UK & US Travel Headlines - October 18, 2024

First Look: Park Hyatt London River Thames

Park Hyatt has made its UK debut with the opening of the Park Hyatt London River Thames.? Situated in South West London's Nine Elms District, the new-build hotel is in an unusual location for the luxury brand, which is more often found in the heart of city centres.? Javier águila, Group President EAME at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, said the location offered an opportunity—citing the recent regeneration of Battersea Power Station as well as the nearby US Embassy.?

Eurostar Takes Train Travel to the Next Level With Eurostar Premier Dining

Eurostar is introducing a revamped gastronomic offering for its Eurostar Premier customers. For the first time in the world, a team of three visionary chefs—Jeremy Chan, Jessica Préalpato and Honey Spencer—will serve their daring creations to passengers on a high-speed train from 4 November. Wherever they go, Eurostar Premier customers will experience a culinary journey that is both bold and sophisticated. Recognised for their expertise in reinventing cuisine, these chefs challenge traditional traditional norms with every dish they offer.?

Delta Adds Route Between Copenhagen & Minneapolis

Delta is increasing its presence in Scandinavia with a new route between Copenhagen and Minneapolis-St. Paul, from May 2025. The US airline will operate three flights per week on the new route, which comes after Scandinavian airline SAS joined Delta as a member of the SkyTeam alliance at the start of September.

Delta Plans Los Angeles-Shanghai Return

SkyTeam member, Delta Air Lines, says it now plans to resume its Los Angeles-Shanghai service next summer. From 1 June, Delta hopes to operate the route three times a week with its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, its latest new-technology widebody. With the return of Los Angeles-Shanghai service, Delta will operate 17 weekly flights between the US?and China, including existing routes from Detroit and Seattle.?

Singapore Airlines Unveils Premium Dining Menus by Monica Galetti

Singapore Airlines has revealed its in-flight menus designed by celebrated chef and MasterChef Monica Galetti. The cuisine will be served to premium customers on flights departing from the UK.? The partnership with the Samoan-New Zealand chef was announced earlier this year, but further details, images and a behind-the-scenes video have been released after months of menu development.?

Cathay Pacific Schedules Aria Suite Debut

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific has scheduled the?launch of its new Aria business class suite on 18 October 2024. The launch route will be Hong Kong to Beijing, using the newly reconfigured Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. For now,?Business Traveller?sources?report that this trial route will operate until 31 October as CX332 and CX331.

Air New Zealand Kicks Off 787-9 Retrofit Programme

Star Alliance member, Air New Zealand, has kicked off a major refresh of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, with the first of 14 aircraft touching down in Singapore on Sunday to be retrofitted with new cabin interiors.? The aircraft, with the registration code ZK-NZH, will spend some time at ST Engineering, the airline's heavy maintenance partner. There,?it will have its existing interior stripped out and all-new products installed, including revamped seats in economy and premium economy, and the redesigned 'Business Premier' cabin, including the new 'Business Premier Luxe' product.

Faena New York to Bring Signature Sizzle to the High Line Next Spring

A Latin icon is touching down in the Big Apple. Faena, the Miami-based, Argentine-born luxury hotel group known for its bold blend of opulence, artistry?and tropical exuberance is adding another destination to its burgeoning roster. Faena New York will open its doors next spring, gracing the city with its immersive approach to hospitality and culture. Faena New York will find its home at 500 West 18th Street—overlooking the High Line—in a building designed by Bjarke Ingels Group.??