The Week In Travel

Heathrow Airport has published its 2022 financial results this week, halving its losses in what it describes as a ‘year of recovery’. The airport has revealed it made an annual loss of £684 million – compared to a loss of £1.27 billion in 2021 and £2 billion in 2020. CEO John Holland-Kaye says 2023 is ‘shaping up to be a year of renewal’, with resources ‘close to pre-pandemic levels.’

In sustainability news, United Airlines has launched a new investment fund for SAF research, technology and production. The project will be kickstarted with an initial $100 million, with contributions from JPMorgan Chase, GE Aerospace, Honeywell and Air Canada, alongside United. Additionally, travellers who book directly with the airline can contribute up to $7 to the fund.

Staying in the US, San Antonio Airport has unveiled preliminary designs of its new terminal, the centrepiece of its $2.5 billion airport strategic development plan approved in 2021. Renderings reveal the terminal will be bigger than the two existing terminals combined, with up to 17 gates, lengthy passenger departure and arrival lanes, spacious waiting areas and an open-air courtyard. Construction is set to start in 2024, with a target completion date of 2028.

In Southeast Asia, autonomous vehicle technology specialist, Aurrigo International, has signed a multi-year agreement with Changi Airport to develop and test its autonomous aviation baggage handling products. The partnership will enable the joint development of Aurrigo’s baggage transportation solutions designed to reduce baggage and cargo loading and unloading times, as well as overall operation costs.

And finally, an unfortunate traveller not only suffered the hardship of losing his wallet, but also had to watch as it went on the journey of a lifetime without him. After landing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, John Lewis quickly realised he had left his wallet on the plane. Since the wallet was fitted with a GPS smart tag, John watched as his wallet touched down in 35 cities across the country. Unfortunately, a reunion has not yet taken place. “The craziest part is I’m watching my wallet get all these miles,” said John, “do I get to keep all the air miles that my wallet is accumulating?”