Week in Review

At least 49 people were killed on Monday as a result of a Bangladeshi plane crash in cloudy weather, Reuters reports.

Our wintry month of March continues, with over 1,600 cancellations nationwide early this week due to another nor’easter storm, USA TODAY notes.

According to Bloomberg, there’s a fight brewing for control of Italy’s skies as bankrupt Alitalia struggles to survive. The carrier’s bankruptcy administrators are assessing offers from global carriers, with a deadline of April 30.

On episode two of GBTA’s new The Business of Travel podcast, we talk female business traveler safety. International SOS’ Wendy Stachowiak shares tips for female business travelers to stay safe and healthy on the road, as well as how companies can work to keep their female travelers safe.

InterContinental Hotels Group acquired a 51% stake in Regent Hotels for $39 million USD, Skift reports. The deal also enables IHG to buy the remaining 49% “in a phased manner from 2026”.

In other acquisition news, Buying Business Travel notes AccorHotels has been given the green light to acquire Mantra Group, which consists of of 127 properties and over 20,000 rooms across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Hawaii.

4Hoteliers shares findings from a study that suggests travelers who book though online travel agencies stay longer and spend more during trips.

Upside Business Travel announced the launch of the first-ever National Business Traveler Day on April 24. GBTA is thrilled to partner on this initiative and recognize and appreciate business travelers nationwide.

According to Business Traveller, Dhaka, Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Tokyo are Asia’s most expensive cities for business travel.

Bloomberg reports United Airlines is considering adding a “Premium Economy” class to its domestic U.S. flights. Upgraded economy sections are “typically reserved for overseas markets”.

Tokyo’s Narita International Airport has been cleared to add a third runway and extend its operating hours, Business Traveller notes.

According to AINonline, landing and parking fees are set to rise at 14 international airports in Greece.