Tct59 lowres

NO. 059 – SPRING 2018

BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR BRUSSELS AIRPORT HIGHEST EVER PASSENGER FIGURES BOOSTED BY NEW ROUTES

 AMADEUS: FRAMEWORK FOR A GREATER ROI FROM BUSINESS TRAVEL  JOON: AIR FRANCE’S NEW AIRLINE FOR THE MILLENNIUM GENERATION  DESTINATIONS: THE NED AND THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LONDON AT TEN TRINITY SQUARE

THE BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER IN THE BENELUX

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THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER IN THE BENELUX 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 Bert Wagemans SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Corporate Traveller cost € 150 per year (excluding VAT).

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Except The Corporate Traveller, LEO bvba also edits Experience Magazine, My Land Rover Travel Magazine and Kids Universe. ISSN 1387-2400

TRAVEL MANAGEMENT 004 The Journal News from the travel industry

008 Amadeus: Framework for a greater ROI from business travel Amadeus has examined how companies can deal with business travel even more efficiently. Its report, entitled ‘Managing Every Mile’, became a kind of manual to help organisations get a greater ROI from their business travel.

010 The Business Travel Show: Europe’s biggest professional travel event The Business Travel Show is a key rendez-vous for business travel professionals. Each year it attracts over 7,500 visitors to its exhibition floor, conference programmes and networking events.

AIR WAYS 012 Emirates unveils new B777-300 first class cabin On 1st December Emirates unveiled in Brussels its completely refreshed interiors for its Boeing 777 aircraft, including its highly anticipated new First Class private suites. Due to their high demand for this prestige product, Brussels and Geneva were the first destinations to benefit from the new cabins.

016 Hainan Airlines and HNA Reaching for the World In our July 2015 edition, we published an interview with Hainan Airlines’ Sales Manager on the development plans at the Chinese airline. Fast forward to 2018, Hainan Airlines has again some great projects for the Belgian market. Time for an update with Sales Manager Luc Naegels.

021 Japan Airlines and Boom Announce Partnership for Supersonic Air Travel Japan Airlines (JAL) and Boom Supersonic have announced a strategic partnership to bring commercial supersonic travel to passengers.

addition to the Air France-KLM Group. Headed up by CEO Jean-Michel Mathieu, who has spent most of his career with Air France and the Air France-KLM Group, Joon is based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. The airline took to the skies for the first time in December 2017, but its network is already expanding fast.

024 Hainan Airlines launched nonstop flights between Brussels and Shanghai Since late October, the Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines operates three direct flights a week between Brussels Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. These flights are operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a Boeing Dreamliner 787-9, one of the world´s most modern aircraft.

AIR PORTS 026 Bright outlook for Brussels Airport: Highest ever passenger figures boosted by new routes Brussels Airport welcomed almost 25 million passengers in 2017 - an all-time record in the history of the airport. Never before have so many people flown to and from Brussels Airport in one year. Meanwhile the destination map is expanding with more long haul routes, infrastructure improvements are continuing and the airport is looking well on track with its long term development strategy. Interview Léon Verhallen, Head of Aviation Development at Brussels Airport Company.

DESTINATIONS 028 The Ned and the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square There is currently a huge trend in London for all types of historic buildings to be converted into luxury hotels and venues. 2017 saw the opening of two such 5 star hotels located in grand buildings in the City financial district The Ned and the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square.

022 Joon: Air France’s new airline for the Millennium generation There is a new type of airline on the block – and it’s more than just a regional player. Welcome to Joon, the freshfaced, lifestyle-branded airline that is the latest

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

SPRING 2018 | 3

The Traveller Journal NEWS FROM THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

New CEO and COO at Brussels Airlines

The Brussels Airlines’ Board of Directors has appointed a new leadership team. Effective as of April 1, Christina Foerster will become new Chief Executive Officer and Thibault Demoulin will fulfil the function of Chief Operating Officer.

Christina Foerster is no stranger to Belgium and Brussels Airlines and has been the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer for one and a half years. Prior to joining Brussels Airlines, she held various high-profile positions in the aviation industry prior including posts as General Manager Product Management for Intercontinental and Vice President Network and Fleet Development and Senior Vice President Network, Group & Alliance Development at the Lufthansa Group.

“I am very pleased that Christina Foerster has agreed to assume the position of CEO of Brussels Airlines – she is the first-ever female to head a Lufthansa Group airline” said Thorsten Dirks, Lufthansa Group Executive Board member, CEO of Eurowings and member of the Brussels Airlines Board of Directors. “We are convinced that the new team will further strengthen, together with the rest of the Brussels Airlines staff, the already successful cooperation between Brussels Airlines and Eurowings. Only together we will be able to shape the European airline industry and succeed in our sustainable growth plans. Brussels, as the European capital, continues to be a stronghold in our growth strategy.”

Belgian Thibault Demoulin has been Brussels Airlines’ Senior Vice President Flight Operations and Deputy Accountable Manager for the past

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12 years, prior to his new appointment as COO. He has an excellent track record in establishing safe, reliable and punctual operations at Brussels Airlines, which makes him the perfect fit as the carrier’s COO. “In 2017, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings gradually started to lay the foundations for a common future, in which the strengths of both airlines will be combined, with the ambition to build a strong, sustainable and leading pan-European airline” emphasised Etienne Davignon, CoChairman of the Board of SN Airholding. “Growing within the Eurowings Group as a Belgian entity will allow us to further build on our specificities, such as our Africa expertise and our distinguished Belgian touch. Together with Eurowings, we will further expand our long-haul reach out of Brussels and Dusseldorf, and in particular continue to fulfil our role as Belgium’s home carrier and important economic engine of our country.”

Etienne Davignon, Co-Chairman of the Board of SN Airholding, and Thorsten Dirks wish to thank Bernard Gustin and Jan De Raeymaeker for their years of dedicated service and excellent leadership at Brussels Airlines and wish both all the very best for their future endeavours.

“During 15 years, Bernard Gustin has made significant contributions to the company, leading Brussels Airlines successfully through growth and turbulent times,” said Davignon and Dirks.

“It’s clearly his accomplishment that Brussels Airlines is the number one carrier in Belgium today, despite aggressive low-cost competition which is continuously trying to grab market shares.”

BCD Travel renews Amadeus multi-year distribution agreement

Rajiv Rajian Amadeus has announced the renewal of its multi-year global distribution agreement with BCD Travel. As a result of this, BCD Travel will have access to extensive travel content on Amadeus.

The deal strengthens the two companies’ long-term relationship as partners. BCD Travel’s clients operating across 23 countries around the globe will benefit from cutting edge technology, including Amadeus Selling Platform Connect, Amadeus Ticket Changer and Amadeus Master Pricer.

“BCD Travel is a leading international travel management company, and we are proud to renew our partnership” said Rajiv Rajian, EVP Business Travel, Amadeus. “The extensive travel content brings great value to BCD, as Amadeus is the most efficient platform to bring all this content together to offer a better service to customers and power smarter business travel.”

“We aim to bring the best service and most extensive choice to our customers” said Rose Stratford, EVP, Global Supplier Relations & Strategic Sourcing, BCD Travel. “Working with Amadeus plays a key role in helping us to achieve this. Amadeus’ support continues to be a crucial part of our growth strategy in coming years, and we look forward to building on our relationship in the future.”

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Pillows Hotels opens its first property in Belgium – the Pillows Grand Hotel Place Rouppe Following Pillows Hotels’ successful debut in The Netherlands, the group is now opening its first property in Belgium, in Brussels.

Pillows Grand Hotel Place Rouppe is a luxury boutique hotel with a unique concept of operating more like a large private house than a hotel. Each of the hotel’s 43 rooms and suites embody charm and comfort, with plenty of natural light, the finest linens, ultra-comfortable beds and noise insulation to ensure undisturbed sleep.

At reception, guests sit down at the welcome table while a member of staff pours them a drink. They can also decide themselves when they want to eat, any time of day or night, from small appetizers to full meals. The heart of Pillows Grand Hotel Place Rouppe is its ‘The Living, Winebar & Lounge’, which reflects the hotel’s philosophy to its core.

Open 24 hours a day, it welcomes guests with cosy seating areas and a fireplace. “To make it extra cosy, we organize Table d’hôtes every week, from Monday till Thursday” says Nikolaas de Boodt,

hotel manager. “Guests are seated around the big table where our chef indulges them with delicious dishes prepared with daily fresh and regional products.”

The kitchen is led by chef Trung Hoang-Dat, who earned his stripes at Alain Ducasse The Dorchester 3* in London, Va Doux Vent 1* in Ukkel and La Durée 2* in Izegem. “Together with my team we will indulge the guests with an uncomplicated yet sophisticated kitchen” said Chef Trung Hoang-Dut. “We’re all about local tradition but with a wink to the cosmopolitan world.”

“We want to give our guests a home away from home-feeling in a charming and luxurious atmosphere in the middle of the always busy Brussels” said Nikolaas de Boodt.

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The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

Business Travel Show research - 58% of travel buyers interested in ‘sharing economy’ suppliers In a recent poll of 243 buyers by the Business Travel Show, 58 per cent of respondents agreed that alternative accommodation and transport providers such as Airbnb and Uber are a good thing. This a substantial change in attitude compared to the 37 per cent recorded a year ago.

VLM Airlines expands routes from Antwerp to add Birmingham, Munich, Zurich and Maribor VLM Airlines is greatly expanding its destinations from Antwerp. In January it commenced services to Zurich, before adding Munich and Maribor (Slovenia) in February.

As from 26 March, it will also be operating routes from Antwerp to Birmingham.

These new routes join the airline’s existing Antwerp-London City Airport. All four destinations will be served with one return flight every week day. One way fares start from EUR 59 and can be booked through travel agencies or on the online booking facility at www.flyvlm.com.

“VLM Airlines is very happy to connect Antwerp with Birmingham again” said Karl Rickard, CEO of VLM. “Antwerp is one of the largest seaports in Europe, the diamond capital of the world, the second largest petrochemical centre in the world. This thriving city is also known for its bold and diverse arts, fashion and culinary scene. A short ride takes you to other popular Belgian cities including Bruges, Ghent and Brussels as well as to Dutch cities such as Rotterdam and Eindhoven.”

David Chapple The number of buyers who consider the sharing economy as a threat has subsequently dropped – from 25 per cent to 18. This thawing toward the industry was also reflected in the number of buyers who now allow travellers to book sharing economy suppliers independently.

“These results affirm what we’re already hearing from the businesses we serve – that integrating services like Uber into their travel programmes is a win-win, for both traveller and travel manager” said a spokesperson from Uber for Business. “We’re excited to continue to work with these partners so they can harness the full potential of on-demand technologies.”

“No one likes change, and the introduction of the sharing economy to business travel has been a big upheaval for some travel managers” added David Chapple, Business Travel Show event director.

“Attitudes are changing and travel managers are finding the idea of using sharing economy providers less threatening. They are also more appreciative that travellers enjoy the flexibility and convenience they provide. Some travel managers are still concerned about potential duty of care issues, and it’s sensible of them to put travellers first. But, in a few years’ time, I’m sure we won’t even be having this conversation and Airbnb will be considered just another accommodation option, much like serviced apartments are today.”

The Business Travel Show, held annually in London for 24 years, is Europe’s largest specialised exhibition and conference bringing together over 7,500 European travel professionals. For more information visit www.businesstravelshow.com

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easyJet is Best Short-Haul Airline at the 2018 Business Travel Awards The 2018 Business Travel Awards have awarded easyJet with the title of ‘Best Short Haul Airline’. The airline thus retains its title from last year. easyJet was also shortlisted in the ‘Business Airline of the Year’ category.

“We are incredibly pleased to have been chosen once again as Best Short-Haul Airline at the Business Travel Awards, which is widely recognised as the market’s benchmark for excellence in business travel” said Andrea Caulfield-Smith, Head of Business Development for easyJet. “Winning this award demonstrates that our customers and the wider industry continue to recognise that we are helping business travellers to make savings

on their travel budgets by having access to the best fares on offer, without compromising on excellent service. It remains increasingly important for us to continue to be leader in the low fares market in Europe, supplying products and solutions that our customers want and need.”

In September 2017, easyJet announced the launch of a new Business team focused on deepening existing commercial relationships, innovating in distribution, managing local relationships and enhancing partnerships with the corporate travel sector. In the financial year 2017 the number of easyJet business travellers rose by 3.6% on the previous year, to reach 13 million.

The Traveller Journal | News from the travel industry

NH Hotel Group to operate Bloom! and Berlaymont hotels in Brussels NH Hotel Group and Pandox, a leading northern European property company, have entered into an agreement to lease and operate the Bloom! and Berlaymont hotels in Brussels.

The agreement, to start with immediate effect, is for 20 years. A series of investments have been agreed to rebrand the hotels and bring them up to the brand standards of the NH Hotel Group.

Both hotels enjoyed privileged locations in Brussels. By integrating them into NH Hotel Group’s powerful sales and revenue management platforms, there is substantial scope for enhancing the profitability of both establishments.

The Bloom! Hotel, which features an extraordinary design, offers 305 rooms and extensive 2,000m2

capacity for hosting events and meetings is in downtown Brussels. The Berlaymont Hotel, with its 214 bedrooms and seven meeting rooms, it is strategically located next to the European Commission and close to the European Parliament.

With these two new hotels in Brussels, NH Hotel Group currently has 32 projects in the pipeline. It expects to add around 5,000 rooms in Europe and Latin America between 2018 and 2021. “NH Hotel Group has been analysing numerous opportunities for organic growth in recent months, as a result of the confidence generated by its business plan and the appetite among hotel investors for the group’s flexible business model, most especially in the premium segment” underlined Ramón Aragonés, chief executive, NH Hotel Group.

Delta launching Radio Frequency Identification tags for luggage tracking by mobile phone Delta is rolling out Radio Frequency Identification tags technologies, to allow customers to keep track of their checked-in luggage using their mobile phones. The new service has now been deployed on its 12 daily non-stop flights between London Heathrow and the United States.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) bag tags are a new technological innovation which enable customers to receive realtime updates on the whereabouts of their luggage right through from check-in to the arrival carousel. The tags are read by RFID antennas at various points along the journey and customers’ receive push notifications via their phones on the Fly Delta app.

“Carrying more than 1.3 million bags between London Heathrow and the United States each year, our new service gives customers peace of mind because they know we’re looking after their bags every step of the way” said Corneel Koster, Delta’s senior vice president Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. “Following a successful roll-out in the U.S., we are on track to equip all of our international stations, including Heathrow, with this technology as part of our continued efforts to improve our customer experience.”

Amadeus and Routehappy

by ATPCO partner to bring flight shopping to life A new partnership between Amadeus and Routehappy

by ATPCO will enrich the online shopping experience of air passengers prior to their flights with fuller, more compelling descriptions, as well as photos.

Initial results of RFID-tagged items show they are tracked at a 99.9 percent success rate, ensuring proper routing and loading.

In addition to live updates, customers can also access a map view of their bag’s journey when travelling in the United States through the Delta Fly app.

Delta has invested more than $50 million to ensure the accurate routing and loading of the 180 million bags it handles each year. This commitment to reliability has been recognised with Delta recording the lowest mishandled bag numbers in US Department for Transportation data six times in recent months.

The airline’s additional European hubs, Amsterdam and Paris, are due to come online in the coming months, with every one of Delta’s 344 airports across the globe scheduled to receive the technology. The Fly Delta app is available to download free of charge on all Apple and Android devices.

With the new solution from Amadeus and Routehappy by ATPCO, passengers will be able to book flights and see what type of seat they will have and the cabin and amenities they will receive and then decide whether they want to add lounge access based on photos of the facilities, or upgrade their flight to a premium seat.

Using Routehappy’s rich content integrated with the Amadeus system, airlines will be able to highlight product differentiators, with descriptions and photos, through multiple Amadeus channels. The integration will be completed during the course of this year and will complement Amadeus’ existing content and merchandising capabilities already provided to airlines and travel sellers.

“Our Routehappy partnership forms part of our growing suite of merchandising capabilities for airlines and travel sellers” said Decius Valmorbida, Senior VP Travel Channels at Amadeus.

“Photos, videos and descriptors help drive conversion and differentiation for airlines, but also mean agents can deliver a more comprehensive service and experience to their customers.

Travellers are seeking enhanced ways to compare travel provider offers and we believe rich content helps to meet this need. Routehappy has already seen great traction with over 65 customers including major carriers like United, Avianca and Turkish Airlines, so it is a natural partnership.”

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MANAGEMENT

Framework for a greater ROI from business travel As a global technology provider for the travel industry, Amadeus has been having studies conducted around the behaviour of companies and their travellers for years. The latest study, which the company had conducted by researchers at the London School of Economics and Political Science, examines how companies can deal with business travel even more efficiently. The report, entitled ‘Managing Every Mile’, became a kind of manual to help organisations get a greater ROI from their business travel.

T

HE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE HAS BEEN WORKING AROUND TRANSPORT ECONOMICS FOR SOME TIME. One of the things they have

been researching is what the motivation is to travel and how organisations use travel to increase their efficiency.

Based on this strong reputation, Amadeus contacted the LSE. “It is clear that companies can still improve their efficiency”, according to Dr. Alexander Grous, Lecturer at the Department of Media and Communications at LSE, and author of the report. “The business world is constantly changing: how people behave within organisations, how they are recruited, but also how travel is used.”

Quantifying business travel

The study Amadeus ordered focuses specifically on business travel. “Amadeus invests heavily in business travel and expenses”, we heard from Arlene Coyle, CCO Corporate Solution Sales and Marketing of Business Travel at Amadeus. “We would like to understand how companies view business travel within their organisation. And more specifically: how do people quantify the value of business travel and how do they determine the ROI that business travel generates? That is why we collaborated with the LSE to create an interesting and diverse paper.”

Holistic approach

For this study, 26 senior C-level executives of large international companies all over the world were interviewed. “The results provide a holistic view of the ROI and also take into account elements that many other studies ignore,” Arlene Coyle continues. “The report includes three important aspects: it specifies a series of best practices for travel and expense management, it looks at to what degree these best practices are already being applied today and it offers a framework with which companies can reconsider their own T&E processes.”

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Framework with five steps

The first important conclusion of the report is the need for implementation of a comprehensive framework for T&E. “We have created a five-step process that companies can use to fine-tune their travel ROI”, Alexander Grous says. “We looked at how companies develop their strategies and what components there are. Within this strategic framework were the five steps we examined: strategic sourcing, procurement, travel support and duty of care – which is often neglected-, expense management and finally, analytics and feedback. To achieve a maximum ROI, companies should not suddenly completely change course, but they can take small, incremental steps.”

All priorities are important

In addition, it is also important that companies equate the strategic priorities throughout the entire organisation.

“You can’t just focus on one aspect,” Dr. Alexander Grous continues. “The study cites six strategic priorities related to T&E spend management: growth, cost minimisation, operational efficiency, employee productivity, risk mitigation and management information/analytics. To achieve maximum results, it is important to see that all these priorities are equally important.”

Applying best practices

The study also determines that companies are still ignoring best practices too often. “During the strategic sourcing stage, there are many opportunities for unlocking savings, by regularly reviewing their deals with suppliers. Something as simple as using policy to purchase from suppliers that deals were made with and applying this to the travel policy, is already a best practice. Companies with a policy compliance rate of +80% can save up to 23% in indirect expenses. So, this is something organisations should definitely be looking at.”

More than just expenses

Managing T&E within an organisation goes much further than just expense management. “You can’t look at just one step of the process, without looking at the five-step framework. In addition to expenses, sourcing, travel support and feedback are also aspects that greatly affect the end result. The sum of the parts is most important. Lack of best practices in the earlier stages of the T&E process, and in particular in the booking and approval flows, only has a negative effect on the traveller’s experience and ensures a greater complexity at the expense management stage.”

Technology is the key enabler

Technology is an important enabler in the improvement of T&E programmes of companies. “Fortunately, the people responsible are aware of this,” Alexander Grous notes. “60% of the respondents want to invest in IT functionalities in the next 1 to 3 years, with a view of a more efficient booking and expenses management process. Where just a few years ago, this was a concern only of the IT and Travel Managers, now the CEO, COO, CFO and CHR also want to get involved in this. The boardroom interest in T&E is growing.”

½½ ALEXANDER GROUS

½½ ARLENE COYLE

Multiple opportunities to enhance ROI

With these five fascinating insights, ‘Managing Every Mile’ is a report companies can use to really make a difference in making their processes run more efficiently. “Travelling for business is being transformed by major social, technological and economic drivers. We are seeing travellers’ needs, and the nature of the workplace, change in ways that require much greater dynamism and flexibility in travel management. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, this study reveals multiple opportunities to enhance ROI from the T&E management process, particularly through greater use of technology. Also, by going beyond the actual cost of business travel and by looking at what travellers want, how the booking process needs to work and the effect of this on productivity and duty of care, corporations are able to better shape their travel programmes and create better journeys for their travellers,” Arlene Coyle concludes. www.amadeus.com/corporatesolutions/benelux | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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MANAGEMENT

The Business Travel Show 2018 Europe’s biggest professional travel event February 21 to 22 marked the 24th edition of the Business Travel Show, Europe’s biggest business travel event. The show, at Olympia London, is a key rendez-vous for business travel professionals. Each year it attracts over 7,500 visitors to its exhibition floor, conference programmes and networking events.

260 travel solution and service providers among the exhibitors

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HE BUSINESS TRAVEL SHOW IS AMONG OTHER THINGS, A SHOWCASE FOR OVER 260 EXHIBITING COMPANIES RANGING ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF TRAVEL SERVICE SUPPLIERS.

Among the more recent specialised areas was the Responsible Travel Zone, which showcased duty of care-related suppliers which can help companies to put together a cost effective and creative ‘CSR’ travel and meetings programme. In the Travel Technology Zone, agencies and other companies sourced their corporate travel technology needs, watched technology demonstrations from suppliers and enjoyed technology-focused conferences.

International hotel chains, airlines, travel agencies and technology providers, sit side by side with the latest innovators and start up business travel firms from around the globe. Here travel managers can network, be inspired by new ideas and source suppliers and solutions – including ways to control costs while keeping their business travellers happy.

Networking and Europe’s top business travel conference

Specialist exhibition zones

Moreover, visitors were able to pick and choose from pick and choose from a full three-day agenda of conferences. The programme of over 60 speaking and panel sessions is Europe’s largest travel industry conference programme. It features sessions for everyone, from those starting their careers, to the

The exhibition floor included a number of zones of companies grouped together in terms of services, in order to optimise visitors’ time at the show. These included the International Hotel Village - a specialist exhibition area which doubled in size this 10 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

year, the Airline Pavilion and the ASAP Pavilion for global serviced apartment suppliers.

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The Business Travel Show gave visitors ample opportunities for meeting new contacts and strengthening existing relationships through its organisation of informal social events – such as the four “Cellars in the Sky” wine tastings – as well as networking sessions.

most experienced travel buyers and purchasing directors, including a keynote from New York Times best-selling author Steve Martin on the art of persuasion and how this can be used to influence traveller behaviour and compliance.

Thanks to its regular travel buyer surveys and high level expert speakers, the show continually stays ahead of the latest trends and issues with topics such as the continued pressure to cut costs, the increased focus on ‘Duty of Care’ and the new big debate on how Artificial Intelligence can drive revenues and transform the travel management of tomorrow. Other hot topics include travel sustainability, travel risk management, alternative travel distribution channels, global travel policies and cost optimisation for travel buyers.

Hosted buyer programme

Each year, the Business Travel Show arranges for hundreds of hosted travel buyers, with an average budget of 40 million euros, to meet with its exhibitors. Qualified travel buyers can be registered as hosted buyers, in return for committing to five or more pre-scheduled appointments per day with the exhibitors of their choice.

Buyers can create a tailor-made itinerary, using a personal online diary system accessible via any 3G or 4G device, in

order to make sure they are the most productive in the time they are available.

Hosted buyers enjoy a three-day conference programme, up to two nights’ complimentary accommodation, complimentary refreshments in the hosted buyer lounge, a networking lunch, an after show party and an invitation to the buyeronly masterclass sessions at the show.

The Business Travel Show 2018 was yet another enriching event for the business travel industry in terms of networking, knowledge sharing and supplier sourcing.

Next year’s Business Travel Show will take place on 20 to 21 Februray 2019, again at London’s Olympia exhibition hall. For more information about .attending or visiting the show, or becoming a hosted buyer, please visit www.businesstravelshow.com

TWO SHOWS IN ONE WITH TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY EUROPE A visitor pass to the Business Travel Show includes access to Travel Technology Europe, Europe’s largest event dedicated to travel technology solutions. Held annually in London for 15 years, its specialised exhibition and conference brings together over 6,000 travel technology buyers, managers and suppliers.

Travel Technology Europe gives travel professional the opportunity to evaluate thousands of products and services from over 130 global travel brands and innovative start-up companies across the travel technology sector.

Its conference programme is designed to meet knowledge requirements of junior professionals through to experienced travel buyers. Independently produced and supported by over 120 expert speakers, the over 70 topical sessions cover the full spectrum of travel technology, facilitating peer to peer learning and debate to enable companies to drive the industry forward. Online registration is now open on the brand new Travel Technology Europe website. For more information visit www.traveltechnologyeurope.com.

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AIRWAYS

Emirates

unveils new B777-300 first class cabin On 1st December Emirates unveiled in Brussels completely refreshed interiors for its Boeing 777 aircraft, including its highly anticipated new First Class private suites.

Brussels and Geneva were the first destinations in Emirates’ network to benefit from the new cabins, due to their high demand for this fine product.

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ITH FLOOR TO CEILING SLIDING DOORS AND SLEEK DESIGN FEATURES INSPIRED BY THE MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS, EMIRATES’ NEW SUITES TAKES LUXURY AND PRIVACY TO THE NEXT LEVEL. Offering up to 40 square feet of

personal space each, these spacious, fully-enclosed private suites are laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration.

From First Class through to the Business and Economy Class cabins, all along the walkways, in the washrooms and galleys, the latest Emirates 777 aircraft boasts a multimillion dollar upgrade that includes newly-designed seats and upgraded inflight entertainment systems in all cabins.

The latest Emirates 777 aircraft with these new features enters commercial service on, December 1st 2017, making its debut on flights to Brussels and Geneva.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “The inflight experience is the heart of our brand and service proposition. The new 777 interiors that we are unveiling is part of Emirates’ ongoing investment to continually raise the bar and exceed our customers’ expectations. Aside from our new fully enclosed private suites, Business Class features our latest fully-flat leather seats with personal minibars, Economy Class seats have adjustable full leather headrests, and the inflight entertainment system has been upgraded for all cabin classes. Throughout the aircraft, our customers will see modern and airy cabins, with painstaking attention to detail evident in design touches such as the textured wall and ceiling panels, lighting features, and more.”

On the airline’s new First Class product, Sir Tim said: “Emirates pioneered the First Class private suite concept back in 2003, and today it’s the industry benchmark when it comes to first class travel. Over the years we have continually improved on our private suites, adding thoughtful refinements and features. We are very excited about our new fully-enclosed suite which is a real game-changer in terms of privacy, comfort, and thoughtful luxury. This is the first time an Emirates product has been so influenced by another

luxury brand, but it is a natural fit as both Emirates and Mercedes-Benz have the same unwavering commitment to fine detail, uncompromising quality, and a drive to push the boundaries.”

Emirates’ latest First Class product gives a nod to the design philosophy of the Mercedes-Benz S- Class, bringing together two global brands renowned for innovation, luxury, and comfort. The collaboration inspired several design details in the private suite including the soft leather seating, high-tech control panels, and mood lighting.

Extending that trademark inflight experience to exclusive on-ground services, Emirates and Mercedes-Benz have extended their partnership to provide a fleet of the S-Class cars as part of its complimentary Chauffeurdrive service. Emirates First Class passengers arriving or departing in the UAE will enjoy a seamless journey from aircraft to home, and vice versa, in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class car.

First Class – key product features

The new Emirates 777 First Class cabin interior uses a whole new colour palette of soft greys, cream and champagne, conveying a contemporary, open and airy feel, with quiet and timeless luxury.

Created in collaboration with Boeing, Rockwell Collins interior systems, Panasonic, Jacques Pierre Jean Design studio and Seattle-based design firm Teague, each fully enclosed private suite has a floor to ceiling sliding door, and combines smart technologies and intelligent design to deliver function, as well as luxury and comfort.

The soft leather seat reclines into a fully flat bed and can be placed in a “zero-gravity” position inspired by NASA technology, giving a feeling of relaxation and weightlessness.

The roomy suites also have ample space for passengers to change in the privacy of their suites even after the bed has been made. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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TRAVEL THE WORLD IN STYLE. Experience our Business Class on our intercontinental flights.

brusselsairlines.com

AIRWAYS

Each suite is fitted with an inspiration kit which features a luxury Byredo skincare collection found only on Emirates, Hydra Active moisturising pyjamas, and Bulgari amenity kits.

There is ample storage within the suite including a cleverly designed overhead compartment, and a full length cupboard for hanging clothes.

As with any Emirates flight today, First Class customers can enjoy dine on demand service, with a selection of the finest cuisine prepared by gourmet chefs, accompanied by some of the most exclusive wines, champagnes and spirits in the world. They will be well looked after by Emirates’ international cabin crew representing over 135 nationalities.

Upgrades across all cabin classes

The entire Emirates 777 aircraft sports a refreshed interior with a light and modern colour scheme, classy textured panels, as well as new lighting and design accents.

Zero-gravity position

To ensure all First Class customers have a view, Emirates is introducing the industry’s first virtual windows for suites located in the middle aisle. These virtual windows project the view from outside the aircraft using real time camera technology. In the other suites, binoculars are available for customers who want to explore the sky outside their windows.

Passengers can easily communicate with the cabin crew, or request for room service using the video call function. The suites also come with a service window where customers can be served drinks and canapes undisturbed.

Emirates has retained and updated the most popular features of its private suites such as: the personal mini bar for drinks and snacks within each suite; and wireless controls to adjust seating positions, as well as to navigate Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice.

Customers can view over 2,500 channels of on-demand entertainment on a 32-inch Full HD LCD TV screen, or project content from their own devices. The viewing experience is now enhanced with brand new Bowers & Wilkins Active Noise Cancelling E1 headphones created exclusively for Emirates. These headphones were designed by awardwinning audio brand Bowers & Wilkins to ensure the sound was optimised for the First Class cabin environment.

An artistic motif representing the Ghaf (prosopis cineraria) tree, is used as a design highlight throughout the aircraft.

An indigenous evergreen plant, the Ghaf is a considered the national tree of the United Arab Emirates, and has deep cultural and ecological significance.

The design and shape of Emirates’ Business Class seat onboard the new 777 was also inspired by the interior of a modern sports car, with a diamond stitch pattern on the full leather cover, ergonomically designed headrest, and a sleek overall look and feel.

The seat has a pitch of 72 inches and moves into a fully-flat sleeping position. It also has touchscreen controls for the seat and inflight entertainment system, several personal lighting options, privacy panels between seats, a shoe stowage area, footrest, and a personal mini-bar.

Economy Class

The Economy Class cabin now features a colour palette of soft greys and blues. The ergonomically designed seats come with full leather headrests that have flexible side panels and can also be adjusted vertically for optimum support.

All cabin classes will be equipped with a new generation of Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system offering improved and superior image quality. Each in-seat screen will feature ultra-wide viewing angles, a capacitive touch screen, LED backlight and full HD display. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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AIRWAYS

Hainan Airlines and HNA Reaching for the World

Follow up interview with Sales Manager Luc Naegels In July 2015, we published an article with Hainan Airlines’ sales manager, on the Chinese airlines’ development plans. Fast forward to 2018, Hainan Airlines has again some great projects for the Belgian market.

Time for an update with Sales Manager Luc Naegels.

Brussels-Shanghai

S

EVEN YEARS AFTER ITS FIRST FLIGHTS BETWEEN BRUSSELS AND SHANGHAI (DURING 2010-2011, AT THE TIME OF THE EXPO IN SHANGHAI), HAINAN AIRLINES RELAUNCHED ITS NON-STOP SERVICES BETWEEN BRUSSELS AND SHANGHAI-PUDONG, STARTING OCTOBER 25TH, 2017.

«Home to many Belgian, European and global companies, the direct services will offer a much faster journey to China’s commercial hub» says Luc Naegels.

«Operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in a 2-class configuration, Business and Economy Classes, the flights is initially operating three times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday».

WINTER 2017-2018 29/10/2017 -24/03/2018

16 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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Flight nbr

Aircraft

Days

Departure Airport

Arrival Airport

HU7921

Boeing 787

HU7922

Boeing 787

DEP

ARR

1.3.5..

Shanghai

Brussels

01.25

06.30

1.3.5..

Brussels

Shanghai

11.30

05.30 +1

Brussels-Shanghai is the second route for Hainan Airlines out of Brussels. Since 2006 the airline had operated the only direct flight between Brussels and China, BrusselsBeijing.With confidence returned after the events of March 22 2016, the frequency was raised in 2017 to a daily service in high season (22 May to 30 September), up from 5 flights per week in Summer 2016.

A five star service in Brussels

Hainan Airlines is a multiple-award winning airline for its levels of service, safety and punctuality. In June 2017 it received the 5-Star Airline Award from Skytrax for the seventh year in a row. Also this year, JACDEC, the German aircraft safety evaluation organization, named Hainan Airlines as the 3rd most safe airline in the world, in its 2016 annual survey.

“In Brussels, we offer a true door-to-door service to our Business Class passengers” says Luc Naegels. «First, we offer our Business Class guests a complimentary, prearranged limousine service to and from Brussels Airport. In Belgium, the service is proposed, from any location in Belgium to Brussels Airport and back, to all Business Class passengers travelling in the C, D, Z and I booking classes. In the neighbouring countries, the Netherlands and France, the same service is offered, also free-of-charge, up to 180 km from Brussels Airport » adds Luc Naegels.On the Chinese side, Hainan Airlines offers a second, also complimentary, limousine service in 10 cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi’an, Changsha, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Wenzhou.“In other words, guests travelling between Brussels and Beijing or Shanghai, will benefit from a true door-to-door service, between their homes or offices in Belgium and their final destination in Beijing or Shanghai » adds Luc Naegels.

Beijing Capital Airport is Hainan Airlines’ largest international and domestic transfer hub airport, serving 70 points across China. In recent years Hainan Airlines has expanded its long haul network from Beijing with new destinations in Europe, North America and Asia. « In order to give its Business Class passengers a better preboarding experience, on 20 March 2017 the new Hainan Airlines flagship lounge opened in the airport’s international Terminal 2: HNA Club » says Luc Naegels.

Covering 726 square meters, it is home to more than 10 function areas, such as the open-spaced lounge area, the reading room – where the guests also can indulge in the traditional Chinese tea culture -, a sleeping area, with bathroom and washroom, and the food and beverage area.

Network expansion

Hainan Airlines first took to the air in 1993, from Hainan Island in southern China. Starting with flights to major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, Hainan Airlines began to expand its network during the 1990’s. Within its first 10 years, Hainan Airlines had already integrated several smaller regional airlines | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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AIRWAYS

and opened new bases throughout China. The first long haul flights to Europe were introduced in 2004, followed by services to North America.Today, Hainan Airlines operates some 700 domestic and international routes, connecting close to 100 destinations in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Beijing Capital Airport however will again offer new growth opportunities from 2019 when a second airport for Beijing will open. With several incumbent airlines planning to move operations to the new airport, this will again create space for network expansion from Capital Airport for Hainan Airlines.

“Traditionally our long haul routes have been operated from our main hub in Beijing, with over the last 2 years, new routes to Manchester, Prague, Belgrad, Tel Aviv, Calgary and Las Vegas” says Luc Naegels. “However, with Beijing Capital Airport being heavily congested and the Chinese ‘1 route, 1 (Chinese) airline’ policy, growth opportunities at Beijing are limited. Therefore, over the last few years, Hainan Airlines has started to develop routes from other large Chinese cities, to cities in Europe, the USA and the Pacific” adds Luc Naegels. Shanghai Pudong Airport, home to another large Chinese airline, saw its first Hainan Airlines long haul routes to Seattle and Boston in 2015, and new routes are planned to Tel Aviv (September 2017) and Brussels (October 2017). “Since a few years Hainan Airlines has also started to introduce new routes from lesser known but big Chinese cities, such Xi’an, Chongqing, Changsha and Chengdu, to the main gateways in Europe and North America” adds Luc Naegels.

“We are continually investigating new route opportunities.

With new bilateral agreements negotiated between the UK, France and China, new route opportunities will arise from these 2 European markets to China. Other countries, such as Ireland, currently with no routes to China, are eager to open their first Chinese routes” adds Luc Naegels.

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Member of the fast expanding HNA Group

Seven years after Hainan Airlines’ first flight, a holding company, HNA Group, was created to allow investments in other aviation and non-aviation businesses.

From 1 airline back in 1993, HNA has now grown to a group of 15 airlines in China and Hong Kong, with both full service and low cost carriers among its members. Hainan Airlines, Capital Airlines, Tianjin Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines fly both short haul services within China as well as long haul routes to Europe and North America. The others

fly domestic and intra-Asian routes. The 2 youngest members of the group, Air ChangAn and Air Guilin were launched as recently as May and June 2016. “Four of our low cost group members - Lucky Air, West Air, Urumqi Air and Hong Kong Express - have, together with non-group member Eastar Jet from South Korea, launched the low cost alliance ‘U-Fly Alliance’ in June 2016, offering a much larger network under a single brand structure” says Luc Naegels. Hainan Airlines on its own operates a fleet of close to 200 aircraft – mainly Boeings 787, 737-800 and Airbus A330 equipment – the other group airlines raise this total to over 500 aircraft in service.

Looking outside of Greater China, since the interview in 2015, HNA has made new investments in airlines around the world: Azul in Brazil, TAP Portugal via the Atlantic Gateway consortium, Virgin Australia and Comair in South Africa.

Staying within the aviation industry, others investments over the period were in airports (Frankfurt-Hahn and Rio de Janeiro-Galeao Airports – in addition to the 13 airports already managed in China), the airport handling company Swissport, the aircraft catering suppliers GateGroup/GateGourmet and Servair, the aircraft maintenance provider SR Technics and aircraft lessors Avalon and CIT, creating the 3rd largest leasing group in the world.

Other, non-aviation business investments were Deutsche Bank (becoming the largest individual shareholder with almost 10%), holiday accommodation provider Pierre & Vacances, hotel groups Hilton Worldwide and Carlson Hotels, real estate investments in London, New York and Hong Kong. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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AIRWAYS

Japan Airlines and Boom Announce Partnership for Supersonic Air Travel

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Boom Supersonic have announced a strategic partnership to bring commercial supersonic travel to passengers.

W

HILE NEW AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES ARE CHANGING OUR LIVES SIGNIFICANTLY, FLIGHT TIMES FOR AIR TRAVEL HAVE STAYED RELATIVELY CONSTANT. Boom is developing a new-generation

supersonic aircraft, which flies at Mach 2.2 and will cut flight times in half. Through this agreement, JAL will provide its knowledge and experience as an airline to support Boom in developing the aircraft.

As part of the agreement, JAL has made a strategic investment of USD 10 million in Boom and is collaborating with the company to refine the aircraft design and help define the passenger experience for supersonic travel. JAL also has the option to purchase up to 20 Boom aircraft through a pre-order arrangement. The two companies will cooperate closely to realize faster and more convenient air travel.

“We’ve been working with Japan Airlines behind the scenes for over a year now,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic.

“JAL’s passionate, visionary team offers decades of practical knowledge and wisdom on everything from the passenger experience to technical operations. We’re thrilled to be working with JAL to develop a reliable, easily-maintained aircraft that will provide revolutionary speed to passengers. Our goal is to develop an airliner that will be a great addition to any international airline’s fleet.”

“We are very proud to be working with Boom on the advancement in the commercial aviation industry. Through this partnership, we hope to contribute to the future of supersonic travel with the intent of providing more `time` to our valued passengers while emphasizing flight safety ,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, President of Japan Airlines.

BOOM AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS Entry into Service: Mid-2020s Maximum Range: 8,334km Cruise Speed: Mach 2.2 45-55 Business Class Type Seating

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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AIRWAYS

Joon

Air France’s new airline for the Millennium generation There is a new type of airline on the block – and it’s more than just a regional player. Welcome to Joon, the freshfaced, lifestyle-branded airline that is the latest addition to the Air France-KLM Group. Headed up by CEO JeanMichel Mathieu, who has spent most of his career with Air France and the Air France-KLM Group, Joon is based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. The airline took to the skies for the first time in December 2017, but its network is already expanding fast.

13 regional and long haul destinations

J

OON WAS SOMEWHAT OF A RAPID AND SURPRISE ADDITION TO THE AIR FRANCE FAMILY. Flights to the first four destinations of

Porto, Lisbon, Barcelona and Berlin began within a few short months of Air France first making the announcement that it was launching the company.

As since March 25, Joon has been starting to ramp up its network, with the addition of Istanbul, Cairo, Naples, Rome and Oslo. Cape Town and Tehran will be introduced in April, followed by Forteleza (Brazil) and Mahé (Seychelles) in May, to bring the total number to 13 destinations and 228 flights a week.

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Service-focused with competitive pricing

Joon aims to be a competitively-priced rather than a low-cost airline. It is offering services that reflect those of Air France, with three cabin classes.

Business, Premium Economy and Economy passengers have free access to YouJoon, for in-flight streaming of multimedia content onto their own smartphones, tablets or laptops. Wifi is available throughout and all seats are fitted with USB sockets. The new Airbus A340 aircraft for long haul flights will be equipped with the latest-generation individual touch-screens for passengers to enjoy a variety of popular films and series.

A fleet of 28 aircraft by 2020

The airline currently operates 174-seat Airbus A320 and 212-seat A321 aircraft, which have been transferred from Air France and redesigned with Joon’s own visual identity. These aircraft are serving the regional and medium haul routes.

Business class customers enjoy complimentary on-board catering, with meals and snacks. They can also benefit from fast track SkyPriority transit through the airport and have access to Air France lounges with free Wi-Fi, hot and cold food and a range of drinks.

Airbus A340-300s are also to be switched over from the Air France fleet, in time for the launch of Joon’s first long haul flights in May. Joon also plans to add Airbus A350-900s and expects to have a total of 28 aircraft by 2020. 18 of these will be for medium-haul routes and 10 for long haul.

Passengers travelling in Premium Economy and Economy class have a free drink included in ticket prices for shorter flights and meals offered on longer flights. These customers can also choose from a selection of gourmet products and organic fare sold on-board.

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As to baggage allowances, passengers are entitled to a cabin bag free of charge, as well as a handbag, laptop bag or light weekend bag.

Business Class allows for one free item of checked in luggage, of up to 23 kg. Economy and Economy Premium travellers can chose from fares with or without hold baggage.

A dynamic lifestyle airline for the Millennium generation

Joon is being positioned as Air France’s ‘younger sister’ and is particularly targeted towards the Millennium generation. These cosmopolitan travelers, typically aged from 18 to 35, aspire towards autonomous, mobile lifestyles, with a strong focus on digital technologies.

In keeping with this young, dynamic image, Joon’s colour scheme is based on a vibrant electric blue. Crew uniforms are inspired by the new fashion code of sporty-chic, with casual classic elements such as polo shirts and white tennis shoes. “With Joon, we have created a young and connected brand that will give the Group a new impetus” said Dominique Wood, EVP Brand and Communications at Air France.

A testing ground for new innovations

Joon has not only been created to appeal to the younger market. It is also to play an important role in the overall development strategy of Air France.

“The creation of Joon will improve the profitability of the Air France Group, enabling it to reduce its costs and ensure the sustainability of its business model” explained Franck Terner, CEO of Air France during the launch. Moreover, Joon is also to be used as a testing ground, for new types of services among its ‘early-adopter’ passengers. These services, if successful, can then be deployed to the wider Air France-KLM group. The goal is to help it stay ahead of new innovations and trends, in a competitive airline market that is continually evolving. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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AIRWAYS

Hainan Airlines

launched nonstop flights between Brussels and Shanghai

Since late October, the Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines operates three direct flights a week between Brussels Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

These flights are operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a Boeing Dreamliner 787-9, one of the world´s most modern aircraft.

O

N 25 OCTOBER THE BRUSSELS – SHANGHAI ROUTE WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED AT BRUSSELS AIRPORT, IN THE PRESENCE OF PRIME MINISTER CHARLES MICHEL, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF EMPLOYMENT, ECONOMY AND CONSUMERS, KRIS PEETERS AND MINISTER OF TRANSPORT FRANÇOIS BELLOT.

ness world in both countries. “In recent years, the Chinese metropolis has become an attractive destination for investments thanks to a steadily improving market position.

Business leaders from both countries are reacting very positively to this new connection,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.

The new three weekly service between Brussels Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport by the Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines was inaugurated at Brussels Airport.

These nonstop flights further facilitate the current investment and export possibilities between the two countries and create new opportunities.

Hainan Airlines has been present at Brussels Airport for more than 10 years now and in the peak season provides a daily direct route between Beijing and Brussels Airport. After a memorandum of understanding was signed in Beijing last November, Hainan Airlines has now obtained the necessary slots at both airports to offer nonstop flights between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Brussels Airport as well.

Expansion

For years now, Belgium has had important contacts with Shanghai, and there is increasing interest from the busi24 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

SPRING 2018 |

“Since we started with our route from Beijing to Brussels in 2006, hundreds of thousands of people have been able to

enjoy the universally-praised service that Hainan Airlines offers between Belgium and China,” explains Huo Wei, Vice President of Hainan Airlines.

Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi’an, Changsha, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Wenzhou.

“Business and leisure trips between Belgium and China have already grown enormously in recent years, and our new offer of direct flights between Shanghai and Brussels will only accelerate this expansion.”

Launched in 1993 on Hainan Island, Hainan Airlines became the first Sino-foreign joint venture airline in 1995.

Brussels-Shanghai is the second route for Hainan Airlines out of Brussels. Since 2006 the airline had operated the only direct flight from Belgium to China, Brussels-Beijing.

Beijing is Hainan Airlines’ main hub in China, offering many connections to its vast domestic network in China.

Limousine service for business class guests

Passengers travelling with Hainan Airlines in Business Class from Brussels to China, can benefit from a free-ofcharge limousine service from anywhere in Belgium to Brussels Airport (and return). A second limousine service, also free-of-charge, is available in 10 cities in China:

About Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines is part of the HNA Group that has investments in airlines, airports, airport handling and catering companies, aircraft leasing firms, hotels, etc. In total HNA Group employs over 200.000 staff around the world.

Hainan Airlines received in June 2017, for the 7th year in a row (2011-2017), the 5-Star Airline Award from Skytrax. The award follows the annual evaluation by Skytrax of the airport and cabin services of the world’s major airlines.

Germany’s aircraft safety evaluation office JACDEC named Hainan Airlines in February 2017 as the 3rd safest airline in the world, in its annual survey of the safety record of the 60 largest airlines in 2016.

| THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

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AIR PORTS

Bright outlook for Brussels Airport highest ever passenger figures boosted by new routes

Brussels Airport welcomed almost 25 million passengers in 2017 - an all-time record in the history of the airport. Never before have so many people flown to and from Brussels Airport in one year. Meanwhile the destination map is expanding with more long haul routes, infrastructure improvements are continuing and the airport is looking well on track with its long term development strategy. Interview LĂŠon Verhallen, Head of Aviation Development at Brussels Airport Company.

26 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

WINTER 2018 |

Investments in airport infrastructure are paying dividends

A

CCORDING TO LÉON VERHALLEN, THE INCREASED POPULARITY OF BRUSSELS AIRPORT IS DUE TO A COMBINATION OF POSITIVE FACTORS INCLUDING NEW ROUTES, THE GROWTH OF BRUSSELS AIRLINES, MORE CONNECTING PASSENGERS AND THE USE OF LARGER AIRCRAFT ON SOME ROUTES. Improved facilities at the airport to increase pas-

senger capacity have made much of this possible.

Brussels Airlines’ Star Alliance partner airlines also continued to grow their presence at the airport, using it as a transfer hub between Europe, Africa and North-America.

This connecting traffic has been made much easier with recent improvements at the airport - such as more aircraft gates, faster security checks and the Connector building.

The number of transfer passengers thus grew significantly, further confirming Brussels Airport’s positioning as an international hub.

“Brussels Airport aims to be among the best airports in Europe” says Léon Verhallen. “Many of our investments in recent years have been focused on improving the passenger experience and comfort. Most visible are new shops, food and beverage outlets and a full range of events and entertainments during the year. Needless to say, investments in security lanes, washrooms, seat capacity at the gates, new boarding bridges at B pier and the expansion of our intercontinental network - as well as the short-haul segment - have all contributed to growing passenger satisfaction.”

Throughout 2017, growth was seen not only in the number of Belgian passengers travelling for business or leisure and but also travellers from neighbouring countries, such as the Netherlands and France. “Brussels Airport is proud to offer an airport ‘at human scale’ and this makes us competitive

with today’s giant airports, such as Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris CDG” explained Léon Verhallen.

Expanding horizons – new routes

The introduction of important new long haul routes helped the airport’s excellent results. In the spring of 2017, Brussels Airlines launched its first flights to India, with direct services to Mumbai. The airport’s intercontinental network was further boosted in October, by the introduction of Hainan Airline’s direct flights between Brussels and Shanghai, three times a week. Hainan Airlines has already been flying from Brussels Airport to Beijing for over 10 years and the popularity of this route has grown enormously in recent years. According to Huo Wei, Vice President of Hainan Airlines, “the new offer of direct flights between Shanghai and Brussels will only accelerate this expansion.”

On other long haul routes, Delta Air Lines reopened its flights to Atlanta and Qeshm Air introduced flights to Teheran. Rwandair joined the airport’s flag carriers, with services to Kigali. Emirates increased frequencies to Dubai to double-daily and Thai Airways International upped its service to Bangkok to 5 flights a week.

2017 was also a successful year for the short-haul segment, with new destinations including Salzburg, Fez, Chisinau and Ankara, as well as more frequencies on other regional routes such as Reykjavik.

Above all, it was Brussels Airlines that made the strongest contribution to passenger numbers at the airport. In 2017 it welcomed over 9.1 million travellers on board its flights – a record in the company’s 15 year history. In addition to the Mumbai route, the introduction of higher passenger capacity aircraft into its fleet and increased flights to African destinations, helped to boost traveller numbers.

Aiming for 40 million passengers in 2040

“There are enormous growth opportunities ahead of us in the coming years and we aim for 40 million passengers in 2040” summarises Léon Verhallen. “There will be new destinations and services for our passengers, new infrastructures such as Pier A West (which is planned for 2023) and improved operational services. Our aim is to develop the central area of the airport into a business district - an economic centre that connects people, passengers and companies. We have the ambition to grow in step with the expected European traffic growth and we wish to ensure that all passengers can travel in a pleasant and comfortable way.” | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

SPRING 2018 | 27

DESTINATIONS

London’s luxury hotels give new life to historic landmark buildings

½½ THE NED

The Ned and the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square There is currently a huge trend in London for all types of historic buildings to be converted into luxury hotels and venues. Developers are looking at the potential in everything from former government offices, to factories and warehouses. The originality and design of these heritage buildings have a quality that is rarely found in constructions today. 2017 saw the opening of two such 5 star hotels located in grand buildings in the City financial district - The Ned and the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square.

¼¼ THE NED

28 | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

»» FOUR SEASONS

SPRING 2018 |

The Ned hotel

luxurious 1920’s style with an international flavour

T

HE NED IS ONE OF THE MOST TALKED ABOUT NEW PROPERTIES TO JOIN LONDON’S PORTFOLIO OF LUXURY HOTELS. This unique hotel is a former banking

headquarters from the 1920s – complete with the original bank vault used in the James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’. With its location in the financial district, The Ned is ideal for business entertaining and events, transporting guests back to the 1920s and 30s with the design of its ten restaurants, six events spaces and private members club.

The heart of The Ned is the bank’s 3,000 square metre Grand Hall, which has been transformed into a food court with eight restaurants for up to 850 diners. The restaurants are centred around the bank reception desk, which is now used as a stage for live jazz performances. Each of the restaurants carries through the historic theme, but with eight distinctive styles from around the world. Millie’s Lounge specialises in classic British cuisine, with a traditional bar serving craft ales and English sparkling wines. Café Sou is a Parisian cafe serving breakfast, lunch and evening charcuterie boards, alongside a selection of French wines. Diners can also choose from Italian, American or Asian dining experiences in the food hall, while all of the menus are refreshed on a weekly basis.

Ned’s Club for members and hotel guests

The hotel also has spectacular ‘Ned’s Club’ spaces, reserved for members of Ned’s Club and guests staying at the hotel. The bank’s vault room has been transformed into ‘Ned’s Club Downstairs’, a dazzlingly designed cocktail bar that will not fail to appeal to James Bond afficiandos. Located two floors underground, the entrance is through the bank’s 20-tonne round vault door, while 3,800 silver safety deposit boxes line the walls. It was here that Sean Connery fought against Oddjob, the bowler-hatted villain in the 1964 film, Goldfinger. | THE CORPORATE TRAVELLER.BE

SPRING 2018 | 29

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DESTINATIONS

Ned’s Club Upstairs is equally impressive, with its rooftop bar overlooking London’s skyline and the landmarks of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Ideal for dining during the warmer months, Ned’s Club Upstairs also features a heated swimming pool.

Completing the spaces reserved for club members and hotel guests is the upscale Lutyens Grill restaurant, a private dining room located in the former bank manager’s office. Lutyens Grill has the atmosphere of a traditional ‘old school’ club.

This feeling is enhanced by the traditional trolley service, with meat carved and fish filleted right at your table. ½½ JAZZ AT THE NED

Meetings combine period elegance with modern technologies

For meetings and events, The Ned has a suite of six historic meeting rooms and two outdoor terraces on the sixth floor. Combining period design and furnishings with modern technologies, each room is fully equipped with audio-visual facilities and all benefit from large windows for plenty of natural light. The spaces vary in size and can accommodate between four to 200 people. The meetings floor has its own reception area and events kitchen. Food and drinks menus, ranging from cocktails to banquets, can be created by the hotel’s events team.

A five star crashpad

For those wishing to prolong the experience, The Ned has 250 guest rooms and suites that have been painstakingly designed down to every last detail in sleek 1920s and 1930s style. The twelve categories of accommodation range from 25 m2 ‘Crashpad’ rooms, up to the Lutyens presidential suite, with its two en-suite bedrooms and direct access to the rooftop bars and swimming pool. ¾¾ THE NED’S ROOF TERRACE

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DESTINATIONS

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square

The Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square is the luxury hotel group’s latest addition to its UK portfolio. Overlooking Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, this impressive building was originally inaugurated by Prime Minister David Lloyd George in 1922, as the headquarters of the Port of London Authority. The new hotel is rapidly becoming one of the capital’s iconic gathering places for dining and meeting - particularly with its 3 Michelin Star chef, Anne-Sophie Pic.

Meet Me at Four Seasons

Reopened in 2017, following several years of renovations, the hotel at Ten Trinity square has a high quality offering of function rooms, restaurants and bars suitable for business dining and events. An in-house events team are available for all requests and the hotel works with a number of destination management companies that can organise exclusive and memorable incentive activities all over London.

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Events at the hotel can be held for up to 200 guests, in its three function rooms and two exceptional ballrooms. The UN Ballroom is an exceptional venue with a rich sense of history. With eight-metre ceilings, the room features decorated columns, walnut panelling and crystal chandeliers. Large windows look out over the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the River Thames. The second ballroom, Merchants Hall, is a one of a kind circular ballroom with all-round natural light and antique mirrors which give added warmth to its contemporary design.

La Dame de Pic - or Sushi-making masterclasses

The jewel in Ten Trinity Square’s crown is its haute cuisine restaurant, La Dame de Pic. La Dame de Pic is directed by Anne-Sophie Pic, the only female French chef to hold three Michelin stars. In this, her first restaurant in London, Pic is showcasing her unique style with dishes that are rich in

½½ FOUR SEASONS EXECUTIVE GUEST ROOM unexpected flavour combinations. Culinary enthusiasts can expect to see items such as Hereford beef or Dorset crab, sourced locally but prepared in the French style.

Guests are also spoilt for choice between the hotel’s spectacular Rotunda, which serves light and casual fare all day and Mei Ume, an elegant Asian restaurant which specialises in carefully curated Chinese and Japanese dishes.

The team at Mei Ume has launched a series of Sushi and Sake Masterclasses on the final Saturday of every month.

Sushi Chef Mun Seok Choi demonstrates the intricate art of sushi-making, inviting guests behind the bar to try their hand at re-creating the dishes. Award-winning Director of Wine Jan Konetzki and his team offer advice on the perfect wine or sake pairing to accompany each dish. ¾¾ ROTUNDA AT FOUR SEASONS

100 guest rooms and suites

The 100 guest rooms and suites at Ten Trinity Square range from 30m2 to 145m2 and are located on the first three floors of the building. Designed in the understated elegance that the Four Seasons is famed for, all rooms are well equipped with technologies such as iPads, complimentary wifi and control sets for lighting and heating. The hotel is currently offering a third room night for free, with every two consecutive paid nights.

Intense competition for prime hotel locations

The trend for repurporsing historic buildings is only partly aesthestic. The UK saw an impressive rise in hotel property transactions in 2017, up by nearly 18%. Approximately half of these are in London and there is much competition for prime hotel locations. The costs involved in these transformations are not a cheaper option for developers but it does mean that they are able to differentiate from other hotel providers and offer travellers unique accommodation experiences – as well as the opportunity to enjoy the legacy and grandeur of these beautiful buildings. ¾¾ FOUR SEASONS MERCHANTS HALL

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Earn Miles without even flying.

You don’t need to fly anywhere to earn lots of Miles. With the Beobank Flying Blue World MasterCard credit card, you earn Flying Blue Award Miles every time you use the card. Apply for your card now and don’t wait to enjoy its many advantages. Call 02 774 57 74 or go to beobank.be.

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