Hospitality

Cirium Leads Aviation’s Digital Transformation

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

Integrator Media had an exclusive interview with Jez Bowen, CEO, Cirium

With Cirium positioned as the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics, could you share the vision of the company?

Our vision at Cirium is to drive the digital transformation of the aviation industry. We are dedicated to ensuring that vital data is accessible precisely when, where, and how it’s needed, empowering the industry to make smart, informed decisions. By doing so, we aim to strengthen the industry, enhance profitability, and secure its long-term success. Ultimately, we aspire to power every decision connected to aviation, making it more efficient and innovative.

Cirium handles enormous volumes of data, from tracking over 35 million flights per year to managing $300 billion worth of ticket pricing data. How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of such vast data?

First and foremost, our data sources are excellent — the best in the world — and so is our team’s ability to ingest massive volumes of data. We have more than 600 data sources, ranging from government databases to tracking individual aircraft movements second by second during the day. There’s no single better font of data than Cirium. Nothing goes into our systems without highly sophisticated verification and standardization processes developed over the years. We are the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics, so we have to be at the top of our game, and fortunately, our teams worldwide are focused on that work every day.

Could you discuss any recent technological innovations within Cirium that you find particularly exciting?

We are pleased with our newest innovation, called Emerald Sky. Emerald Sky represents a ground-breaking integration of data, analytics, and innovative methodology, delivering unparalleled precision in measuring aircraft and flight CO2 emissions. It offers a precise and comprehensive perspective on aircraft and flight CO2 emissions and fuel consumption for every flight and aircraft. The tools consider essential factors such as aircraft model, engine types, age, flight duration, passenger count, and even cargo capacity, ensuring a comprehensive emissions assessment. By harnessing Emerald Sky, corporate travel buyers, for example, can secure a competitive advantage and contribute to a greener and cleaner future for the industry and their operations.

How do Cirium’s analytics tools help improve the customer experience for airlines and travel companies?

Airline on-time performance — and by extension, for airports — is the number one driver of customer satisfaction. Cirium is the gold standard for measuring on-time performance. We hold the stopwatch. Every year, our rankings are closely watched in the airline industry. It’s so closely watched because airlines need to balance their high-cost assets of fuel, crew, and equipment with their daily schedule. Any airline can be on time if they “pad” their schedule —but that’s not what airlines do. They’ve got it down to an art form, ensuring they depart on time. Getting the aircraft out on time makes for happy customers and sets a simple benchmark to assess against — did the plane leave within 15 minutes of its scheduled departure time? — but very, very difficult to achieve in practice.

The aviation and travel industries face constant changes and challenges. How has Cirium ensures that it provides valuable insights during such emergency situations?

We have some experience. Consider the COVID pandemic, which impacted every single one of our valued clients somehow. It turned out that they needed our insight more than ever to analyze — from the data itself — how to address key questions related to fleets, schedules, financing and fares. Data-driven companies tend to be able to pick and choose the data they need to inform decisions at that moment. With data, you can dive deep into it or zoom out to see the whole story. Most of our clients appreciated that no matter the crisis, the data is accessible to help decision-making.

What are some of the emerging trends that you believe will significantly influence the aviation and travel sectors in the coming years?

The biggest trend I see over the coming years is the race to attempt to replace our petrochemicals for aircraft. Be it battery power and lithium, or sustainable aviation fuel, it is a race albeit proceeding relatively slowly. Battery power is not sufficiently energy-dense compared to its weight, and sustainable aviation fuel has major critics in the industry related to the supply and costs of such fuel. Nevertheless, that is the biggest emerging trend in the industry. At the same time, there is a tight supply of aircraft and pilots, coupled with an almost insatiable demand for travel by the flying public. Airlines will extend the life of their aircraft assets. At the same time, they wait patiently — and sometimes impatiently — for equipment manufacturers to deliver aircraft as quickly as they can, meeting all regulatory and safety requirements. All the while, passenger demand will increase.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a CEO at Cirium?

Airline on-time performance — and by extension, for airports — is the number one driver of customer satisfaction. Cirium is the gold standard for measuring on-time performance. We hold the stopwatch, and every year, our rankings are closely watched in the airline industry. We divide our rankings by region and have a global winner. Shortly after the new year, I present an award to the winning airlines globally. This past year, Avianca, based in Colombia, won globally. We also present an award — the Platinum Award — to an airline that goes above and beyond on operational performance. For the past three years, that has been Delta Air Lines. In each case, I was pleased to present the awards to the CEOs and their teams in person. Airlines now compete to have the Cirium logo on their aircraft; it’s a real honor for us that they consider Cirium a seal of approval. The award ceremonies are a big event for the airlines and their teams, and I’m pleased that Cirium plays such an essential part of it. It’s a moment of pride for me, for Cirium, the airlines, and their employees. That’s top in my book.

Hospitality

World Chocolate Day: Celebrating Chocolate Through Wellness, Balance and Meaningful Indulgence

Published

7 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

World Chocolate Day is a celebration of one of the world’s most cherished ingredients—one that transcends cultures, generations, and traditions. While chocolate is often associated with indulgence, it is increasingly being appreciated as part of a balanced lifestyle, where quality, mindful enjoyment, and craftsmanship take precedence over excess.

By Twinkle Aswani

**Chef Thirumalai Murugan, Cluster Executive Chef, Mövenpick Hotel JLT & Riva Beach Club**

Dark chocolate, particularly varieties with a high cocoa content, contains naturally occurring antioxidants known as flavonoids, which have been associated with supporting heart health and overall wellbeing when enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. As consumers become more conscious about what they eat, there is a growing appreciation for premium chocolate made with quality ingredients, thoughtful sourcing, and authentic craftsmanship.

For chefs, chocolate represents far more than sweetness. It is an ingredient that tells stories, evokes memories, and creates emotional connections through food. Whether paired with fruits, nuts, spices, or floral notes, chocolate continues to evolve as a versatile ingredient that bridges tradition with innovation.

“A World of Chocolate: Exploring the Stories Behind Every Bite”
Chef Thirumalai Murugan, Cluster Executive Chef, Mövenpick Hotel JLT & Riva Beach Club

Reflecting on chocolate’s cultural significance and timeless appeal he shares to us that chocolate to him has always felt like a universal language, in every country I have cooked in, and every kitchen I have worked in, chocolate carries a different story.

In Switzerland, where Mövenpick’s heritage began, it is precision and craft, generations of chocolatiers perfecting the art of conching to create that unmistakable smoothness. In India, where I grew up, it is often layered into celebrations, folded into sweets during festivals or given as a gesture of warmth between families.

In the Middle East, I have seen it paired with dates, pistachios and rosewater, a beautiful meeting point between two very different culinary worlds.

What draws me to chocolate as a chef is that it is never just an ingredient. It is a memory. A single bite can carry someone back to a childhood kitchen, a festival table, or a gift shared between family. That is the magic of it. Chocolate holds onto emotion the way few other ingredients can.

At Rohini, our approach to dessert follows the same philosophy that shapes the rest of our menu, honouring Indian heritage while leaving room for creativity and surprise. Chocolate gives us a wonderful canvas for that, a familiar ingredient that can still hold onto the flavours and memories closest to home.

Our Rasmalai with rose and white chocolate cream is nostalgic with a European touch, our Warm Chocolate Brownie with Kulfi pairs nutty chocolate with hazelnut kulfi and chocolate sauce, and our Chocolate Coated Pistachio Kulfi with a dash of rose rounds it off, three small stories about where chocolate can take you.

For Chocolate Day, my hope is that people slow down and taste with curiosity. Ask where the cacao came from, how it was made, who it might have passed through before reaching the plate. Every bar and every bonbon carries a journey, farmers, roasters, chocolatiers, chefs, each adding their own chapter.

That, to me, is the real joy of chocolate. It connects people across cultures and generations, one bite at a time.”

This World Chocolate Day, the celebration is not about giving up indulgence—it is about redefining it. Choosing quality over quantity, appreciating the journey from cacao bean to dessert, and savouring each bite mindfully allows chocolate to become part of a more balanced and wellness-focused lifestyle.

After all, the healthiest indulgence is often one that is enjoyed slowly, shared with others, and remembered long after the last bite!

Hospitality

CELEBRATING WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY WITH A HEALTHIER CHOCOLATE SNACK

Published

1 day ago

July 6, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

World Chocolate Day, celebrated globally on 7th July, commemorates the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550 and shines a spotlight on the world’s enduring love affair with chocolate. As consumers increasingly seek healthier ways to enjoy chocolate, UAE-founded healthy snack brand Rashtions is highlighting a more nutritious way to enjoy the occasion with its 100% Cocoa Truffle, a protein-rich snack that combines the rich taste of 100% cocoa with the natural goodness of dates and camel milk.

Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Rashid Gargash and proudly made in the UAE, Rashtions is redefining modern nutrition by transforming locally inspired ingredients into convenient, clean-label snacks designed for today’s lifestyles.

The 100% Cocoa Truffle offers a rich chocolate flavour without relying on added sugar, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Crafted using a simple blend of dates, camel milk, ghee and 100% cocoa, it delivers natural energy, healthy fats and up to 20 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying alternative to conventional chocolate snacks.

As consumers increasingly seek better-for-you treats that do not compromise on taste, Rashtions’ 100% Cocoa Truffle demonstrates how indulgence and nutrition can go hand in hand. Whether enjoyed as a mid-day pick-me-up, post-workout snack or healthier chocolate fix, it provides a convenient option for health-conscious consumers celebrating World Chocolate Day.

Alongside the 100% Cocoa Truffle, Rashtions is also available in Date Truffle, Brazilian Coffee Truffle and Date Original varieties, offering a range of flavours inspired by the UAE’s heritage and modern nutritional needs.

Available across the UAE through ADNOC and Emarat service stations, Union Coop, Deliveroo, Noon and via the brand’s website, Rashtions makes it easy for consumers to discover a homegrown alternative to traditional snack options.

Hospitality

SKYLINE DRAW AT LEVEL 43 SKY LOUNGE

Published

4 days ago

July 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Level 43 Sky Lounge introduces Skyline Draw, a new weekly social media-driven promotion offering guests with a selected surname a complimentary first drink and 30% off their total bill. The winning surname will be announced every Monday at 12:00 PM via the venue’s Instagram Stories.

The selected surname will be determined based on a random selection of guest surnames from those who dined at Level 43 in the previous week.

Guests who share the chosen surname can enjoy the exclusive offer, adding an interactive and engaging element to their dining and social experience at the venue.

Details:
• Offer: Complimentary first drink and 30% off the total bill for guests with the selected surname
• Announcement: Every Monday at 12:00 PM via Instagram Stories
• Location: Level 43 Sky Lounge, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
• For reservations: +971 56 414 2213