28 minute read
UPFRONT
from August 2021
LUXURY SPEAK
ULTRA-LUXE ESTATE LAUNCHES IN CANNES
Advertisement
ULTIMA COLLECTION IS expanding its portfolio with the launch of Ultima Cannes Le Grand Jardin in 2022. e only private property on the island of Sainte-Marguerite, this is a historic, walled private estate that was previously home to royals such as Louis XIV. Exclusively accessible by boat (just ten minutes from Cannes) or helicopter, the property will have 11 bedrooms, with expansive suites in the Governor's House and e Tower; multiple relaxation and dining areas both indoor and out; a heated outdoor pool, an open-air cinema and a spa. ultimacollection.com
ONBOARD EXPLORA JOURNEYS
THE MSC GROUP has announced a new ultra-luxe cruise brand “Explora Journeys” in partnership with Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilding company based in Trieste, Italy. e rst of four luxury ships will debut in 2023, with the remaining ships ready in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Itineraries will start with seven nights, o ering guests a unique marine holiday experience covering destinations such as Saint Tropez, Bordeaux and Reykjavik, and hidden gems such as Kastellorizo, Bozcaada and the Lofoten Islands. e innovative ship will feature 461 oceanfront suites and residences. ere will be nine distinct restaurants focusing on wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners. explorajourneys.com
MONTBLANC UNVEILS NEW MULTI-FUNCTIONAL LEATHER GOODS
THE MONTBLANC M_GRAM 4810 has established itself as the brand’s signature leather collection with its original all-over logo treatment, since its launch. e collection now sees the addition of new multi-functional medium and small leather pieces that can be worn in multiple ways. Elevate your wardrobe with small clutch, mini folio and mini envelope, wallet, pocket holder and business card holder with zip, coin case with zip, medium backpack with three compartments, clutch, washbag, vanity bag, mini pouch, key pouch, loop key fob, diamond shape key fob. A belt bag, clutch, mini envelope, pocket holder and loop key fob are also available in the bold new blue colour tone. montblanc.com
SACHIN MYLAVARAPU
Sachin Mylavarapu is the general manager at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa. A seasoned hotelier, he has almost two decades of expertise in the hospitality industry. In this issue, he shares his views on travel amidst the new normal for our Air Miles segment. See page 10 MADAN PRASAD BEZBARUAH
Madan Prasad Bezbaruah is the secretary general of Hotel Association of India. He is a senior bureaucrat with close to four decades of experience working in the circle of power – both at the Centre and State. In this issue, he gives insights on the hospitality industry on page 76.
JUHI CHHEDA
Juhi Chheda is the co-founder of CustomHolidays. A certi ed mountaineer and an advanced scuba diver, Chheda describes herself as an adventure enthusiast. She also has an experience in advertising. In this issue, she talks about customised vacations becoming a key aspect of travel on page 78 SACHIN CHAUHAN
Sachin Chauhan is an India-based photographer and content creator. His work revolves around nature, travel and architecture. is issue features a stunning click of Meenakshi Amman Temple by Chauhan. See page 82
LUXURY SPEAK
CHECK OUT: COFFEE TABLES BY WEST ELM
ELEVATE YOUR HOME DECOR with a variety of elegant co ee tables from the upscale home decor and furnishing brand West Elm. Origami Co ee Table is a statement piece inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding and features a hand-inlaid bone-tile top with a lightweight base. Another is the Marble-Topped Pedestal Co ee Table, a unique piece that works more with traditional decor. It features a white Carrara marble top within a metal base. If dramatic shapes are your style, then check out the brand’s Marcio Co ee Table. Its dark walnut- nished base is cra ed of wood certi ed to FSC standards. westelm.in
AMINU INTRODUCES MARINE CLAY MASK
THIS MARINE CLAY MASK by the new homegrown and holistic skincare brand Aminu is a must-try for the season. e mask contains Canadian marine clay, produced from a meteorite that fused with the earth 214 million years ago, then glaciated ve to eight times. e marine clay mask o ers to your skin all the bio vitality of wild nature. e synergy of this oneof-its-kind clay with licorice, mulberry, and uva ursi extracts create a unique mask that revitalises, regenerates, hydrates, exfoliates, deeply cleans the skin, stimulates blood ow, helps reduce in ammation, and helps eliminate toxins. aminu.life
VERTAGEAR PL4500
WORK FROM HOME takes on a luxurious look with this Swarovski crystals-adorned chair by Vertagear. Essentially a chair made for high-end gamers, it can also be used by business travellers who are missing the comfort of business class seats with a touch of luxe. e chair boasts of high-end ergonomics as well. Featuring a repeating diamond pattern made from crystals on the top-stitched body along with royal purple detailing, Vertagear PL4500 carries a holographic feel. vertagear.com
INDIA
Publisher & CEO Ravi Lalwani Managing Director Julian Gregory Editorial Director Tom Otley Executive Director Meena Lalwani
EDITORIAL Managing Editor Akanksha Maker Assistant Editor Nisha Shroff Features Writer Sanchita Nambiar Production & Design Head Amit Chavan Contributors Madan Prasad Bezbaruah, Juhi Chheda, Sachin Mylavarapu
ADVERTISING Commercial Director Ravi Lalwani Email ravi@panaceapublishing.co.in
CONTACT Editorial tel +91 22 2215 0557 Email editorial@panaceapublishing.co.in Website businesstraveller.com Twitter.com/bt_ind Instagram businesstravellerin Facebook.com/BusinessTravellerIndia Advertising tel +91 9820022110 Email info@panaceapublishing.co.in
SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel +91 9004015411 Email info@panaceapublishing.co.in Print subscription 6 Issues, ₹ 1,450; 12 Issues, ₹ 2,750
Business Traveller India is published 11 times a year at our address (right). Business Traveller India is the first of its kind to be published in India. The magazine is entirely independent of all commercial interests within the travel industry. All rights reserved in respect of all content, articles, illustrations and photography published in Business Traveller India anywhere in the world. Reproductions or imitations are expressly forbidden without the permission of the publishers. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be accepted for publication and Business Traveller India accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to them. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers, who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. RNI NO.: MAHENG 2016/71766. Printed & Published by Ravi Lalwani on behalf of Panacea Publishing Pvt. Ltd. Published at 3 Hampton Court, 123, Wodehouse Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005.
In the UK, Business Traveller is published at 41-43 Maddox Street London W1S 2PD, tel +44 20 7821 2700. In the US, Business Traveler is published at 11 Ryerson Place, 201 Pompton Plains, New Jersey 07444, tel +1 973 839 6200, fax +1 973 839 4390. In Germany, Business Traveller is published at Schulstrasse 34, 80634 Munich, tel +49 891 3014 3215, fax +49 891 3014 3211. In Poland, Business Traveller is published at 16 Tamka Str, apt 4, 00-349 Warsaw, tel +48 22 455 38 14. In Denmark, Business Traveller is published at Mariendalsvej 28, 2000 Frederiksberg, tel +45 3311 4413, fax +45 3311 4414. In Hungary, Business Traveller is published at 1074 Budapest, Munkas utca 9, tel + 36 1266 5853. In Hong Kong, Business TravellerAsia-Pacific and China are published at Suite 405 4/F Chinachem Exchange Square, 1 Hoi Wan Street, Quarry Bay, tel +852 2594 9300, fax +852 2519 6846. In the Middle East, Business Traveller Middle East is published jointly by Motivate Publishing, PO Box 2331, Dubai UAE, tel +971 4 282 4060, and Perry Publications. In Africa, Business Traveller Africa is published by Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 3355, Rivonia 2128, South Africa, tel +27 11 803 2040. In Russia, Business Traveller is published at Ul M Raskovoy, 34-14, 127005 Moscow, tel +7 495 662 44 39. In there Netherlands, Business Traveller is published at Arendstraat 19 1, 223 RE Hilversum, tel +31 35 672 8853.
Panacea Publishing 3 Hampton Court, A Wing, 123, Wodehouse Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005
GANDHINAGAR RAILWAY STATION BECOMES FIRST IN INDIA WITH FIVE-STAR HOTEL OVER TRACKS
GUJARAT’S GANDHINAGAR RAILWAY STATION is being redeveloped by Indian Railway Stations Redevelopment Corporation (IRSDC) and is the rst in India with ve-star hotel over tracks. e hotel building on live running tracks is operated by e Leela Group. Vibration and acoustics studies were done through reputed international consultant to ensure that passengers in concourse and guests in the hotel do not experience discomfort during the passage of trains. An elevated bridge of 937 m length has been constructed to reach the hotel at 22 m from ground level. irsdc.in
ALILA DIWA GOA UNVEILS NEW EVENT SPACE
ALILA DIWA GOA has launched a new concept event space called Udeta.
Udeta features an expansive indoor space of 1,114 sqm that can accommodate more than 1,200 guests. It includes a 334 sqm of pre-function area and the largest pillarless indoor space in South Goa.
Udeta also features a built-in live eatre Kitchen and other outdoor lawns spreading across 557 sqm with a built-in bar and grill. An expert team of event planners is available and artisanal gourmet experiences are curated to help you organise the event of your choice. alilahotels.com/diwagoa
AIR MILES
Sachin Mylavarapu is the general manager at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa. A seasoned hotelier, he has almost two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. Mylavarapu speaks to Business Traveller India about travel amidst the new normal.
Have you begun travelling again for work - if yes, which are the destinations you have visited?
As travel outside the state has not been possible, this time has been wisely spent in exploring the uncharted territories of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the land of Gods. My exploration trips have certainly led to enriching our guest experiences having reached parts of the unexplored Kumaon region from our location which is at the foothills of the Garhwal Hills to immerse in their culture. Subsequently having launched the Kumaoni Thali and a pure vegetarian Devbhoomi Thali which has its dishes inspired from the o erings of all the major religious pilgrimage destinations within Uttarakhand has seen a great response from all our guests fuelling our desire to innovate and explore further.
Which is the country you would like to visit once again, when travel opens up?
Spain as a destination has always been really close to my heart as a travel enthusiast. The country and the people go above and beyond with their genuine hospitality. For a country with such a rich heritage and architectural brilliance, aces it across experiences and o erings for travellers across genres.
What kind of a traveller are you - a busy one or a relaxed one?
That is definitely a tough one to categorise. Well, I am relaxed to an extent until I cover the destination across all aspects – unique o erings, food, culture and more importantly people that form the fabric of a place. You can call me a well-planned itinerary driven traveller.
What are a few things we would find in your carry-on luggage?
My AirPods are the energy to my music soul, so that is a certainty. Apart from that, running shoes and comfortable clothing coupled with the destination information in my phone are truly my travel companions.
Do you think travel will ever go back to being the same again or will we now live with this new normal?
It is how one embraces the change that will truly shape the future of travel. The light at the end of the tunnel shows that there are quite a few positives that have emerged as well with the new normal and are here to stay like the extra onus on hygiene and safety standards across all products and services in the tourism sector at least. Digital innovation is moving towards peak optimisation wherein all menu and experience information have been made contactless. To an extent that in JW Marriott Mussoorie, our maximum guests prefer utilising the Mobile Key features while they stay with us shows how people have imbibed new features progressively.
SPICEHEALTH ROLLS OUT COVID VACCINATION PROGRAMME FOR GENERAL PUBLIC
SPICEHEALTH HAS LAUNCHED a Covid vaccination drive for the general public across ve states by tying up with major hospitals in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand. e healthcare arm of Spicejet has rolled out vaccination centres at Delhi’s Aashlok Hospital and Paras Hospitals in four states. It will soon start Covid vaccination at various collections centres and labs spread across nine cities in India.
Customers can book their vaccination slots on its website. Spicehealth is o ering customers a single dose of Covishield at `780 as per government guidelines. Spicejet passengers, with a valid PNR, can avail the single dose at a price of `750.
spicehealth.com
THE ST. REGIS MUMBAI
HOTEL
OF THE MONT H
ONE OF MUMBAI’S top addresses, e St. Regis Mumbai is an ideal stay option for leisure as well as business travellers. Located in the bustling neighbourhood of Lower Parel, the property guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience that is soaked in luxury and opulence. e tastefully designed rooms, suites and apartments boast stunning vistas of the city. e dining venues include e Sahib Room & Kipling Bar serving Indian delicacies,
Seven Kitchens for international delights and By the Mekong o ering nest Asian cuisine. e hotel o ers expansive ballrooms, banquet halls and outdoor venues for hosting large and small gatherings. Recreational amenities include a well-equipped tness centre, a swimming pool and a spa. marriott.com
A NEW OVERARCHING ‘CATHAY’ brand has been launched which the group says will bring together Cathay Paci c and its Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles schemes.
Simply known as ‘Cathay’, the new o ering is being touted as “a premium travel lifestyle brand”, with o ers set to be rolled out on spending, dining, shopping, hotels and wellness.
Initially the brand will only be marketed in Hong Kong, with a new Cathay cobranded credit card and “a refreshed customer relationship programme” coming in the rst half of 2022. e aim is then to expand the brand to other markets “over time”.
cathaypacific.com
EMIRATES HAS LAUNCHED Emirates Pay, a new account-based payment method for purchasing air tickets. e airline has developed this solution in partnership with Deutsche Bank. Emirates Pay is now available for the airline’s customers in Germany and the UK who are purchasing tickets via emirates.com. Emirates Pay is based on real time payments and Open Banking / Request-to-Pay schemes. rough this method, the airline provides all the necessary account and payment information and passengers approve the payment initiation in a convenient way via their online or mobile banking. emirates.com
WELLNESS DESTINATIONS TO VISIT POST THE PANDEMIC
VILLA STEPHANIE SPA & WELLBEING, BADEN – BADEN
THE VILLA STEPHANIE SPA & WELLBEING at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Germany ensures luxurious treatments in glorious surroundings. Covering an area of 5,000 sqm, an entire mansion is dedicated to the spa experience. Here medical care incorporates a range of preventative healthcare programmes and specialist treatments. oetkercollection.com
SPA AND CLINIC, ULTIMA GSTAAD
LOCATED IN GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND, Ultima Gstaad is an ideal pick to rejuvenate amidst stunning setting. e expansive spa includes a hammam, sauna, swimming pool and an indoor and outdoor jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, in addition to treatment rooms. All treatments feature products by Swiss Perfection. At the Aesthetic Clinic, the property o ers treatments such as detoxes, check-ups, botox and laser among others. ultimacollection.com
CHIVA-SOM INTERNATIONAL HEALTH RESORT – THAILAND
THAILAND’S HOTTEST WELLNESS address Chiva-Som is strictly for those travellers seeking an escape from the stresses of everyday life or looking to make a conscious e ort towards a healthier lifestyle. Spanning across seven acres, the resort makes for an ideal destination to start your wellness journey. Choose from six modalities that focus on tness, spa, nutrition, physio, ascetic beauty and holistic elements. chivasom.com
ARMANI/SPA, ARMANI HOTEL MILANO
ARMANI HOTEL MILANO’S ARMANI/SPA is an oasis that re ects the lifestyle and design by Giorgio Armani. e 1,000 sqm spa is dedicated to relaxation and tness. ere is also an exclusive area featuring a pool, saunas, steam baths and ice waterfall. On o er are a selection of treatments designed to induce a deep relaxation sensation and release physical stress. armanihotelmilano.com
CHEVAL BLANC PARIS TO OPEN ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
CHEVAL BLANC, THE brand developed by LVMH Hotel Management, is set to open its new property – Cheval Blanc Paris on September 7, 2021.
Remodelled by architect Edouard François, the listed building’s decor was reimagined by architect Peter Marino in the style of a Parisian residence. Overlooking the Seine, in the heart of the capital, this urban haven will feature 26 rooms, 46 suites, and four restaurants. Guests can embark on a culinary journey curated by Arnaud Donckele, chef of the gastronomic restaurant, and Maxime Frédéric, pastry chef. lvmh.com, chevalblanc.com
UBER INDIA DEVELOPS RESTAURANT STORYTELLING FEATURE ON EATS APP
UBER’S HYDERABAD-BASED
technology team has come up with an interactive feature called Merchant Stories on Eats app. e feature allows merchant partners to connect directly with their eaters. rough this innovation, merchants can now sign up for the Merchant Stories feature to post regular updates. ey can upload photos and add text to tell their customers about special deals, menu changes, new services, or seasonal promotions. Currently, this feature has been rolled out in the US and Canada. uber.com
DIVING DEEP
DUBAI NOW BOASTS the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving. Located in Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba neighbourhood, Deep Dive Dubai’s pool has been veri ed by Guinness World Records as the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving at a depth of over 60 metres and holding 14 million litres of water, the equivalent of six Olympic-sized swimming pools. e pool also has a sunken city that divers of all levels can explore. Freediving and scuba diving experiences and courses are o ered to all ability levels by a team of international diving professionals. deepdivedubai.com
FLIGHT NEWS
VISTARA has started nonstop flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda. Under the air bubble agreement between India and Japan, the airline will fly once a week between the two cities using its Boeing 7879 Dreamliner.
GO FIRST has resumed flights to Maldives. There will be four flights a week from August and daily flights will be available from September 1 onwards.
SPICEJET has launched 42 new flights on its network. The low-cost carrier will operate first flights on Surat-Jabalpur and Surat-Pune routes. The airline will also be connecting Surat with the key metros of Jaipur, Hyderabad and Bengaluru and Gwalior with Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Pune.
INDIGO has launched flights connecting Darbhanga with Kolkata and Hyderabad. The new flight connections are expected to enhance business opportunities in Darbhanga and nearby areas.
FLYBIG has started direct flights between Agartala in Tripura, and Dibrugarh in Assam, under the government’s regional connectivity scheme – UDAN. The Indian low-cost carrier is strengthening its network across northeast India and has connected three states in 50 days.
TRAVEL GUIDE: UPDATE PASSPORT NUMBER ON VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
THE SUPPORT FOR linking passport number to a vaccination certi cate is available to all on the CoWin portal. Following are the steps to follow to update your passport number in your vaccination certi cate: ✔ Login to cowin.gov.in. ✔ Select the Raise an Issue button. ✔ Select the passport option. ✔ Select the person from the drop-down menu. ✔ Enter passport number. ✔ Hit the submit button. You are expected to receive the new certi cate in seconds, but it may take some more time. cowin.gov.in
BLS INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS WITH ICCR TO ASSIST VVIP FOREIGN AND INDIAN DELEGATIONS
BLS INTERNATIONAL, a global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens has partnered with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to o er protocol services to VVIP foreign delegations coming to India and Indian delegations going overseas.
With this partnership, BLS will play an important role in strengthening cultural relations between India and the rest of the world.
BLS will provide assistance to VVIP foreign and Indian delegations including dignitaries, artists, foreign scholars, etc. at all the airports in India and abroad. blsinternational.com
DUSITD2 NASEEM RESORT, JABAL AKHDAR
THAILAND-BASED HOTEL group Dusit International has made its debut in Oman with the opening of dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar. Boasting a stunning mountain location, the resort o ers elegant rooms and suites. Other features include an all-day dining restaurant, a tness centre, and a large outdoor swimming pool. dusit.com
NEW OPENINGS
FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT SOUTH BINH DUONG
SITUATED IN THE BINH DUONG province, the hotel is within a 45-minute drive from the country’s commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City, and a 20-minute drive from the Tan Son Nhat International Airport. e rooms are spacious and well-equipped with modern amenities. e hotel houses restaurants serving Vietnamese and western classics. marriott.com
HAMPTON BY HILTON MARJAN ISLAND
LOCATED ON A 750-METRE beach, the hotel is 77 km from Dubai International Airport and is in close proximity to Ras Al Khaimah city centre, Al Hamra Mall, and Al Hamra Golf Club. e hotel’s interiors are inspired by a “day at the beach”. F&B options include Flavors, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Surfs Up beach food truck, the H2O pool bar, and e View lobby cafe. hilton.com
IHCL SELEQTIONS HOTEL OPENS IN HARIDWAR
THE INDIAN HOTELS
COMPANY'S Seleqtions brand has opened a new property in Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Set on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, at the foothills of the Shivalik mountains, the Pilibhit House is an aristocratic mansion that features 35 guestrooms and suites. e F&B venue, Dining Room serves vegetarian food with a range of international and local delicacies, including some recipes from the home kitchen of the ancestral family. ere is also the open-air Lobby Lounge for guests to unwind with nger foods. Wellness activities include Jiva Spa o ering relaxing and meditation sessions with expert instructors. Guests can also participate in curated experiences such as an o eat holy tour, a trip to ashrams, a forest riverbed picnic, and a wetland tour of the Chiriyapur Forest Range.
seleqtionshotels.com
DUSIT ANNOUNCES NEW HOTEL IN HUA HIN, THAILAND
DUSIT INTERNATIONAL HAS expanded its operations in ailand with the opening of dusitD2 Hua Hin. is is Dusit’s third hotel in Hua Hin. e pet-friendly retreat is just a seven-minute walk from Hua Hin’s main beach and nearby popular local attractions such as Cicada Market and Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall. e hotel features 152 modern guestrooms and suites ranging in size from 30 to 92 sqm, including selected rooms equipped with petfriendly amenities for up to two pets. Dining facilities include Cafe Soi, an all-day dining restaurant where guests can indulge in traditional delicacies from Surat ani, Phuket, Songkhla, Krabi and beyond; Som Bar, a roo op bar inspired by Hollywood party pads where guests can enjoy cocktails along with panoramic sea views; and Dusit Gourmet, Dusit’s signature bakery and co ee shop for a variety of ai and international favourites. dusit.com
RADISSON BLU RESORT DHARAMSHALA OPENS ITS DOORS
RADISSON HAS ANNOUNCED the opening of Radisson Blu Resort Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Located on the scenic foothills of Dhauladhar range, the resort is easily accessible from Kangra Airport. Spread over 30,000 sqm, it is located 6 km from the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. Radisson Blu Resort Dharamshala o ers 120 modern rooms overlooking the most picturesque view of the spectacular Kangra Valley. Accommodation categories include standard, superior, deluxe, suite and presidential suite. e dining venues include e Edge, an all-day dining restaurant serving a range of local and western dishes; Italian Crust - the specialty Pizzeria, and All Out – Lounge Bar serving a ne selection of wine and spirits along with small bites. radissonhotels.com
ACCOR SIGNS SO/ MALDIVES
ACCOR HAS ANNOUNCED that it will open SO/ Maldives in 2023. e hospitality company has signed a hotel management agreement with S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited and Wai Eco World Developer Pte. Ltd. (WEWD). e 80-villa SO/ Maldives is on an island overlooking the Emboodhoo Lagoon, located 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé’s Velana International Airport. Accommodation categories in the new Maldives property include beachfront and over-water options, all adorned with designer interiors and plush furnishing. all.accor.com
FUTURE TRAVEL of
Etihad Airways has introduced futuristic initiatives that are transforming how we travel in the new normal
FUTURE TRAVEL
Prior to the global pandemic, individuals across the globe had become accustomed to a simpler travel experience. e past year has seen this practice change as countries globally have announced a di erent set of travel restrictions and guidelines, constantly updated by governments as well as international and local regulatory health bodies.
Hence, planning your journey in the current times is not as much about securing the best pricing options or seamless connections, but more importantly about ensuring a peaceful and safe air travel experience for you and your loved ones. It is imperative that travellers y with assurance and keeping this in mind, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has introduced a host of measures to revive the con dence in international travel via initiatives that aim to ease the burden for travellers and ensure they have a peaceful journey, one that not only prioritises their wellness, but also builds a greener future for aviation and consequently the planet. We take you through how Etihad is transforming the ying experience with a combination of innovation and adaptability, setting high industry benchmarks yet again.
GUEST WELLNESS: ETIHAD’S PRIORITY
A WELLNESS AMBASSADOR ON EVERY FLIGHT
Etihad Wellness is championed by specially trained Wellness Ambassadors, an industry rst initiative. is multi-lingual team who undergo special training at the airline’s training facilities in Abu Dhabi and online are available round the clock to provide essential travel health information and care so guests can y with greater peace of mind. ey are present on-ground at Abu Dhabi International Airport to ensure the same
levels of care and support are provided at every point of the customer journey through the airport. is dedicated team is also present onboard every ight, providing an enhanced level of customer care focused on health and wellness in ight.
100% OF ETIHAD’S CREW ONBOARD HAS BEEN VACCINATED
In February this year, Etihad became the rst airline in the world with all its operating pilots and cabin crew vaccinated to help curb the spread of Covid-19 and give passengers added assurance of safety. is has consolidated the airline’s position as an industry leader in its response to the pandemic and in keeping its employees and travellers safe.
VALIDITY OF ETIHAD’S GLOBAL WELLNESS COVER HAS BEEN EXTENDED
If any guest is diagnosed with Covid-19 during their trip, they won’t have to worry about medical expenses or quarantine costs when they y with Etihad. e airline has introduced a global Covid-19 wellness insurance as part of their health and hygiene programme, Etihad Wellness, which is included with every Etihad ticket up to September 30 2021.
Commenting on the airline’s industryleading initiatives, Neerja Bhatia, vice president, India Sub-Continent, Etihad Airways said, “Although the past year has been challenging, the impact of the pandemic will not deter our commitment to India, a country that Etihad has been serving for sixteen years now. e airline has been prepared to resume services to key Indian gateways, o ering seamless connectivity to and convenient transfers via our home, Abu Dhabi. As the national airline of the UAE, Etihad has the advantage of the fact that two thirds of the world’s human footprint is within a four-hour ight of Abu Dhabi. e safety and wellness of our guests and employees is our ultimate priority.”
REVOLUTIONISING TRAVEL WITH INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ‘VERIFIED TO FLY’ WITH ETIHAD
Etihad’s ‘Veri ed To Fly’ travel document initiative enables travellers across its global network to validate their Covid-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport. With the formalities out of the way, veri ed travellers can enjoy fast track check-in at the airport by going to the dedicated Veri ed to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience. Available for the vast majority of Etihad ights, to use the Veri ed to Fly service, passengers can sign-up by visiting the website and following the simple instructions to upload and submit their travel documents. Guests will receive con rmation once their documents have been approved in line with government requirements and can travel to the airport with con dence and peace of mind, knowing they have met all essential requirements before their ight.
IATA TRAVEL PASS TRIALS
Etihad has been working with a variety of di erent companies, some within the industry, some outside of it, to develop technology required for a global health certi cation system. e airline has partnered with the International Air Transport Association to launch the IATA Travel Pass for its guests. is o ering, currently under trial, will help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with government requirements for Covid-19 tests or vaccines.
FACIAL BIOMETRIC CHECK-IN FOR CABIN CREW
Etihad has partnered with information technology company SITA, to trial the use of facial biometrics to check in cabin crew at the airline’s Crew Brie ng Centre at Abu
Dhabi International Airport. e trial will use facial recognition technology to identify and authenticate crew members, allowing them to complete check-in procedures and mandatory pre- ight safety and security questions digitally via their own mobile devices.
GREENER TOGETHER: ETIHAD LEADS THE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE AVIATION
ZERO NET CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2050
While commercial aviation still only represents around 2 per cent of global human-made CO2 emissions, the airlines and infrastructure that support them are those that will lead the future of ying. In January last year, Etihad announced an ambitious target of zero net carbon emissions by 2050, with an additional goal of halving 2019 net emission levels by 2035. is will be achieved through a combination of internal initiatives and collaboration with industry partners to harness technology and innovation for operational e ciencies.
ETIHAD GREENLINER PROGRAMME
Etihad operated its rst ecoFlight for 2021 from Abu Dhabi to Rome in April this year, continuing research and testing under the Etihad Greenliner programme to assess environmental sustainability initiatives during scheduled services. is is Etihad’s fourth ecoFlight, operated on the airline’s signature Greenliner aircra which is fully o set for all operations through 2021 as part of the airline’s mission toward carbon neutral ying. A key pillar of the programme is the Etihad-Boeing strategic global partnership, spearheaded by a specially themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner to test products, procedures and initiatives designed to reduce aircra carbon emissions.
SUPPORTING THE ECODEMONSTRATOR PROGRAMME
Boeing, NASA and Safran on the 2020 ecoDemonstrator programme. is saw an Etihad Boeing 787 aircra test initiatives to enhance safety and reduce CO2 emissions and noise, including two innovative wellness technologies to combat Covid-19 - a handheld ultraviolet light disinfecting system and an antimicrobial coating to prevent growth of bacteria on tray tables, armrests and other surfaces.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Etihad Airways’ crew being vaccinated; Etihad Airways’ engineering station and aircraft; and the airline’s crew
ETIHAD’S EFFORTS TOWARDS DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL
Exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has been at the core of Etihad’s business for the last decade with the airline a key partner of Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium, along with Boeing, and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. In 2019, Etihad operated the rst commercial ight from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner using clean, sustainable aviation fuel that had been re ned in Abu Dhabi. Sustainable fuel to reduce carbon emissions for the ight was derived from the oil in Salicornia plants, which were grown on the two-hectare farm in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi and re ned as part of the Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (SEAS) – the world’s rst desert ecosystem designed to produce fuel and food in saltwater. BTI
