World News - Page 26 of 72

Three Grecotel Hotels to Discover Rethymno

August 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Costa Rica

In line with this approach, Grecotel is expanding around Réthymnon with a complementary offering comprising three properties: Plaza Beach House 4*, Casa Adele 4*, and Villa Oliva 4*. All provide a balance between the autonomy of a fully equipped apartment and the comfort of hotel services. This formula is particularly appreciated by families, travelers who extend their stay, but also by those who wish to explore Crete with complete freedom.

Grecotel Plaza Beach House 4*, “an urban oasis” by the sea

Directly situated on the seafront promenade of Réthymnon, the Grecotel Plaza Beach House benefits from a privileged location. The establishment cultivates a hybrid approach: a place where you can enjoy the gentle pleasures of a seaside stay while retaining the freedom to discover the city at your own pace.

Neither a large resort nor a simple holiday residence, the Plaza Beach House offers a formula particularly suited to families, extended stays, and travelers seeking flexibility.

Its 84 spacious accommodations range from studios to one- or two-bedroom apartments, including charming lofts with equipped kitchens, allowing guests to alternate prepared meals with moments shared at the restaurant. Breakfast is included, and a half-board option is also available.

This freedom comes with all the services a hotel can offer: an ocean-facing pool, the restaurant House Kitchen, wellness spaces with a spa, and a concierge service. The Play House invites adults to unwind in the spa with a hammam and sauna, or to use the year-round fitness room. From April to October, children enjoy Grecoland Kids’ Corner, a space dedicated to games and discovery. This combination particularly appeals to travelers who want hotel comforts without sacrificing their independence.

For exploration, opportunities are plentiful: water sports, cycling, or excursions into the surrounding area. Plaza Beach House is an ideal starting point to explore Réthymnon, its picturesque Venetian port, its historic lanes, the mountain villages inland, or the expansive beaches of the northern coast.

Grecotel Casa Adele: a Crete village atmosphere

Located in the Platanes district, east of Réthymnon, the Grecotel Casa Adele sits a few hundred meters from the beach and close to the historic center. A setting that allows travelers to combine seaside pleasures with cultural discoveries with ease.

Fully renovated, the property draws on the spirit of a Crete village and is organized around three groups: Casa Adele, Casa Serena and Villa Adele. Linked by landscaped gardens, patios, and several pools, the low-rise buildings create a particularly intimate and convivial atmosphere. The studios and countryside-inspired apartments are arranged around the pools and common areas. With their verandas and shaded balconies, equipped kitchens, and easy access to the relaxation pools, these accommodations offer “home-like” comfort.

At Villa Adele, the Fitness Club & Spa spans more than 230 m² dedicated to well-being. It brings together a gym, a squash court, a hydro-massage tub, a sauna, and relaxation spaces. Its mosaic-decorated indoor pool and treatment cabins extend the moments of relaxation.

The Greco-Italian restaurant highlights Mediterranean flavors: breakfast buffets, Crete specialties, wood-fired pizzas, and outdoor summer dining give the establishment a welcoming and friendly touch.

Thanks to its setting and ideal location, Casa Adele is an ideal base for exploring the region’s riches: inland villages, monasteries, wild gorges, or Agreco Farm, Grecotel’s traditional farm. The Be a Farmer for a Day program especially enables families to discover Crete’s farming gestures and traditions through an on-site experience.

Grecotel Villa Oliva: a quieter, more intimate address

Grecotel Villa Oliva stands out for a more intimate atmosphere designed for travelers seeking calm and authenticity. Inspired by Mediterranean architecture, this boutique resort favors natural materials such as wood, bamboo, rattan, and stone, reinforcing the warm and authentic feel of its décor.

Villa Oliva offers a range of accommodations suitable for both couples and families. The 21 ground-floor Superior rooms, the Deluxe rooms in the main house, family apartments, and the new two-bedroom apartments provide different configurations. Each unit features a fully equipped kitchenette, Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and an outdoor space with a pleasant view of the garden or pool, depending on the category chosen.

Set among a Mediterranean garden of olive trees, bougainvillea, and hibiscus, the large 105 m² freshwater pool is a relaxing hub around which the property’s life unfolds, complemented by a Pool Bar and light dining throughout the day. Guests can also enjoy activities offered at the nearby Grecotel Grand Leoniki Residence, including water sports and summer entertainment.

Through Plaza Beach House 4*, Casa Adele 4*, and Villa Oliva 4*, Grecotel meets the evolving expectations of travelers by offering different ways to experience Crete, turning trips into more autonomous, flexible stays, all guided by Mediterranean hospitality: the philoxenia, the true cornerstone of Grecotel Group’s philosophy.

Trois adresses Grecotel pour découvrir Réthymnon

Need information and/or training? Contact us:
One address only:

[email protected]

Phones:

+352 27 94 19 46 | +33 3 10 03 50 01 | +32 4 396 07 07

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Zimbabwe: Hyatt Announces Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls Opening at The Kingdom

August 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Le Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom est l'établissement plus proche de l'entrée du parc national des chutes Victoria du côté zimbabwéen - Depositphotos.com, dtemps

Costa Rica

The Hyatt group is preparing to open the Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in Zimbabwe by the end of 2027.

This property will undergo a complete renovation to meet Grand Hyatt brand standards.

Ideally situated five minutes on foot from the tropical rainforest surrounding Victoria Falls, the hotel will form the second site of the company in the country.

Originally built in 1966 and redesigned in 1999, this iconic resort is embarking on a global transformation of its architecture and interior décor.

The management agreement signed between a Hyatt subsidiary and Albwardy Investments aims to reinvent this benchmark of African hospitality into a high-end destination.

From its inauguration under the new banner, World of Hyatt members will be able to accumulate and redeem their benefits during their stays.

A Renovation Project and a Strategic Location for Regional Tourism

Upon reopening, the Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom will offer 245 fully redesigned rooms.

The facilities will also include 1,800 square meters of space dedicated to meetings and receptions, three restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, and a large lounge-hall.

Moreover, the hotel benefits from a prime location in the heart of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Positioned as the closest property to the entrance of the Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side, it is also a 20-minute drive from the international airport. This geographic setting will facilitate visitors’ access to regional safari circuits, cultural activities, and local gastronomic experiences.

Anantara Opens Its First Safari Camp in Zambia: Exceptional Ecotourism

August 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Anantara inaugure son tout premier camp safari en Zambie - Photo : Minor Hotels

Costa Rica

Pour marquer les 25 ans de la marque Anantara, Minor Hotels dévoile son premier camp safari surélevé au bord du fleuve Kafue, en Zambie.

Intégralement alimenté à l’énergie solaire et bâti sur des plateformes en bois pour préserver les déplacements de la faune sauvage, cet établissement marie luxe contemporain et engagement écologique strict au sein du parc national de Kafue.

Positionné à plus de 3,5 mètres au-dessus du sol le long des berges du fleuve Kafue, le complexe a été pensé par le cabinet Meg Ralph Spaces pour minimiser son empreinte environnementale.

Fonctionnant sans plastique à usage unique, doté d’un système de purification d’eau sur site et d’un éclairage nocturne adapté à la faune, le camp intègre des structures préfabriquées permettant de préserver la végétation existante.

L’offre d’hébergement comprend notamment trois suites suspendues à plus de 14 mètres de hauteur, ainsi que des villas privées disposant de leurs propres piscines et espaces de bien-être.

Une offre gastronomique et bien-être ancrée dans la nature

The experience offered to travelers revolves around terrestrial and aquatic activities, including 4×4 safaris, river excursions, guided hikes, and catch-and-release fishing.

On the dining front, the establishment showcases modern Zambian cuisine across its various spaces, complemented by a floating pontoon for meals on the water and immersive culinary workshops.

The wellness offering includes in-room treatments, private hammam spaces, as well as a floating fitness and yoga platform installed directly on the river.

Accessible by charter flights from Lusaka or Livingstone to the Chunga airstrip, or a four-hour drive from the capital, the camp represents a new showcase for sustainable and high-end tourism in Southern Africa.

Lire aussi : Hyatt débarque en Zambie avec le Hyatt Regency Lusaka The Pamodzi

Relais d’Amboise: A New Five-Star Gem in the Heart of the Loire Valley

August 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Costa Rica

Frédéric Jousset unveils the Relais d’Amboise, his new five‑star address affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World.

Situated at the foot of the Royal Château d’Amboise and near Clos Lucé, this 63‑room and suite establishment reimagines a exceptional historic site.

It notably integrates troglodyte spaces recorded as historic monuments, a Clarins mineral spa and myBlend, as well as the city’s first rooftop bar, offering a panoramic view of the Loire.

The architectural design, orchestrated by the LBBA agency and Roque Interiors studio, under the artistic direction of Joséphine Fossey, highlights the tuffeau stone and the Loire Valley identity.

The 63 rooms and suites occupy fully restored historic buildings, some offering private terraces with views of the river or the castle towers.

Relais d’Amboise : a troglodyte space dedicated to art and culture

On the gastronomy front, the Le Choiseul restaurant will offer contemporary French cuisine crafted by Michelin‑starred chef Nicolas Aubry and executive chef Vincent Léger Blanchard.

In parallel, the Le Turner bar, perched on the roof of the establishment, will constitute Amboise’s only rooftop. For wellness, the Spa des Roches will be housed in the heart of former troglodyte caves, complemented by a heated outdoor pool and a yoga space.

Read: 6 slow walks in Centre‑Val de Loire

The Relais d’Amboise also stands out for its cultural dimension.

The Greniers de César, vast underground galleries in tuffeau stone, will host an artistic program throughout the year, event spaces, and a tasting cave devoted to regional wines.

The site will notably participate in the artistic itinerary dedicated to sculptor Bernar Venet, in resonance with the Clos Lucé château and the Royal Château of Amboise.

Delta Air Lines Posts Solid Q2 2026 Results

August 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Delta Airlines : des résultats solides au 2e trimestre 2026, Depositphotos.com Photo by Boarding2Now

Costa Rica

Delta Air Lines s’appuie sur une demande soutenue pour absorber des coûts de carburant historiques. Au cours du trimestre clos en juin 2026, la compagnie a enregistré un chiffre d’affaires opérationnel GAAP de 19,8 milliards de dollars (17,7 milliards de dollars en non-GAAP). Cette performance opérationnelle permet à l’entreprise de générer un rendement à deux chiffres sur le capital investi et de poursuivre la réduction de sa dette.

Ed Bastian, directeur général de Delta, commente ces résultats : « We generated $1.4 billion of pretax earnings while absorbing the highest quarterly fuel costs in our history. This performance reflects the strength of demand, the growing preference for our brand, and the dynamics of our diversified revenue base. »

Pour l’ensemble de l’exercice 2026, la direction confirme ses prévisions initiales, ciblant une croissance des bénéfices de 20 % sur l’année. Les objectifs annuels prévoient un bénéfice par action (EPS) ajusté situé entre 6,50 $ et 7,50 $, ainsi qu’un flux de trésorerie disponible compris entre 3 et 4 milliards de dollars.

Robust Financial Metrics and Positive Outlook for the September Quarter

The results for the April–June 2026 quarter underscore the company’s profitability. On a GAAP basis, operating income stood at $1.9 billion (margin 9.4%) and earnings per share reached $2.44. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income was $1.6 billion (margin 8.8%) with an adjusted earnings per share of $1.56. Operating cash flow was $1.6 billion on a GAAP basis (1.7 billion on a non-GAAP basis).

For the quarter from July to September 2026, the carrier expects revenue to rise by about 15% (“mid-teens”) versus the prior year, accompanied by a double-digit operating margin.

This favorable trend should support the company’s debt-reduction plan and the planned revaluation of dividends paid to shareholders in the fall.

TAP Air Portugal Strategy: Consolidate Routes and Launch New Ones

August 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Costa Rica

Based in Madrid, Paloma Utrera was in Paris last week.

The opportunity to meet her and her teams for a discussion about major sector developments, such as evolving travel habits, connectivity challenges, and the market’s new dynamics.

In this context, and within TAP Air Portugal, we also discussed the French market and the connections from the mainland, the growing role of Portugal as a hub between Europe, South America and Africa, the evolution of the onboard product and the opportunities offered by a stopover in Portugal.

TAP Air Portugal: 132 weekly flights between France and Portugal

TourMaG – You took over from Rino Morosini at the beginning of this year 2026, a strategic year for TAP. How is this transition unfolding?

Paloma Utrera : Rino did an excellent job and I arrived in Paris to “inherit” the position, so to speak. There was first the inauguration of our business lounge in Paris, which, as a reminder, is TAP’s only lounge outside of Lisbon.

This is important for us. There was also the launch of our onboard service Economy Prime last month in June on our long-haul flights. It is a product we wanted to offer to our clients, our corporate passengers, and all those who do not travel in business class but still desire a differentiated onboard experience.

We are, in this regard, very satisfied with the market response to this product, whose success should continue to grow from September when corporate traffic becomes more dynamic.

I also commend our communications team here in France for doing an excellent job highlighting our brand, the quality of our product, and the performances of our onboard crews.

TourMaG – Regarding your offering between France and Portugal, could you remind us what you provide?

Paloma Utrera : This summer, our airline operates 132 weekly flights between France and Portugal, with direct services between Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse and Lisbon. Thus we cover the southern part of France, and for Paris we offer 56 weekly frequencies, what we call a shuttle to Lisbon and Porto.

TourMaG – How do you approach the summer season at TAP?

Paloma Utrera : This summer, the entire industry recognizes the challenge posed by the international situation and rising costs. Nevertheless, our structure is solid and our performance in France and overall is quite solid.

Our results for the first four months of the year are up by 11% compared with the previous year in terms of revenue, and passenger numbers have risen by 6.4%.

We have also improved load factors by 5% versus last year, reaching 84%. These are good results for this pre-summer period, which is not the peak season.

TourMaG – Portugal, like other southern destinations, is also a safe-haven destination?

Paloma Utrera : Yes, that is an important point to emphasize, and we also see growth in other markets such as the United States and Brazil, for which we recently opened a new destination in July: Curitiba, the capital of Paraná state.

We are also continuing to open new routes: Terceira in the Azores, and Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, from Lisbon.

From Lisbon, in addition to Curitiba, we have also opened Athens, an important route for us that has been very well received by the market in Greece.

Our strategy is to consolidate these routes and open others. In October, we will also launch São Luís, Maranhão, in Brazil, an exciting destination featuring, among other things, the Lençóis Maranhenses natural site, which is very interesting.

Lisbon, Europe’s premier hub to Brazil

TourMaG – Brazil is truly a flagship destination for you.

Paloma Utrera : Yes, indeed. We now have 15 direct destinations to Brazil from Lisbon, which is well connected to all of our European routes.

We are also developing Porto as a hub for long-haul destinations. We now aim to consolidate and grow in these markets. In the United States, a new development: after opening Los Angeles, we will open Orlando in the autumn.

TourMaG – Lisbon, a truly strategic hub?

Paloma Utrera : Absolutely. Look at our geographic position. I can say we are practically at the “center of the world.” The best place to connect Europe, North America, South America, but also Africa where we have many destinations.

TourMaG – What are the advantages of a stopover in Lisbon?

Paloma Utrera : What truly makes the difference is that we offer a 10-day stopover window in Lisbon or Porto between your connecting flights, to discover another destination in Portugal, a hop to the Azores for example, with a favorable fare and discounts up to 50% on restaurants, hotels, tours, outdoor activities, and cultural sites.

This is our Portugal Stopover program, which has been named the world’s best stopover program by Global Traveler for the eighth consecutive year.

TourMaG – The fleet evolution is also a TAP Air Portugal project?

Paloma Utrera : We currently operate a fleet of 99 aircraft, one of the most modern fleets thanks to our Airbus Neo, and we are working to replace our oldest aircraft and also to increase the number of planes (A320neo, A321neo, A330neo).

A modern fleet is part of our environmental strategy that we are developing. Modern aircraft, but also recyclable products onboard. Everyone is involved, and we have managed to reduce our CO₂ emissions by 12% since last year.

A slice of the cake?

TourMaG – Aviation industry observers are waiting for decisions on TAP’s capital entry by a major player. Two large groups are in the running: Air France-KLM and Lufthansa. Do you have a preference?

Paloma Utrera : (smiling) No, not a preference. The aviation world is highly competitive, and we need to partner with a major group. It will be a government decision that selects the best option.

TourMaG – We won’t know your preference. And if I ask what your favorite cake is: Black Forest cake, a German cake, or the chocolate éclair, a French pastry?

Paloma Utrera : (laughs) I like both a lot!

Published by Christophe Hardin Journaliste AirMaG – TourMaG.com
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Air France Unveils Redesign of Its La Première Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle

August 26, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Air France présente le réaménagement de son salon "La Première à Paris-Charles de Gaulle", photo by Air France

Costa Rica

Air France reorganizes the welcome for its most exclusive guests by unveiling its La Première lounge, completely redesigned during the summer of 2026.

This project extends the airport journey reorganization that began in 2024. It also accompanies the introduction of the new first-class suites aboard the Boeing 777-300ER.

The venue now features an expanded Sisley skincare area and a restaurant operated by chef Alain Ducasse. These arrangements aim to simplify and enhance travelers’ waiting experience before their flight.

Salon Air France: restructuring of dining, rest and wellness areas

The space reorganization centers around several activity hubs resized to accommodate travelers’ waiting times.

The dining area now has increased capacity with more tables. Table service offers a menu developed by the Alain Ducasse group, featuring dishes from classic French cuisine and vegetarian options. The wine and champagne selection is overseen by the airline’s head sommelier, Xavier Thuizat.

The main lounge area has been redesigned using screens and physical partitions to create individual alcoves. The furniture notably includes reissues of the Ribbon chair by designer Pierre Paulin.

The wellness hub, operated in partnership with the cosmetics brand Sisley, has undergone a technical expansion with the installation of a second treatment cabin, doubling the capacity to handle pre-flight skincare treatments.

The rest area features new individual nap cabins equipped with recliners and sleeping provisions. For professional needs, a work area now includes a closed acoustic booth dedicated to confidential telephone communications.

Adjacent private accommodation option

In addition to the shared lounge, passengers retain the possibility to reserve, for an additional fee, one of three private suites of 45m² laid out in the immediate vicinity.

These step apartments, two of which have a connecting access, include a living room, a bedroom with a double bed, a private bathroom as well as a private outdoor patio. Alain Ducasse’s catering service can be provided upon request, complemented by a welcome featuring caviar and champagne.

LATAM Airlines: Global Sales Support Excellence for Travel Professionals

August 26, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Costa Rica

To accompany its distribution partners, the company relies on a highly specialized structure: the Global Sales Support (Global Sales Support – GSS) team. This tailor-made service is entirely dedicated to assisting travel agencies across all segments (leisure, business, online) as well as companies affiliated with the LATAM Corporate program, thereby ensuring efficient and borderless commercial connectivity.

A Multilingual Infrastructure and International Expertise

One of LATAM Airlines’ Global Sales Support’s major strengths lies in its international dimension and its ability to adapt culturally. The GSS team handles an impressive annual volume of more than 1.5 million requests worldwide. To offer a smooth and personable experience, the service is structured to respond in six key languages: French, Spanish, English, Portuguese, German, and Italian.

For Europe, and especially for the French market, service hours are perfectly aligned with the rhythms of local agencies. French-language support is available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 to 17:00, ensuring optimal responsiveness during business hours. Beyond these time slots or for absolute operational emergencies, the global channels take over to guarantee business continuity on a global scale.

360° Support: The Pillars of LATAM Airlines Support

The GSS service offering has been segmented to address with precision each type of issue encountered by travel agents. It revolves around four major areas of intervention :

1. Operational and Technical Support. This pillar forms the core of daily assistance. GSS advisors accompany agents through complex technical steps such as fare calculation (public or private fares), ticket reissuance procedures, and the association of electronic EMD documents for ancillary services, notably seat selection and baggage. Additionally, this unit handles requests for special services essential for passenger comfort, such as Unaccompanied Minor assistance (UMNR), or the carriage of pets in cabin (PETC) and in the hold (AVIH).

2. NDC Support by LATAM Airlines. In the era of digital transformation, LATAM Airlines positions itself at the technological forefront with its own NDC ecosystem. The GSS support offers specialized assistance for all requests related to issuances and redemptions via this platform. Whether it is voluntary changes or involuntary reissues following itinerary changes, the team also manages specific commercial exceptions (such as proposals to change airports for affected passengers), enabling agencies to navigate this new technological environment with ease.

3. Commercial and After-Sales Support. Profitability and administrative management of travel agencies are also central priorities for LATAM Airlines. The GSS support acts as a facilitator in resolving disputes related to Debit Memos (ADM). It is also responsible for applying commercial flexibility policies (pre-sale waivers) and discounts directly via the Latam Trade portal. Agents can request handling of refunds and the creation of user accounts in the private space.

4. Group Management. For group travel, Series and Charter Flights LATAM Airlines offers robust solutions for groups of at least 10 passengers sharing the same itinerary, whether for corporate or leisure purposes. The GSS offers two negotiation formats: ad-hoc groups, and the “AD HOC Series” for off-schedule requests. For large-scale projects, the Charter service manages the entire operational chain: PNR creation, invoicing, integration of name lists, issuance of the Master Ticket, and transmission of manifests to airport authorities.

Des canaux de communication optimisés et des engagements de service (SLA) stricts

To minimize waiting times for professionals and ensure maximum efficiency, LATAM Airlines commits to rigorous service standards (SLA) across several fast-response communication channels:

● Phone: Via the dedicated French market line (+33 184080261), the average response time is 3 minutes, allowing you to speak directly with an advisor for case follow-up.

● Online chat: Available directly on the portal www.latamtrade.com, this channel offers real-time interaction with a specialized agent, with an average wait time of only 20 seconds, enabling immediate contact for urgent cases.

● Email: For cases requiring the submission of documents (such as [email protected]), LATAM guarantees an initial response within 8 hours and a final resolution within 48 hours.

LATAM Airlines : un Support Global des ventes d’Excellence pour les professionnels du voyage

Commercial Contact

Anabelle Araujo – [email protected]

Commercial Help Desk :

[email protected]

Groups Service :

[email protected]

More information on our travel agents platform: www.latamtrade.com

Riyadh Air Prefers Boeing Over Airbus

August 26, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Riyadh Air accélère sa stratégie de flotte, Depositphotos.com Photo by VanderWolf Images

Costa Rica

The Saudi carrier Riyadh Air seized Farnborough to simultaneously boost its orders from Boeing and Airbus.

The airline finalized the purchase of 28 additional Boeing 787s and six Airbus A350-1000s. This dual move aims to prepare the expansion of its long‑haul network to more than 100 international destinations by 2030.

Under the agreement with the American manufacturer Boeing, the airline is exercising options placed in 2023 for 28 aircraft.

This commitment includes converting 20 options into the 787-10 version, thereby introducing for the first time the largest member of the Dreamliner family into its fleet. Once the processes are completed, the carrier’s firm order backlog will reach a total of 67 Boeing 787s.

Riyadh Air to operate 67 Boeings against 50 Airbuses

In parallel, Riyadh Air reinforces its partnership with the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus by confirming the purchase of six A350-1000s.

The agreement is part of the initial commitment made in 2025, targeting a maximum of 50 aircraft.

Read: Saudi Arabia, the future hub for air traffic in the Middle East?

With this exercise of options, the airline raises its total firm orders for the A350-1000 to 31, becoming the first operator of this model in Saudi Arabia.

These strategic investments are expected to enable the airline to meet the rising demand for passenger and cargo transport.

AirlinePros: Leading American GSA Represented in France by Frédéric d’Hauthuille (Video)

August 26, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

In tourism, there are bosses who juggle multiple roles as others wear yellow jerseys.

Frédéric d’Hauthuille is one of them.

Not only is the founder and leader of Monde Authentique the driving force behind the Club des Créateurs de Voyages, but he also teaches at two tourism schools.

Do you think his commitments stop there?

“I am a partner and development director at Prodesti, which provides training to travel agents and the employees of tour operators.

And then, I speak of it less, but I hold the license for the French market of AirlinePros, which represents airlines.

I have worked within airlines since 1992 up to the launch of Monde Authentique. In 2022, AirlinePros contacted me“, we share Frédéric d’Hauthuille.

Achma Asokan, the cofounder of the company, then decides to broaden the activity beyond the United States, where she has quickly established herself as one of the leading General Sales Agents, or general sales agents, for airlines.

What is AirlinePros?

AirlinePros was launched in the late 1990s, led by James W. Foster and Achma Asokan.

Its teams are located in India, the United States and Namibia. The company has opened offices around the world, eventually operating in more than 40 countries.

“AirlinePros handles the representation of airlines, primarily in the United States and Canada. It counts 57 client airlines, therefore it represents 57 carriers.

In France, more than 50 airlines do not have a direct presence, but rather operate through a GSA, a general sales agent, hence a representative“, explains Frédéric d’Hauthuille.

For newcomers, a GSA ensures the commercial representation of airlines that do not have the means, or the desire, to be present in France by employing their own staff.

AirlinePros: “InterCaribbean will open routes from Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France”

"Les clients refusent de voyager sur une compagnie aérienne du Golfe" selon Frédéric d’Hauthuille - RP

This model is widespread across the world. There are several players, such as Global Airline Services in France, Aviareps, APG, or AirlinePros, who will adapt to the needs of airlines according to markets.

Some do not need to be represented in France, while others do not need to be represented in the United States.

“We have contracts with five airlines. The one occupying the most of my attention at the moment is InterCaribbean, based in the Turks and Caicos Islands, hence on a British territory, with British traffic rights.

InterCaribbean will open, in the coming months, routes from Pointe-à-Pitre and Fort-de-France.

We are laying out the strategy to be implemented with the airline’s headquarters on the Caribbean territories, and finding ways to route customers from mainland France onto the InterCaribbean network“, reveals Frédéric d’Hauthuille.

If the name InterCaribbean doesn’t ring a bell, it’s partly because the airline has regularly changed its name.

Created in 1991, it was then called InterIsland Airways. Then, in 2003, it was renamed Air Turks & Caicos. Five years later, it merged with SkyKing, before taking its final name in 2013.

It operates around ten aircraft, mainly ATRs and Embraer jets. And that’s not all.

AirlinePros has signed a contract with Sunrise Airways, a Haitian carrier operating two weekly flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Haiti, and it offers “excellent connections to reach Miami.

Between July and September 13, this route will be operated with an A320, replacing the Embraer 145. This represents a 180% increase in capacity, a major challenge for the summer.”

“Customers refuse to travel on a Gulf airline”

The GSA also represents LIFT, a South African airline founded in 2020, as well as FastJet, a Zimbabwean carrier.

On the Prodesti side, Frédéric d’Hauthuille’s other hat, the first half-year was marked by a slowdown in trainings. In light of falling bookings, the leaders apparently paused some expenditures, starting with training.

“We have 35 trainings and we will launch French Polynesia, which met a demand from our client travel agencies. For 2027, we are preparing trainings on China and Indonesia” announces the head.

As for his latest role, that of head of Monde Authentique, after the turmoil triggered by the war in Iran, with passengers stranded all over the world, evacuations to be carried out, and then bookings thinning out, the summer will be quieter.

A few last-minute dossiers could nevertheless improve the statistics. “We have noticed since late May that more than half of our sales pertain to departures in June, July and August. There are still plenty of seats almost everywhere. I have never seen this in 40 years in the industry.

Most clients, from the first contact, tell us they will refuse to travel on a Gulf airline. There are many who do not want to depart towards the East, i.e., toward Asia“, he explains, rather unconcerned about 2027, as clients already envision the next year.

Publié par Romain Pommier Journaliste – TourMaG.com
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