+ THE TRAVEL NEWS IN BRIEF - Everything you need to know

Air New Zealand helps neurodiverse families

Airport Accessibility

Aviation Club and the supply train

Business Class ATR

Christmas drinks

Doncaster Airport

Drop-off parking at Luton

Gatwick changes at the top

Hotel’s London tour

Industrial action

Liverpool boost for easyJet

London City Airport gets expensive

More Bodrum from Manchester

New Sydney Airport

RAeS Summer Reception

Sierra Leone hovercraft project

Southend expansion

UK airport lounges update

World Aviation Festival

WTM – World Travel Market


Air New Zealand helps neurodiverse families

Is your neurodiverse child scared of flying?  Air New Zealand is doing its best to help.  And we hope it catches on with other airlines.

In partnership with Autism New Zealand and Acorn Neurodiversity, it has hosted a flight familiarisation experience for neurodivergent children and their families.  The experience replicated key stages of the air travel process including check-in, security screening, boarding, and in-cabin procedures – all within a setting that aimed to be calm and low-stress. 

The objective was simple: to empower these youngsters with confidence and familiarity ahead of their travels, while offering their families peace of mind through firsthand experience of the journey. 

Please find video footage of this experience here.
https://airnz.sharefile.com/share/view/sef679740bb324434afda2047521b2e23


Airport Accessibility

Whilst we await the result of Olympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson’s Aviation Accessibility Task Force report, the CAA has published its annual survey of this important part of air travel.

Three airports – Heathrow, Edinburgh and Glasgow Prestwick are rated as ‘Needing Improvement.’

With more people travelling through our airports, and more people requesting assistance than ever before, the latest report from the regulator shows that the majority of airports rated positively.

In 2024, 5.5 million passengers requested assistance at UK airports, approximately 1.9% of total passengers. This has increased from 0.94% in 2010, 1.35% in 2019 and 1.69% in 2023 when 4.6 million passengers requested assistance.

www.caa.co.uk/publication/download/25293

 
Aviation Club and the supply train 

It is short notice but the Aviation Club is hosting a forum 'Mastering Supply Chain Complexity in Turbulent Times' on 1 July.  Running from 18:00−21:00 the evening will address why, today, over 700 aircraft are grounded and over 50,000 aircraft orders are on backlog.

The venue is the Norton Rose Fulbright offices, in the spectacular surrounds of the Tower of London, and is open to all.

Leading the discussion are Steven Greenway, CEO, flyadeal; Fraser Currie, CEO, Joramco and Keith Wood, General Manager, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.

Hurry and contact the Club secretary.  There is a charge of £35.

philippa@aviationclub.org.uk

https://aviationclub.org.uk


Business Class ATR

The recent Paris Air Show as usual focused on the heavyweight aircraft orders.

What may have passed many are two orders for the recently announced ‘ATR 72-600 with the HighLine All-Business Class’ interior.  Berjaya Airlines of Malaysia is taking two, and Air Tahiti a single example, together with three standard aircraft. 

As part of ATR’s new collection of high-end cabin interiors, ‘ATR HighLine’ – which offers configurations ranging from dual-class to VIP layouts – this new cabin will provide a VIP atmosphere featuring an open, executive-style ceiling and 26 individual Business Class seats in a 1x1 configuration. 

Deliveries start later in the year.

Paris Air Show SIAE   www.atr-aircraft.com

https://berjaya-air.com  www.airtahiti.com


Christmas drinks

It will come around quicker than you think.  This is one for the diary, and an effort to make sure there are no clashes.

The British Business & General Aviation Association (BBGA), Close Brothers Aviation and Marine 2025 Christmas Drinks Reception has been set for Thursday 27 November, somewhere in London.  Details to follow and hopefully by the publication of September’s Travel News Update, the final full edition of TNU.
(See COMMENT: All good things must come to an end)

https://bbga.aero/event/bbga-close-brothers-aviation-and-marine-2025-christmas-drinks-reception


Doncaster Airport

Once the home of the RAF’s V bomber fleet, and then abandoned by Wizz, Doncaster Sheffield Airport could reopen in 2026.

In May it was confirmed that Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has allowed another questionable planning scheme to go through.  An as-yet unnamed bidder is currently engaged in what the City of Doncaster Council describes as ‘legal and confirmation stages’.  Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer offered £30m towards the cost, said to be £130m.  

No airline has as yet come forward with a commitment.  The aerodrome, which lies halfway between Leeds Bradford and Newcastle airports, has a significantly longer runway than either and is capable of taking Transatlantic jets.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/doncaster_sheffield_airport


Drop-off parking at Luton

Luton Airport has come up with a scheme for personalised drop-off parking outside the terminal building.  It is a simple innovation that might just catch on .and replaces the previous Priority Parking Meet and Greet Service.

Drivers need to park in the designated Drop & Go area, check in using a self-service machine and deposit the car keys in a designated chute. Luton Airport drivers will then move the vehicle to a secure, on-site storage location until the return.  

Upon your return go through a similar procedure.  Your car will be returned to the Drop & Go area to await your arrival.  It is suggested that you text in advance your number plate to cover delays.  Scan your QR code or barcode on your receipt at the collection locker to retrieve your keys.  

TNU plans to use the system in the near future and will also be pleased to hear from readers on their experience.  Use READERS COMMENTS below.

www.london-luton.co.uk/parking/priority-parking-drop-and-go


Gatwick changes at the top

Following a very successful 15 years as Chief Executive of Gatwick Airport, Stewart Wingate has been appointed as Managing Director, UK Airports, a newly created role by VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

In this role, Wingate will oversee the future development and strategic direction of Gatwick, Edinburgh and Belfast International Airports, with the Chief Executives of these three airports reporting to him. Wingate will continue to jointly report to both VINCI and GIP in relation to Gatwick and Edinburgh Airports.

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, currently Chief Commercial and Operational Officer at VINCI Airports and a Non-executive Director on the Gatwick Board, will succeed Wingate as Chief Executive of Gatwick.

Both appointments are effective 1 September 2025 with Schmit and Wingate working together over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.

www.gatwickairport.com

https://vinci-airports.com

www.global-infra.com


Hotel’s London tour

The Wesley Camden Town, once a chapel and now a 38-room boutique property, has come up with a new initiative that other hotels might think about replicating.
 
Called “The ultimate guide to 24 hours in Camden, London” it will help clients enjoy their stay.
  
Whether you are a tourist on a day trip or a seasoned Londoner after a new experience General Manager, James Barr, shares local insight about how to soak up the best of Camden in just 24 hours.  He features a full day’s programme from sunrise until nightcap time.

www.thewesley.co.uk/the-wesley-camden-town


Industrial action

The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) has announced industrial action on 2, 4, and 7 July, which will cause large-scale disruptions to operations at Helsinki Airport. According to IAU, the four-hour strikes will affect different work shifts. As Finnair is the largest airline operating at Helsinki Airport, the industrial action will impact all essential ground services related to Finnair flights throughout those days.

Finnair will start cancelling flights on the strike days two days before the departure date of the flight, once it has a clearer picture of the available resources.  Affected passengers can change their bookings free of charge.

www.finnair.com


Liverpool boost for easyJet

EasyJet is set for a record summer out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport with 31 routes to 15 countries across Europe and North Africa.

The arrival of Liverpool’s eighth Airbus A320neo aircraft has enabled the introduction of a twice weekly service to Split (Croatia) from the Merseyside airport.

As with all its services from Liverpool, easyJet is keen to point out that the airline offers its easyJet Holiday packages including flights and hotel, with 23kg luggage and transfers on all beach getaways.  You can choose your seat on booking too.

www.easyjet.com/en/holidays


London City Airport gets expensive

KLM is to add a surcharge of £20 (£30 in Business Class) on its Amsterdam to London City route in September to cover the cost of using experimental sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).  Although SAF emits roughly the same amount of CO₂ during a flight, the impact across the engine life cycle is at least 65% lower than traditional kerosene. 

At present, KLM applies a 2% SAF surcharge to all tickets as part of an EU mandate that all airlines use at least 2% SAF this year, rising to 6% in 2030 and 70% in 2050.

The reasoning behind the charges seems odd.  During the trial, KLM says it is hoping to “assess passengers’ willingness to pay extra for SAF when it is automatically included in the ticket price”.

www.klm.co.uk


More Bodrum from Manchester        

SunExpress, a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, has announced the launch of a new twice weekly service from Manchester to the Bodrum resort as part of its summer 2026 programme.  It will compete with Jet2.

The new route will build on SunExpress’ existing presence at Manchester Airport, where it currently operates up to 43 weekly flights to Antalya, Dalaman and Izmir.

www.sunexpress.com


New Sydney Airport

The all-new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has been formally unveiled, with a full-service operation expected in late 2026.  The bad news is that it is 32 miles from the current Botany Bay airport and nearly 40 miles from the Harbour Bridge.

The energy-efficient terminal features over 6,000 solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and advanced passenger flow technologies – all under one roof for seamless domestic and international travel.

Maybe by the time it opens there will be non-stop flights from London.  Qantas has it in its plans but nothing from British Airways.

https://wsiairport.com.au


RAeS Summer Reception

The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) Summer Reception, will take place at its Hamilton Place headquarters, just by Hyde Park Corner, on Tuesday 22 July from 18:00 to 21:00, sponsored by 2Excel Group.

The reception is a chance to network and socialise with friends old and new from across the international aerospace sector, while enjoying cocktails and canapes in the stunning setting of the Argyll Room and Terrace with wonderful views over Hyde Park.

www.aerosociety.com


Sierra Leone hovercraft project

Former racing driver and something of a West Africa expert, Roger Nathan is pressing ahead with plans for a hovercraft link from the Sierra Leone capital Freetown to the new Lungi International Airport.  Two hovercrafts have been purchased with delivery later in the year.  

Freetown has an airport with transport problems.  The journey from the capital to the terminal often takes over two hours via an antiquated ferry and poor roads.  The hovercraft reduces the time to just ten minutes.  

Nathan says he needs to raise the funds for infrastructure costs and construct the two beach terminals.  He can be contacted on +44 (0) 7464 707089 africanair@hotmail.co.uk


Southend expansion

It looks like it will be a record winter for Southend.  The Essex airport will add easyJet flights to Berlin and Grenoble on its destination list bringing the airline total to 22 destinations.  Unlike other competing London airports aircraft access is straightforward. Airside the facilities include a large recently upgraded Skylife lounge, but no airbridges.

In March easyJet opened a three A320neo aircraft base at the airport supporting around 1,200 jobs including 140 direct jobs for pilots and cabin crew.

The airline points out that eight million people live within one hour of the airport, which has its own railway station with frequent services to Stratford and Liverpool Street for connections to the Transport for London (TfL) network.  

https://londonsouthendairport.com


UK airport lounges update

Our friends at Head for Points have been investigating the situation regarding new (and in some cases, revitalised) UK airport lounges.  Whether you have a membership pass or pay ad hoc it is essential to book in advance.  Every airport lounge seems to be very busy.

Now open is ‘Escape’ at Manchester Airport Gate 4.  It replaces Aspire who still have a lounge at Gate 16.

Bristol gains an ‘Escape’ on the mezzanine (opens 28 July).  Jersy opens 1 August and ‘My Lounge’ replaces Club Aspire in Heathrow T3 on 31 August and Liverpool Airport is getting ready with a facility which will triple current capacity.

www.headforpoints.com/2025/06/24/five-new-uk-airport-lounges-opening


World Aviation Festival

The World Aviation Festival is again heading back to Lisbon this October and is expected to attract 4,500 attendees, 600 expert speakers, and something in the order of 400 global brands.  Over the years it has established itself as the premier networking event where the many aspects of the travel industry get together.  There is an action-packed agenda filled with conference sessions, innovation, networking, and live competitions.

Luis Rodrigues, Chairman and CEO of TAP Air Portugal, heads the speakers lineup as host of the event with Willie Walsh, now the senior statesman of the industry bound to make his views known.  The speaker roster is impressive including Pieter Elbers, once of KLM and now CEO at Indigo, who will no doubt to speak on the Indian market and the after effect of the Air India Boeing 787 crash.  Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG) will head up the alliance that includes British Always.

www.terrapinn.com/conference/aviation-festival


WTM – World Travel Market

It may seem a long way off (4 November) but the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) is already building up with its conference programme.  If you are planning staying nearby there is currently accommodation in a selection of walking distance hotels but these will be quickly taken up as the summer proceeds.  WTM is on the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow; the DLR, and a 6-minute taxi or bus ride from London City Airport or alternatively a 20-minute walk.

Over 4,000 exhibitors took part in WTM London 2024 – an 8% increase on 2023 – spanning everything from destinations and experiences to transport, accommodation, and tech solutions. The 2025 Ministers’ Summit at WTM, held in association with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), will showcase its most impactful line-up to date. Organisers are already forecasting even greater participation for this year.

https://london.wtm.com

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READERS' COMMENT

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 200 words maximum

Sally Smith, West Ham London

London City is a joy to pass through and surcharge for a period in September will not affect me. I use it a lot but back in 2019 the departure lounge became very overcrowded at times. It’s still not running at those numbers but it will come back. The owners need to spend big money on the terminal. The airport relies too much on British Airways, which is a pity. Another UK airline might work. British Mid tried and failed but maybe Aurigny, Loganair, or the people behind Aer Lingus Commuter could come in?

James Quick, Hornsey London

Doncaster Airport resurrected. You must be joking. Surely taxpayers money can be spent in a better way.

David Starkie Starkie, United Kingdom

Wonder where the Freetown Hovercraft are being built?