Russia's S7 to launch dedicated cargo operation in November

Image GECAS

The Russia airline S7 is all set to launch its new cargo operation this November with a pair of Boeing 737-800 converted cargo aircraft on lease from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).

S7’s air freight program currently utilizes belly capacity on passenger planes and these narrowbody freighters will mark the inauguration of dedicated air freighters for the Russian-based operator.

GECAS, has been Boeing’s launch customer for the 737-800BCF - BCF stands for Boeing Converted Freighter and while extending the useful life of the passenger 737-800NG, the 737-800BCF carries more payload – up to 23.9 tonnes (52,800 lbs) – and has longer range – 2,000 nmi (3,750 km) than other standard-body freighters. The 737-800BCF freighter also offers operators newer technology, lower fuel consumption and better reliability than some other standard-body freighters. GRCAS expects the freighters to be delivered in November 2020 and January 2021 and the aircraft will fly medium and short-haul routes for S7.

New promotion from Marriott Bonvoy

For Marriott Bonvoy members planning a staycation or a getaway trip, the travel program and its participating hotel brands welcome you back with the launch of an exciting promotion. Beginning today through October 18, 2020, members who register for the promotion will receive 2,500 bonus points for their first and second upcoming paid stays, plus a one-time bonus of 5,000 additional points after their third paid stay. There is no limit to the number of bonus points members may earn with this promotion. This means members will continue to receive 2,500 bonus points for every paid stay thereafter throughout the promotional period.

Here are some additional helpful details:

It is important to register now (or as early as possible) because bonus points can only be earned on stays following registration
For a list of current participating hotels, visit www.marriott.com/loyalty/earn/hotels.mi
Only one room per hotel is counted toward a member’s nights or stay
There is no length of stay requirement
It is best to book directly on Marriott.com because rates available through most third-party online retailers and select travel agency rates do not qualify for this promotion
A “stay” is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/checkout activity on any points-eligible rate (“Qualifying Rate”).
Homes & Villas by Marriott International, ExecuStay®, Marriott Executive Apartments® and Marriott Vacation Club® owner-occupied weeks are not eligible for bonus points, and nights spent while redeeming an award are not eligible for bonus points.

The St. Joe Company and BRW MidGrove, LLC Announced a Joint Venture to Bring the Lodge 30A, a Boutique Hotel, to Seagrove Beach, Florida

The St. Joe Company and BRW MidGrove today announced the formation of a joint venture to construct The Lodge 30A, a planned boutique hotel in Seagrove Beach, Florida. Plans call for The Lodge 30A to be located on Scenic County Highway 30A adjacent to Greenway Station, a planned mixed-use development.

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Current plans for The Lodge 30A call for a picturesque three-story hotel with amenities such as a fitness center and outdoor pool. Architecture plans and interior design concepts employ the use of natural materials in a modern way, taking inspiration from the surrounding area. The planned Greenway Station development abuts the 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest, providing a convenient trailhead to access the state forest’s expansive network of hiking and biking trails.

“This Seagrove Beach location will offer guests an opportunity to stay in the heart of the popular Scenic Highway 30A corridor, just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico and its white-sand beaches,” said Patrick Murphy, Senior Vice President of Hospitality for St. Joe. “Last year, more than four million travelers vacationed in the area, a number that has been on the rise for several years. This planned hotel provides another option for future travelers as they discover this incredible destination and explore the area’s natural beauty.”

Once complete, The Lodge 30A will be managed by St. Joe Resort Operations, LLC (“St. Joe Hospitality), a subsidiary of St. Joe. Currently, St. Joe Hospitality operates WaterColor Inn and WaterSound Inn and manages The Pearl Hotel℠ in Rosemary Beach®. The company has four additional hotels under construction in Northwest Florida that are expected to open in 2021 and 2022.

Adjacent to The Lodge 30A, Greenway Station has plans for multiple restaurants and shops. “We are very excited to announce this partnership with St. Joe and to see work begin soon on The Lodge 30A,” said Ricky Rookis, MidGrove Centre, LLC manager. “With leasing interest for a significant portion of the restaurant and retail space, we believe that Greenway Station will become a destination for gathering, shopping and dining in Seagrove Beach and that The Lodge 30A will appeal to visitors looking to experience the unique lifestyle that can only be found along Scenic Highway 30A.”

Site development on The Lodge 30A and Greenway Station is expected to begin immediately, and the parties anticipate the hotel being ready for guests in early 2022.

Wyndham Looks to Drive Corporate Travel with Newly Expanded Wyndham Direct Program

Wyndham’s booking, billing and business solution simplifies travel management and payment to help drive corporate business to its hotels                          

                                            With a focus on finding impactful ways to drive more corporate business for its hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,000 hotels across 90 countries – today announced the expansion of Wyndham Direct, a unique booking, billing and business solution. The service, formerly unique to its La Quinta® by Wyndham brand, is now immediately available at Super 8® by Wyndham and Days Inn® by Wyndham hotels in the U.S., with plans to expand further across Wyndham’s portfolio of brands later this year.

Wyndham Direct is designed to help drive corporate bookings to hotels and simplify travel management for companies and their travelers. Using integrated virtual credit card technology from Corporate Spending Innovations (CSI), Wyndham Direct offers easier booking, faster billing and smarter business, supporting hotels as they work to attract small and medium-sized corporate business, grow market share and drive lower-cost reservations.  By expanding across the Wyndham’s three largest brands, the program now offers clients access to nearly 3,900 hotels across the economy through upper-midscale segments.

Hilton appoints Chris Carr to board of directors

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. today announced the appointment of Chris Carr, Chief Operations Officer of sweetgreen, to its board of directors, effective immediately. Mr. Carr will serve on the Nominating and ESG committee of the board.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris to Hilton," said Jon Gray, chairman of Hilton's board of directors. “When we began our board search process last year, we were looking to add world class executive leadership in global and consumer-facing organizations. Chris brings these highly relevant skills, as well as unmatched focus on customer experience and procurement. We look forward to his insights as we navigate Hilton's continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic."

Marshall Hotels & Resorts Assumes Management of Five Hotels

Marshall Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel management and services company that operates properties nationwide, today announced that it has taken over management of five hotels. The hotels include the 100-room Holiday Inn NW Houston Beltway 8 in Texas, the 96-suite SpringHill Suites Winchester in Va., the 74-room Hampton Inn Adel in Ga., the 114-room Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead and the 131-suite Residence Inn Long Island East End, both in N.Y.

Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results and Provides Operational Update

-Park Hotels & Resorts announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020 and provides an operational update on COVID-19.