Looking to impress executives with seamless transport to your next event? Vaunt just announced a luxurious option that offers more flexibility for short-notice, high-touch flights. Feeling the uncertainty around U.S. business travel? An investor update from Heathrow suggests those concerns may be justified, with signs of softening demand on transatlantic routes. Planning something along the coastal Pacific Northwest? Amtrak Cascades is getting a major upgrade, with a new fleet arriving in 2026 that promises a more comfortable and scenic experience for rail-bound attendees.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.
Vaunt Expands Private Jet Access with Leviate Partnership
Vaunt, the private aviation platform backed by Volato, has added Leviate Air Group to its growing network of third-party operators. The partnership brings 13 additional aircraft into the fold, including six HondaJets—compact, quiet jets favored for short-haul and regional travel.
Originally launched with Volato’s own HondaJet fleet, Vaunt has built its model around on-demand, short-notice trips. The addition of Leviate reinforces the platform’s emphasis on light jets while also laying groundwork for future growth: Leviate’s fleet includes a Bombardier Global 5000, marking the first large-cabin aircraft associated with the Vaunt network.
“Leviate is proud to bring both depth and diversity to the Vaunt fleet,” said Logan Laporte, director of sales for Honda Fleet at Leviate, who noted the potential to help shape new tiers of service.
This could mean more flexibility in sourcing private travel for executives or VIP guests, especially as Vaunt continues to build out integrated offerings like hotel and airline bookings.
Paisly Expands Cruise Options Through Airline Partnerships
JetBlue-owned travel tech company Paisly is broadening its cruise offerings with the addition of four new partners: Holland America Line, Cunard, Virgin Voyages and Oceania Cruises. The move deepens Paisly’s role in connecting airline loyalty programs with cruise bookings, starting with JetBlue Vacations.
The platform now enables JetBlue travelers to earn TrueBlue points and cruise rewards on a single booking—an example of the growing trend toward loyalty-linked travel bundles. “Cruising is a category overdue for disruption, and that’s exactly what Paisly is delivering,” said Jamie Perry, president of Paisly.
This expansion comes ahead of Paisly’s planned rollout with United Airlines in 2026, signaling broader ambitions to power cruise offerings across multiple carriers. The shift could make it easier to package flights and cruises through a single system while preserving loyalty benefits.
As part of its customer-first promise, Paisly also offers a “Plane to Port” policy through JetBlue; if a flight delay causes a missed cruise departure, the company will assist travelers in reaching the next port—providing added peace of mind for more complex itineraries.
Royalton Launches Adults-Only Brand With New Barbados Resort
Royalton Luxury Resorts is introducing a new adults-only brand, Royalton Vessence, with its first property set to open in Barbados in summer 2026. The reimagined resort, previously known as Royalton CHIC Barbados, will debut as Royalton Vessence Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only.
Billed as a retreat for modern travelers seeking more than just a vacation, the resort will feature rotating exhibitions by regional artists, hands-on creative workshops, glow-lit pools for late-night swims and spaces designed for digital detox. “We create forward-thinking concepts that speak to evolving guest expectations,” said Jordi Pelfort, president of Blue Diamond Resorts.
For those seeking an elevated, culturally grounded incentive trip or adults-only group experience, the new concept offers a fresh take on the all-inclusive model. Located on Barbados’ Platinum Coast, the resort will also offer wellness programming through Moddo by Royalton FIT and complimentary airport shuttle service for guests.
Heathrow Flags Softening U.S. Business Travel Demand
Heathrow Airport is reporting signs of weakening demand on U.S. business routes, pointing to economic uncertainty as a key factor. In an investor update published by the Financial Times, the UK’s busiest airport said early softness in transatlantic travel appeared to be driven more by economic concerns than geopolitical tensions.
While overall passenger numbers are expected to rise slightly this year, Heathrow noted that demand from business travelers, particularly on U.S. routes, is proving “more challenging.” Leisure travel, by contrast, is holding steady, and growth on routes to Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East is helping to offset the decline.
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For those coordinating transatlantic meetings or incentive programs, this shift may influence pricing, route availability or attendee travel behaviors in the months ahead. Heathrow says it’s keeping a “close watching brief on traffic trends” as the market remains in flux.
The airport also announced that it expects a modest increase in full-year revenue but warned of rising operational costs, including labor expenses. Despite earlier setbacks from a March power outage, Heathrow continues to focus on long-haul growth while implementing safety recommendations from the incident.
New Amtrak Cascades Trains Set to Debut in 2026
Amtrak Cascades has announced the arrival of eight new trainsets and two locomotives in 2026, bringing updated comfort and fresh design to the route connecting Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, BC.
Manufactured by Siemens in California and funded through the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the new trains will feature panoramic windows, ergonomic seating, upgraded tech amenities and a redesigned café car stocked with local beer, wine and snacks. A new exterior design—mocha, evergreen and cream, with graphics of the Cascade Range—adds a regional flair to the fleet.
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Each train will seat over 300 passengers and offer modern perks like USB ports, Wi-Fi and touchless restroom controls, while delivering a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly ride.
The enhanced service could offer a more appealing and scenic ground transportation option, especially for regional meetings or sustainable travel programs. The new trains will roll out gradually as they complete inspection and testing, marking a major upgrade to rail travel in the Pacific Northwest.
