Skyscanner Savings Generator tool available to more APAC markets: Skyscanner has launched its Savings Generator tool in India, Singapore and South Korea. In Australia, this release is a refreshed and updated version of the initial edition launched in September 2023. The launch follows Skyscanner’s latest research, conducted in collaboration with OnePoll, which revealed that over 68% of APAC travellers plan to travel during summer or June to September, yet a significant percentage (42%) have not booked their trips. The reasons for this hesitation include indecision on dates (52%) and destinations (85%). The research also indicates that travellers are still seeking great value deals, with 9 in 10 still trying to find the best offers and a further 45% waiting for a last-minute deal. As such, this tool is designed to help travellers save significantly on their upcoming trips. The Savings Generator provides insights into the average monthly price and visualises the best time to book for the some of the most popular destinations. Additionally, it suggests a range of even cheaper destinations.
Airbus-built ESA-JAXA climate satellite launched: The Airbus-built EarthCARE climate monitoring satellite has been successfully launched from Vandenberg military base, California. EarthCARE (Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer) is a joint undertaking between the European and Japanese Space Agencies (ESA and JAXA). The satellite will examine the role clouds and aerosols (tiny atmospheric particles) play in reflecting solar radiation back into space (i.e. cooling down the atmosphere) as well as in trapping infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface (i.e. heating up the atmosphere). EarthCARE will draw up vertical profiles of natural and human-made aerosols, register the distribution of water droplets and ice crystals and how they are transported in clouds, and provide essential input to improve the modelling of the warming climate and weather forecasting. Aerosols influence the life cycle of clouds, and so contribute indirectly to how they give off radiation – measuring them will give a better understanding of Earth’s energy budget.
Air India introduces iCoupon: Air India has been working toward introducing technology and solutions to enhance customer experience. Recently the airline introduced digital refreshment vouchers in collaboration with iCoupon, a digital vouchering solutions provider, to address unintended disruptions. This initiative was launched as part of a pilot phase for passengers travelling to and from three major UK airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Birmingham. Using iCoupon technology, Air India can issue digital vouchers that are automatically linked to the barcode on the passengers’ boarding pass. Retailers at these UK airports can scan the boarding passes to redeem the vouchers. Customers will be notified on SMS and email, alongside help and guidance of how and where to use their vouchers.
Swiipr raises £6 million in Series A funding: Swiipr, a travel paytech company has secured £6 million in Series A funding led by Octopus Ventures to help drive the company’s next phase of growth. Launched in 2020, Swiipr says it is used by 26 airlines across 70 countries. Over 500 million global passengers are estimated to be affected by flight disruption each year, costing airlines billions of dollars in payouts as well as significant customer dissatisfaction, reputational damage and regulatory fines, making compensation a board agenda issue for airlines. Swiipr’s integrated digital platform, including virtual and physical pre-paid compensation cards and a mobile app, give airlines the tools they need to solve these pain points for both themselves and passengers, whilst being fully compliant with the latest passenger rights regulations. For passengers, Swiipr has launched the Swiipr Compensation Card, which enables airlines to distribute funds directly to passengers at the point of disruption (such as denied boarding or lost luggage), and the Swiipr Welfare Card, which enables airlines to instantly distribute food & beverage payments when flights are delayed.
Inflight Dublin, Soft Space collaborate on payments: Soft Space and Inflight Dublin announced a strategic collaboration under which Inflight Dublin will integrate Soft Space’s inflight Point-of-Sale (POS) system, Fasspos, with its Everhub platform. This integration allows passengers to select from a wide variety of entertainment options, such as movies, music, and games, and make inflight purchases directly from their own devices via in-seat ordering. The companies said “this collaboration streamlines airline operations by having one single platform for making payments, allowing airlines to connect to various acquiring banks and payment processors. This leads to faster and smoother checkout rates, which enhances the overall passenger experience. It also streamlines the entire payment process making it transparent and seamless for users.” “We are thrilled to partner with Soft Space to bring AirAsia’s passengers an enhanced inflight experience,” said John White, Chief Executive Officer of Inflight Dublin.
Emirates cabin crew select their perfect pair: Emirates female cabin crew are now invited to choose their own footwear preferences from a range of 15 shoe styles, so that their individual comfort and taste is catered to while working. The expansive range of Spanish-manufactured, 100% leather male and female shoes, offers a variety of heights, widths, shapes and styles, ensuring comfort, style and fit for every foot. The latest edition of the female shoes and matching leather handbag are a brighter red colour than before, which compliments the pleat of the skirt and the trim of the uniform. During the historic establishment of Emirates Airline in 1985, the very first shoes to be worn by Emirates cabin crew back were red, which changed to brown for a while, and then back to the signature red. Now female crew receive two pairs of red leather shoes every year– flat cabin shoes and a choice of medium or high heels. Male crew receive new leather shoes every nine months.
New ALSIM AL100i for Paragon Flight Training: ALSIM announced that Paragon Flight Training in the US has purchased two new AL100i simulators. The AL100i is a replica of the P100i, the trainer aircraft manufactured by Piper. The simulator will be designed to FTD 5 standard, offering a full-size cockpit replica, a semi-enclosed instructor station, an active electrical control loading, and a specific flight model based on aircraft flight characteristics. The AL100i will feature the immersive three projectors visual system for an unequaled 210×55° field of view. On top of this, the simulator will be equipped with the original G3X and GNX375 manufactured by Garmin, ensuring the same level of performance, features, and reliability as the aircraft, a world first for these avionics.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Matt Driskill at matt.driskill@asianaviation.com
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Head of Sales Kay Rolland at kay.rolland@asianaviation.com
