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Skift
2 hours ago
- Skift
Etihad Airways CEO Unpacks Big Bet on Small Jets
Etihad is hoping to outmaneuver its Gulf rivals with 30 small but premium aircraft. Will passengers buy the promise of private jet-like luxury? In a region known for flying enormous 777s and double-decker A380s, Etihad's newest star is a single-aisle jet. The Gulf carrier took delivery of its first Airbus A321LR this week, a long-range variant of a plane more typically used for short economy-focused flights. The UAE airline is betting on the new aircraft to supercharge its network growth and broader brand revival. As Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves told Skift: 'Today we show the world we're back in the game, and specifically back in the premium game.' That game involves an aircraft type already familiar to many travelers. The A321LR, an evolution of Airbus' best-selling narrowbody, is new-generation, but not exactly groundbreaking. JetBlue took delivery of its first in 2021, while Aer Lingus, Air Transat, and SAS are among others to use the jet on short transatlantic hops. But it's the speed and scale at which Etihad is adding the A321LR – along with its distinctive three-class configuration – that is piquing industry interest. 30, Not 20, A321LRs on the Way Speaking at a media briefing at Airbus' Finkenwerder factory in Germany, Neves left reporters scrambling for their notes. What was meant to be a tranche of 20 A321LRs became a throng of 30. Asked for clarity on the 50% increase, Neves quipped: 'You guys are reading the wrong newspaper.' Through a mix of leased aircraft and direct orders, Etihad will now receive 30 A321LRs over the next four years. A steady flow should result in 10 deliveries by the end of 2025, followed by another 10 the next year, then five each in 2027 and 2028. From the airline's Abu Dhabi hub, the long-range jets will fly as far afield as Paris and Hanoi. Journey tim
New York Times
9 hours ago
- New York Times
New York Is Planning a Train Line to Connect Its Transit Deserts. We Walked All 14 Miles of It.
Subways, buses and highways were meant to make movement faster and more convenient, but, in this country, it's often incredibly difficult to travel by public transit. Even those major cities thought of as interconnected webs of subway lines and bus stops can possess vast transit deserts that can keep communities segregated. Without easy connections, two parts of the same place can feel more like distant planets than neighborhoods just a handful of miles apart. In New York City, outer Brooklyn and outer Queens might as well be in different universes from each other. The city has a plan to change that: a light rail line that would repurpose freight tracks to make travel from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to Jackson Heights, Queens, take about 40 minutes and connect 17 different subway lines. Whether the train will even be built at all depends in part on revenue from the city's embattled congestion pricing plan. But, if realized, the Interborough Express, IBX for short, has the potential to bring together people who might otherwise never come in contact with one another. The possibility of connecting all these places, though, feels more like an abstraction. For people like me and the photographer Tom Wilson, who live at opposite ends of the proposed route, the space that separates us feels especially unnavigable. So we set out to walk the entirety of the future line, all 14 miles of it, to see the neighborhoods it would link and meet the people who live in them. If the IBX ever arrives, what would happen to the space that keeps us apart? We met in a parking lot behind the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park, and set off east with the sun in our eyes, beginning a 20-mile walk that would trace the rails as closely as possible while sticking to surface roads. By 8:37 a.m., we had already reached Eighth Avenue — one of the 19 proposed IBX stops and the heart of Sunset Park's Chinatown. Food carts lining the sidewalks offered grilled meat and noodles. We waded through slow-moving passers-by and workers unloading crates of vegetables. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Skift
a day ago
- Skift
Every One of Radisson's Hotel Brands, Explained
Radisson is quietly reinventing itself through regional focus and flexible branding, trading name recognition for market adaptability. Under CEO Federico J. González, Radisson Hotel Group has transformed from a legacy operator into a streamlined, regionally focused hotel group. Today, it manages a portfolio of more than 1,575 hotels across more than 100 countries, with strategic bets on lifestyle, soft brands, and conversions rather than chasing global uniformity. Ownership has changed hands multiple times in recent years, most recently in 2018 when a consortium led by China's state-owned Jin Jiang International acquired the business. Since selling its Americas business to Choice Hotels in 2022, Radisson has refocused on Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, where it's quietly rebuilding scale through flexible brand models and a growing presence in India. The result is a brand family that looks different than peers like Marriott or Hilton: fewer marquee names, more localized plays, and a growing mix of midscale and upscale properties designed for specific regions. Here, we run through the brands that make up the Radisson Hotel Group. Note: Global footprint numbers and brand descriptions come from the Radisson Hotel Group as of May 2025. We referred to STR's global chain scales, or categories, and Radisson's own classifications in categorizing the brands. Luxury Radisson Collection Global footprint: 65+ hotels in operation and under development; 13,080+ rooms. Radisson Take: 'Radisson Collection is a luxury lifestyle collection of iconic properties located in unique locations. While the character of each Radisson Collection hotel feels authentic to its location, all of them offer the ultimate template for contemporary living – united by bespoke design and exceptional experiences across dining, fitness, wellness, and sustainability.' Skift Take: Radisson Collection is the group's modern luxury flagship, combining standout architecture with a strong sense of place. Recent additions in Srinagar and Rome highlight the brand's commitment to high design and locally rooted experiences. Its next step is building more consistency across global markets. Upper Upscale art'otel Global footprint: 7 hotels in operation; 1,160+ rooms. Radisson Take: 'art'otel is a contemporary collection of premium arts and lifestyle hotels, designed to deliver a highly distinctive guest experience and purposefully aimed at the high-value, modern-day traveler. Each property has its own design and is dedicated to a signature artist. Integral to its success are strong destination restaurants and bar concepts retaining hotel guests and locals, whilst also being a social hub and gathering place for the local community.' Skift Take: Developed by PPHE, art'otel sits at the crossroads of art, hospitality, and culture. Each hotel showcases a signature artist and bold interiors, creating a boutique feel with strong local ties. While not fully integrated into Radisson's core, it adds creative energy and differentiation to the wider portfolio. Radisson Blu Global footprint: 400+ hotels in operation and under development; 88,370+ rooms. Radisson Take: 'Radisson Blu is an upper upscale hotel brand that delivers meaningful and memorable experiences in stylish spaces. Characterized by attention to detail and the Yes I Can! service philosophy, Radisson Blu hotels are designed to make an unforgettable difference by anticipating travelers' needs through carefully curated touchpoints. Radisson Blu hotels can be found in major cities, key airport gateways, and leisure destinations.' Skift Take: Radisson Blu has long been RHG's most widely recognized upscale brand, with a strong presence in airports, city centers, and resorts. It combines consistent service with approachable design and global familiarity, making it a reliable choice for both business and leisure travelers. While evolution has been gradual, its foundation remains solid. Radisson Red Global footprint: 100+ hotels in operation and under development; 16,690 rooms. Radisson Take: 'Radisson Red is an upper upscale hotel brand that presents a playful twist on the conventional. The brand injects new life into hospitality through informal services where anything goes, a vibrant social scene that's waiting to be shared, and stylish public spaces with standout design to inspire our guests.' Skift Take: Launched as Radisson's answer to the next-gen, digitally savvy traveler, Red tries to balance playful design with digital convenience. The brand's identity is still maturing, but its expansion shows potential and that the concept resonates beyond Europe. The brand is still maturing but provides a fresh contrast to Radisson's more traditional offerings. Park Plaza Global footprint: 70 hotels in operation and under development; 13,780+ rooms. Radisson Take: 'Park Plaza is an upper upscale hotel brand that delivers authentic, genuine service, which is inspired by the personality of each locale. Designed to create a vibrant atmosphere by offering elegant and engaging services in contemporary surroundings.' Skift Take: Park Plaza is a reliable performer in the upper-upscale tier, often located near business hubs and event venues. It offers modern design and efficient service without leaning too heavily on lifestyle trends. Quietly successful, it fits well within RHG's broader strategy. Radisson Individuals Global footprint: 100+ hotels in operation and under development; 14,570+ rooms. Radisson Take: 'Radisson Individuals is a brand that allows hotel properties to maintain and promote their unique characteristics and personalities, whilst meeting the high standards of quality and service that guests have come to expect from the Radisson Hotel Group. Radisson Individuals properties are located in key business and leisure destinations.' 'Radisson Individuals Retreats provides guests with unique opportunities to immerse themselves in out-of-the-ordinary experiences through wellness programs, cultural excursions, specialist gastronomy, and more. Situated in scenic leisure destinations, these boutique lifestyle retreats connect guests with the authentic spirit of the locale while ensuring a sustainable stay and the highest standards of quality and service.' Skift Take: Radisson Individuals allows independent hotels to plug into RHG's network while retaining their own identity. It has grown rapidly in Europe and India, where flexibility is a major draw for owners. The 'Retreats' extension adds a boutique layer in India, focused on wellness and cultural immersion. While still early in rollout, it reflects a broader pivot toward experiential leisure in domestic tourism. RHG's ability to scale this niche will likely hinge on demand beyond tier-one cities. Upscale Radisson Global footprint: 220+ hotels in operation and under development; 36,500+ rooms. Radisson Take: 'Radisson is an upscale hotel brand that offers Scandinavian-inspired hospitality, which enables guests to find more harmony in their travel experience. With natural surroundings and unexpected delights, Radisson inspires the art of being in the moment, helping guests find the right balance for their stay and enabling them to switch off and relax. Radisson hotels can be found in leisure destinations, suburban and city settings, and near airports.' Skift Take: The group's namesake brand has shifted away from its U.S. roots to focus on balance, calm, and Scandinavian-inspired design. It's expanding fast in India and EMEA, often in secondary cities and mixed-use developments. A clear repositioning effort is underway, and it's starting to resonate with travelers seeking understated comfort. Midscale Park Inn by Radisson Global footprint: 240+ hotels in operation and under development; 33,810+ rooms. Radisson Take: 'Park Inn by Radisson is a (upper) midscale hotel brand that delivers stress-free experiences, good food, and upbeat environments. Mastering the essentials, Park Inn by Radisson positively lifts our guests' mood for a happy stay – through clever use of color, inspired, contemporary design, and friendly, personalized service with surprising, feel-good extras. Park Inn by Radisson hotels can be found in capital cities, around economic hubs, and near airports and railway stations.' Skift Take: Park Inn delivers accessible, midscale hospitality with bright design and efficient service. It's most visible in transit-oriented and emerging urban markets, where its value appeals to budget-conscious business and leisure travelers. While not flashy, it remains a steady presence in Radisson's portfolio. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Global footprint: 320+ hotels in operation and under development; 28,770+ rooms. Radisson Take: 'Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a midscale hotel brand, inspired by a sense of belonging, community, and shared experiences. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson creates inviting modern comfort through its design, products, and services, so that all guests feel that they are welcome and connected.' Skift Take: This brand specializes in homey comfort for families and travelers passing through suburban or secondary markets. Its simple design and friendly service have made it a reliable choice in India and parts of the Asia-Pacific region. Low-key and familiar, it thrives by staying true to its roots. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Global footprint: (Not available as of July 2025) Radisson Take: 'Park Inn & Suites by Radisson is an entry midscale hotel brand designed to deliver heartfelt hospitality in a modern yet comfortable setting. Inviting modern comfort is at the heart of ensuring our guests feel connected and welcomed. Our hotels across India share an inviting design with a reimagined use of space, harmonizing natural materials and colors that reflect the welcoming hub of a home.' Skift Take: Launched in 2022, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson is a calculated play for India's booming midscale market, aiming for 150 hotels over 10 years in tier 2 to 5 cities. It's a volume-driven bet on domestic travel, where speed, affordability, and local relevance outweigh global name recognition. Prize by Radisson Global footprint: 25 hotels in operation and under development; 4,730+ rooms. Radisson Take: 'Prize by Radisson is a midscale lifestyle hotel brand, focusing on functional lifestyle design. Prize by Radisson's eclectic character combines comfortable accommodation with an informal setting and service culture. Prize by Radisson properties feature vibrant and modern spaces that provide welcoming multipurpose social areas, but also act as a peaceful environment for travelers to get a good night's rest and balance their hectic schedules. […] Prize by Radisson properties are located in city centers near public transportation, dining, and local sites to ensure guests make the most of their visit.' Skift Take: Prize is Radisson's newest entry, aimed at value-driven travelers who want style without the high price tag. Designed for urban centers, it features compact rooms, flexible spaces, and a tech-friendly experience. It's a smart move for RHG as demand for affordable lifestyle brands grows. Radisson Hotel Group CEO speaking at Skift Global Forum 2020. What am I looking at? The performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the ST200. The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets, including international and regional hotel brands, hotel REITs, hotel management companies, alternative accommodations, and timeshares. The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more hotels and short-term rental financial sector performance. Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200. Originally Published on March 6th, 2018 | Last updated on July 25th, 2025 Deanna Ting contributed to the earlier version of this story.
