Week in Review

The United States has been plagued by winter storms in the Northeast, Ohio Valley and Chicago this week. A storm on Wednesday led to 1,235 cancelled flights and 5,900 delays throughout the country, USA TODAY reports.

According to NBC Chicago, the Chicago area is currently facing its biggest snowstorm of the season, causing multiple airlines to waive their change fees.

In acquisition news, Conference & Incentive Travel reports American Express GBT bought HRG in a reported £400 million ($552 million USD) deal.

IATA expects 7.8 billion people to travel globally by air in 2036. The organization is now warning of the infrastructure challenges the aviation industry faces, TravelPulse shares.

If you’re traveling through Dubai International Airport, you’re in luck. DXB recently installed smart passport gates to expedite transaction times, Buying Business Travel reports.

According to Skift, Singapore’s Changi Airport wants to charge travelers a fee to help fund the construction of its new terminal.

In 1967, a group of passenger travel associations began laying the groundwork for what would become the National Passenger Traffic Association (NPTA). Although we go by GBTA today, we will always appreciate our history. Take a black and white look at our past through our photos from the ‘60s to ‘70s.

Buying Business Travel notes Star Alliance created a digital services platform in partnership with Accenture that “allows customers to access a range of member airlines’ services through each other’s apps.”

In other Star Alliance news, Skift claims the alliance is looking to add more low-cost carrier members.

Eurostar has confirmed the launch of its Amsterdam route to be on April 4, Business Traveller shares. Travelers may begin purchasing tickets on February 20.

According to Buying Business Travel, Airbnb plans to open its distribution platform to traditional hospitality providers through a technology partnership with Siteminder.

Business Traveller reports Lufthansa Group plans to introduce preferred seating zones on select long-haul services.

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2018 list of top-ranked hotels, MeetingsNet writes.

According to Bitcoin News, Japan’s leading low-cost airline plans to accept Bitcoin in the near future.