Partnerships
Air France, KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic launch world’s leading partnership
Air France, KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic recently launched an expanded joint venture offering more choice of routes and loyalty options. “The new partnership provides customers with more convenient flight schedules and a shared goal of ensuring a smooth and consistent travel experience, whichever airline people fly,” according to a Delta news release. The partnership also allows travelers to book flights on any of the four carriers through their respective mobile apps, websites, or travel agents. The release states: “Customers will enjoy award-winning service, top-tier premium cabin products and complimentary food, drink and seatback in-flight entertainment in all cabins on all trans-Atlantic flights.”
Corporate Social Responsibility
JetBlue is Going Carbon Neutral on All Domestic Flights
JetBlue recently announced it will offset carbon dioxide emission from jet fuel for all domestic flights beginning in July 2020 – noting it is the first major U.S. airline to take this step. “Air travel connects people and cultures, and supports a global economy, yet we must act to limit this critical industry’s contributions to climate change,” Robin Hayes, chief executive officer, JetBlue, said in a post on the company blog. “We reduce where we can and offset where we can’t. By offsetting all of our domestic flying, we’re preparing our business for the lower-carbon economy that aviation – and all sectors – must plan for.”
Restaurants
Sub a Sandwich for a Ring This Leap Day and Quiznos May Cater Your Wedding
Quiznos is celebrating this February 29 “by honoring a timeless tradition of women upending gender norms and proposing marriage to their significant others,” according to a release. Those who propose using a sandwich for a ring this Leap Day will be entered to win free catering from Quiznos (an all-you-can-eat sandwich buffet) for their wedding. Entrants must post a photo or video of their proposal to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using hashtag #SayYestoQuiznos to qualify. “While we strive to fill our customers with happiness by consistently delivering them delicious sandwiches and salads made with the highest quality ingredients, we also know that for happiness that lasts past the last bite, the eternal ingredient is love,” Sheila Zimmerman, Vice President of Marketing, REGO Restaurant Group, owner of Quiznos, said in the release. “It is a delight to ‘engage’ with our consumers by celebrating this timeless Leap Day tradition.”
Wendy’s Introduces A Better Breakfast
Starting on March 2, Wendy’s will have “a selection of fresh, craveable, bold new morning options,” according to a company press release. Wendy’s says its revamped breakfast menu will mix fresh ideas with familiar flavors. “People deserve a delicious, affordable and higher quality breakfast than what they're currently getting, so that's exactly what we're going to serve when Wendy's launches breakfast nationally on March 2," Kurt Kane, President, U.S. and Chief Commercial Officer of The Wendy's Company, said in the release. “Our crew will be hand-cracking fresh eggs on all our breakfast sandwiches and leaning into the quality ingredients that have long set Wendy's apart from the competition. We've crafted unique sandwiches that will leave you craving another, like the Breakfast Baconator, which features a fresh-cracked egg, signature sausage patty and six strips of Applewood smoked bacon.”
Retail
Macy’s to close 125 stores, cut 2,000 corporate jobs, in hunt for growth
Macy’s announced recently it plans to close 125 stores over the next three years and cut approximately 2,000 corporate jobs, as it closes its headquarters in Cincinnati and tech offices in San Francisco. “Macy’s said it plans to exit weaker shopping malls, and instead shift its focus toward opening smaller-format stores in strip centers,” a CNBC article states. “Macy’s has shuttered more than 100 stores since 2015.”