Destination and Tourism
Spirit Airlines | September 15, 2023
Spirit Airlines partners with Liberty University to launch the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program, focusing on nurturing the next generation of skilled pilots.
Liberty University aviation students can apply for the program after their sophomore year and a faculty recommendation, gaining conditional employment offers from Spirit Airlines, mentorship, and essential resources.
The program enhances the academic experience at Liberty University and aligns with Spirit Airlines' commitment to developing a proficient and motivated pilot workforce.
The company emphasizes its growth, new aircraft acquisitions, and improved pilot benefits, offering a promising future for Liberty Aeronautics graduates.
On September 14, 2023, Spirit Airlines, a leading customizable travel options provider, has announced a collaboration with Liberty University to cultivate the next generation of pilots. Spirit Airlines has unveiled the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program, a strategic initiative to expand its pool of skilled aviators. This innovative program, hosted at Liberty University's School of Aeronautics in Lynchburg, Virginia, marks a significant milestone in the airline's mission to bolster its ranks of professional pilots.
Liberty University students pursuing aviation degrees benefit from this partnership. Students may apply to the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program after completing their sophomore year and obtaining a faculty recommendation. Successful candidates will receive conditional employment offers from Spirit Airlines, essential resources like a Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and invaluable mentorship opportunities. As they progress through their academic journey and accumulate flight hours, program participants will ultimately step into the role of a Spirit First Officer, contributing to the airline's commitment to excellence in aviation. This initiative enhances the educational experience at Liberty University and reinforces Spirit Airlines' dedication to cultivating a highly skilled and motivated pilot workforce.
Ryan Rodosta, Senior Director of Flight Operations and System Chief Pilot at Spirit Airlines, shared,
We put a lot of hard work into developing the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program and assembling a great group of partners making it incredibly rewarding to reach this key milestone. Liberty University offers a premier pilot training program designed to provide graduates with the skills to lead in the aviation field, and Spirit's growth creates opportunities for those graduates to achieve their dreams with us."
[Source – Cision PR Newswire]
Spirit's Pilots fly some of the industry's newest, most fuel-efficient aircraft to 90+ destinations across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Eight brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2023, creating opportunities for First Officers to get promoted to Captain quickly. Recently, Spirit's pilots ratified a contract that includes a substantial pay raise and improved benefits. In addition to industry-leading training, Spirit provides its pilots with an exceptional quality of life.
The partnership would open exceptional prospects for their graduates, offering Liberty-trained aviation professionals a distinctive pathway to Spirit Airlines upon meeting the requisite training and experience standards. Rick Roof, Dean of the School of Aeronautics, emphasized that Spirit Airlines would gain access to pilots distinguished by their outstanding technical competencies and character, making them valuable contributors to the aerospace sector. He further noted that Liberty Aeronautics graduates could envision themselves as integral members of the Spirit team, enjoying the advantages of being associated with a renowned industry leader and operating some of the most advanced aircraft worldwide.
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Business Travel
businesswire | July 13, 2023
Enjoy the Land of Enchantment in the newly redesigned guest accommodations at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque. Operated by award-winning Atrium Hospitality, our centrally located hotel in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, has completed a four-phase, multimillion-dollar transformation of all 261 two-room guest suites. Alpharetta, Georgia-based Atrium Hospitality, one of the nation’s largest hotel operators, manages a portfolio of more than 80 hotels in 28 states and approximately 3 million square feet of event space.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque’s tastefully updated guest suites and bathrooms — including a presidential suite — feature new furniture and fixtures in a modern style. Attractive textile coverings and wall art in an inviting color palette of gray, white, and hues of apricot and brown complement Albuquerque’s natural beauty. Each two-room suite features new 55” televisions, luxurious bedding, a mini-refrigerator, a microwave, a large desk, WiFi, and a full-size sofa bed in a separate living area. This Embassy Suites offers a premium upgrade to Pure Wellness suites, which incorporate science and technology to treat the surface and air in rooms, creating a wellness environment.
“We’re excited to offer freshly renovated guest accommodations at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque as our full-service hotel continues to serve as a hospitality staple in downtown Albuquerque,” said Steve Ator, Vice President, Operational Strategies West Region, Atrium Hospitality. “Our guests and team members are enjoying the new, modern look of our hotel’s transformed spaces and appreciate the beauty and comfort of our redesigned guest suites.”
Plentiful Space to Gather
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque features 30,000 square feet of flexible event space comprised of 19 meeting rooms that are A/V capable. Our hotel’s more than 12,000-square-foot Sandia Ballroom, named after the area’s scenic Sandia Foothills Open Space, can accommodate up to 1,500 guests. Our experienced events team is ready to help plan the ideal gathering.
Our full-service Embassy Suites is one mile from the Albuquerque Convention Center and the University of New Mexico and three miles from the Albuquerque International Airport. Several popular area attractions are nearby.
Serving With Atrium SPIRIT
Atrium Hospitality’s six core values of Service, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork guide the Atrium SPIRIT for creating a welcoming environment for all, encouraging the personal and professional growth of the company’s Associates, and being a responsible community partner. Atrium Hospitality supports the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Responsible Stay environmental initiative, which complements Atrium’s commitment to preserving the planet’s natural resources and being efficient in the operations of the company’s properties nationwide. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque participates in LightStay, Hilton’s award-winning, comprehensive platform to measure and manage energy, water and waste.
Atrium-managed properties nationwide are proud to take part in Project SEARCH, a school-to-work program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with numerous program graduates hired by our hotels. Five participants recently graduated from the Project SEARCH program hosted at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque, and six program participants are slated to begin at our hotel in fall 2023. In addition, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque conducts monthly volunteer service with a range of causes, including community cleanup projects and food drives for a local food bank, among others.
“For 18 years, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque has served as a collaborative community partner in New Mexico’s largest business center,” said Scott Cape, Area General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque. “We strive to grow hospitality career journeys and are excited to have been recognized in the New Mexico Top Workplaces 2023.”
Scott continued, “The redesign of all of our guest suites was inspired by New Mexico’s remarkable beauty. Our renovated spaces create an inviting atmosphere to work or relax and offer views of Albuquerque’s wonders.”
Located at 1000 Woodward Place NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque all-suite hotel offers two-room suites; a free made-to-order breakfast; a complimentary evening reception with drinks and snacks; a business center; a 24-hour fitness center featuring a Peloton® bike; an on-site restaurant, lounge and café; room service; and an indoor pool. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque is part of the Hilton Honors award-winning guest-loyalty program, which offers Digital Key for accessing your guest room. For more information, to make a booking, or to schedule an in-person or virtual tour, call (505) 245-7100, go to the hotel’s website, or connect with the hotel on Facebook.
About Atrium Hospitality
Atrium Hospitality is ranked as one of the nation’s largest hotel operators. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, the company manages a portfolio of 82 hotels in 28 states, representing well-known brands such as: Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Wyndham, among others. Atrium operates 20,463 guest rooms/suites and approximately 3 million square feet of event space. Atrium Hospitality’s six core values of Service, Perseverance, Inclusion, Respect, Innovation and Teamwork guide the Atrium SPIRIT for creating a welcoming environment for all, encouraging the personal and professional growth of the company’s Associates, and being a responsible community partner. Atrium is conserving the planet’s natural resources and being more efficient in support of the company’s commitment to sustainability, all while providing exceptional guest experiences. In 2022, Atrium Hospitality added another Atlanta Top Workplaces win to the company’s accolades and celebrated being recognized by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for a second year. Atrium supports a range of civic and community activities, and Atrium-managed properties nationwide are proud to take part in Project SEARCH, a school-to-work program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Travel Technology
Expedia Group | September 11, 2023
Expedia Group has launched the TAAP Autumn Sale, offering substantial savings to meet the rising demand for fall travel in 2023.
US travel advisors can provide travelers with 20% or more savings on global hotel bookings until September 24, 2023, making travel more affordable.
Expedia TAAP provides access to over three million properties, 200,000 activities, 175 car rental options, and 500 airlines. For streamlined booking and support, travel advisors can utilize tools like Virtual Agent and Live Agent Chat.
Expedia Group has launched the Expedia TAAP Autumn Sale, aimed at helping travel advisors meet the growing demand for fall/autumn travel in 2023 and boost bookings. This sale allows US travel advisors to provide travelers with 20% or more in savings on thousands of hotels worldwide for bookings until September 24, 2023. Travel under these offers is valid through March 31, 2023.
Expedia TAAP offers travel advisors an extensive inventory featuring over three million properties, 200,000 activities, 175 car rental options, and 500 airlines. It provides access to Expedia Group tools, including a Virtual Agent for quick assistance and a Live Agent Chat for more in-depth support, streamlining the booking process and enhancing the advisor's capabilities.
Travel advisors interested in the TAAP travel agent affiliate program can access comprehensive program details on how to become part of this extensive network on the official Expedia TAAP website. With the expansive range of resources available through Expedia TAAP, travel advisors can deliver exceptional service and options to their clients. Expedia Group's extensive family of brands, including Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo, Orbitz, and many others, ensures that travel advisors have a wide array of offerings to meet various travel needs and preferences.
Robin Lawther, Vice President of Expedia TAAP, mentioned,
"We are pleased to offer our advisors easy access to our travel offerings to help them drive more business.”
[Source – Travel Pulse]
Robin also mentioned that thousands of discounted properties are available for last-minute summer getaways, fall city trips, or early winter sun bookings. This gives travel advisors the flexibility to meet the needs of their travelers.
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