Latest UK rail strikes set for May and June
Train drivers’ union ASLEF has announced more strike dates for the coming weeks, after what it called “a ‘risible’ pay offer from the 16 train companies with whom we are in dispute”. Members are set to walk out on walk out on Friday May 12, Wednesday May 31 and Saturday June 3.
16 train operating companies (TOCs) which will be affected by the walk out.
Emirates introduces world’s first robot check-in assistant
Dubai-based carrier Emirates has introduced the world’s first check-in robot assistant which it calls Sara. Emirates chose to debut the robot not at its Dubai International airport (DXB) base, but instead at its all-new City Check in and Travel Store at the Dubai International Financial Centre which it opened on Thursday.
As a remote check-in centre, passengers can not only check in for flights there but also drop off their luggage as early as 24 hours and up to four hours before their flight. Aiding passengers is Sara, the portable robotic check-in system, which can match faces with scanned passports, check passengers in, and guide them to the luggage drop area at the centre too.
Hong Kong International airport opens “autonomous store”
Hong Kong International has opened what it is referring to as the airport’s first “autonomous convenience store”, enabling customers to purchase items without having to go through the traditional checkout experience.
Visitors to the travelwell store located at the entrance of the Sky Bridge near gate 24 simply tap their credit card at the entrance to the store, with sensing technology then detecting “ your movement and shopping pattern, automatically sensing your selected items”.
When customers are ready to leave the store, the sensor will detect purchased items and charge the credit card accordingly. A receipt can be printed if required at the exit. The 80 sqm store offers a selection of packaged food, beverages, souvenirs and travel essentials.
Travel news as a glance:
Heathrow to mark Coronation with commemorative luggage tag
Lufthansa adds India routes from Munich (Bangalore) and Frankfurt (Hyderabad)
British Airways resumes daily flights to Shanghai Pudong
More Elizabeth line trains to Heathrow from 21 May 2023
Qatar Airways opens The Garden lounge at Hamad International
British Airways extends codeshare agreement with Loganair
Gatwick airport unveils new brand identity
BA Euroflyer launches new onboard menus and buy-on-board options