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May 22, 2025

News to Know


What Is Starlink Wi-Fi and Which Airlines Have It?
(SOURCE: AIRLINE RATINGS)

For years, airplane Wi-Fi was the digital equivalent of plastic cutlery—there, but barely usable. Expensive, slow, and frustrating, it felt like a step backward into the early 2000s. But that’s changing, and fast. The reason? A satellite internet system best known as Starlink.

Now, it’s not just keeping people connected in rural Alaska or at sea—it’s turning inflight Wi-Fi into something actually worth using..

 
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AVIATION

India and UK Travelers Gain new Flight Options with IndiGo’s Manchester to Mumbai Launch (TRAVEL AND TOUR WORLD)

Summer Travel Demand Is Soaring — But Airlines Are Short on Planes (CNBC)

Defense Department Formally Accepts Luxury Boeing 747-8 From Qatar (Source)

HOSPITALITY

Marriott’s New Brand Is Called Series by Marriott, and It’s Coming to India First (SKIFT)

OTHER SECTORS

International Travel to the U.S. Remains Soft – Can Domestic Demand Fill the Gap? (SKIFT, MAY REQUIRE SUBSCRIPTION)

Four Futures of Travel in the Age of AI Agents (HOSPITALITY TODAY)

Enhance Preparations for Business Travel to the US, Experts Warn (HR MAGAZINE)

Corporate Travel’s Growing Pains Signal a Tech-Driven Future (HOSPITALITY TODAY, GBTA FEATURED)

Industry Spotlight


GBTA APAC Conference 2025 | Singapore
Last Chance to Join the APAC’s Leading Business Travel Conference!

In today’s fast-paced, tech-powered world, business travelers expect more—more personalization, more convenience, and more seamless interactions, every step of the way.

The closing main stage session ‘Customer Experience Redefined in Today’s Business Travel’ at GBTA APAC Conference 2025, May 27-28 at Raffles City Convention Centre, will take a deep dive into how travel programs are evolving to meet rising expectations. From AI-driven personalization to effortless booking and travel management, discover the tools and strategies powering the next generation of customer experience in business travel.

Expect forward-thinking discussions from our panel of industry expert speakers on:

  • How AI is powering hyper-personalized travel programs
  • What frictionless really looks like for travel management
  • Why loyalty hinges on experience—not just perks

Made Possible by

Don't Miss Out! Join 800+ industry peers representing 30+ countries, next week to connect with the business travel community, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights through leading-edge education.

Be part of the conversations shaping the future of business travel!

Register Now

 

GBTA + VDR Conference 2025 – Hamburg
GBTA + VDR 2025 – More Learning, More Connections, More Value!

Exciting updates for 2025!

We’re making this year’s GBTA + VDR Conference 2025 – Hamburg bigger and better than ever! What’s New?

Extended Programme – We’re starting early at 2 PM on 10 November, giving you:

  • More networking time – Enjoy an extra lunch to build deeper connections.
  • More insights – An additional Main Stage session with top industry leaders.

New Education Formats

  • Brain Dates – 4 peer-to-peer learning sessions, including Buyer-only discussions.
  • Industry Workshops – 5 brand-new, in-depth education sessions on Day 1.

In-Person Connections Matter

  • Connect First is back! – Make the most of face-to-face networking.

Join us 10-12 November at CCH – Congress Center Hamburg Register by 17 June to save with early bird pricing!

Learn More
 

Resources


Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

Brazil - Severe weather forecast across parts of northeastern Brazil through May 22. Flooding, landslides, and associated disruptions possible.

Italy - Severe weather forecast across much of Italy through at least May 23. Transport, business, and utility disruptions likely.

Spain - Unionized taxi drivers plan to demonstrate in Madrid, Spain, on May 28. Heightened security, transport disruptions likely.

United Kingdom - Anti-government activists to protest across the UK from 12:00 May 24. Counter-protests planned; heightened security likely.

More Information

Upcoming Events

GBTA APAC Conference 2025 | Singapore
May 27 - 28

GBTA Sustainability Summit 2025
June 10

GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit 2025
June 10 - 12

GBTA Convention 2025
July 21-23

View More Events

📢 Mentors Needed!

Calling all industry veterans: Share your passion for the global business travel industry and help others achieve their full potential. Become a GBTA WINiT Mentor...

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GBTA Career Spotlight
Is Your Company Hiring?

Use the GBTA Career Center to post your business travel job openings and access thousands of qualified industry professionals looking to make their next career move.

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