The Moodie Davitt Report recently launched a new column, ‘Better moments make the world smile’ in association with Mars Wrigley International Travel Retail. In this feature we cast the spotlight on memorable human moments from around the world of travel, aviation and travel retail.

As travel returns, we are seeing many special, personal moments created by our industry and those that work within it. In this issue’s column, we feature two very different stories that have put a big smile on many people’s faces. And happily, both are welcome indications that the travel industry is at last emerging from crisis. We start with the US’s second largest airline, Delta, where 88 flight attendants have graduated and are preparing to take their first flights in their new roles (pictured above and below). Delta had been forced to pause this intake’s flight attendant training classes due to COVID-19 in March of last year. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. But their new employer said that their commitment and dedication never waned. After over 500 days of waiting, the training resumed and earlier this month the 88 finally earned their long-awaited and well-deserved wings. As you can see from the photos, they are pretty happy about it! Delta Air Lines EVP and Chief Customer Experience Officer Allison Ausband said in a LinkedIn post: “As I watch these 88 shining new faces beaming with pride take their first flights, I am reminded of the very same feelings of pride and hope that have carried me throughout my career all these years. “I have no doubt that their patience and perseverance will certainly pay off today, tomorrow, and for many more years to come, and I am thrilled to watch them soar. Congratulations, training class B of 2021, and welcome aboard!”

There were also plenty of smiles at Vancouver Airport recently when travel retailer Hudson partnered with the Vancouver Airport Authority to unveil a new Joe & the Juice location, the second in Canada’s second-busiest airport. This was much more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony, as the opening celebrations also featured two talented individuals having some fun, as they breakdanced in fruit costumes. Inspiring more smiles, the audience was also treated to some drink tricks by a performer behind of the counter of the new F&B outlet. It’s great to hear about such positive events that have brought smiles to people’s faces from the airline and airport industries. We look forward to bringing you more of the same in our next issue as the recovery gathers momentum and those smiles for the return to travel keep on coming.

*If you work in the travel retail industry and wish to nominate a moment or event for our new ‘Better moments make the world smile’ column please email Dermot Davitt at Dermot@MoodieDavittReport.com

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The Moodie Davitt eZine Issue 302 | 22 October 2021

The Moodie Davitt eZine is published 15 times per year by The Moodie Davitt Report (Moodie International Ltd). © All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the Publisher. To find out more visit www.moodiedavittreport.com and to subscribe, please e-mail sinead@moodiedavittreport.com

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