Mara Serena Lodge goes even greener
Serena Hotels in partnership with Mettle Solar OFGEN have transformed a third property, Mara Serena Safari Lodge in Kenya, into a fully solar-powered property. The inauguration of the Mara Serena solar power plant demonstrates Serena Hotels’ commitment to be the ‘Full-Scale Solar Pioneers’ in the East African hospitality sector.Courtesy ATC
Air Canada takes delivery of first Airbus A220
Air Canada has taken delivery of its first A220-300, designed, built and delivered from the Mirabel programme facilities in Canada.
The first aircraft out of an order of 45 will enter service in January, making Air Canada the first airline to operate the A220-300 in North America.
The A220 will enable the Montreal-based airline to fly passengers on various routes in Canada and to the United States, offering a dual-class cabin that comfortably seats 137 passengers; 12 in business class and 125 in economy class.
“This is a highly anticipated moment for Air Canada as we welcome this game-changing aircraft into our fleet, the next step in our fleet modernisation.
“It will not only allow us to transport our customers in comfort but also further our environmental commitment with its improved efficiency.
“The A220 will enable Air Canada to strengthen our position on transborder and transcontinental markets and will be key to our continued growth.
“Our customers will benefit from the A220’s innovative design features, including a choice of two spacious and comfortable cabins, larger overhead bins, bigger windows and a quieter experience in flight,” said Michael Rousseau, deputy chief executive officer and chief financial officer at Air Canada.
Courtesy Breaking Travel News
Tewolde GebreMariam honoured by CAPA as Airline Executive of the year 2019
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam has been recognized as ‘Airline Executive of the Year’ at the annual Global Aviation Awards for Excellence organized by Centre for Aviation (CAPA) in Malta on 5th December 2019. Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam won the title for his commendable individual influence on the aviation industry, demonstrating outstanding strategic thinking and innovative direction for the growth of Ethiopian Airlines and the aviation industry at large.
Commenting on the accolade, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam said, “I am honored to have received the award and I sincerely thank CAPA for the recognition. We at Ethiopian have achieved greater milestones as one family. I want to dedicate this award to my colleagues: more than 16,000 brave men and women around the world who always challenge themselves to soar higher with the mind-set that every step they take can become new history and milestone in today’s 21st century aviation business.”
Courtesy ATC
Radisson announces its fourth hotel in Ethiopia
The Radisson Hotel Bahir Dar, located in the North East of Addis Ababa, will be the first Radisson branded hotel and the Group’s fourth hotel in the country. This achievement brings Radisson Hotel Group’s African portfolio to almost 100 hotels in operation and under development.
The Radisson Hotel Bahir Dar will be located on the shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake which has been nominated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, just 8km from the International Airport. The city is home to some of the world’s oldest monasteries and churches, and the hotel will sit just 25km from Tis Abbai Falls, one of Ethiopia’s best-known tourist attractions.
Bahir Dar serves as the capital of the Amhara region in Ethiopia and is a well-known, memorable city to the north of the country. Tourists are drawn to Bahir Dar from around the world, not only due to the serene Lake Tana but also due to the city’s great location to rest and relax overnight, as travellers make their way to other popular destinations such as Gondar, Simien Mountains, and Lalibela.
Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Africa remains the most exciting continent for growth and evolution. According to WTTC, Ethiopia experienced the ‘highest tourism growth in the world’ in recent years, with over 45% increase. Such growth justifies more hotel developments in the country and we are pleased to introduce our fourth hotel in the market.”
Courtesy ATC
Piffaretti returns to lead development at Kempinski
Kempinski Hotels has appointed Christophe Piffaretti as chief development officer and member of the management board.In this role, Piffaretti will be responsible for the expansion of the Kempinski portfolio by focusing on the company’s footprint growth in current and new markets as well as supporting the real-estate development strategy.
He will also oversee technical services and design of new build and conversion hotel projects before the pre-opening phase.
Piffaretti brings with him more than 25 years of luxury hotel, real estate and development experience in international markets.
He returns to Kempinski from his most recent position of leading two real estate investment funds for Credit Suisse Asset Management, where he was responsible for the strategy, development, operations, and performance of a portfolio of over 150 properties in Switzerland.