British Airways Iberia merger approved by the European Union

British Airways has had its long-awaited merger with Iberia and subsequent tie-up with American Airlines approved by the European Commission.  The airlines are now waiting for final regulatory approval from the US Department of Transport, having already received an initial go-ahead earlier this year.  The EC decision paves the way for the BA-Iberia merger to be formally ratified in the autumn.

Andaz and Intercontinental hotels open second properties in New York

Hyatt has opened its second property in New York under the Andaz brand - a 184 room hotel on 5th Avenue opposite the Public Library.  The Andaz 5th Avenue is the fifth property worldwide by the brand, following openings in London, West Hollywood, New York's Wall Street and San Diego.  The hotel is located at 485 5th Avenue, in a building formerly housing a Rogers, Peet and Co Department store and later the global headquarters of Tommy Hillfiger.

IHG's upmarket Intercontinental brand has opened a 607-room property close to Times Square, the city's largest new-build hotel since 2002.  The Intercontinental New York Times Square is located on 8th Avenue and 44th Street and joins the brand's existing property in the Big Apple, the Intercontinental New York Barclay on 111 East 48th Street.

Premium travel bouncing back says IATA

Premium traffic is bouncing back with an 18.7% increase in May compared with the same month last year.  The latest Premium Traffic Monitor from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed air travel had also recovered from the disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland earlier this year.  The Association said the total number of passengers increased in May by 10.9% compared with May 2009.

China plans 78 new airports in a decade

China will add eight new airports this year and will add a further 70 over the next decade, according to a government official in Beijing.  Speaking at the Aviation Outlook China Summit in Beijing in July, the deputy director of the General Administration of Civil Aviation (CAAC) Airport Authority, said that the Chinese government saw airport development as an essential foundation of economic growth.  The CAAC development plan was drafted to meet increasing demand with predicted passenger traffic growth of 11.4% and a freight increase of 14% annually from now until 2020.  This year alone will see eight new airports added to the 166 certified ones already in operation. By the end of 2020, the number will reach 244 civilian airports across the whole of China.

Hilton HHonors launches double points offer

Hilton is currently offering double points or miles within its HHonors scheme, for stays completed between now and 30 September.  The promotion is valid at over 3600 Hilton properties worldwide, and offers member the choice of either double HHonors points or double airmiles with no limit on the number of eligible stays.  Members must pre-register for the promotion at hhonors.com/bonus.

Emirates buys 30 new 777s

Emirates placed an order for 30 new Boeing 777-300ERs worth $9.1bn at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK in July.  It brings the Middle East carrier's fleet of 777s to 101 with 53 currently in service and the rest on order.  The 777-300ERs will be operated in a three-class configuration with eight first class suites, 42 business class seats and 310 economy seats.

Dreamliner could be delayed further

Boeing fears that delivery of its 787 Dreamliner could be delayed until early 2011.  The next-generation aircraft has already been delayed by two years.  According to Reuters, the plane manufacturer has not yet taken the decision on whether to move the first delivery of the 787, but tests have raised concerns.  The issues concern instrument configuration and inspection work.  The aircraft, however, was on display at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK in July and was heralded as a quiet, fuel-efficient aircraft that could fulfil demands in airports with limited expansion opportunities.