News in brief from HRG and Brazilian Grupo Alatur, London City Airport, Finnair and Travelport GDS
HRG signs deal with Brazilian Grupo Alatur
Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Brazilian-based Grupo Alatur.
Travel management company (TMC) HRG said Grupo Alatur was the largest Brazilian business with a focus on corporate travel.
Grupo Alatur will continue to be branded HRG Brasil, strengthening HRG's presence in Latin America.
Clients of Grupo Alatur will have access to HRG's products and technology.
The deal includes an option for HRG to buy an "initial minority stake" in Grupo Alatur.
HRG will also have a "right of first refusal" on any other Grupo Alatur shares.
www.hrgworldwide.com www.alatur.com
LCY gets go ahead to increase flights
London City Airport has been given the go ahead to increase its annual number of flights to 120,000.
The rise from the current limit of 80,000 represents an increase of 50%.
London city said the decision by the London Borough of Newham, where the docklands airport is based, recognised the airport's "importance in the community, its significant contribution to the local economy and the regeneration it had helped bring to the area.
www.londoncityairport.com
Finnair signs to Travelport GDS
Finnair has signed a full content agreement with global distribution service (GDS) provider Travelport GDS.
The deal gives all Travelport-connected travel agents access to the Finnish flag carrier's full range of published inventory and fares.
Matthew Hall, Travelport's vp for supplier services, said the deal further strengthened Travelport's position in Scandinavia.
Finnair said it was fully committed to developing its business network and multi-channel distribution strategy.
www.finnair.com www.travelport.com