STRIKES UNLIKELY TO HALT SALE OF ALITALIA Labor strife has repeatedly frustrated the efforts of Alitalia to restructure but, for once, strikes aimed at thwarting its takeover seem unable to halt a deal. While hundreds of flight cancellations dominated headlines as protests entered their second week, CAI, a consortium of Italian businessmen, was quietly but swiftly nearing the finish line in its bid to buy and resurrect the airline, which has been operating under bankruptcy protection. Approval by the airline's bankruptcy administrator, who must ensure that CAI’s offer is not below market value, is expected this week. Pilot and cabin crew unions rejected new labor contracts under the takeover, and a small group of renegade workers set off airport chaos and delayed or canceled hundreds of flights last week with impromptu protests. Alitalia will cancel 100 flights a day until the end of November because of the strikes and the protests are costing Alitalia millions of euros each day. The airline plans to seek legal redress while the government has vowed to prosecute the offenders. BUSINESS TRAVELERS SUPPORT BELT-TIGHTENING POLICIES With the economy in a downturn, corporate travel managers are using strategies from other frugal eras to save money — pushing advance purchases of airline tickets, moving meetings to cheaper destinations, skipping trips that are not likely to generate revenue or requiring employees to refuel before returning a rental car. But the difference this time is that travel managers are getting much more support from employees. There has been a big shift toward thrift in the last two months, helped by online booking tools that help nudge travelers toward cheaper options — an effect commonly referred to as “visual guilt.” Susan Mays, a travel manager for a Fortune 100 company based in Tennessee, said her company recently imposed limits on how much employees can spend on hotels in about four dozen cities and is rigorously enforcing the policy. Her company is also encouraging employees to book trips earlier to get better deals, and is compiling reports about trips that could have been planned ahead but were not — like a training class scheduled weeks in advance. These measures have also been promoted by top executives at the company. Companies are also getting creative about finding ways to encourage employees to embrace frugality. A survey conducted by the National Business Travel Association cited a member whose company is considering using carbon emissions data as a way to lead increasingly environmentally conscious employees to think twice about flying. Another mentioned offering financial incentives to employees who fly coach even when business class is allowed. GREEN SKIES ON THE HORIZON Air New Zealand and Boeing have announced another test flight for sustainable biofuels scheduled to depart Auckland on December 3. It will be operated by a 747-400 jetliner, with one of the engines partly powered using advanced generation biofuels. The biojet fuels are the first to be created on a large-scale production in a commercially viable and sustainable manner. Of course, being affordable and sustainable means nothing in this field if the product doesn't work. Advanced testing has already proven that the fuel exceeded strict requirements regarding jet fuel yields, freeze points and energy density. Air New Zealand has also ordered a number of 787 Dreamliners, which will burn 20 percent less fuel than their predecessors. "Introducing a new generation of sustainable fuels is the next logical step," says Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe. Additional flight details will be released closer to the departure date.
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Take in the excitement of the city from Hyatt Regency Boston. Just one block from the Boston Common and within walking distance of countless attractions, shopping and theaters, this downtown Boston hotel is the perfect spot to begin adventures. Tour the Freedom Trail, shop at Faneuil Hall, visit historic museums, or catch a game at Fenway Park. Delight in the ideal setting of this Boston Theater District hotel – just steps from Chinatown and connected to the T.
Chicago’s only completely non-smoking 4-star boutique luxury hotel has one of the best locations of any 4-star hotel, just steps away from Michigan Avenue in the heart of the Gold Coast. The famed Magnificent Mile is just steps from Raffaello Hotel’s front door, as is shopping, theater, nightlife, restaurants, clubs, Navy Pier, Hancock Observatory, museums, zoos, and beaches.
An international crossroad where urban oasis meets virtual office. From the luminous lobby level collection of luxury boutiques and full-service business center to the lap of luxury health and wellness services on the pool level, balancing the fun with faxes is a breeze at the Beverly Hilton.
A portal to a New York City of days gone by, the historic Mansfield Hotel is located in the famed “Club Row” of 44th Street and Fifth Avenue. Complimentary breakfast, Aveda bath products, wireless internet, 24-hour cappuccino and coffee service are all what makes The Mansfield a wonderful place to stay.
The 26-story W is a beacon welcoming the urban, urbane and contemporary to their refuge in Seattle’s cultural core. In the heart of downtown, W Seattle is close to art and music centers, financial and retail hubs, and the Pike Place Market.