Innovazione

🚢 MSC Crociere and Chantiers de l’Atlantique celebrated three milestones for World Class ships: delivery of MSC World America, coin ceremony for MSC World Asia, and steel cutting for MSC World Atlantic. MSC World America, the 23rd fleet unit, will be named on April 9 in the United States at MSC Cruise Terminal in Port Miami. The ship accommodates 6,762 passengers, 2,138 crew members, 2,614 cabins, and over 38,400 square meters of public spaces. Vago, MSC Cruises, highlighted a 20-year collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, resulting in five prototypes and 19 ships. MSC World America boasts the best IMO energy efficiency rating in the cruise industry. MSC World Asia, entering service in winter 2026-27, will cruise in the Mediterranean. The MSC World Atlantic, starting service in winter 2027-28, will operate Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral.

🏢 Booking.com's 2025 Business Travel Forecast highlights a shift towards sustainability, with rail and road transport favored over air for short distances due to trains being 12 times more environmentally efficient. Post-pandemic trends show a 59% increase in in-person meetings among corporate travel buyers since Q4 2024. AI generative technology is on the rise, offering virtual travel assistants for more efficient trip planning. Tools like Mindtrip and DeepL assist in itinerary creation and real-time modifications, while immersive virtual experiences are replacing photos in hotel selection, with an expected increase in 2025.

💾 BWH Hotels Italia collaborates with Salesforce to digitalize, utilizing the Customer 360 platform for improved data sharing and hotel management. CEO Sara Digiesi highlights the strategic impact on the business, with a data-driven approach to streamline operations and focus on high-value activities. Salesforce's Mirko Spinelli emphasizes the project as a milestone for Italy's hospitality sector innovation, offering customizable dashboards for in-depth analysis and strategic business management.

✈ Airbus aims to launch a new generation single-aisle aircraft in the second half of the 2030s, announced at the Airbus Summit 2025. This future aircraft is expected to improve fuel efficiency by 20-30% and fly with up to 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Bruno Fichefeux, Head of Future Programmes at Airbus, highlighted the advancement with the A321XLR and the exploration of technologies like more efficient engines, long folding wings, lightweight materials, and next-generation batteries for hybrid architectures. The goal is to contribute to the aviation industry's zero-net emissions by 2050.

🛫 Qantas set to revolutionize long-haul flights with Project Sunrise in 2027, offering the first non-stop 'ultra long haul' flights from Sydney to London and New York. CEO Vanessa Hudson announced the service, initially planned for 2025, will start with the arrival of the first of 12 ordered A350-1000 aircraft. Flight durations will vary between 20 to 22 hours. Qantas previously experimented with the Perth-London route, the company's longest until Project Sunrise takes off.

🚢 Norwegian Aqua, 10% bigger than Norwegian Prima and Viva, is set for its official christening in Miami on April 13. It can accommodate 3,571 passengers, featuring unique experiences like the world's first hybrid roller coaster with a water slide, Aqua Slidecoaster, and the multifunctional Aqua Game Zone with immersive games and VR. The ship boasts the largest 360-degree outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard, and The Haven, an exclusive luxury area with 123 suites including the new Duplex Haven Suites. The Haven also provides a private terrace with an infinity pool, two hot tubs, outdoor spa, private lounge, plus a dedicated restaurant and bar.

🍕 Pizza chef Emanuele Riemma combines Neapolitan tradition with Sardinian flavors at Pizzeria Maiori in Palazzo Doglio, Cagliari. Special creations include "Sarda a modo mio", featuring Campano yellow pizzutello tomatoes, Sardinian dry sausage, and semi-aged pecorino, and "Pizza fritta al forno" with a unique blend of baked meat mushrooms, smoked provola, honey and myrtle roasted ham, raw sheep's milk cheese, and homemade myrtle mayonnaise. Riemma's fusion cuisine, beloved by Sardinians, respects traditions while embracing innovation, catering to both older and younger generations.

🍳 Prática Produtos SA, founded in 1991 by the Rezende brothers in Brazil, exports to over 55 countries and will present at Host 2025 in Milan from October 17-21. The company specializes in innovative restaurant and bakery equipment, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. Its 47,000 m² facility in Pouso Alegre has over 700 employees and branches in 12 Brazilian cities. The European product line includes high-speed ovens like Speed Oven Fit Express and Fit XL, designed for fast food preparation while preserving food quality. These ovens, featuring advanced technologies like impingement and microwave, can reduce cooking times by up to 80% and come equipped with touchscreen interfaces and remote recipe management via Wi-Fi.

✈ Air Serbia has launched a new Premium check-in area for business class passengers at Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, featuring four dedicated check-in counters and a comfortable seating area to enhance the travel experience by reducing waiting times. CEO Jiri Marek believes the service will be highly valued by business travelers.

🏗️ Milan Design Week, from April 8 to 13, 2025, hosts the 8th edition of dOT-design Outdoor Texture covering over 1000 sqm across San Marco, Brera. Organized by VG crea and EN Space network, it focuses on material research and technology in design, emphasizing the evolution of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. Exhibits include site-specific installations, product showcases, and dOT MATERICA, exploring the use of materials in architecture and design. Four design firms to present mono-material microspaces, with a follow-up event at InOut Expo in Rimini, October 2025.