Lufthansa is focusing more than ever on premium service: Following the introduction of the new in-flight service on all long-haul flights in early May, the number of destinations where passengers can experience the new Allegris cabin will increase significantly starting this coming winter. The new cabin interior was introduced in 2024 and offers passengers in all classes an exclusive and personalized experience with innovative seating concepts, high-quality materials, and state-of-the-art technology.

Lufthansa will fly to no fewer than eleven new destinations in winter 2026/27 with Allegris on board. From Frankfurt, new long-haul routes will include Vancouver (Canada), Houston (USA), Denver (USA), Atlanta (USA), Detroit (USA), San José (Costa Rica), Seoul (South Korea) – and Kuala Lumpur. Lufthansa will offer the new nonstop service to Malaysia’s cital five times a week starting October 25.

With the launch of flights to Kuala Lumpur, Lufthansa Airlines is strengthening its network in Southeast Asia and focusing on growth in a dynamic region. The new Boeing 787-9, one of the most modern and efficient aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet, will be deployed on this route, featuring 287 seats in three classes and the new Allegris cabin – just as it will on flights from Frankfurt to Chennai (India) starting in March.

From Munich, the new Allegris destinations are: Singore starting in late October, Washington (USA) in March 2027, and Ce Town (South Africa).

In addition, Lufthansa will increase weekly frequencies on several high-demand transatlantic routes this winter: This includes routes from Frankfurt to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), San José (Costa Rica), Bogotá (Colombia), Lagos (Nigeria), and Hyderabad (India), as well as from Munich to São Paulo (Brazil), Mexico City, Johannesburg (South Africa), and Washington (USA).

New at SWISS
SWISS is further expanding its offerings in the 2026/27 winter schedule and, for the first time, is adding a destination in southern India—Bengaluru (India)—to its route network. At the same time, SWISS is bringing the new long-haul experience SWISS Senses to Johannesburg (South Africa) and Shanghai (China) this winter on the Airbus A350.

New at ITA Airways
ITA Airways will launch a new seasonal direct route from Rome-Fiumicino to Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) for the 2026/27 winter season. This marks the airline’s first foray into the Central American market and further expands its route network on the continent. ITA Airways’ upcoming winter schedule will also be supplemented by two new routes that were already introduced during the current summer season: the Rome-Fiumicino–Houston (USA) and Rome-Fiumicino–London Heathrow (UK) routes.

New at Brussels Airlines
On June 3, Brussels Airlines will launch a new route between Brussels and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania). This route was originally planned only as a summer service, but due to strong demand, Brussels Airlines will continue the flights through the winter. Between October 28 and December 16, the airline will fly to Kilimanjaro once a week, and between December 19 and February 21, two weekly flights are scheduled.

New at Discover Airlines
Starting in winter 2026/27, Discover Airlines is expanding its offerings to include two new destinations in Morocco. Starting in late October, the holiday airline will connect Frankfurt with the coastal city of Agadir and offer the only direct connection from Munich to the historic royal city of Fès in the northeast of the country. In addition, the airline is continuing the successful expansion of its Nordic offerings and will include flights to Ivalo in Finnish Lland in its winter schedule for the first time. From mid-December to mid-ril, the holiday airline will operate a weekly direct flight from Munich to Finland’s northernmost region.

New at Edelweiss
Due to strong demand for flights to Scandinavia, Edelweiss will further expand its service to Finland and Norway. In addition, the season to Luleå (Swedish Lland), which was newly added last year, will be extended. Additional flights to all three countries are in the planning stages and will be announced in the coming weeks. Furthermore, due to demand, cacity will be increased to the Canary Islands, Faro, Bilbao, and Seville, as well as to Mallorca.

New at Eurowings
Eurowings, Germany’s largest holiday airline, is strategically expanding its offerings in the 2026/27 winter schedule to include high-demand European routes. From Berlin, the Lufthansa Group airline—as the market leader at the German cital’s airport—is particularly strengthening its service to European cities and Nordic winter destinations. New additions to the winter schedule include a route from Berlin to Kuusamo in Finnish Lland. Eurowings is also increasing frequencies on existing routes to Rovaniemi and Kittilä (both in Finland). Furthermore, Eurowings is continuing the expansion of the Cital Express from Berlin: The route to Rome will launch on November 2, and flights to London Heathrow (UK) will also be offered during the winter. From Düsseldorf, Eurowings is extending its service beyond the summer season and will offer year-round flights to Madrid (Spain) in the future.

All destinations in the 2026/27 winter flight schedule are now available for booking.

ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited) has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Brevistay Hospitality Private Limited, marking a strategic move to strengthen its position in India’s hotel booking market.

The company’s Board has proved the acquisition of a 54.66 per cent stake in Brevistay for a total investment of INR 65.69 crore. The transaction will be completed through a combination of primary and secondary share purchases, subject to the fulfilment of conditions outlined in the definitive agreements. Upon completion, Brevistay will become a subsidiary of ixigo.

The agreement also provides ixigo with the right to acquire the remaining stake in the company in the future, subject to agreed conditions.

Founded in 2016, Brevistay operates a flexible-stay hotel booking platform that enables customers to book both short-duration and overnight stays. The company has developed one of India’s largest flexible-stay hotel networks, serving budget, mid-scale, and premium hotel segments across major metropolitan areas as well as Tier II and Tier III cities.

Following the acquisition, the combined hotel network of ixigo and Brevistay will comprise more than 10,000 directly contracted hotels across the country. The enlarged network is expected to accelerate ixigo’s hotel expansion strategy and strengthen its accommodation offerings for travellers.

The transaction is also expected to create operational synergies by combining Brevistay’s hotel supply network, field sales cabilities, flexible-stay expertise, and hotel partner relationships with ixigo’s AI-driven technology platform, customer base, and multi-modal travel ecosystem.

Announcing the acquisition, Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo, and Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO, ixigo, said: Brevistay has built a category-defining platform with deep hotel partnerships and a strong presence in the flexible-stay segment. Together, we see significant opportunities to leverage technology, AI, and distribution to create a more comprehensive accommodation ecosystem for Indian travellers while helping our hotel partners maximise utilisation and revenue, targeting a diverse pool of hotel bookers. This acquisition further strengthens our vision of building India’s most customer-centric travel platform across all major travel categories.

Prateek Singh, Shubham Agarwal and Nikhil Pathak, Co-founders of Brevistay, said: We are excited to partner strategically with ixigo, India’s largest travel platform by users, to create meaningful synergies for both our hotel partners and our combined base of hotel bookers. Travellers in India want convenience, choice and flexibility when it comes to hotel bookings and with ixigo’s AI cabilities and customer-experience focus, we are confident that we can build a strong network of hotels pan-India that can offer their customers stays across all of ixigo’s platforms.

The acquisition underscores the increasing importance of the accommodation segment within India’s online travel market and reflects ixigo’s broader strategy of expanding its travel services ecosystem through technology-led growth and strategic investments.

Hilton’s Lifestyle portfolio continues to expand globally, with Curio Collection by Hilton and Testry Collection by Hilton surpassing 200 open hotels each. This momentum reflects sustained growth as travelers increasingly seek locally grounded, experience-led stays, a demand underscored by Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, which found that 86% of travelers value experiences over material gifts.

Owner interest in Hilton’s Collections brands continues to grow, driven by both new build and flexible conversion opportunities that allow hotels to retain their individual story and character while tping into the benefits of Hilton. One of those benefits is Hilton’s industry-leading technology platform that connects customer, inventory, pricing and property systems through a cloud-based architecture that is built for scale. For brands like Curio Collection and Testry Collection, this means owners can deliver the boutique hotel style stays guests expect more efficiently, helping to deepen loyalty and create stronger, long-term value for owners.

Guest interest in Curio Collection and Testry Collection is also driven by the benefits of Hilton, especially Hilton Honors. The award-winning loyalty program offers members the ability to earn and redeem Points, access member discounts and contactless technology, including Digital Check-In/Check-Out and the flexibility to choose and access their room using Digital Key, exclusively through the Hilton Honors p.

Curio Collection by Hilton Surpasses 200 Hotels Worldwide
Curio Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of individually remarkable hotels, has grown to more than 200 open properties across 47 countries and territories. With a pipeline of over 120 hotels, the brand is continuing to expand into new destinations, proaching a footprint of 50 markets worldwide.

Recent Openings:

The Monarch San Antonio, Curio Collection by Hilton marked the brand’s debut in San Antonio, Texas, opening in the reimagined Hemisfair District near The Alamo and River Walk, with standout culinary offerings, a rooftop restaurant and expansive event space.
New U.S. openings include Hotel Valorian Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton, a reimagined Sunset Strip hotel where bold design reflects West Hollywood’s cultural energy, and Hotel Heron Alexandria Old Town, Curio Collection by Hilton, a property rooted in the historic charm and creative spirit of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
Elika Cave Suites Cpadocia, Curio Collection by Hilton, introduced Hilton’s first cave hotel, offering guests a one-of-a-kind stay carved into the region’s iconic rock formations and inspired by Cpadocia’s heritage.

Upcoming Openings:

The Sunny Miami Sunny Isles Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, an oceanfront resort set along one of South Florida’s most desirable stretches of beach, is slated to open later this year.
Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton signals Hilton’s arrival in the Spanish coastal city, transforming the historic Fine Arts Theatre into a boutique hotel that blends heritage architecture with modern design.
Slohh by Roach Bengaluru, Curio Collection by Hilton represents Hilton’s first lifestyle hotel in India, bringing design-forward hospitality to one of the country’s fastest-growing urban hubs.
Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton, marks the brand’s debut in Hawaii and is designed to reflect the natural beauty and heritage of the island of Kauaʻi.

Reaching 200 hotels marks an important moment for Curio Collection by Hilton as we continue to expand into new markets and bring more individually remarkable stays to travelers around the world, said Brooke Thomas, brand leader, Curio Collection by Hilton. While every property in the portfolio tells its own story, what unites each is the ability to cture the essence of its surroundings. Through locally inspired design, food and beverage and curated moments that satisfy travelers’ curiosity to explore, our hotels create stays that immerse guests in the unique culture and spirit of the destination.

Testry Collection by Hilton Reaches 200-Hotel Milestone
Testry Collection by Hilton, a gathering of independent hotels each with an original, vibrant personality and designed to reflect the identity of their local communities, is also celebrating 200 open hotels.

The momentum for Testry Collection by Hilton is fueled by high conversion demand and a flexible model that allows independent hotels to join the Hilton system while preserving their local character. With almost 150 hotels in development, Testry Collection by Hilton continues to expand across new destinations worldwide.

Recent Openings:

Zaria Court Kigali, Testry Collection by Hilton marks the brand’s debut in Sub-Saharan Africa and Hilton’s first property in Rwanda in the heart of Kigali Sports City. The hotel is inspired by Masai Ujiri, founder of Zaria Group, who shed the hotel’s creation through his commitment to African excellence.
The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Testry Collection by Hilton, introduces Testry Collection to Jan, offering a winter-focused mountain retreat in Hokkaido shed by local art and design.
Rosetta Hotel Perugia, Testry Collection by Hilton represents Hilton’s first hotel in Italy’s Umbria region, located in the heart of Perugia with historic design elements dating back to the 15th century.
The George Manhattan, Testry Collection by Hilton and Hotel 38 New York City, Testry Collection by Hilton, continue to strengthen the brand’s presence in New York City, with each property reflecting the character of the neighborhood, from Harlem to Midtown Manhattan.

Upcoming Openings:

In Latin America, Perla La Paz, Testry Collection by Hilton marks the brand’s debut in Baja California Sur and Hilton’s first hotel in La Paz, Mexico, reimagining the historic Hotel Perla with mid-century design and rooftop views of the Gulf of California.
Ava Hotel Nairobi, Testry Collection by Hilton, signals entry into Kenya, bringing a lifestyle hotel to Nairobi’s upscale Lavington suburb with bold design inspired by Kenyan heritage and a rooftop bar, pool and flexible gathering spaces.
NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Testry Collection by Hilton, marking the brand’s debut in Vietnam. Nestled in Cam Thanh Village near the De Vong River, the resort will feature a rooftop spa, health club and pool.

Testry Collection by Hilton’s continued growth reflects the strong peal of independent hotels with original, vibrant personalities and deep ties to their communities, said Elizabeth Scruggs, brand leader, Testry Collection by Hilton. As we surpass 200 hotels, we are expanding into even more destinations worth exploring. We’re creating spaces that have a unique identity and origin story through elevated culinary offerings, design and authentic experiences that facilitate local exploration and adventure for our guests.

Expanding Hilton’s Lifestyle Portfolio
This momentum reflects sustained growth as travelers increasingly seek locally grounded stays rooted in culture and discovery. Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report found that 35% of travelers are booking trips around a specific cultural experience. Driven by demand for hotels with distinct identities and strong connections to their destinations, Hilton’s Lifestyle portfolio continues to grow as one of the company’s most dynamic areas of expansion, as guests seek brands that align with their beliefs, values and desire to connect with likeminded people. Curio Collection by Hilton and Testry Collection by Hilton are continuing to expand across gateway cities, resort markets and off-the-beaten-path locales around the world. Both brands create the experiential stays guests crave and foster an authentic connection to their destination, offering travelers more ways to discover the local culture through design, food and beverage and the stories that define each hotel.

Valiant Lady has returned to service following a two-week dry dock, with a series of onboard updates including new dining, refreshed venues and more than 20 new Hpenings events (onboard programming).

The ship is sailing in the Mediterranean this summer before repositioning to San Juan in the autumn.

Updates include the launch of Ariya by Razzle Dazzle, a new modern Indian restaurant, as well as redesigned spaces across The Athletic Club, The Roundabout, Grounds Club Too, The Manor, On the Rocks, The Dock and retail areas. All 1,300+ crew have also completed a Virgin Way culture booster as part of the ship’s return to service.

What’s new onboard Valiant Lady

* Ariya by Razzle Dazzle – A new modern Indian restaurant developed with Indie Culinaire and chef Maneet Chauhan. The venue seats 220 Sailors (guests), with a menu inspired by regional Indian cuisine, including dishes such as Lamb Shank Biryani and Puffed Rice and Avocado Chaat. The restaurant is named after Sir Richard Branson’s great-great-grandmother, Ariya, who was from Tamil Nadu.

* The Athletic Club – New shaded daybeds and updated lounge seating have been added to this outdoor social space which also contains a sports court and hot tubs.

* The Roundabout – The central onboard space has been refreshed in Valiant Lady’s signature plum colouring, with new furniture groupings.

* Grounds Club Too – The venue will continue serving Intelligentsia Coffee during the day, and will now evolve into a full bar from late afternoon.

* The Manor – Raised platforms have been removed to open up the dance floor and create more space for late-night entertainment.

* On the Rocks – The stage has been relocated to improve sightlines, with additional seating also introduced.

* The Dock – A new stage setup and windscreen have been added to make outdoor performances more comfortable in changing weather conditions.

* Retail – Luxury watch and jewellery brands TAG and Pandora have joined the onboard retail line-up, while the Virgin Voyages brand shop has moved into a larger space.

New onboard entertainment

Valiant Lady’s refreshed entertainment programme includes more than 20 new Hpenings events across venues including the Red Room, The Manor, The Roundabout, The Perch, dining venues and late-night social spaces.

New additions in the Red Room include Sink Oar Swim, a participatory game show which turns the theatre into a high-stakes game show where every decision pushes Sailors closer to reward or disaster, while Sports Smarts combines sports trivia with physical challenges. In The Manor, new concepts include Pay Attent!on, inspired by vintage TV game shows, and Nice Box!, a retail-themed entertainment experience.

The late-night programme has also been expanded, with new social formats including Dirty Laundry and Off the Record, designed to bring Sailors together through character-led, interactive experiences.

Food and drink-led Hpenings include:

Extra Virgin: eritivo Club offers classic spritzes, premium olive oils and the art and science behind pasta pairings.
Trust Your Tongue tests unconventional culinary combos while rating and ranking these unusual flavours at The Test Kitchen with ‘The Foodie’.
Espresso Yourself create three espresso martinis, live music and coffee-inspired art.
Sweet Aft Matcha invites guests to sample the rich history and flavour pairings of matcha.
The programme also includes wellness, fitness and creative sessions such as Silent Sweat, a headphone led fitness class, VHS Volume 2: The Great British Burn Off, a Britpop inspired group session, while Upcycle Club, Knot Today and Hooked work with reclaimed materials, ropework and crochet to create souvenirs.

Additional new formats include Extra! Extra!, a newsroom-based stage show; Check Please, a social chess tournament; and Knees Up, a pub quiz at sea.

Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said: Valiant Lady was already one of the most compelling ships at sea, but we kept asking ourselves how to make her even more worth coming back for. The best transformations don’t come from smooth sailing but from listening, pushing further and creating something truly special. From Ariya to The Manor to a completely reimagined lineup of Hpenings, Valiant Lady returns with a new energy our Sailors will feel immediately. Every one of our 1,300+ Crew has been through The Virgin Way, and that reignited culture is the linchpin to the service Sailors keep coming back for.

Where she’s sailing

Valiant Lady’s upcoming deployment includes the Italian Grand Tour, French Riviera and Ibiza itineraries, followed by Northern Explorer sailings from Amsterdam to Iceland. Prices start from £783pp for a seven-night sailing departing July 4, 2026.

The ship will also operate a Total Eclipse of the Med itinerary, offering Sailors the opportunity to experience the solar eclipse from the water.

In October, Valiant Lady will reposition to San Juan for a series of six- to eight-night Caribbean sailings, operating through ril 2027.

Qantas’ Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR has completed its maiden test flight, marking a significant milestone ahead of the launch of commercial flights that will connect Australia’s east coast to London and New York, non-stop, for the first time ever.

Operated by two Airbus Flight Test Pilots, three Flight Test Engineers and one Ground Test Engineer, Qantas’ ultra long range A350 took off for the first time from Toulouse yesterday afternoon local time and flew for three hours 43 minutes over France and the French Atlantic Coast.

The flight was focused on testing the aircraft’s primary systems including the jet’s specialised fuel system, which includes an additional 20,000 litre rear centre fuel tank that will enable commercial flights of up to 22 hours non-stop.

The successful first flight marks the beginning of a two-month testing campaign, with the aircraft to complete around 80 hours of flight testing and undergo extensive on-ground checks and certification of new and redesigned components that will enable the A350 to fly ultra long haul sectors. This includes certifying a new galley air cooling system which features lighter and more efficient refrigeration units, which will be rolled out across all future Airbus A350 aircraft.

Alongside the extensive testing and certification campaign, a second Project Sunrise aircraft is progressing through Airbus’ final assembly line, having its four-class interior fitted and being painted in Qantas livery. This aircraft will be delivered to Qantas in ril next year.

Qantas will announce the first Project Sunrise route and timing of its inaugural commercial services later this month.