Oooh, sourcy: Thomas Cook gets into bed with Webjet August 18, 2016 It looks like Thomas Cook is getting off the source: the travel giant said today it has signed a strategic sourcing partnership with Sunhotels, the online accommodation arm of Webjet. Under the deal, Sunhotels will take responsibility for sourcing and contracting hotels that make up what Thomas Cook calls its complementary business. While the company focuses on its [...]
Banning diesel cars is essential to tackling London’s pollution crisis August 17, 2016 Writing in City A.M. on Friday last week, Trevor Raymond from the World Platinum Investment Council argued that the phasing out of diesel cars from London’s roads, as recommended in a recent report we published, was a “blunt policy response to a complex and evolving [air pollution] problem”. We totally agree. There is no single [...]
Cathay Pacific shares plummet after profits plunge August 17, 2016 Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific's shares dropped by more than seven per cent after a huge decline in first half profits. The airline reported that its first half profits fell after losing out on its fuel hedging contracts, as well as increased competition. Read more: Here are the world's 10 safest airlines: Qantas, British Airways and Cathay Pacific [...]
Uber launches legal challenge over new London taxi rules August 16, 2016 Uber has launched legal action against London's transport regulator over new rules that threaten to limit its business in the capital, City A.M. can exclusively reveal. The billion-dollar startup is seeking a judicial review to halt the introduction of new rules it claims are too strict. Transport for London set out new regulations earlier this year after a [...]
Blame Jeremy Corbyn for the increasing number of public sector strikes August 16, 2016 The total number of working days lost through labour disputes last year was, at just 170,000, the second lowest annual total since records began in 1891. What a difference a year can make. Southern Rail commuters have endured months of misery due to the prolonged series of strikes called by the RMT. Union members on Eurostar [...]
Everyone will benefit from the coming “brain free” car revolution August 16, 2016 Driverless cars are making headlines, with the future of travel revealing itself to be grounded very much in the present. It’s a thrilling time to be in the motor business as trials of new vehicles are gaining momentum. And while it will take time for the technology to be fully rolled out on our roads, completely [...]
RMT vote in favour of station staff strikes on Govia network following planned ticket office closure August 16, 2016 The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) announced 70 per cent of members had voted in favour of further strike action on the Govia Thameslink (GTR) network. The total number of people balloted was 407 of which 120 voted against the action with a further six spoilt votes – a sizeable increase in the "no" vote compared to recent votes on industrial action. [...]
Indonesian airlines cleared for take off in America after nine-year ban August 16, 2016 Indonesian airlines will be able to take off in America following a nine-year ban after having been cleared by regulators. A safety review by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Indonesia had been upgraded to a top-tier safety rating – Category 1 – after nearly 10 years. Airlines must hold a Category 1 rating to be [...]
I quit government over Heathrow expansion: This is why I changed my mind August 15, 2016 I resigned as parliamentary private secretary to the minister of state at the Home Office and Treasury in 2009 over government proposals for expansion at Heathrow. The plan was unsympathetic to local residents, it ignored concerns about both environmental and noise pollution, and it didn’t offer enough in the way of increased surface access to [...]
Gatwick Airport establishes Growth Board ahead of government’s long-awaited aviation decision August 15, 2016 Gatwick Airport has established a Growth Board (GGB) as it seeks to bolster arguments for a second runway ahead of the government's long-awaited decision on aviation capacity in the south east. Former minister for the Olympics and for London Baroness Tessa Jowell and former minister for transport Steve Norris will co-chair the group, examining the wider economic and [...]