Travel Weekly Group Ltd

🛩 Airbus plans to introduce a "commercially viable" hydrogen-powered, fully-electric passenger aircraft possibly by the late 2030s. The ZEROe aircraft will feature electric propeller propulsion systems, four propellers, and hydrogen fuel cells that emit only water when using renewable energy-produced hydrogen. Technologies include four two-megawatt electric propulsion engines and two liquid hydrogen tanks. Airbus reaffirms its commitment to hydrogen for aviation decarbonization, with further refinement and testing of associated technologies to come.

👤 69% of travelers across generations look forward to business trips, with 70% of Gen Z (18-28) eager but also stressed. Gen Z (63%) less likely understands employer's duty of care compared to 68% overall and 73% of Millennials. UK and US travelers (84% UK, 90% US) feel supported by employers during disruptions. 45% of Gen Z experienced travel disruption, more than Millennials (36%) and Gen X (32%). 60% are interested in digital tools, 70% want human assistance. Over half are comfortable with AI for tasks: flights (62%), expenses (60%). Millennials more comfortable with AI than Gen Z. 62% US/UK travelers extended trips for leisure, 65% maintain personal values on work trips, frequent flyers (78%) more so. 40% of remote workers consider travel opportunities important for job choice. 55% expect more travel in five years, 66% think it will get easier.

💳 Global payment platform FinMont has partnered with Payfast by Network International to integrate Payfast's payment processing solutions into FinMont's global ecosystem, enhancing the payment gateway offerings in South Africa. The collaboration aims to provide merchants with a seamless payment experience, as expressed by Suby Valluri, CEO of FinMont, and David Adams, managing director of Payfast. The partnership focuses on expanding FinMont's client access to secure, scalable, and efficient payment solutions in the travel industry.

📱 SHR launched a new AI Assistant for content automation within CRS and CRM platforms. The AI Assistant facilitates multilingual updates, maintains consistent messaging, and improves accessibility compliance, optimizing room descriptions, promotional materials, and image alt-text. SHR's CEO, Rodrigo Jimenez, emphasizes the AI's role in enhancing guest experiences and driving bookings. This innovation is part of SHR's forthcoming series of AI-driven enhancements to elevate the hotel guest journey.