Mo-Fr 9.30am-5.30pm) +31 715 137 008 (Netherlands) (Mo-Fr 9.30am-5.30pm)

» BUSINESS CLASS NAME 1st class

» FREQUENT TRAVELLER PROGRAM bahn.corporate. Deutsche Bahn offers attractive conditions for business clients. For more information, please contact us via info@db-benelux.com.

BahnCard Business. With BahnCard Business you can combine your company’s corporate client discount with attractive BahnCard discounts. All sales made with BahnCard Business and the price of your BahnCard are automatically added to the volume of DB sales by your company.

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS DB Lounges. DB Bahn invites passengers with a valid DB 1st class rail ticket to experience a new level of customer service in 15 DB Lounges across Germany. 1st class travellers can take advantage of complimentary drinks and snacks as well as the T-Mobile Hot Spot Internet connection.

» CATERING DB Bahn restaurant cars and catering on board offer a great variety and quality of cuisine available on high-speed networks. ICE trains, some EC trains and most IC trains have a bistro offering light

snacks and meals. A wide selection of hot and cold drinks is also available. In 1st class, enjoy the luxury of being served at your seat directly.

» BUSINESS SEATS 1st class comfort starts in your seat. Spacious leather seats and more leg room make for a better business and relaxation climate. Power outlets for electronic devices as well as reading lamps above each seat allow you to work at any time.

» EXTRAS - Online & mobile services: via www.bahn.com, travelers can retrieve information about connections, book tickets and get an update about the punctuality of their train connections. Furthermore, the DB Navigator combines all these services in one mobile app for smartphones. Download the free app and stay up-to-date while you are on the move.

- DB Booking Center: our DB Booking Center is at your disposal from Monday to Friday (9.30am-5.30pm). Our colleagues are happy to assist you with bookings and information requests.

DB Booking Center in Belgium: +32 70 654 321 DB Booking Center in the Netherlands: + 31 715 137 008

» DESCRIPTION DB Bahn’s portfolio in the Benelux consists of four train connections between Germany and Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg.

- ICE Brussels – Frankfurt: 4 times a day - ICE Amsterdam – Frankfurt: 7 times a day - IC Amsterdam – Berlin: 6 times a day - IC Luxemburg – Koblenz: 3 times a day Our DB Benelux Sales Representation has as a mission to promote DB products in the Benelux-market.

Founded in 1994, the DB Group (Deutsche Bahn AG) is nowadays a world leader in mobility and logistics, active in 130 countries. The core operations of the company are in Germany. About 300.000 employees worldwide work hard every day in order to provide outstanding mobility and logistics services to the customer.

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY : TURKISH AIRLINES INC.

» COORDINATES : Address: Av. Du Boulevard 21 Bolwerklaan - 1210 Brussels Tel: 0032 2 500 19 33 – Fax: 0032 2 500 19 47 e-mail : bru.marketing@thy.com Website : www.turkishairlines.com

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) : B-737, B-777, A-319, A-320,A-321 A-330, A-340 » NAME BUSINESS CLASS : Business Class » FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM : Miles&Smiles is Turkish Airlines’ frequent flyer programme.

Travelers can also collect status miles when they fly with any Star Alliance partner. Earning bonus miles is also possible with hotels, car rentals and retail partners, or Shop&Miles co-branded credit card. Miles&Smiles miles can be redeemed for flights on Turkish Airlines, and Star Alliance members.

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS : Yes, The CIP lounge is accessible for Business Class passengers, Miles and Smiles Elite Plus and Elite card holders, Star Alliance Gold card holders and Turkish Corporate Club card holders for the related departure city. Turkish Airlines’ lounge in Istanbul, already a world-class facility, has added another 2400 m2 to its existing 3500 m2, in order to meet the needs of growing passenger numbers. The expanded lounge adds a second floor, connected by a spiral staircase that integrates a global sphere which represents the worldwide reach of Turkish Airlines. The new additions increase the capacity of the lounge to over 1000 guests. The existing facility, which included a children’s playground, library, billiards area, prayer room and teleconference section, has seen an expansion of the rest and shower space, plus the addition of a traditional tea garden, reminiscent of those found in Istanbul. The lounge caters to virtually every passenger need—whether for working, resting or providing activities to pass the pre-flight time. WiFi is provided throughout.

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT : No »PRIORITY BOARDING : Turkish Airlines has fast lane security control for Business Class passengers, Miles and Smiles Elite Plus and Elite card holders, Star Alliance Gold card holders and Turkish Corporate Club card holders for the related departure city.

»EXTRA LUGGAGE : For flights from and to South America, America and Africa, excess baggage charges are calculated for each piece of luggage. For any other destinations the excess baggage charges are calculated based upon kilogram.

»CATERING : Turkish Airlines, which has been awarded with ‘World’s Best Business Class Catering’ at 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards, has recently renewed its catering with a new innovative concept in a bid to offer its guests a unique travel experience

»BUSINESS SEATS : The Business Class seat provides a 75 inch (188 cm) long sleeping space when in the fully-reclined bed position. A reading light is available for each passenger and lighting as well as other seat function controls like a massage button, and position selections are conveniently accessed on a control panel beneath the armrest. The Planet digital system and individual touch-screens are used for in-flight entertainment on our international flights on B777, A340, A330, B737-800 aircraft.

Wifi internet connection is also available on B777 and A330.

»FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT : The Planet digital system and individual touch-screens are used for in-flight entertainment on our international flights on B777, A340, A330, B737-800 aircraft.

Depending on the type of aircraft, passengers may choose their program either on their touchscreen or by using the remote control device attached to their seat. The Planet digital system offers close to 350 films and short programs including latest releases.

»EXTRA’S : Turkish Corporate Club: Companies, Corporations, Institutions and Organisations and their travellers can benefit from privileged advantages such as upfront discounts, no rebooking fees, free excess baggage and CIP lounge access cards by becoming a member of the Turkish Corporate Club program. E-mail to tcc.be@thy.com Tour Istanbul: After passengers arrive at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, they will be picked up to be taken to historical places and beautiful restaurants. Please visit istanbulinhours.com

»OWN DESCRIPTION : Turkish Airlines, received three years in a row “the Best Airline in Europe” award by Skytrax, chosen by passengers, flies to the largest number of countries in the world and is still the fastest growing airline company in Europe, with more than 250 airports destinations worldwide. Assoc. Prof. Temel KOTIL, CEO of Turkish Airlines said, “Our immediate and highest priority is to make the company the first 5-star airline in Europe. Currently we rank among the world’s top 10 airline companies; so our next goal is to rank among the world’s top 5” Turkish Airlines carried 48 million passengers last year and expects to reach 57 million this year, growing to 90 million by the end of 2020

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY : VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS LTD

» COORDINATES : Terry Smith Address : Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd, The Office NW2, Manor Royal, Crawley, RH10 9NU Tel/Fax : +44 7894 606 384 e-mail : Terry.s.smith@fly.virgin.com Website : http://www.virgin-atlantic.com

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) : 13 X A340-600 3 X A340-30 7 X 747400 LGW 5 X 747-400 LHR 3 X A330-300 LGW

45J/38W/225Y 34J/35W/171Y 14J/66W/375Y 44J/62W/261Y 33J/48W/185Y

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS : Virgin Atlantic Upper Class » FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM : Virgin Atlantic Flying Club http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/flyingclub

»VIRGIN ATLANTIC UPPER CLASS : Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is the ultimate way to travel, door to door.

Your journey begins with a complimentary chauffeur driven car* transfer to the airport. At London Heathrow, you’ll arrive at the Upper Class Wing. With its Drive Thru Check In and Private Security Channel, you’ll be relaxing in the Clubhouse in just 10 minutes.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses aren’t like ordinary airport lounges. They’re more like private members’ clubs. Enjoy a fantastic menu of food and drink, plus, in London and New York JFK, complimentary spa treatments and haircuts**.

When it’s time to board, you’ll discover your Upper Class Suite. It’s the ultimate in privacy and comfort with a unique design that gives you direct aisle access and plenty of space to relax.

For dinner, the Upper Class menu offers a delicious selection of hot and cold cuisine and delectable desserts. There’s also a choice of fine wine, plus cheese and port to finish your meal.

specifications

After dinner, stretch your legs with a visit to the onboard bar. It’s a great place to meet fellow passengers.

» LOUNGE ACCESS : We’ve created unique Clubhouses at many of our destinations around the

Ready for bed? Your suite easily converts to become one of the longest fully flat beds in business class. Change into your complimentary sleep suit, and curl up under the soft duvet.

world. Each one is distinctive, and with full business facilities, they’re a great place to catch up on work, meet with colleagues or just unwind. Our Clubhouses can be found in the following locations: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Boston, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, New York (JFK), New York (Newark), San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT : J, D, C, I and Z. Chauffeur driven car services are available in J, D, C and I only and must be booked at least 12 hours before departure from the longhaul destination.

»EXTRA LUGGAGE : 3X32kg

Before landing, a hot breakfast or afternoon tea is served depending on the time of day.

If you’d rather sleep in, and your flight arrives back into London Heathrow before 1.30pm, enjoy a cooked breakfast and hot shower in the Revivals lounge.

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. VIP treatment for business class fares. *Chauffeur driven car service available at most destinations with selected Upper Class fares (J, D, I & C class). Mileage restrictions apply. **Lounge facilities vary at each destination. † Open between 5.00am and 1.30pm daily.

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY: ALIA- THE ROYAL JORDANIAN AIRLINE » COORDINATES: Mohammad Ali Janah Street 5th Circle, Building # 37, Amman, Jordan Mail Address: Royal Jordanian, P.O. Box 302, Amman 11118, Jordan Tel/Fax : +962 6 5100000 e-mail : rj@rj.com - Website : www.rj.com

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT Royal Jordanian’s aircraft provide unparalleled entertainment facilities, with a wide range of the latest international movies and Audio Video On Demand (AVOD), for the passenger’s personal preference of entertainment on long- and medium-range aircraft

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT A340, A330, B787, A321, A320 , A319, E95, E75, Royal Wings, Freighters » CATERING » NAME BUSINESS CLASS Crown Class Royal Jordanian is distinguished by its scrumptious cuisine to ensure that all Crown Class travelers’ desires » FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM Royal Plus. All Royal Jordanian’s frequent flyers earn and are met. On the Economy Class, passengers are offered a number of delicious and healthy food choices. redeem miles when flying on Royal Jordanian and all oneworld carriers » EXTRAS

specifications » LOUNGE

ACCESS Yes. Name of lounge at Queen Alia International Airport is Crown Lounge.

Crown Class passengers have free access to the lounge, whereas RJ Economy Class and other carriers’ passengers can have access to the lounge at a very reasonable cost. There will be an arrival lounge for business class passengers where RJ passengers can refresh and receive their luggage, all being handled by one of the staff.

»LIMO

SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT Yes, Limo service will be available between Amman and Queen Alia International Airport and also tarmac transfer from/to the terminal

» PRIORITY

BOARDING At the premium check-in lounge, check-in procedures for luggage and boarding are expedited, allowing more time for passengers to prepare for the flight, shop at the duty-free stores, and relax at the exclusive Crown Lounge.

» BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE Checked baggage allowance to/from all European destinations - Crown Class Two bags, each weighing up to 32 kg.

For an additional bag, weighing up to 32 kg, one will be charged a sum of €100.

- Economy Class One bag, weighing up to 23 kg.

- For an additional bag, weighing up to 23 kg, one will be charged a sum of €80.

» BUSINESS SEATS Seats on Crown Class define relaxation and comfort at its finest. Between each seat, there is ample space for the passenger to stretch and unwind. Reclining up to 180 degrees, the seat on our long-haul aircraft becomes a luxurious flatbed, whereas it transforms into a semi-flatbed on the other aircraft.

- Cargo: Royal Jordanian dedicates two A310 freighters to serve its cargo short- and medium-haul routes. In addition, around 55% of its total cargo is carried through its passenger aircraft.

RJ has three cargo hubs in Europe: Maastricht, Frankfurt and Vienna. The cargo route network constitutes eight destinations: London, Vienna, Athens, Larnaca, Algeria, Tel Aviv, Maastricht and Baghdad, in addition to operating charter flights to other destinations around the world.

- Oneworld: RJ is a member in the oneworld airline alliance since 2007, operating alongside 14 giant carriers.

We cover over 750 destinations all over the world.

- Online services: RJ offers passengers easier services to facilitate their travel experience, including issuing electronic boarding pass, self-service check in at Queen Alia International Airport, in addition to easier booking through the booking engine on the official website and the e-ticketing.

- Call Centre: RJ has a 24/7 call centre that can be contacted from all over the world in different languages.

It provides the customers with different services, including booking services, ticket prices, flight schedules, baggage information, special requests and other information.

» OWN DESCRIPTION RJ constitutes one of the leading companies in the Jordanian economy and a pioneer carrier in the Middle East. It celebrated its golden jubilee in the presence of His Majesty King Abdullah II on Dec. 15, 2013.

Royal Jordanian’s vision is to be the airline of choice connecting Jordan and the Levant with the world.

In August this year, RJ will receive the first of its ordered Boeing 787s, and by the end of 2014, it will be receiving four additional B787s, and the others will follow in the next few years, helping RJ reach new heights and fly to more cities around the world. Acquiring these new aircraft will constitute a qualitative leap in the services RJ offers on long-haul flights.

As the flag carrier of Jordan, Royal Jordanian has a national role which sees it lend support to culture, arts and underprivileged categories in the society as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR). Thus, it participates in sponsoring many versatile events, believing in the importance of integrating into the society at large

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY AUSTRIAN AIRLINES AG

» COORDINATES Address: Austrian Head Office, Office Park2,A-1300 Vienna Website: www.austrian.com

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT(S) A319/320/321/B737/B767/B777

» NAME BUSINESS CLASS Business class

» FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM Miles and More

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Yes Austrian Senator Lounges, Austrian business lounges, Austrian HON lounge

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT Yes red|cab transfer service (additional service to be paid as part of Austrian red|services: www.red-cab.com)

» PRIORITY BOARDING Yes » EXTRA LUGGAGE 2X32kg, 158 cm per piece maximum, HON, SEN, Star gold+ 1 additional piece, +one golf equipment, except to/from the USA

» CATERING Restaurant service with flying Chef on board, catering partner Do&Co Viennese coffee house service.

» BUSINESS SEATS Individual adjustable lie flat sleeper seat with massage function and personal video screen

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT 12 video and audio channels

» EXTRA’S The fleet has been totally refurbished

factsheet » OFFICIAL COMPANY NAME THALYS INTERNATIONAL

» CONTACT Address : Place Stéphanie 20 Website : www.thalys.com

» BUSINESS CLASS NAME Comfort 1 – B2B programmes

» FREQUENT TRAVELLER PROGRAM Thalys The Pass

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Access to lounges in Brussels, Paris-Nord, Cologne, Rotterdam, Schiphol and Amsterdam with Thalys The Card.

» CATERING In-seat catering is included in your ticket price in Comfort 1 and adapted to the time of the day.

Thalys stresses the importance of serving fresh, local and environmentally friendly

» BUSINESS SEATS Thalys signature slogan “Welcome to our World” is synonymous with passenger comfort, a warm multilingual welcome, high quality catering and service package.

A complementary Wi-Fi connection and individual outlets make your travel time more productive.

» EXTRAS In addition to the in-seat catering, you will be delighted with free multilingual press available on board.

The new e-Press&More app allows you to get your favourite magazine on your tablet or computer.

A taxi reservation service is offered on board for travellers in Paris or Brussels.

» DESCRIPTION Thalys is the red high-speed train linking Paris, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Since April 2014, Thalys also provides a Lille - Amsterdam service, via Brussels.

Thalys has been the only truly multicultural operator to achieve success in the international high-speed rail business in four countries. The Thalys success story is both commercial - 100 million rail passengers transported – and technical, with for example the successful introduction of on-board WiFi in 2008. For increased efficiency and fluidity, and even greater improvements in terms of customer service and satisfaction, Thalys will become a fully-functional train operating company by 2015.

Thalys on Twitter : twitter.com/thalys_en

factsheet » OFFICIAL NAME OF THE COMPANY QATAR AIRWAYS

» COORDINATES Address: Avenue Louise 350, 8th fl Tel: 02 300 24 00 – Fax: 02 300 24 16 e-mail: reservationbru@be.qatarairways.com Website: www.qatarairways.com/be

» TYPE OF AIRCRAFT B 787-8 Dreamliner » NAME BUSINESS CLASS Business Class » FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM Privilege Club

specifications » LOUNGE ACCESS Yes, British Airways Lounge in Brussels, Dedicated lounge in London Heathrow

» LIMO SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT No » PRIORITY BOARDING Yes. All our business class passengers are entitled to use the fast lane at Brussels airport.

» BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE Yes In cabin: up to 2 pieces of 15kg in total - 30kg on hold for all flights

» BUSINESS SEATS Our Business class seat has been designed to provide the best comfort in the sky in our Dreamliner’s brand-new cabin. From Brussels, we offer 22 fully flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with 203 cm between seats. The configuration of the Dreamliner’s cabin and the direct access to the aisle at each seat guarantee you to settle into unparalleled comfort and privacy.

» INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT Watch time fly by with thousands of entertainment options. Oryx Entertainment’s innovative system features is a fully interactive on demand system offering a selection of over 1000 entertainment options of world-class audio and video programs in several languages.

Each seat is equipped with the world’s first dual-touchscreen interface allowing hundreds of multi-task possibilities.

» CATERING Savour our award-winning cuisine in an exclusive dining experience elaborated by world renowned chefs and a Master of Wine. Enjoy our three-course meal service on-demand and get delighted in extraordinary cuisine in the sky whenever you like, providing you the very best inflight dining experience in Business class. Qatar Airways is one of the few airlines to offer 2 meals on flights of less than six hours.

» EXTRAS Stay connected to the world with an on air mobile service, laptop power and a USB plug. A large working area and total privacy will enable you to roll up your sleeves and get busy.

Passengers travelling in Qatar Airways’ Business Class will also enjoy a luxurious selection of Ferragamo’s finest amenities that have been carefully compiled from the ‘Attimo’ range to revive and refresh passengers during air travel.

» OWN DESCRIPTION The brand-new and recently opened Hamad International Airport in Doha offers world-class travel efficiency and the highest possible standards of passenger care.

From Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways is flying to Brussels onboard its new B787 Dreamliner, offering a flight experience like no other thanks to state-of-the art innovations. You will arrive at your destination feeling refreshed due to lower cabin pressure, larger electronically dimmable windows, optimal humidity and reduced noise.

Qatar Airways is member of the oneworld alliance. Our customers are able to enjoy even more benefits and services including: a seamless travel experience with coordinated ticketing, check-in and transfers on a global network of more than 1000 destinations, earn and redeem rewards on eligible flights of all oneworld airlines, access to oneworld’s flexible and attractively priced Alliance fares, access to more than 600 airport lounges around the world for top tier Privilege Club members.

AIR PORTS

Transforming the retail experience at Brussels Airport Interview with Nicolas Van Brandt CEO of Sky Shops

Regular travellers to Brussels Airport will have noticed a number of exclusive new retail outlets and concepts appearing over recent years. Sky Shops is one of the driving forces behind these changes, operating almost 80% of the airport’s retail areas. Nicolas Van Brandt, Sky Shops’ CEO, granted an exclusive interview to The Corporate Traveller

B

elgian Sky Shops operates over 30 stores and retail areas at Brussels Airport, covering 6,300 m2. More are in the pipeline, especially with the opening of Brussels Airport’s new connector building in 2015. In addition, Sky Shops runs two large duty free stores at Charleroi Airport.

Sky Shops can legitimately claim to be a true innovator in retail. Created in 1958, Sky Shops was the second company in the world to create a duty free airport shop, after Shannon airport. Leveraging its 56 years of retail experience, Sky Shops continues to surprise with new retail concepts and iconic brands, that cannot be found at any other airport.

Prices and brands found nowhere else in Belgium

Despite the 1999 abolition of tax-free privileges for Europe, passengers can still enjoy tax-free prices on most products on sale in the Belgian Sky Shops. “We apply duty free prices to European flights, taking it into our our margin” explains Nicolas Van Brandt. “For fashion, cosmetics, watches and alcohol we are cheaper than anywhere else in Belgium.

For example, for the same product we are often 10 to 20% cheaper than downtown Brussels. In addition members of the Miles & More frequent flyer programme are entitled to 1 mile per euro spent in Sky Shops (except on tobacco).

At Sky Shops duty free shops, the range of products includes a vast choice of perfumes, cosmetics, fashion, accessories, sunglasses, spirits, champagne, wines, tobaccos, chocolates, jewels, watches, toys and fine food items. “To differentiate from the local market and with other international airports, I am frequently travelling to look for new exclusive brands that are desirable for our customers” says Nicolas Van Brandt. “In 2013 we were the first anywhere in Belgium to open a Victoria’s Secret shop – we now have two at Brussels Airport. Since the beginning of this year we have opened more exclusive boutiques such as Jo Malone and Michael Kors. We also make important efforts to keep up with new brands of cosmetics.”

“One of the reasons for our success at Sky Shops is that we have been able to create good long term relationships with suppliers to benefit from exclusive travel retail offerings” says Nicolas Van Brandt. “Several brands have their

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own boutiques, which we operate. They supply the goods and fit out the store while we, at Sky Shops, operate them almost like a franchise. Our added benefit to these brands that we also supply highly experienced and trained sales staff that speak multiple languages such as Russian and Chinese.”

The world’s leading chocolate retailer

Surprising fact! Sales of chocolate at Brussels Airport represent higher revenues than either alcohol or tobacco.

Moreover, with shoppers snapping up 850 tons of chocolate a year, Brussels’ Airport is the world’s biggest retailer of chocolate under one roof.

Belgium’s expertise with chocolate dates back more than 300 years and the nation is proud to be the true inventor of the chocolate praline. “Sky Shops sell all of the well known Belgian luxury chocolate brands and we are the cheapest in the world” says Nicolas Van Brandt. “Our prices are a third to 50% cheaper than in other airports, and we apply duty free prices, even if the passenger is flying within Europe.

We opened “The Belgian Chocolate House” store at the beginning of this year, which is a new concept bringing all the luxury chocolate brands together. Here shoppers can compose their own box or buy a ready-made ‘ballotin’.”

Fine food and wines

Brussels Airport has also become a shoppers’ paradise for fine food and wines. “One of our latest openings is our Gourmet Shop, specialising in local and international delicacies” says Nicolas Van Brandt. “We are seeing doubledigit growth in our sales of Belgian and international fine food.”

Sky Shops has gained a recognition for excellence in the premium wine and alcohol sector. “Our Epicure shop offers an amazing selection of grand cru classes, Millesimes, single malts, cognacs and cigars” says Nicolas Van Brandt. “ Red wine enthusiasts come here on buying trips from around the world and we have the widest range of single malt whiskies of any airport. In fact we have so much success here that we are regularly used as the first location for brands to launch new products in order to test the market.”

Anticipating new trends

Sky Shops is an expert on retail trends, always with the aim of anticipating customer needs and preferences. “The main areas we are focusing on at the moment are new retail technologies and managing the changing volume and demographics of passengers at the airport” says Nicolas Van Brandt.

Brussels Airport is growing in terms of passenger traffic and the optimisation of flow through the shops is crucial to maximise the sales per customer. “Currently we have nearly 19 million passengers a year passing through Brussels Airport and a further 7 million through Charleroi” says Nicolas Van Brandt. “That’s why we have implemented the walk through store concept, to make it easier and faster for our customers to shop. The customer needs to feel relaxed, unperturbed and enjoy the experience. We found that this type of store generates higher revenues compared to classical shop configurations. With the arrival of more low cost airlines at the airport, our challenge is that we have a larger range of passenger profiles to serve. We need to differentiate our offers, innovate and further improve service levels.”

New projects in the pipeline

The largest project in the pipeline for Sky Shops is linked to the opening of the much anticipated new Connector building at Brussels Airport next year. Sky Shops will relocate its retail space and add two new walk-through stores to the Connector. Both the Gourmet Shop and the Epicure wine shop will be enlarged for the relocation and all stores will be fully renovated within the next two years.

“We will also be introducing more new international brands and new retail channels, especially technologies such as preordering by internet and the use of QR codes” says Nicolas Van Brandt. “Belgian Sky Shops is constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to serve its customers better. Our objective remains to open new shops, expand our product range and introduce new, exclusive brands.”

Belgian Sky Shops at Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport are open 365 days a year. Most stores are open from 6 am until 8pm, although some have longer hours.

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AIR WAYS

Exclusive interview with CEO and President of Turkish Airlines, Dr Temel Kotil Founded in 1933 with 5 aircraft, Turkish Airlines has grown to achieve the world’s largest airline destination network of countries and cities. In an exclusive interview with The Corporate Traveller magazine, Dr Temel Kotil, President and CEO of Turkish airlines, shared some of the strategies that have contributed to carrier’s success.

Dr Kotil, what factors do you believe have contributed the success of Turkish Airlines?

F

irst of all, Turkish Airlines benefits from the unique geographical position of our country, which makes it a natural bridge between the East and West.

As a global carrier, we work on a ‘hub and spoke’ system of collecting passengers from all over the world and redistributing them, via our Istanbul hub, through our entire network of flights. Our privileged geographical location means we can fly to a very large area using narrow body jets – and that is an exceptional advantage that no other airline has. Our international transfer passengers, carried between international points via our hub in Istanbul, exceeded 3 million during the first quarter of 2014. This is an increase of 26% compared to the same period in 2013. The planned construction of a third major airport in Istanbul, with an initial capacity of 90 million passengers annually, will enable us to further accentuate our dominant role on the share of international connecting air traffic.

Our culture is against waste and we are skilled in costcutting. Compared to European carriers our costs are already 30% lower and our operating costs will continue to fall further with economies of scale as we grow and continue to

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introduce new aircraft. Our strategy is based on costcutting while growing and producing.

Besides this, it is our determination to really be the best in our business, the magnitude of our objectives and our passion for our business and our passengers that have all been factors in our growth and success in comparison to other airlines. This is why we have been chosen as the winner of the ‘Best Airline Europe’ category for the last three consecutive years, in the Skytrax ‘Passengers Choice Awards’.

What does your partnership with Singapore Airlines bring to Turkish Airlines and its customers?

We appreciate our membership of Star Alliance and we place value on developing commercial co-operations within our alliance. Clearly the partnership with Singapore Airlines, a well-recognised member of Star Alliance, offers our customers more travel options and our combined extensive networks provide optimal connections.

With this co-operation, Turkish Airlines has the opportunity to transfer passengers from its global network throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America to the Asia Pacific region via Singapore. Reciprocally, Singapore Airlines can transfer its passengers from Asia Pacific to Turkish Airlines’ network via Istanbul. Singapore and Istanbul are both natural gateway hubs to their regions.

What are the key development regions for Turkish Airlines?

We consider that the Middle East has huge potential. The region is consistently improving in terms of trade and tourism, which means the number of transit and local passengers is continuing to increase. Turkey, and notably Istanbul, play a crucial role here. Any increase we make in the capacity supply will create its own demand for the cities in the region.

On a global scale, Istanbul is located in the heart of Eurasia, only 3 to 5 hours away from the whole of Europe, the Middle East and a significant part of Africa. We have observed that the global aviation market’s centre of gravity is still moving from the West to the East, getting closer to Istanbul.

The African market will also gain more importance and we view this market as a still not totally ‘discovered’ aviation market.

As our airport is an intercontinental transfer point, along with the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa, the rest of the world also has crucial importance for us. This is proven by the fact that Turkish Airlines flies to more countries and to more international destinations than any other airline in the world.

One can say that we are targeting the ‘globe’, connecting the entire world via our hub in Istanbul to almost every point in Europe and crucial destinations in the Middle East, Africa, the Americas and Asia. This is underlined by our new

‘Widen Your World’ motto. Our network objectives include further increasing our coverage in the Americas and Asia, while commencing flights to Australia.

What is the evolution of your passenger traffic?

Referring to our most recent traffic figures, we carried over 5 million passengers during the first quarter of 2014.

Considering that it was approximately 4 million during the same period in 2013, this corresponds to an increase of 28%.

How is Turkish Airlines attracting business passengers?

Corporate travellers have a key importance for our long term success and the number of our passengers travelling for business is growing considerably. For our corporate travellers we have a dedicated program called ‘Turkish Corporate Club’ (TTC) which helps them save on all business travel expenses. It offers a wide variety of cost-effective advantages for corporations looking to meet their needs quickly and easily. The main benefits of our program are discounted tickets and incentives for frequent travellers.

Other advantages of the TCC card are continuing to earn miles with our frequent flyer programme, ‘Miles & Smiles’, and the ‘Customer Portal’ application. More details on the TCC programme can be found at http://tcc.turkishairlines. com/en.

We offer exceptional levels of service to all our passengers and strive always to achieve high customer satisfaction. In our business class cabins we recently introduced our ‘Sky Illusion’ sleeping collection, as well as totally new catering concepts in both business and economy. These are just some of our latest innovations for passengers to enjoy the best in Turkish hospitality. We also have a magnificent lounge in our hub in Istanbul Ataturk Airport. All of these privileges are signs that we care for our passengers.

Why is Brussels strategically important for Turkish Airlines?

It is clear that Brussels is the political heart of Europe, with its institutions such as the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament. The Association of European Airlines (AEA), of which I am proud to be the President, is also in Brussels. Moreover, Belgium’s position in Europe makes it significantly important for a variety of industries, including aviation. This political and economic dynamism brings a need for air travel and transport. Targeting Brussels is targeting Europe.

What, for you, makes Turkish Airlines stand out from other major airlines?

In one word, it is our love for our business and our passengers which makes us really stand out from other large airlines. We care about our customers and we always do our utmost to make them feel at home onboard. For us they our guests during their travel but we also see our passengers as our bosses. To answer fully this question, I advise you to fly with Turkish Airlines to really experience our difference!

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AIR WAYS

Lufthansa introduces Premium Economy class

Interview with Roberto Mamone Lufthansa Sales Manager BeLux B

y launching its Premium Economy class this year, Lufthansa is offering a new choice between its Economy Class and Business Class with many advantages.

Roberto Mamone, Lufthansa Sales Manager BeLux, shared a preview of the new product with us.

When the first long haul flights with Lufthansa’s Premium Economy class become available at the end of this year passengers, whether traveling for business or leisure, will be able to enjoy more luxurious seating, more services and many other extras during their journey. Lufthansa’s new Premium Economy cabins will target all travellers who are looking for more comfort and exclusivity, but still good value for money.

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“With the recent introduction of our new business class seats, with their exceptional features and comforts, we now have a greater difference between our economy and business classes” explains Roberto Mamone. “This makes the timing to introduce our new Premium Economy now propitious. We see two main types of passengers who will be attracted. Firstly there are the leisure passengers who are looking to improve their feeling of general wellbeing when traveling on long haul flights. Then of course, we have our corporate travellers who have an economy class travel policy but would like to benefit from more comfort and space, for work or relaxation, to arrive fresh at their destination. This is especially of interest for our corporate travellers from the Belgian market.”

More space and comfort

Premium Economy passengers will benefit from up to 50 percent more personal space than in economy. Seats are wider, have a pitch of up to 10cm more and benefit from more space between rows. Each passenger gains their own individual armrest between neighbouring seats and an adjustable headrest with ear flaps, for greater support while sleeping. Long haul passengers will especially appreciate the fact that the seats are equipped with a footrest, as well as a backrest that reclines to 130 degrees. The one piece table can be folded into the armrest and every seat has its own individual power socket and advanced inflight entertainment system.

Enhanced services and benefits

The additional services Economy Premium passengers can enjoy begin right from arrival at the airport. The generous baggage allowance means Premium Economy passengers can check in two pieces of luggage weighing up to 23 kilos each. Access to Lufthansa’s business class lounges is also available, for a small extra fee of 25 euros. On board passengers are greeted with a welcome drink and an amenity kit with toiletries. All meals are served on china tableware.

Besides this there are many other advantages – including earning additional frequent flyer miles!

Frankfurt – the ideal hub for long haul connections

“Frankfurt and Munich are amongst the best airports in Europe in terms of services, ease of use and connectivity to other flights” says Roberto Mamone. “They are particularly convenient for passengers from Brussels connecting onto long haul flights as they just have a quick feeder flight of one hour. This means that passengers don’t need to interrupt their long haul flight half way. Above all, we offer a fast and seamless connection to their final destination. At both Munich and Frankfurt airports all Lufthansa flights, long haul and short haul, are in the same terminal building.

From Brussels we have 10 flights a day to Frankfurt and 7 to Munich - as much as one per hour during peak times. This means we offer feeder flights from Brussels to connecting long haul flight with very little waiting time.”

“Our new Premium Economy has been benchmarked with airline competitors and found to be one of the best in the world. Customers are sure to appreciate this appealing product with excellent value for money” summarizes Roberto Mamone.

The first Lufthansa planes fitted with Premium Economy cabins will be unveiled at the end of this year, with the launch of the service on certain flights between Frankfurt to the Americas and Asia. The first destinations are expected to be Bangalore, Chicago, Delhi, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Washington DC. Lufthansa’s entire fleet of 106 long haul aircraft will be fitted with the new product by the end of summer 2015.

Premium Economy seats are already available for booking on the first services. Depending on flights, 21 to 52 Premium Economy seats will be available on aircraft.

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AIR WAYS

AIR FRANCE KLM

opens new Air&Rail Terminal at the Brussels-Midi railway station On 5 June, AIR FRANCE KLM celebrated the opening of their new Air&Rail Terminal at the Brussels-Midi international rail station.

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T

he new Air&Rail Terminal has been created to give passengers travelling from Belgium improved access to the global network of flights from the AIR FRANCE KLM’s hubs in Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The terminal is located nearby all high speed rail departures and arrivals from Brussels, including international routes operated by TGV, Thalys and Eurostar.

Over a decade of Air&Rail initiatives

For over a decade AIR FRANCE and KLM have been offering customers travelling to any of the 200 destinations on their global networks, tickets combining a train and plane journey at no extra charge. As part of this initiative, special Air France coaches are available on TGV services to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Air France recently increased its frequencies between Brussels-Midi and Paris Charles de Gaulle to 6 daily TGV services. KLM will offer more than ten high-speed links to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol every day.

Seeking to further improve comfort and services offered on departure from the Brussels-Midi station, AIR FRANCE KLM have invested €250,000 in the new terminal dedicated to its Air&Rail customers.

The new terminal offers a full international ticketing office and a check-in area, with dedicated SkyPriority lane for Business and La Première passengers, as well as Elite members of the Flying Blue frequent flyer programme. Moreover, the new terminal offers a calm waiting and relaxation area for passengers, away from the bustling train station.

Lounges

Just opposite the Air&Rail Terminal, the Thalys lounge also welcomes AIR FRANCE KLM Business, La Première and Flying Blue Elite passengers on weekdays until 9pm. The Thalys lounge offers a meeting room, quiet working areas, free wifi and free tea and coffee facilities. On weekends when the Thalys lounge is closed, Premium passengers can use the lounge facilities of the new Hotel Pullman Brussels Midi, also located within the station building. Business passengers at the Hotel Pullman Brussels Midi are offered refreshments, while La Première passengers will receive breakfast, lunch or dinner, depending on the time of day.

“A survey recently conducted with our customers identified areas for improvement in our Air&Rail product. With the opening of this new terminal we are meeting one of their main expectations: to enjoy more comfort and additional services,” explained Frédéric Verdier - General Manager AIR FRANCE and KLM in Belgium and Luxembourg during the terminal’s opening ceremony.

Additional services are envisaged for the future, such as self check-in machines and the possibility to check in baggage to the final destination, on outward journeys. The new terminal is open daily from 05.45 to 19.30, corresponding to the latest departing international train times.

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AIR WAYS

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH SWISS -

AT ZURICH AIRPORT

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) gave The Corporate Traveller an exclusive behind the scenes glimpse of its operations at Zurich Airport. Our tour began with an ‘access all areas’ visit of the airport. As we were to discover, the airline’s workings are worthy of a true Swiss precision time piece.

O

f course ‘Swiss’ is not only associated with precision, but quality. Zurich airport has received the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Airport’ at the World Travel Awards ten times in the last few years – and it is not difficult to see why. Spacious and filled with natural light, one hardly has the feeling of being in an airport. There is no crush here, even in the queues for procedures. The feeling of calm is enhanced by the lack of tannoy announcements. Airside, the airport’s Duty Free shops and luxury boutiques rival the choice of Europe’s most prestigious shopping streets.

Besides this there are over 40 restaurants, bars and cafés where passengers can stop and make use of fast Wi-Fi service, available free for the first hour throughout the airport.

Fast transit through the airport …

…With all comforts

Besides its two floors of retail outlets, the transit area has been conceived with the comfort of all passengers in mind.

There is a well equipped family lounge, with sleeping room and plenty of amusements for children, as well as a help desk and waiting area for adult travellers needing assistance.

For its premium passengers and status customers, SWISS offers no less than 6 lounges at Zurich Airport. The SWISS First lounge is located at Pier A – the departure area dedicated to Schengen flights. We sneaked a look inside and noted services such as freshly prepared à la carte dining, an equipped meeting room and ‘day bedrooms’ complete with en suite showers.

Private limousines transport passengers from the lounge directly to the departure gate or foot of the aircraft.

Zurich Airport is well designed to make it fast and easy to transit through the airport. Maximum time from checkin to boarding gate is normally just 30 minutes. Security check-in procedures are particularly fast. One vast security check zone, covering three floors, serves the airport’s three departure piers. Monitoring ensures that new lanes are opened when passenger traffic increases, to ensure waiting times are kept to an absolute minimum. A whole floor of security check lanes is dedicated to premium class travellers.

We also visited the 1,100m2 three-story SWISS Business lounge in Pier A. Here guests can relax, use the work stations and benefit from the generous all day buffet meal service. The top floor of the lounge is dedicated to the world’s longest airport bar (with an area for smokers) and panoramic views over the airport and mountains beyond.

The adjacent SWISS Senator lounge is open to First Class passengers travelling with SWISS, Lufthansa or other Star Alliance Airlines, Star Alliance Gold card holders and Miles & More Senator level holders.

Transfer times are also rapid. Boarding gates between piers A and D are just a short walk, while the airport’s Pier E is connected by the Skymetro light rail link in just 3 minutes. SWISS serves over 70 destinations from Zurich Airport, its main international hub. Of the 68,000 passengers a day that pass through Zurich Airport’s transit lounge, most will be taking a SWISS flight for at least part of their journey.

Further lounges are located in the airport’s Pier D.

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Finally SWISS shows its care for passengers right through to the end of their journey. The SWISS Arrivals Lounge gives incoming first and business passengers the opportunity to freshen up before their first meeting of the day, with 20 shower cabins, an ironing service, sleeping rooms, internet stations and an extensive breakfast buffet.

AIR WAYS

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH SWISS -

PRODUCT AND SERVICE INSIGHTS For the second part of our Behind the Scenes tour at Zurich Airport, SWISS revealed some of the secrets of its new product and service development! Research, technology, creativity and specialised training are key ingredients to the new innovations being prepared at the SWISS product hub.

T

he SWISS product hub in the Operation Centre at Zurich Airport looks into every possible aspect of services on board, including seats, catering, amenities, onboard product sales and inflight entertainment systems.

Effectively, the product hub’s showroom is a veritable Aladdin’s cave with everything from a fully operational business class seat, to fine wines and Swiss chocolates!

“Not only do we develop these new products but we also have them here at the hub to train staff on how to use them – whether it be serving new catering concepts, explaining functions of the seats and entertainment systems, or demonstrating new safety equipment. Everything that is new can be found here” explains Paul Estoppey, SWISS Head of Cabin Interior Development & Infotainment.

Product innovations

During our behind the scenes visit, our ‘access all areas’ pass also allowed us to board a SWISS A330-300 aircraft, to inspect long haul premium cabin seats first hand. While all of the aircraft’s 236 seats feature advanced in-flight entertainment systems and modern cabin interiors, first and business class seats are fully lie flat, extending to 2 metres long, with a number of technological innovations.

First class seats also benefit from a separate chair and a

fold down table, designed to easily accommodate two dining together.

Service innovations

An excellent example of SWISS service innovation in action at the Product Hub is the ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ catering concept. Each season authentic Swiss cuisine from a particular region or canton is showcased.

“We launched the initial SWISS Taste of Switzerland concept on board First and Business class over a decade ago” explains Sarah Klatt, SWISS Head of Inflight Product & Services. “It has been hugely popular with our customers We begin planning new regions a full 18 to 24 months in advance, in line with our marketing department and local tourism organisations – as the aim is to promote the regions. We then select local restaurants or hotels, to work in collaboration with chefs from our caterer Gate Gourmet, to create authentic menus that will work on board. Sometimes we might work with a small Alpine restaurant, or sometimes a Michelin starred establishment – as we are doing now with the Beau Rivage Hotel Geneva - to create culinary specialities. Always we are looking for high quality with an authentic local flavour, in line with the positioning of SWISS being the national airline of Switzerland.”

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

SUMMER 2014 | 49

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