Category - Technology

0a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1

IATA welcomes Canada’s new drone safety regulations

7 years ago

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the announcement by Canada’s Minister of Transport, the Honorable Marc Garneau, to implement an Interim Order restricting the use of recreational drones around airports and other high risk areas. The irresponsible or malicious use of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near airports and aircraft poses a safety and security risk. According to Transport Canada, the number of reported drone incidents more than tripled from 41 when data...

Smartphones will read and write better than 32 million Americans in next decade

7 years ago

While progress in improving human literacy rates has stalled since 2000 – leaving 758 million adults worldwide and 32 million Americans illiterate – a new report predicts that technological advances will soon enable over 2 billion smartphones to read and write. At the current rate of technological progress, devices and machines powered by AI and voice recognition software will surpass the literacy level of one in seven American adults within the next ten years. In their report...

0a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1 8

These ideas will improve air travel in 2017

7 years ago

21 products and ideas are in the finals of the 2017 Crystal Cabin Awards, the world’s most renowned prize for innovation in aircraft interiors. From a parking guidance system for cabin baggage to a lavatory mirror that displays on-board video and information as if by magic, the finalists’ submissions include innovative ideas for pretty much every aspect of the cabin – revealing today how we will be flying in the world of tomorrow. In the field of “Cabin Concepts” in particular, the giants are...

0a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a 4

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport recognized with EPA Climate Leadership Award

7 years ago

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has been selected to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leadership Award for Organizational Leadership. DFW Airport is now the only Airport to be recognized two consecutive years by the EPA in the Climate Leadership Awards program’s six-year history. The Organizational Leadership Award recognizes organizations that not only have their own comprehensive greenhouse gas inventories and aggressive emissions reduction goals...

UK politicians, academia and businesses support Heathrow’s new sustainability plan

7 years ago

Support from politicians, industry, academia and businesses across the UK pours in as Heathrow launches new sustainability strategy, Heathrow 2.0. Plans include a new R&D incubator, an ambition for growth from a new runway to be carbon neutral and at least halving the number of late-running departures to reduce noise for local communities. Virendra Sharma, MP for Ealing Southall: “While no airport is without its environmental impact, Heathrow has gone a long way over recent years to...

Oceanco unveils 120-meter “resort” yacht

7 years ago

Amara, Oceanco’s newly designed and engineered 120-meter private yacht concept, designed in collaboration with Sam Sorgiovanni Designs was unveiled by His Excellency Saeed Harib, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Vice President and Chairman of Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi, and Senior Advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show. Oceanco revealed the lifestyle philosophy of creating a yacht designed for extended families and friends. Amara provides...

FAA: Drone sightings near air traffic facilities increased in 2016

7 years ago

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today released an updated list of pilot, air traffic controller, law enforcement and citizen reports of potential encounters with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – more popularly called “drones”. The latest data cover February through September 2016. Reports of possible drone sightings to FAA air traffic facilities continued to increase during FY 2016. There were 1,274 such reports from February through September last year, compared with 874 for...

Home of ‘next’ Apple: London tops New York, Tokyo for innovation

7 years ago

London extended its lead over New York and a resurgent Tokyo to be named the world’s most innovative city in 2016-2017 in the 10th annual Innovation Cities Index, released by global innovation agency 2thinknow in Melbourne today. The top three cities overcame previous winner Silicon Valley (San Francisco-San Jose) and twice winner, Boston. Rounding out the top ten cities globally, were rising cities Los Angeles, Singapore, and Toronto, followed by Paris and Vienna. LONDON LEADERSHIP...

Peach Aviation Joins Forces with AsiaPay to Launch Integrated e-Payment Solution for Travelers in China and Asia

7 years ago

AsiaPay, a leading payment gateway service provider in Asia since 2000, has announced a collaboration with Peach Aviation, a well-known low cost carrier (LCC) in Japan, to offer UnionPay and AliPay Online Payment acceptance service for its travelers from China and Asia. Growing volume of passengers prefers to choose low fare air tickets especially those in China and Asia. Yet, the existing payment system of some airlines may not be timely updated to offer its customers with a comprehensive...

Business travelers increasingly vulnerable to data theft

7 years ago

As reports of corporate information theft continue to rise and cybercrime is predicted to cost business between $2.1 trillion in 2019 to $6 trillion by 2021, one area of particular concern is information security while travelling on business. Whether in-transit, or at their destination location, business travelers – and by extension their corporate networks – are potentially more vulnerable to malicious cyber and physical information security threats, which are becoming increasingly...

Antigua and Barbuda to host CTU’s ICT Week and Symposium

7 years ago

The rapid pace of innovation in information and communication technologies (ICT) is impacting every aspect of Caribbean life. There is a clarion call for the region to keep abreast with and understand the potential of these new and revolutionary technologies to overcome the challenges faced by the Caribbean and to drive meconomic growth. It is imperative that Caribbean leaders consider the opportunities presented by the ICT revolution and adopt the technologies that can transform all sectors...

UNWTO Smart Destinations: Innovation, technology and sustainability

7 years ago

Over three days (15-17 February) more than 100 speakers from 20 countries convened in Murcia, Spain to present solutions and experiences for ‘smart destinations’. The 1st UNWTO World Conference on Smart Destinations was organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and the Digital Agenda of Spain and the Region of Murcia. ‘Smart destinations’ are key to sustainable development and contribute not only to advances in the tourism sector...

South African Airways retains highest level of IATA green status

7 years ago

South African Airways (SAA) has become one of a very few global airlines to maintain Stage 2 status of the IATA Environmental Assessment Program (IEnvA). IEnvA is a comprehensive airline environmental management process that measures a range of operational aspects. According to Tim Clyde-Smith, SAA’s Country Manager, Australasia, the IATA program introduced sustainability standards for airlines to cover all areas of operation to help them achieve world’s best practice. “SAA achieved Stage 2...

0a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a

Hotels generate $2.1 billion worth of online bookings with eRevMax

7 years ago

eRevMax has reported today that it has processed $2.1 billion worth of reservation revenue for its hotel clients in 2016. This is an increase of over 11% in reservation revenue as compared to the previous year. Hoteliers continue to increase online bookings through eRevMax platforms leveraging its seamless connectivity with over 300 global and regional OTAs and partners. eRevMax published these figures based on the revenue generated by hotel clients using its reservation delivery services...

Airlines must make mobile commerce a priority in their pursuit of profits

7 years ago

Despite profit projections of $35.6 billion in 2016, airlines must shift focus to the revenue and profit potential emerging from mobile commerce, according to the latest monthly industry brief from CellPoint Mobile, “Mobile Commerce and Payment Innovation Across the Airline Sector.” Airlines that embrace mobile commerce strategies and payment solutions benefit by establishing permanent, internal links to currently untapped direct-channel and ancillary sales, according to the brief...

Dubai to introduce world’s first pilotless passenger aerial vehicle aircraft

7 years ago

The world’s first pilotless aerial vehicle (AAV) aircraft capable of carrying passengers is set to fly across Dubai as early as July, the city’s transport body has announced. Electrically powered by eight propellers, the aircraft, commonly referred to as an Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) has already undergone test flights, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Developed in collaboration with a Chinese drone maker, EHANG, the aircraft, called EHANG184, can carry a passenger for...

Points International announces partnership with Copa Airlines

7 years ago

Points today announced a partnership with Copa Airlines to enable ConnectMiles program members to buy, gift or transfer their reward miles. The partnership supports Points’ expansion into the Central American market and allows Copa Airlines to better engage their ConnectMiles members. “We’re excited to work with one of Central America’s leading airlines and loyalty programs,” said Rob MacLean, CEO at Points. “We’ve proven the value of our Buy, Gift and Transfer solutions with loyalty...

Deployment of robots soars 70 percent in Asia

7 years ago

Asian industry’s uptake of industrial robots is accelerating: in just five years its operational stock rose 70 percent to 887,400 units, (2010-2015). In 2015 alone, annual sales of robots jumped 19 percent to 160,600 units, setting a new record for the fourth consecutive year. These are results of the World Robotics Report 2016, published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). China is the biggest market for industrial robots in the world and takes 43 percent of all sales to...

Fontainebleau Miami Beach becomes one of world’s most connected hotels

7 years ago

Hotwire Communications, a leading provider of fiber optic telecommunications services to the hospitality industry, is bringing the fastest high-speed internet services and amenities to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The Fontainebleau will be one of the first hotels in the magic city to have full 10 gigabit service, the largest dedicated fiber circuit in Hotwire’s history. “Hotwire is proud to have been chosen to provide services for a hotel with such a rich history,” said...

Beware of fake Wi-Fi networks at UAE hotels and malls

7 years ago

Smart mobile phone users must be careful while connecting to “free” Wi-Fi network at hotels and malls, as hackers can access the devices by making fake Wi-Fi points, UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) warned on Thursday. An official from the TRA said that there are fake open Wi-Fi networks in the city created by hackers to hack data and harm users. Gaith Al Mazeina, manager of Business Affairs aeCERT at TRA, said that those hackers create fake Wi-Fi with names similar to open Wi...

Viking Ocean Cruises takes delivery of third ship

7 years ago

Viking Ocean Cruises announced it took delivery of Viking Sky, the company’s third ship. The delivery ceremony took place this morning when the ship was presented at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. On February 25, Viking Sky will set sail from Rome’s port at Civitavecchia and will make her way through the Mediterranean on her maiden voyage. After sailing spring itineraries throughout the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, Viking Sky will make her way to officially be...

Hotel guests value free Wi-Fi over other amenities

7 years ago

Connectivity far outweighs all other hotel amenities according to a recent survey conducted by GO Airport Express, which serves O’Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. Almost 200 people participated in the survey which asked travelers, what, aside from breakfast, is their favorite hotel freebie; 68 percent of respondents checked Wi-Fi. The second top answer, at 14 percent, was free transportation between the hotel and the airports. Following that were happy hour and in-room...

0a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a

First Central Hotel Suites in Dubai receives Green Key Certification 2016-2017

7 years ago

First Central Hotel Suites, managed by Dubai-based Central Hotels group, has been awarded Green Key Certification 2016-2017 for its green practices that include a host of environment-friendly energy, water and waste management initiatives. Green Key is a sustainability certification program for hotels and accommodation that was developed by the Foundation for Environment Education. As non-governmental, non-profit and independent program, Green Key is recognized by the World Tourism Organisation...

United Airlines: Flying towards a more sustainable future

7 years ago

For the second time since launching its industry-leading Eco-Skies program, United Airlines was named the Eco-Airline of the Year by Air Transport World (ATW) magazine. The award recognizes an airline in global commercial aviation for its environmental leadership as demonstrated by consistent and impactful environmental action within the company and in the industry. The magazine awarded United with the top honor for multiple initiatives in 2016 and prior years, including becoming the first U.S...

0a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a 4

Scoot first low cost airline to go live on Skyscanner’s Direct Booking platform

7 years ago

Scoot has become the first low cost carrier to be featured on Skyscanner’s Direct Booking platform. The new integration also means that Scoot becomes the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to be able to sell tickets directly within Skyscanner’s platform. The first phase of roll out, initially to Australia, Singapore, India, and UK markets, will enable Skyscanner users to search and book Scoot air fares directly within Skyscanner desktop and app, with added extras such as baggage and...

Kochi to host International Conference on Tourism Technology

7 years ago

Kochi, Jan 13: The growing significance of technology in tourism industry will come up for deliberations at the second edition of International Conference on Tourism Technology (ICTT), to be held here in June. Association of Tourism Trade Organisation (ATTOI) will organise the three-day event at Le Meridien Hotel from June 8 to 10. The three-day conference, supported by Kerala Tourism, will feature an array of speakers and subject experts from across the globe who will offer their...

Winners of Intelak Incubator take off

7 years ago

The Emirates Group in collaboration with GE, and Etisalat Digital selected four start-up teams to become the first joiners of the newly-established Intelak incubator. The Intelak initiative, which means ‘take off’ in Arabic, was launched in September to give innovators, entrepreneurs and students from across the UAE the opportunity to enrol in a tailored incubator programme that will allow them to further develop their concepts. All submissions were focused on the travel and aviation sector...

Airlines expect huge growth opportunities in new digital technologies, ancillary products

7 years ago

The rapid growth of the global airline industry has been offset by falling cargo revenues and passenger yields, prompting airline companies to focus on enhancing their ancillary revenues. While they have tried to achieve cost and operational efficiencies by employing digital solutions, typically part of a larger digital transformation programme, revenue growth has mostly been a result of the innovative marketing of attractive ancillary products. “Digital transformation is emerging as a...

LHR: Record passenger numbers, award-winning service and Britain’s new runway

7 years ago

Full-Year 2016 Heathrow celebrated 70 years of history as Britain’s front door in 2016, welcoming a record 76 million passengers (+1%) alongside 1.5 million tonnes of cargo (+3%) travelling through the UK’s hub – that’s nearly three full Millennium Stadia of passengers a day and annual cargo equivalent to 118,000 London buses, 7,500 Angels of the North or nearly 30 fully-loaded Queen Elizabeth II ocean liners For the second year running, Heathrow was delighted to be named as the ‘Best Airport...

Gulfstream G650ER continues record streak

7 years ago

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced the company’s flagship Gulfstream G650ER recently claimed two more city-pair records. The achievements highlight the aircraft’s superior performance and the company’s commitment to providing customers with high-speed travel options. The G650ER took off from Ohio’s John Glenn Columbus International Airport and landed at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport 14 hours and 35 minutes later, covering 6,750 nautical...