Tag Archives: seamless travel

Almosafer and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announces new partnership to expand global hospitality network

Almosafer has announced a strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The agreement will expand Almosafer’s global hotel portfolio, giving travellers from Saudi Arabia and beyond direct access to over 9,300 Wyndham properties across 95 countries. This collaboration strengthens Almosafer’s mission to offer seamless travel experiences in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a premier global tourism hub. As part of the direct connectivity agreement, Almosafer will integrate Wyndham’s extensive portfolio of 25 iconic brands into its omni-channel platforms. This includes beloved names like Ramada, Days Inn, and La Quinta, offering travellers a diverse range of accommodations—from budget-friendly stays to upscale resorts. The partnership allows Almosafer’s customers to access real-time hotel inventory, competitive pricing, and streamlined booking through its digital platforms. With the largest and widest collection of hotel experiences in the world, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ mission of making hotel travel possible for all aligns with Almosafer’s aim to cater to the travel needs of people from Saudi Arabia and beyond as the Middle East’s leading travel brand. Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer, said: “Strategic partnerships and collaborations are key to our global reach and resilience. By integrating the offerings of the world’s largest hotel franchising company, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to Almosafer’s omni-channel platform, we seek to enhance the travel experience for our customers. Hospitality brands are integral to the overall travel experience. Almosafer prides itself on offering a seamless booking process encompassing one-touch access to world-class hospitality and airlines, providing a comprehensive package to customers.” Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said; “At Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, our mission goes beyond making travel possible for all—it’s about …

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Etihad Airways embaraces digital innovation with new skypad technology

Etihad Airways is rolling out Skypad, an innovative digital tool designed to enhance the inflight experience for passengers. Developed in-house by Etihad’s Digital Transformation and Innovation team, Skypad represents a significant step forward in personalised, efficient air travel service. Cabin crew serving in premium cabins have begun receiving tablets equipped with the SkyPad application and other key tools. These devices enable crew members to access real-time flight updates, ensuring each guest’s needs are anticipated and addressed promptly. “At Etihad, we’re committed to embracing technology that enhances our guests’ journey,” said Turky Alhammadi, Director of Product Development & Hospitality at Etihad Airways. “Skypad embodies our dedication to excellence, blending innovation with our world-renowned hospitality.” Skypad’s Meal Order Taking feature allows cabin crew to take and complete orders with minimal steps, ensuring a smoother dining experience for passengers. The system’s real-time inventory tracking enables precise management of onboard resources, reducing waste and improving sustainability efforts. “The introduction of Skypad marks a new chapter in our service evolution,” Alhammadi added. “We’re continuously working on new functionalities to make this tool even more effective, always with the goal of providing an unparalleled guest experience.” Etihad Airways is committed to ongoing development of Skypad. Future enhancements will focus on further personalising the guest experience and expanding the system’s capabilities. Looking further ahead, Etihad envisions a fully connected experience across all guest touchpoints – in the air and on the ground. This ambitious goal aims to create a seamless journey for passengers, from booking to arrival at their final destination. As Etihad continues to innovate in aviation technology, passengers can look forward to an ever-evolving, seamless travel experience that sets new standards in the industry.

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Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airport Services Announce Partnership to Strengthen Airport Ground Services

Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airport Services have signed a contract to extend their longstanding partnership in providing ground services for passengers at Zayed International Airport. This agreement aims to further enhance the passenger experience by offering advanced and seamless services.This announcement coincides with Abu Dhabi Airport’s recent passenger traffic results, which witnessed a significant growth of 35.6% demonstrating the strong demand for travel. Both entities will collaborate on various initiatives to improve operational efficiencies, safety, and the quality of ground handling services, ultimately providing a world-class experience for travellers passing through Zayed International Airport. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “We are delighted to extend our existing partnership with Etihad Airport Services through this agreement. Together, we have continuously provided seamless, high-quality services to our passengers. Our recent passenger numbers demonstrate our incredible growth trajectory. As we continue to expand with more airlines and destinations, we are confident that Etihad Airport Services is the right partner for managing our ground handling operations. In this new chapter, our shared values and commitment remain resolute, in achieving excellence in every aspect of the airport experience.” Jubran Albreiki, General Manager at Etihad Airport Services said: “”This agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. By leveraging our world-class ground handling services and expertise, we aim to complement the state-of-the-art terminal and deliver a seamless journey to our customers at Zayed International Airport.” Etihad Airport Services, a fully owned subsidiary of ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, will provide a comprehensive range of ground handling services. These include but are not limited …

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Oman Air partners with Omantel to distribute co-branded Tourist SIM Cards on board to Oman-bound travelers

Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, has inked an agreement with Omantel, a leading telecom operator, to provide passengers flying to Oman with Tourist SIM Cards on board their flight. The one-year partnership aims to offer guests a hassle-free and efficient digital solution that enriches their travel experience, as well as attracting more tourists to come to Oman. Abdul Rahman Nasser, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, said, “We are delighted to once again join hands with Omantel, and we will all benefit from the spillover effect of this great buzz happening around the region. I am confident that our year-long partnership will be a success, and it will bring convenience to our passengers and save them time and effort upon arrival.” Eng. Aladdin Baitfadhil, Chief Commercial Officer at Omantel, said, “We are thrilled about our partnership with Omar Air, and we are all set to provide passengers flying to the Sultanate of Oman with seamless and hassle-free connectivity even before landing, while we increase our customer base.” The two companies also have another partnership involving their respective loyalty programmes, enabling Omantel’s customers to convert their Makasib points to Sindbad Miles. With a growing number of partners, Oman Air continues to find new and innovative ways to elevate its guest experience and build on its reputation as an award-winning airline, while promoting Oman as a must-visit destination.

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IDnow is supporting IATA to simplify the passenger journey through digital identity

IDnow, a leading identity proofing platform provider, is pleased to announce its participation in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Accelerate@IATA 2022 accelerator program. IDnow is working with IATA and its members, providing expertise and regulatory know-how in the field of identity proofing and digital identity. Together, IATA and IDnow are working on the shared goal of making flying more seamless and low-touch for passengers, while lowering fraud risks for airlines. IATA is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 290 airlines or 83% of total air traffic. As a leading industry association, IATA is shaping industry standards and the future of aviation. Through the Accelerate@IATA program, IDnow is contributing to the IATA One ID working group. The goal of IATA One ID is to set industry standards that further streamline the passenger journey with digitalization of admissibility and a contactless process through secure biometric enabled identification. Under the One ID vision, upon completing document checks remotely, passengers will be able to arrive at the airport ready to fly and proceed through each airport touchpoint via simple biometric recognition. The objective is to achieve a truly interoperable global system across airports, airlines and governments. IDnow is collaborating with airlines and other technology providers members of the IATA Think Tank on a white paper about the application of digital identity in the air travel industry. In parallel, a proof of concept is being developed to show how digital identity can support people with reduced mobility with traveling, and airlines and airports to prioritize the required staff for the necessary support. “We are very pleased to have IDnow participation in the heart of industry innovation conversations. IDnow brings their expertise …

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