The Week In Travel

IATA has revealed this week that SAF production doubled in 2023, hitting over 600 million litres. However the association also warned that more effort is needed for the aviation industry to meet its 2050 net-zero target. Despite the growth, SAF constituted only 3% of all renewable fuels, and IATA estimates the sector needs 25-30% of renewable fuel production for SAF to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In the UK, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has acquired a 10% stake in London Heathrow. Spanish infrastructure group Ferrovial sold its 25% stake for £2.4 billion as part of its downsizing strategy. Public Investment Fund has been broadening its portfolio in recent years, with sporting investments making headlines around the world. The remaining 15% was sold to French private equity group Ardian.

Across the pond, Alaska Airlines is set to merge with Hawaiian Airlines, following the signing of a $1.9 billion acquisition agreement. The deal maintains both brands, and will see Alaska Airlines gain over 50% control of the Hawaiian aviation market. The tie-up is expected to face criticism from regulators amidst the ongoing trial against JetBlue’s merger with Spirit Airlines.

In South America, LATAM has launched a direct route from the UK to Peru, connecting London Heathrow to Lima. The five-times-weekly service will be the only direct route between the two countries, filling the void left by British Airways, which previously operated between Gatwick and Lima but discontinued the route after one season.

And finally, a three-year-old adventurer gave his parents and airport security a run for their money when he hopped onto a baggage conveyor belt at Santiago International Airport in Chile. The pint-sized daredevil took a mini joyride trailed by bags, before airport workers spotted the scene and hit the brakes on the conveyor, ending his fun. It seems no one explain to him that this was a different kind of carousel than he might be used to.