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Sustainability remains a long-term goal as airlines recover: IATA chief
IATA has reiterated the importance of keeping sustainable growth in sight as the air travel industry rises from the ashes of the Covid pandemic and travel disruption.
Speaking at the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines’ (AAPA) Assembly of Presidents in Bangkok last month, Conrad Clifford, IATA’s senior vice president and deputy director general, recalled IATA members’ unfaltering efforts towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 since 2021, despite the travel crisis, as well as the recent adoption of the Long Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly to achieve the same.
“We are extremely encouraged by the LTAG agreement at the ICAO Assembly. With both governments and industry focused on the same goal, the significance of LTAG cannot be overstated. But to achieve net zero CO2 emission by 2050, government policy support in key areas of decarbonisation is critical. One such area is incentivising the production capacity of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF),” said Clifford.
SAF is currently expected to account for 65 per cent of carbon mitigation in 2050. It will be the largest contributor to the industry’s sustainability. Airlines purchased all available SAF in 2021 and have committed to over US$17 billion of forward purchasing agreements.
“The problem is the limited supply and high costs. In 2021, only 125 million liters of SAF were available on the market. That was less than 0.05 per cent of the total fuel used,” explained Clifford.
“I urge Asia-Pacific governments to look at stimulating SAF production,” he said, adding that government incentives for SAF could result in 30 billion liters of production capacity globally by 2030.
He cited Japan and Singapore as exemplary in their approach to SAF, where governments actively involved the industry in the consultation process and promoted domestic SAF production.
“We urge other States to take similar steps, and to support the efforts to develop a global framework for a Book & Claim system for SAF,” he said.
The Book & Claim system enables travelling consumers to claim the CO2 reduction that their purchase achieves even if their aircraft lacks SAF access at the airport. This is achieved by directing their SAF purchase to another aircraft elsewhere with access to SAF.
Speaking to TTG Asia separately, Clifford said the Book & Claim system has been instrumental in enabling public participation in sustainable travel. Through the system, companies are able to support sustainable business travel and urge their airline vendors to use more SAF.
“But it is more than just the corporates that are driving the use of more SAF. In Europe, the general public demands that too,” he added.
Clifford acknowledged the benefits of having emissions listed with flight searches, such as on Google, as that has allowed consumers to make informed decisions on sustainable travel.
“We have developed a global standard for the industry to measure emissions, and that helps to reduce confusion when consumers look at different sites,” he shared.
The airline industry’s sustainable efforts are also supported by the ICAO Assembly’s reinforced commitment to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) as well as goal to stabilise emissions of international aviation at 85 per cent of 2019 levels.
When asked about the effectiveness of carbon offsets compared to emissions minimisation right from the start, Clifford told TTG Asia that air travel’s sustainable efforts currently could not be without carbon offsets.
“Carbon offsetting is important at the beginning, especially when we have this massive gap in SAF supplies. We need carbon offsets to ensure airlines are meeting their (emissions) targets. Carbon offsets is a gap-filler and certainly not the ultimate answer, but it helps at this point,” he explained.
Hyatt acquires Dream Hotel Group
Hyatt Hotel Corporation and Dream Hotel Group have announced an agreement for a Hyatt affiliate to acquire Dream Hotel Group’s lifestyle hotel brand and management platform including the Dream Hotels, The Chatwal Hotels and Unscripted Hotels brands, with properties in some of the world’s most prominent hotel markets across the Americas, Europe and Asia.
This asset-light acquisition will include a portfolio of 12 managed or franchised lifestyle hotels, with another 24 signed long-term management agreements for hotels expected to open in the future.
Upon closing, this expansion will add over 1,700 rooms to Hyatt’s lifestyle portfolio and increase Hyatt’s room count in New York City by more than 30 per cent.
The acquisition continues Hyatt’s asset-light growth strategy following its transactions to acquire Two Roads Hospitality in 2018 and Apple Leisure Group in 2021 – and, most recently, Hyatt’s collaboration agreement with German Lindner Hotels to further grow Hyatt’s brand footprint in Europe.
Upon closing, Hyatt will pay a base purchase price of US$125 million, with up to an additional US$175 million over the next six years as properties come into the pipeline and open. Stabilised management fees associated with the base purchase price of US$125 million are anticipated to be approximately US$12 million and, to the extent the contingent purchase price of US$175 million is paid, additional stabilised management fees are anticipated to be up to approximately US$27 million. The total base purchase price plus the contingent purchase price represents an attractive acquisition multiple in the high-single digits on projected stabilised earnings.
Dream Hotel Group properties are known for their vibrant dining and nightlife experiences including hotspot restaurants, lavish entertainment venues and exclusive night clubs built on strategic collaborations with innovative and award-winning industry leaders.
“We have tremendous respect for what Dream Hotel Group founder Sant Singh Chatwal and CEO Jay Stein and their team have created and are grateful for the trust being placed in us by Dream Hotel Group to care for their brands and carry their success forward into the future,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt.
The transaction is anticipated to close in the coming months, subject to customary closing conditions. Following completion of the transaction, Hyatt will work to welcome the new properties into the World of Hyatt loyalty programme.
Dream Hotel Group founder Sant Singh Chatwal will continue his commitment as an owner of four open and two future hotels that are expected to join the Hyatt portfolio. Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein will join Hyatt as head of Dream Hotels to guide the integration of the Dream Hotel Group brands into the Hyatt portfolio, ensuring the unique DNA of each brand is preserved while leveraging Hyatt’s capabilities to optimise property performance.
Additionally, Dream Hotel Group’s chief development officer David Kuperberg will join Hyatt as head of development – Dream Hotels; chief operating officer Michael Lindenbaum will join Hyatt as global head of operations – Dream Hotels.
Chocolatey goodness arrives at Singapore’s Dempsey Hill
Homegrown bean-to-bar chocolate brand, Mr. Bucket, has launched Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie (Dempsey Factory) at Singapore’s lifestyle enclave, Dempsey Hill.
The attraction features Singapore’s first ever build-your-own chocolate slab station, an indoor and outdoor dining experience, as well as a new chocolate dispensary where guests can buy their favourite treats sustainably with their own containers.
From bon bons and bars, to housemade bakes and entremets, to drinking chocolate and cacao wine, everything in Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie is made fresh daily, using only responsibly-sourced single-estate Asian chocolate.
Since establishing his chocolaterie in 2020, founder Jerome Penafort has remained committed to crafting chocolates from sustainably sourced cacao from Asia.
Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie (Dempsey Factory) allows Penafort to combine education and experience with chocolate appreciation, and to cultivate a deeper appreciation for cacao grown in Asia.
The Siam brings two iconic artistic brands to a new home
A two-story century-old Thai teak house, known as Connie’s Cottage, that stands on the grounds of The Siam in Bangkok is now home to galleries for celebrity designer and architect Bill Bensley and luxury silk label Jim Thompson.
Once a treasured residential villa for guests, the architectural gem and its surroundings have been extensively renovated to herald the hotel’s partnership with the two artistic icons that are renowned across Southeast-Asia.
Bensley Gallery at The Siam occupies the upper level, showcasing the artworks of Bill Bensley, the hotel’s architect and designer. Artworks will be curated and rotated through the Gallery for guests to admire and purchase. Sales proceeds go to the Shinta Mani Foundation and Wildlife Alliance to support conservation and wildlife protection – causes very close to Bensley’s heart.
On the ground floor stands Jim Thompson at The Siam, a showcase of the brand’s latest fashion and homeware designs.
Jim Thompson at The Siam and the Bensley Gallery at The Siam will open to visitors from mid-December.
Embrace new limits with Silver Endeavour
Embodying Silversea’s vision of modern, ultra-luxury expedition cruising, Silver Endeavour debuts as the world’s most luxurious expedition ship. Her superior ice-class capabilities, coupled with cutting-edge navigation technology enable unparalleled access to some of the farthest reaches of Earth while her unrivalled exploration equipment allows for immersive and personalised discovery while ashore. Superb design, industry-high space and service ratios, and expansive suites complete the experience ensuring guests travel in ultimate comfort, space, and luxury.
Superior suites
Silver Endeavour pushes the boundaries of discovery even further with polar cruises. A greater choice of departure dates, plus longer seasons in some of the most remote destinations on Earth make an expedition on Silver Endeavour perfect for those clients looking for a unique and luxurious adventure.
Dispelling the notion that supreme luxury and intrepid adventure are mutually exclusive, the suites aboard Silver Endeavour elevate the expedition experience into the sublime. Indeed, the beautifully designed all-suite accommodation are amongst the most spacious in expedition cruising, ranging in size from 33m² (357m²) to 174m² (1,868m²).
Offered in seven categories and spread across four public decks, all 100 suites feature a spacious private balcony and floor-to-ceiling glass windows for an unobstructed connection with each destination. Sophisticated interiors are well appointed with all the amenities needed for expedition cruising as well as a bevy of indulgent luxuries to create an elegant retreat following extraordinary adventures ashore.
Travel longer, travel deeper
Silver Endeavour pushes the boundaries of discovery even further with polar cruises. A greater choice of departure dates, plus longer seasons in some of the most remote destinations on Earth make an expedition on Silver Endeavour perfect for those clients looking for a unique and luxurious adventure.
Antarctica
Few adventures are able to ignite the imagination as much as an expedition to the vast White Continent and the wildly remote islands that dot the Southern Ocean. From the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, this extreme wilderness enchants with majestic beauty. There are two new itineraries exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falklands join Silversea’s 14 expeditions to the White Continent, including Antarctica Bridge journeys that skip the Drake Passage with Business Class flights landing at King George Island.
The Arctic & Greenland
Welcome to one of the most remote places on Earth: a dramatic region of breathtaking scenery, frozen oceans and rugged features. Under the midnight sun, glide past ancient glaciers, diamond blue icebergs and snow-capped mountains. Travellers can revel in the raw beauty of the Arctic landscapes and discover uncharted territories as Silver Endeavour ventures deeper than ever before, where very few have ever been. In addition to Silversea’s iconic Svalbard and Iceland expeditions, highlights include brand new itineraries to the Canadian High Arctic and Nunavut, and voyages navigating Greenland’s stunning western coast including the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord.
SIA powers up with Air India-Vistara merger
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Tata Sons (Tata) will merge Air India and Vistara by March 2024, with SIA investing 20,585 million rupees (US$250 million) in Air India as part of the transaction, giving SIA a 25.1 per cent stake in an enlarged Air India group.
SIA intends to fully fund this investment with its internal cash resources, which stood at S$17.5 billion (US$12.7 billion) as of September 30, 2022.
In addition, SIA and Tata have agreed to participate in additional capital injections, if required, to fund the growth and operations of the enlarged Air India in FY2022/23 and FY2023/24, with the amount depending on factors including the progress of the enlarged Air India’s business plan, and its access to other funding options.
The merger would bolster SIA’s presence in India, strengthen its multi-hub strategy, and allow it to continue participating directly in a large and fast-growing aviation market.
Goh Choon Phong, SIA CEO, said: “We will work together to support Air India’s transformation programme, unlock its significant potential, and restore it to its position as a leading airline on the global stage.”
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, added: “As part of the transformation, Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance.
“We are excited with the opportunity of creating a strong Air India which would offer both full-service and low-cost services across domestic and international routes.”
India is the fastest growing global economy, as well as the world’s third largest aviation market. However, India also remains underserved with low international seats per capita, signifying significant growth potential.
The combination of Air India and Vistara would bring significant synergies – Air India’s slots and air traffic rights at domestic and international airports that are not available to Vistara, and Vistara’s operational capabilities, customer base, and strong focus on customer service and product excellence.
In addition, it would reinforce Air India’s position as India’s largest international carrier and second largest domestic carrier, allow it to offer more options and connectivity for business and leisure customers, and enable it to compete as a leading global airline.
People with disabilities face inflated travel insurance costs: Valuable 500
New research from the Valuable 500, conducted with Opinium, reveals that disabled travellers are paying 8,060 yen (US$58) more than non-disabled travellers for travel insurance, a significant premium compared to those without disabilities or medical conditions.
People with disabilities have to factor in extra costs while planning their holidays, and face discriminatory insurance quotes to ensure their needs are covered. The survey findings come at a time when inflation is placing undue pressure on those with disabilities, who already face significant additional costs in their day-to-day lives.
The research also looked at the other barriers disabled tourists face while travelling, including time inequity, digital accessibility, a lack of disabled representation, lack of inclusive design, and lack of knowledge of disability and how to meet the needs of customers with disabilities.
Four in five listed at least one challenge they faced while travelling due to the agent or provider they were using not being accessible to disabled people. One-sixth of disabled people reported feeling unsafe and scared when travelling.
As a consequence of this, feelings of embarrassment, isolation and being disregarded were also felt by a quarter of the 500 China-based people with disabilities that were surveyed and nearly a quarter felt ignored.
The findings raise questions around the accuracy of insurance algorithms for disabled customers – and whether they are providing disproportionately high quotes for those with declared disabilities.
The financial penalty of insurance that disabled customers must face to go on holiday is another example of how people with disabilities are overlooked and underserved by the travel industry, and frequently find themselves in desperate situations while travelling.
The travel industry should consider making small, achievable changes that have a big impact on their customers with disabilities, like ensuring their websites are digitally accessible for all, and providing staff with appropriate training to cater to all needs – including both visible and non-visible disabilities.
Caroline Casey, founder, Valuable 500 commented that the global spending power of people with disabilities is estimated to be $13 trillion annually, and “the business case for the travel industry to put accessibility first, and not as an afterthought is absolutely imperative”.
She added: “This can be rectified by putting disabled staff and consumers at the heart of the travel business. If you put inclusive and accessible design at the heart of the business, it not only gives access to the disability market but it’s better for everyone.”
Kathy Martinez, vice president for global disability inclusion at Expedia said the company is committed to creating a more open world and lessening equity gaps.
“Disability is a natural part of the human condition. Everyone should have the right to travel, no matter their ability.”
Istanbul Airport is world’s first accredited accessible airport
The İGA Istanbul Airport has become the first airport in the world to be accredited under Airports Council International (ACI) World’s new Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme.
Launched earlier this year, the first-of-its-kind programme was designed to help airports measure, evaluate, and improve their accessibility management and culture, providing a continuous path of improvement in the area of accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
The accreditation was developed as a collaboration between accessibility advocacy groups, airports, industry partners, and ACI.
Luis Felipe de Oliveira, world director general, ACI said: “Air travel accessibility continues to be a priority for the industry, and this has been reflected in our recent advocacy work with governments through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as well as the resources we are developing for airports.
“The input from the accessibility community was absolutely crucial for this programme as we work to make an air travel system for all people – one that is equitable, inclusive and accessible. We hope to welcome more airports in the coming year.”
Kadri Samsunlu, CEO, İGA Istanbul Airport said: “We view accessibility as a fundamental human right.
“We are proud of being the first airport in the world to be accredited with the ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme and we will continue to improve accessibility on an ongoing basis, stand in solidarity with all local and international disability communities and advocate inclusivity and accessibility.”
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will manage a new resort with branded residences in Phu Yen province, Vietnam, set for opening in 2026.
Mandarin Oriental, Bai Nom will sit on a beach, surrounded by raised plateaus with stunning views of the coastline and the ocean. The exclusive location and distinctive design of the resort will provide a perfect backdrop for a wide variety of personalised experiences, encompassing wellness retreats, cultural exploration and family-focused activities.
The architecture and design will incorporate many natural Vietnamese elements and local cultural references.
The property will take in 72 suites and villas, including 25 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, as well as three restaurant and bars, the Mandarin Oriental Spa, a 30-metre lap pool, a Children’s Club with a dedicated swimming pool, and more.
This will be the group’s third property in Vietnam.