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Kate Harden-England

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Corporate NDC bookings jump 168%, finds…

✈️ Accelya reports a 168% increase in corporate NDC bookings and a 162% rise in NDC volumes through GDS in Q4 2025 vs. Q4 2024. Airlines on Accelya's platform included ancillaries in 31% of NDC bookings, adding up to $12 per ticket. January 2026 set new NDC volume records, signifying growth. BCD Travel saw NDC bookings quadruple, highlighting rapid adoption. This reflects a shift from pilot projects to large-scale operations, driven by significant investment in modern retailing technology.
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Great Western Railway introduces…

🚉 UK rail firm Great Western Railway (GWR) launched the UK’s first battery-only train into passenger service, replacing diesel trains starting with the 0530 West Ealing to Greenford service. The Class 230 train set a world record, traveling 200.5 miles on a single charge. The fast-charge trial on the Greenford line lasted 22 months, highlighting battery technology as a viable, sustainable alternative. GWR aims for net-zero emissions by 2050 and plans further battery train investments with the Department for Transport.
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Hubby eSIM adds Kasper Rasmussen as Chief…

✈ Amsterdam-based Hubby eSIM has appointed Kasper Rasmussen as Chief Commercial Officer. Bringing over 20 years of experience, Rasmussen joins from AuthentIQ Intelligence. In 2025, Hubby eSIM significantly grew travel brand partnerships with DERTour and Flight Centre. CEO Thijs van der Wijk highlighted 2026 as a year to scale new products and enhance partnerships. The company aims to make connectivity a vital part of travel, helping brands and travelers stay connected.
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Travel Counsellors appoints Jeremy Smith to…

💻 Travel Counsellors, UK’s leading travel tech platform, appoints Jeremy Smith as AI Innovation Partner in February 2026. Smith, founder and CEO of Neural Voice, aims to enhance AI in the company, evolving TC Co-Pilot, improving workflows, and personalizing customer experiences. This appointment supports Travel Counsellors’ ongoing tech investment in 2026. CEO Steve Byrne highlights the commitment to innovation, while Smith emphasizes AI’s role in augmenting human expertise. His mother, a Travel Counsellor for over ten years, connects him personally to the business.
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Over-55s lead 2026 travel surge, data finds

🌎 UK holidaymakers in 2026: 55% prioritize shared experiences over inheritance, especially those 55+. 26% plan to spend more on longer trips, while 18% favor shorter trips. 70% design vacations around personal interests; history (54%) and food (31%) are top picks. Top travel experiences: city breaks (57%), beach (42%), all-inclusive (37%). 48% of over-55s indulge in luxury without guilt. Despite economic challenges, travel spending remains strong, driven by passion-led pursuits.
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Jet2.com reaches 100% electric ground…

🚀 Jet2.com has achieved a milestone at Newcastle Airport by transitioning all its owned ground service equipment (GSE) to 100% electric power. This aligns with its goal to reduce emissions and enhance air quality, aiming for a 99% reduction in GSE emissions by 2035. Paul Southall, Head of Sustainability, emphasizes their commitment to sustainability through electrification efforts. The initiative also includes electric crew buses and a salary-exchange scheme for electric cars across the UK.
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