Latest news with #futureoftravel
Skift
09-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Skift Global Forum East Heads to Abu Dhabi With a Bold Look at Travel's Power Shift
As travel's tectonic plates shift, Skift Global Forum East returns to spotlight the industry's future - and the forces redefining its center of gravity. This October, Abu Dhabi takes the stage. Skift Global Forum East is back - and this year, it lands in Abu Dhabi. On October 29-30, 2025, the Middle East's most essential travel conference convenes at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi to explore how global power in travel is tilting toward the East - and what it means for the decade ahead. As technology evolves, traveler behavior shifts, and geopolitical alignments realign, the region is emerging not just as a destination, but as a global travel architect. This year's Forum will bring together CEOs, policymakers, creators, and community leaders to unpack how travel's future is being built - right now. Spotlight on the Future Skift Global Forum East will dig into the forces shaping the next chapter of travel through a future-forward lens. From AI deployments and air infrastructure to luxury transformation and cultural experiences, the program will trace how today's decisions are paving the way to 2030 and beyond. Key themes include: Growth and Agility Across the Region With shifting traveler flows and new demand drivers, destinations across the Gulf and Asia are retooling their strategies and infrastructure - often at record speed. Luxury, Redefined Today's luxury isn't just about opulence. It's about meaning, identity, and hyper-personalization. We'll explore how high-end travel is being reshaped by new consumer mindsets and regional innovations. Aviation's Expanding Horizon From next-gen fleets to mega-airport investments, the region's carriers are staking their claim as global connectors - even as disruption and capacity constraints reshape the skies. The Rise of Experience-Led Travel Whether it's mega-events, immersive design, or content creators shaping itineraries, experiences are becoming the heart of travel storytelling - and the key to destination loyalty. AI in Action No longer hype, artificial intelligence is transforming everything from operations to personalization. But what does real-world implementation actually look like today? Live Tourism's Soft Power Sporting events, entertainment, and film tourism aren't just moments - they're national brand builders. We'll examine their growing role in demand generation and diplomacy. Community and Culture at the Core As growth accelerates, so does the question: how can tourism create lasting value for local communities, safeguard heritage, and ensure inclusive development? The Eastward Shift As Asia and the Gulf increasingly set the pace for global travel, what does it mean for strategy, capital flows, and competitive positioning across the industry? Where Global Meets Regional Ambition Skift Global Forum East will feature high-impact CEO interviews, deep-dive market sessions, and candid conversations with the people shaping travel's trajectory. It's where global perspectives meet regional dynamism - and where new alliances are forged. Whether you're a travel executive, policy leader, or investor, this is where the industry's most consequential conversations happen. October 29-30, 2025 St. Regis Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Stay tuned for speaker announcements and agenda details - and join us as we map the future of global travel from the heart of where it's happening. Get Your Super Early Bird Ticket by Aug 7 Limited release, pricing increases as tiers sell out. Full Price Tickets: $895. 1 Person Solo Ticket $595 REGISTER Now 2-6 People Group Ticket From $545 REGISTER Now
Sustainability Times
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sustainability Times
'They Actually Made This Fly': World's First Heli-Plane Takes Off Vertically and Hits Blistering Speeds of 280mph
IN A NUTSHELL 🚁 The Cavorite X7 is the world's first 'heli-plane', offering a revolutionary blend of helicopter and airplane capabilities. is the world's first 'heli-plane', offering a revolutionary blend of helicopter and airplane capabilities. 🌟 Featuring a fan-in-wing design , it achieves vertical takeoff and transitions to high-speed flight seamlessly. , it achieves vertical takeoff and transitions to high-speed flight seamlessly. 📦 With a cargo capacity of up to 1,500 lbs , it serves as an efficient solution for both passenger transport and logistics. , it serves as an efficient solution for both passenger transport and logistics. 💡 Promising 30% lower direct operating costs than traditional helicopters, it sets a new standard for economic and sustainable air travel. The aviation industry is on the brink of a revolutionary leap with the unveiling of the Cavorite X7, the world's first 'heli-plane'. This groundbreaking aircraft is setting new standards by combining the best features of helicopters and airplanes. It boasts the ability to take off vertically and achieve speeds of up to 280 mph. Developed by Horizon Aircraft, the Cavorite X7 is not just a marvel of engineering but a symbol of the future of air travel. As we explore the intricacies of this innovative machine, the potential applications and implications for the transportation sector are both exciting and profound. The Ingenious Design of the Cavorite X7 The Cavorite X7 is a testament to cutting-edge engineering, prominently featuring a fan-in-wing design. This unique configuration allows the aircraft to exhibit the agility of a helicopter while maintaining the speed of a conventional airplane. The 14 powerful lift fans embedded within its wings are the heart of this design, enabling the aircraft to perform vertical takeoffs with ease. Once airborne and at a safe speed, the aircraft's sliding panels conceal the fans, allowing the X7 to fly like a traditional plane using its gas-powered turbine engine. This seamless transition from vertical to horizontal flight is a significant achievement, underscoring the aircraft's versatility and efficiency. Moreover, the design eliminates the need for complicated mechanisms like multi-copter rotating nacelles or tilt-wing systems, which are common in other eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. This simplification not only enhances the aircraft's safety and stability but also reduces maintenance complexities. With multiple layers of redundancy built into the system, the Cavorite X7 promises a reliable and robust flight experience. 240 miles in 20 minutes: this mind-blowing Chinese hyperloop leaves Musk's vision in the dust Versatile Applications for Modern Needs The Cavorite X7 is poised to revolutionize short-distance travel, particularly in urban areas. Its ability to land on conventional runways or smaller helipads means it can access diverse locations, from hospitals to ski resorts. This flexibility makes it an ideal candidate for use as an 'air taxi', offering rapid and convenient transport in congested city environments. Imagine a future where you can summon an aerial Uber to whisk you across town, bypassing traffic and reducing travel time significantly. In addition to passenger transport, the Cavorite X7 can also serve as a cargo carrier, with a capacity of up to 1,500 lbs of cargo. This capability opens up possibilities for efficient logistics solutions, catering to industries that require swift and reliable transport of goods. Whether it's delivering medical supplies to remote locations or facilitating just-in-time manufacturing processes, the potential applications of this aircraft are vast and varied. 'China Unleashes Flying Bike': Futuristic Hoverbike Hits 44.7 MPH and Flies 31 Miles in Shocking Public Debut Economic and Environmental Impact With its innovative design, the Cavorite X7 is expected to offer significant economic advantages over traditional helicopters. Horizon Aircraft estimates that the X7 could achieve 30% lower direct operating costs for similar regional transport missions. This reduction in operational expenses makes it an attractive option for commercial operators looking to optimize their fleets. Moreover, by integrating advanced aerodynamics and fuel-efficient technologies, the X7 promises to be a more environmentally friendly option for air travel. Its capability to cover up to 500 miles with reserve fuel enhances its range and utility, making it suitable for a variety of missions without compromising on sustainability. In an era where reducing carbon footprints is crucial, the Cavorite X7 stands out as a forward-thinking solution that aligns with the global push towards greener aviation practices. Japan Plans 310,000-Ton Crude Oil Giant: World's Biggest Methanol-Powered Ship Set to Revolutionize Global Energy Transport The Future of Air Travel The introduction of the Cavorite X7 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of air travel. As a pioneer in the eVTOL space, it sets a precedent for future developments in this field. The combination of vertical takeoff capabilities, high-speed travel, and versatile applications positions it as a key player in the modernization of transportation. As we look ahead, the potential for further innovation in this sector is immense. Could this technology pave the way for even more advanced aerial vehicles? Will we soon see a proliferation of similar designs from other manufacturers, perhaps even from tech giants like Elon Musk's ventures? The possibilities are endless, and the journey towards a new era of aviation has just begun. The Cavorite X7 is more than just an aircraft; it represents a vision of the future where air travel is faster, more efficient, and accessible to all. As we embrace this new technology, it's worth pondering: how will the advent of 'heli-planes' transform our daily lives and redefine our understanding of transportation in the coming years? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.7/5 (26)
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Airports' learning at Work Week building a future-ready workforce, one session at a time
Unpacking the future of travel with Dubai Airports, DCTCM leaders, and futurist and author, Thomas Koulopoulos on the 'giga trends' shaping how we will work Over 35 speakers, 20 dynamic sessions, and 1000 employees at Dubai Airports' largest Learning Week yet Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Airports, the operator of the world's busiest international airport, Dubai International (DXB), and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC), is marking Learning at Work Week 2025 with a series of interactive sessions, workshops, and thought-leadership engagements under the theme 'Connect to Our Future'. The initiative reinforces Dubai Airports' commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and empowering its workforce to shape the future of aviation. This year's event, running from 12 – 16 May in alignment with the Global Learning at Work Week, brings together industry experts, guest speakers, and employees from across the organisation to exchange insights and explore the evolving landscape of the travel industry. With over 35 industry experts and thought-leaders, 20 dynamic sessions, and 1000 employees participating, this year's Learning Week is Dubai Airports' largest to date. A key highlight of the week is a fireside chat with Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), as they discuss the evolving guest experience and the power of collaboration in positioning Dubai as a leading global hub. Futurist and author, Thomas Koulopoulos, a professor at Boston University, will also share his perspectives on the future of community and connectivity, with a focus on the 'giga trends' shaping how we will work, live, and play in the years to come. Meshari Al Bannai, Chief People Officer of Dubai Airports, said: 'Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and Learning at Work Week reflects our commitment to nurturing a culture of growth, curiosity, and continuous development. By investing in our talent and creating meaningful learning opportunities, we aim to empower our people and reinforce our position as an employer of choice.' He added: ' This year's Learning Week has been carefully designed to directly connect our people with essential skills, insights, and conversations that are relevant to their professional growth and the future of our industry.' The week-long programme features immersive learning experiences and expert-led sessions, highlighting forward-looking development perspectives from leading organisations including Cranfield University, Emirates, Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), Gallup, among others. Structured around three core pillars: Inspire, Grow, and Share, the programme is designed to empower employees through thought leadership, future-ready skills, and cross-functional collaboration. Dubai Airports' ongoing development initiatives include the Open Learning Hub, a digital platform offering over 5,000 on-demand courses, and a calendar of more than 300 annual training programmes covering leadership, digital transformation, accessibility, wellbeing, and other areas. Earlier this year, Dubai Airports received the 2025 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for its employee engagement strategies. The Learning Experience team was also honoured with the prestigious Brilliance in Learning and Development Award at the HR Brilliance Awards, recognising the impact and success of last year's Learning at Work Week. About Dubai Airports Dubai Airports operates both of Dubai's airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC). As an integrator, Dubai Airports works to balance the interests of all stakeholders to maintain aviation growth, protect operational resilience and ensure that service providers collaborate to provide a safe and secure service and improve customer experience whilst maintaining a sustainable business. In 2024, DXB welcomed a total of 92.3 million guests, the highest annual traffic in its history. DWC embodies Dubai's vision for the future of aviation. With expansion plans announced in May 2024, involving a record investment of US$35b, DWC aims to reshape the aviation landscape. Over the next decade, DWC will accommodate 150m passengers annually, eventually expanding to 260m passengers and 12m tonnes of cargo. With five runways, futuristic design and seamless intermodal connectivity, DWC aims to revolutionise global air travel, setting new standards for efficiency and passenger experience for the next 50 years.
