Boeing completes 787 Firm Configuration

Members of the 787 Dreamliner team today celebrated the achievement of firm configuration for the all-new Boeing airplane. This milestone marks the close of the joint development phase of the program and the full-scale start of detailed design.

"Firm configuration means the airplane's structural, propulsion and systems architectures are firm. They are not changing," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "This allows us and our partners to proceed with detailed design - down to the smallest parts and final composite ply layouts - with great confidence.

"At the end of detailed design, we will know what each inch of the airplane looks like and how it interacts with every other inch of the airplane."

Commenting further on reaching firm configuration, Bair said, "The team has done a fantastic job to get us through this important milestone. There are still great challenges ahead as we move toward the beginning of production, first flight, certification and our first deliveries, but we are confident in out abilities to meet our commitments to our customers."

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Malaysia Airlines offer discounted fares at fair

A three-day Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair, which kicked off on Friday, was a great help for 26-year-old Alia who planned to meet her husband, who is studying in London, due to the airlines cheap fares.

"Normally a return ticket for Jakarta-London costs about US$1,300. At this fair, Malaysia Airlines System (MAS) offers it for only $600," she said after visiting booths featuring 40 travel agents at the Jakarta Convention Center, Central Jakarta.

The Malaysian national carrier held its first ever fair outside the country. The fair offers up to 60 percent discount on air fares to its 100 destinations worldwide for trips valid until May 30, 2006.

MAS regional manager for ASEAN Syed Abdillah Aziz said the fair was targeting a growing population of young Indonesian professionals. "We are targeting to attract 50,000 visitors and to generate over 20 million Malaysian ringgit (US$5.3 million) through the fair."

The company report said it transported over 300,000 Indonesians last year and earned 169 million ringgit.

The company's assistant general manager for advertising, promotions and branding, Yazid Mohamed, said aside from generating revenue, it would also support community development programs in Indonesia.

All the money raised from the Rp 10,000 (99 U.S. cents) entrance fee, he added, would be donated to social foundations Yayasan Kusuma Buana in Tebet and The Center for the Betterment of Education in Mampang, both in South Jakarta.

Despite the optimism, a sales representative with Gullivers Travel Associates expressed doubt over the potential success of the fair here.

"I was present at the last fair in Malaysia," the representative, Hestin, told The Jakarta Post. "Only seconds after it was officially opened, hundreds of people flooded the venue. Here, I don't experience the same situation."

The fair has always been held in Malaysia's major cities of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching, Sarawak and Kota Kinibalu. This year, the airlines had held a similar fair in February that attracted over 120,000 visitors and generated about 70 million ringgit in transactions.

However, not all visitors had a good story like Alia's.

One visitor, who booked a flight to Istanbul, canceled her travel plan since she could not get the right dates for her connecting flights although she said she was at the hall 30 minutes after it opened.

"I hope Malaysia Airlines will not follow the practice of some domestic budget carriers that advertise good airfare prices, but only have limited seats available," said the visitor, who declined to be identified.

Responding to the complaint, MAS Indonesia area manager Dzulkefli Zakaria called on visitors to avoid making travel plans during the peak season.

"I suggest potential passengers avoid the holiday period after Idul Fitri (in early November) until the year end," he told the Post.

Source: The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Hong Kong Disneyland explains Ticket Exchange Plan during Black Rain and Typhoons

Hong Kong Disneyland today explained its ticket exchange plan for in view of the hoisting of Typhoon Signal No. 3.

If, as today, the Typhoon Signal No. 3 is hoisted before 4 pm, guests holding valid tickets for that day can choose to exchange the ticket for another day within 90 days, or request a refund.

The Park will remain open during this time. However, as required under government regulations, all outdoor attractions may be suspended under Typhoon Signal No. 3 or above.

Below are the arrangements for other inclement weather conditions:

Black Rain

- If the warning is hoisted prior to the opening of the park, the park will delay opening until approximately three hours after the warning is lowered.
- If the warning is hoisted during operating hours, the park will remain open with limited operations.
- In the case the warning is hoisted before 4 pm, guests with valid tickets for that day can exchange the ticket within 90 days from the original visit date, or refund their ticket.

Typhoon Signal No. 8

- If the signal is hoisted prior to the opening of the park, the park will delay opening until approximately three hours after the warning is lowered.
- If the signal is hoisted during operating hours, the park will be closed as soon as possible.
- In the case the park closes during the day or for the whole day, guests with valid tickets for that day can exchange the ticket within 90 days from the original visit date, or refund their ticket.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Hainan Airlines takes Delivery of First Airbus A319

Hainan Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A319 aircraft today in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft will arrive at Xi’an International Airport in the Shanxi Province tomorrow, where a formal handover ceremony will take place.

The A319 is powered by CFM International CFM56-5b engines and is configured in a single economy-class layout, which will provide space for 134 passengers. The aircraft will be operated by Chang’an Airlines, a local branch of Hainan Airlines in Xi’an, and will serve domestic trunk routes and some high-altitude routes like Tibet, Huanglong and Gongga.

Having started its operations in 1993, Hainan Airlines currently operates out of the city of Haikou, Hainan Island, with airlinks to more than 50 domestic destinations.

The A319, which is known to the Chinese customers as “the Mountain Goat”, first made a successful demonstration flight over Tibet International Airport in 2001. Since then, it has been widely received by Chinese customers. Currently, there are 50 A319s in service in the Chinese fleet on the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Jet Airways to introduce Inflight Safety Manual in Braille

Indian air carrier, Jet Airways, is to provide an inflight Safety Instruction Manual in Braille for its visually challenged passengers.

Effective October 2005, all Jet Airways flights will have on board, copies of this Safety Instruction Manual in Braille. The 72 page manual which has been developed in English and Hindi is a result of six months of intensive research. The document has been developed in collaboration with two Non-Government Organisations. The concept and product development was carried out with the Association for Blindness and Low Vision, while the printing has been in conjunction with the Helen Keller Institute for the Deaf and Deaf Blind.

Developed on an IATA approved model, the safety manual also adheres to the guidelines laid down by the World Blind Union on passenger safety. The document has been put through a series of test runs and revisions in conjunction with the Association for Blindness and Low Vision, for clarity of instructions, and has been adapted to be applicable to Jet Airways’ entire fleet of aircraft.

The manual has been printed in standard un-contracted Braille, which is an internationally accepted code. In order to maximize the convenience of the user, this uniquely designed document is printed with right hand pages in Braille and left-hand pages in ordinary text. This will allow not only reading comfort for visually handicapped passengers, but also enable cabin crew to specifically address any queries on any part of the safety procedures.

The document is made from the finest quality of imported non-tearable paper and printed in non-erasable special Braille dots in relief, to ensure long shelf life, reduced atmospheric effect and eliminate loss of clarity due to pressure and constant use

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

India among top 5 travel destinations in the world

India, one of the most inimitable, incomparable travel destinations in the world, has been ranked No. 5 among the top ten world destinations by some of the most sophisticated and avid travelers. The prestigious magazine Conde Nast Traveller UK, represented by Mediascope Publicitas in India, announced the Annual Readers' Travel Awards 2005 in the current issue, which hit the stands this week.

Renuka Choudhary, Minister of State for Tourism, said, “India is the fastest growing tourism destination. Conde Nast’s recognition confirms India’s growing stature”. “This will provide further fillip to Indian tourism”, adds A.K Mishra, Secretary, Tourism, Government of India.

Speaking on India’s success, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Amitabh Kant, said, “Opening of Indian skies and the Incredible India campaign have positioned India. In a short while, India will emerge as the world’s No.1 destination.”

India had other significant successes too. Ananda Spa, Ananda in the Himalayas, was ranked No.1 in the “Overseas Destination Spas” category. In the Overseas Leisure Hotels category in Asia & the Indian subcontinent the Oberoi Group had two entries - TheOberoi Rajvilãs, Jaipur, ranked No. 1 and The Oberoi Vanyavilãs, Ranthambore, a new entrant, came in at No. 9. And, in the overall list of ten of the “Best of the Best”, Ananda Spa ranked no. 2 and the Rajvilãs, no. 7.

Sarah Miller, Editor, Conde Nast Traveller UK, said, “I'm thrilled that India has done so well in Conde Nast Traveller's Readers' Travel Awards. It proves India's increasing popularity as a destination. And in addition to all the riches the country has to offer, several of its hotels have performed strongly as well indicating that India is increasingly important to the discerning luxury traveller.”

Kate Slesinger, Publisher, Conde Nast Traveller UK, added “I couldn't be more delighted to see India move up by one place to 5th favourite holiday destination for Conde Nast Traveller readers in this year's Readers' Travel Awards poll. India's success story is gathering momentum, thanks to the combined efforts of the Indian Tourism Board and the support of individual states. With Conde Nast Traveller's circulation at an all-time high, India has been wise to focus its marketing programme on this very influential sector of the British travelling public. We look forward to an even better performance in next year's Awards.”

Ashutosh Khanna, Chief Operating Officer, Grey Worldwide, the agency behind the Incredible India campaign, added, “We are absolutely delighted to be part of the team in making Brand India more desirable to audiences globally. Coming on the heels of the Incredible India campaign’s gold award at the PATA awards, the ratification from Conde Nast is very satisfying. I would like to congratulate everyone at the Ministry of Tourism and thank them for allowing us to be their partner.”

For further information, please contact:

Nikita Suratwala
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
022 - 50344142
9820707434


Source: agencyfaqs

Olympic Airlines to fight EU ruling

Greece's government-owned Olympic Air plans to appeal a European Union ruling that it must return $663 million in state aid.

The European Commission ordered Olympic to return the government subsidies, which were paid to the airline from 2002 onwards, the BBC reported Monday.

It was unclear whether the Athens government would join the financially ailing airline in its appeal.

The government is seeking to privatize Olympic.

Source: Big News Network

Discount airlines poised to benefit

Deep financial trouble at Delta and Northwest airlines could open up market opportunities for discount giant Southwest and other aggressive low-cost carriers.
No. 3 Delta and No. 4 Northwest filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week in New York, and both are expected to pare domestic routes as they reorganize. It's too early to know for sure where growth-minded discounters will pick up the slack, but few doubt that they will.

"There's no question that all the low-cost carriers should benefit significantly," veteran analyst and industry consultant Julius Maldutis says. How things could play out:

• Southwest. Hurricane Katrina gave perennially profitable Southwest Airlines an unexpected abundance of airplanes that it can immediately throw into markets where Delta and Northwest retrench or seem vulnerable.

Katrina's destruction sliced Southwest daily service to New Orleans to just two flights, which the Dallas-based carrier expects to start Tuesday.

That's down from a market-leading 57 daily flights before the storm. The reduced schedule gives Southwest the equivalent of about 15 planes with no place to fly. In addition, Southwest has 41 new jets scheduled for delivery through 2006.

Southwest may see opportunity in Cincinnati, where Delta announced cuts even before entering Chapter 11, and Memphis, an unprofitable Northwest hub. It seems unlikely that Southwest will go after Delta at its huge Atlanta hub because it's also the home of low-cost rival AirTran. Another unlikely move is an assault on Northwest at its hometown hub of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

But Southwest is already in Detroit, Northwest's biggest hub, and in Salt Lake City, Delta's No. 2 hub. And expansion at either place is a possibility.

Spokesman Ed Stewart says it's not clear yet where the best growth opportunities will be. But the company will have the next wave of that growth mapped out soon, he says.

• JetBlue. Standard & Poor's analyst Philip Baggaley says the New York-based discounter, with 46 new planes coming by the end of 2006, is likely to enter midsize markets in Florida, the mid-Atlantic and the Midwest. Delta and Northwest have dominated much of those regions. But lately they've struggled, he says.

• AirTran. The Orlando-based airline has orders for up to 100 more Boeing 737s. Baggaley says its planned growth, possibly bolstered by the acquisition of another airline, gives AirTran the opportunity to cut further into Delta's customer base in the key Atlanta market and elsewhere in the East and Southeast.

Robert Crandall, retired chairman of American Airlines, says low-cost carriers are "looking at targets of opportunity." His advice to managers of airlines now in the discounters' cross hairs: "Duck!"

Source: 2005 USA TODAY

Thai Airways International adds Two New A340-600 Aircraft to fleet

Thai Airways International has taken delivery of two A340-600 aircraft from Airbus. The aircraft uses Rolls-Royce RR Trent 556 engines. The airline will use the new aircraft to fly passengers to five difference destinations in Europe and Asia.

THAI's A340-600 aircraft is configured with a total of 267 seats in three classes. First Class is comprised of 8 shell type seats with an 83-inch pitch and 180 degree recline angle and leg rest.

Business Class offers 60 shell type seats with a 60-inch pitch in a 2-2-2 configuration and 170 degree recline angle with leg rest.

Economy Class has a total of 199 seats with recline angle between 115-122 degree and a 32-34-inch pitch in a 2-4-2 configuration.

The interior design of the A340-600 offers mood lighting, personal telephone service for First and Business Class passengers, PC Power, and personal screens for each seat in all three classes. First Class and Business Class passengers will be able to enjoy a personal screen of 10.4 inches wide while in Economy Class a 9 inch wide screen is offered.

The entertainment system in the new A340-600 aircraft is upgraded and is now loaded with the Digital Audio and Video on Demand (AVOD) system. This means that passengers may choose their own inflight entertainment programs to watch on their personal screens. The available selections include movies of some 30 titles, 70 discovery films, 100 music album of 600 titles, 30 games, news from leading news channels around the world, as well as a language learning program, including Thai language for tourists.

This new A340-600 aircraft will be used to service passengers travelling to Europe, including Zurich, Switzerland, Milan, and Spain, and Tokyo, Japan in Asia. THAI received the two A340-600 aircraft in June and August 2005 respectively, and will receive another three aircraft of this model from Airbus by the end of the year 2005.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Boeing makes Two Key Executive Appointments in Saudi Arabia

Boeing has appointed two senior executives in Saudi Arabia to further strengthen its operations and partnerships in the Kingdom.

Ahmed Jazzar takes up the new position of president, Boeing - Saudi Arabia. He will coordinate all Boeing activities and company strategy to pursue growth in the Kingdom. He also will focus on strengthening local-market presence and profile.

Sales and marketing responsibilities will remain with the business units - Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Integrated Defense Systems, Connexion by Boeing and Boeing Capital Corporation. Jazzar will support the sales teams as they conduct their campaigns in the Kingdom.

Michael Probasco has been appointed president of Boeing Middle East Limited (BMEL) succeeding Marcus Hurley. BMEL is based in Riyadh and represents the company's Integrated Defense Systems business unit.

Hurley has accepted a new position of regional director for business development in the Middle East and North Africa for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

Jazzar has a wealth of experience, having spent 30 years with Saudi Arabian Airlines and retiring as its vice president, Technical Services Division. In this position, he oversaw the engineering, planning and maintenance operations of Saudi Arabian Airlines' fleet of 100 aircraft and managed a workforce of over 5,800.

He also established the training institute in Jeddah for maintenance technicians to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license requirements and helped the airline achieve Joint Aviation Administration certification and expand its FAA certification.

Jazzar completed his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed the Columbia Senior Executive Program at Columbia University Graduate School of Business, New York.

Michael Probasco joined Boeing in 1997. He has been manager of Boeing's F-15C Distributed Mission Training Program for the Royal Saudi Air Force, and manager of the Boeing F-15 Training Systems and Services Program for both maintenance and aircrew. Probasco earned his bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering and a masters from the University of Kansas. He was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 1974 and served as a fighter pilot in the F-15C.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific Expand Code Share Agreement

Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) have agreed to expand their Japan-Hong Kong code share programme to include a daily round trip flight on the Fukuoka-Hong Kong route.

The new code share flight will be operated by Cathay Pacific aircraft and crews and the first flight out of Fukuoka will be on 3 October 2005. The flight is routed via Taipei but JAL passengers, by using this code share flight, can travel only between Fukuoka and Hong Kong.

Fukuoka-Hong Kong will be the third code share route for JAL and Cathay Pacific between Japan and Hong Kong. Since Spring 1999 the two carriers have operated daily code share flights on routes between Nagoya and Hong Kong and Osaka’s Kansai International Airport and Hong Kong.

Flight inauguration date: October 3, 2005
Reservations availability from: September 20, 2005

Source: Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

JetBlue takes delivery of First Embraer 190

Embraer has delivered its first Embraer 190 to launch customer JetBlue Airways. JetBlue has placed firm orders for 101 Embraer 190s and expects to take delivery of approximately 18 of the new aircraft each year between 2005 and 2011. JetBlue service with its first E-Jet is expected to begin in November.

JetBlue's Embraer 190 aircraft are configured with 100 leather seats in a two-by-two layout and a comfortable 33-32 inch pitch in one single class that ensures all customers an aisle or a window seat with easy access and movement throughout the cabin. JetBlue E-Jets are equipped with its customary in-seat entertainment system, featuring large 6.8 inch video screens, 36 channels of DIRECTV and up to 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio and, on flights longer than two hours, a selection of movies on FOX InFlight Premium Entertainment.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

JetBlue takes delivery of First Embraer 190

Embraer has delivered its first Embraer 190 to launch customer JetBlue Airways. JetBlue has placed firm orders for 101 Embraer 190s and expects to take delivery of approximately 18 of the new aircraft each year between 2005 and 2011. JetBlue service with its first E-Jet is expected to begin in November.

JetBlue's Embraer 190 aircraft are configured with 100 leather seats in a two-by-two layout and a comfortable 33-32 inch pitch in one single class that ensures all customers an aisle or a window seat with easy access and movement throughout the cabin. JetBlue E-Jets are equipped with its customary in-seat entertainment system, featuring large 6.8 inch video screens, 36 channels of DIRECTV and up to 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio and, on flights longer than two hours, a selection of movies on FOX InFlight Premium Entertainment.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

JetBlue takes delivery of First Embraer 190

Embraer has delivered its first Embraer 190 to launch customer JetBlue Airways. JetBlue has placed firm orders for 101 Embraer 190s and expects to take delivery of approximately 18 of the new aircraft each year between 2005 and 2011. JetBlue service with its first E-Jet is expected to begin in November.

JetBlue's Embraer 190 aircraft are configured with 100 leather seats in a two-by-two layout and a comfortable 33-32 inch pitch in one single class that ensures all customers an aisle or a window seat with easy access and movement throughout the cabin. JetBlue E-Jets are equipped with its customary in-seat entertainment system, featuring large 6.8 inch video screens, 36 channels of DIRECTV and up to 100 channels of XM Satellite Radio and, on flights longer than two hours, a selection of movies on FOX InFlight Premium Entertainment.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Intra-Asia Travel Growth Continues

Asia Pacific travel continues to grow as it enters the second half of the year, according to the latest booking figures issued today by travel facilitator Abacus International.

In July, total bookings on the Abacus system increased by 9% over the corresponding period in 2004 to more than 3.92 million. Intra-Asia travel accounted for the vast majority of bookings made at more than 84%.

Abacus President and CEO Don Birch said, “Overall, we are continuing to see steady growth in Intra-Asia travel with bookings for July posting a 9% increase over the corresponding period in 2004. Clearly, the oil price increases had a limited impact on travel demand and we expect to see continued growth in the second half of the year.”

E-ticketing

Electronic ticketing on the Abacus system for the month of July increased by 67% over the same period last year, with the Philippines and Malaysia recording the highest growth rates at 1,265% and 286% respectively. Year-to-date 2005, 2.58 million e-tickets have been issued, an 85% increase over the same period in 2004.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Abu Dhabi to withdraw its shareholding in Gulf Air

The Governments of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman have confirmed today that the Government of Abu Dhabi is to withdraw from its shareholding in Gulf Air.

There will be no change to Gulf Air’s core approach to business or to its on-going business strategy as a result of the withdrawal of Abu Dhabi as a shareholder in the airline, said Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan today.

He said, “For the wide Gulf Air family - our customers, our staff and our suppliers - the key issue is how we are run; and that will be business as usual.

“We will continue to build upon our successes, enhancing our brand and our services to reinforce our position as the leading airline in the region.

“In the last three years, we have made massive strides in our business performance. We have done that by focusing on our customers, on our staff and on our services. We will continue to do so into the future.”

Mr Hogan welcomed the confirmation of continued support from the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, he said,

“I have been delighted to see such strong commitment from the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman and I thank them for their continued support. I look forward to reporting to them on the further successful development of the airline in the future.”

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates Grand Opening

Against the backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the natural grandeur of the green Lantau Island mountains, Hong Kong Disneyland officially brought the fun and excitement of a Disney theme park to Hong Kong Monday with a spectacular Grand Opening.

The ceremony began with a colorful display of spinning parasols which parted to reveal children welcoming the spectators in English, Cantonese and Putonghua. Classical Chinese tradition joined with Disney heritage as the ceremony continued with the 100-voice Hong Kong Children’s Choir, dazzling Chinese acrobats and dancers, and Disney ambassadors representing all of the Disney theme parks worldwide – Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris and the United States.

Centerpiece of the ceremony was a traditional Lion Dance ritual in which the Lions were “brought to life” when their eyes were dotted with brushes and red ink by Michael D. Eisner, Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer; Robert A. Iger, Walt Disney Company President, Chief Operating Officer and CEO-elect; Zeng Qinghong, Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China; and Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government).

“We hope Hong Kong Disneyland will be a beacon,” said Iger, “reminding us that no matter the language of borders, humankind can accomplish great things when we work together, especially when we can show the world that imagination is alive, that fantasy can be reality and that magic happens.”

In welcoming Disney to Hong Kong, Tsang observed, “The arrival of the world’s most widely recognized and best-loved theme park in Hong Kong will allow us to provide visitors from all over the region with a fun-filled and diversified experience.”

The Monday Grand Opening of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort was preceded by a weekend preview for business and government leaders and such celebrities as Eason Chan, Emil Chau, Jacky Cheung, Andy Hui, Brad Kane, Coco Lee, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga and Joey Yung who spent Sunday enjoying the themed lands of Hong Kong Disneyland Park.

The vacation resort on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island is a joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and the Hong Kong SAR Government. It includes two intricately detailed hotels – the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel – with views of the theme park and the South China Sea, along with a public recreation area with a sparkling lake and arboretum.

Following the ceremony, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened its gates for thousands of waiting guests. The Opening Day crowd enjoyed a full day of entertainment including encounters with such famous Disney characters as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Cinderella, as well as adventures on such classic Disney attractions as Jungle River Cruise, Mad Hatter Tea Cups and Space Mountain.

Other highlights in Hong Kong Disneyland include live Broadway-quality entertainment, distinctive Disneyland gifts and souvenirs, and flavorful Asian and Western cuisine in a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Work is already underway on Autopia, a new Tomorrowland attraction where guests of all ages can drive electric cars along the highways of tomorrow. The new adventure is scheduled to open in 2006.

he HKSAR Government estimated the first phase of the project will generate a present economic value of HK$148 billion (US$19 billion) in benefits to Hong Kong over a 40-year period.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Management of The Essex House Hotel in New York

Jumeirah, the Dubai based luxury hospitality group, is to replace Starwood as the hotel operator for New York’s Essex House Hotel, following its recent acquisition by Dubai Investment Group.

Jumeirah will be working closely with Dubai Investment Group, a member entity of Dubai Holding, on a $50 million renovation programme of the Essex House Hotel to create a 500-room premier property on Central Park South in the heart of New York City.

This management contract acquisition follows Jumeirah’s re-branding announcement in June this year, where the group also announced aggressive expansion plans to increase its portfolio to 40 hotels in the next five years.

Jumeirah will assume management of the Essex House Hotel in January 2006. Gerald Lawless, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah, commented, “We feel privileged to have been awarded the management contract for this historic hotel in New York. We recognise the responsibility we have to enhance Essex House, and to consolidate its position as one of New York’s few remaining truly original hotel experiences. We are very much aware of the contribution that the great staff of the hotel makes to the hotel’s success, and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Lawless added, “We plan to create a true contemporary classic in New York, reflecting the tradition of the hotel’s historic past and the ambition of its luxurious future.”

Plans for the hotel renovation will include extensive redesign and refurbishment of the lobby, rooms, public areas and the creation of market-unique food and beverage outlets. The hotel will remain open during the renovation period, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2006.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

‘Top Deck at the Jumbo’ in Hong Kong to Open October 2005

Top Deck at the Jumbo, a new 300-seat, 9,000 sq ft restaurant, bar and al fresco lounge is set to open on the rooftop of one of Hong Kong's most famous icons - the Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen.

The restaurant, scheduled to open in October 2005, is the latest venture of the Cafe Deco Group, renowned for Cafe Deco at The Peak.

With indoor and outdoor seating, the new “lifestyle venue” will feature oyster and sushi bars with vibrant ‘show kitchens’ focusing on fresh seafood prepared in a variety of ways.

Top Deck at the Jumbo successfully combines the original Chinese fixtures and fittings with contemporary design elements to appeal to a broad cross section of the community.

Separate pagodas with fabulous harbour views provide intimate dining for up to 8 people, and the private dining room can accommodate up to 40 persons.

Top Deck at the Jumbo can accommodate up to 700 guests for cocktail receptions, or 300 guests for sit down dinners.

“Top Deck will lend a new lease of life to this unique space atop a superbly renovated, legendary Hong Kong landmark,” said Martin Allies, president of the Cafe Deco Group.

“The need for a casual yet fun and relaxing restaurant of some size and significance on the south side of Hong Kong Island is well known.

To be able to do this on one of Hong Kong’s few remaining icons, positioned with high visibility in Aberdeen Harbour is a remarkable opportunity. It will be a unique outdoor dining experience, either for relaxing drinks, intimate dinners or large scale functions as a major entertainment and events venue,” Allies continued.

Insisting the concept will “complement rather than compete” with the Chinese restaurants on decks below, he predicts Top Deck at the Jumbo will become the “talking point of Hong Kong”, a landmark restaurant on the “must visit” itinerary of tourists and locals.

With car parking (at Aberdeen Marina Club or Jumbo Court Parking) and valet parking right at the harbour side at Shum Wan Pier, and complimentary mooring for diners arriving by boat, guests arrive in Jumbo-style aboard a specially designed Jumbo ferry or traditional sampan

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Air Arabia to launch flights between Sharjah and Nagpur in India

Air Arabia, a Sharjah-based low cost airline, is launch flights between Sharjah and Nagpur in Maharashtra, India.

Mr. Praful Patel, Indian Minister Civil Aviation said, “We are delighted to announce that Air Arabia will be the 1st international airline to start services to Nagpur".

Commenting on the developments, Adel Ali, Air Arabia’s CEO said, “The Gulf-India market is important to us and we are pleased to be part of the expansion and development of this market. We are continuing in our strategy to open new routes and especially those that are underserved internationally like Nagpur.”

Air Arabia will start operations to Nagpur three times a week in the second half of October to help people travelling home for Eid.

The airline currently flies from Sharjah to eighteen destinations: fourteen flights weekly to Alexandria; nine flights a week to Beirut; daily to Bahrain, Colombo, Damascus, Doha, Mumbai and Muscat; six days a week to Kuwait; four days a week to Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh; three days a week to Khartoum and Aleppo; and two days a week to Assiut, Luxor, Sana’a and Sharm El Sheikh.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Airlines shaving weight to save fuel

As jet fuel prices head into the stratosphere, U.S. airlines are discovering that some small changes can mean big savings.

The Washington Post reports Alaska Airlines is shaving $30,000 a year by grounding the thick manuals for flight crews. JetBlue is dumping its wastewater tanks after every flight to keep weight down.

American Airlines estimates filling water tanks only 75 percent saves $8 million a year. In an era when passengers prefer bottled water and jet fuel costs well over $2 a gallon, American has found that full tanks are an expensive luxury.

Like President Jimmy Carter with drivers in the 1970s, some airlines are also urging pilots to slow down to save fuel. At America West, for example, pilots who find they are ahead of schedule are told to put the brakes on.

Jet fuel prices have risen by about 25 percent since Hurricane Katrina.

Source: Big News Network

New Orleans travel updates

Flying in Katrina's wake

All of the eight major domestic airlines that provide service to airports in areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Fort Walton, Gulfport, Mobile) have announced they will allow passengers with tickets or paid reservations to cancel or postpone their trips at no charge, but in most cases, the change must be made by Oct. 31.

With Continental, Delta, Jet Blue, Northwest and US Airways, the ticket value can only be applied toward another ticket, while American, Southwest and United are offering full refunds for trips that were scheduled for departure through Sept. 30. This information can change, so check with the carrier involved.

Cruises from New Orleans

New Orleans has been the country's ninth-largest cruise port. By the time Katrina struck, cruise lines had already moved their ships out of harm's way. Damage to the port is still being assessed, but it could be months before cruise travel from New Orleans returns to normal.

The two Carnival ships that sailed out of New Orleans, the Sensation and the Conquest, now depart from Galveston, Texas, and the line is also considering Tampa, Fla., for departures. Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean operate winter-season cruises to the western Caribbean out of New Orleans, but both are taking a wait-and-see approach to itineraries.

The New Orleans-based Delta Queen Steamboat Co. runs three paddlewheel boats on the Mississippi and Ohio. Employees were moved to Buffalo, N.Y., and Memphis, Tenn., ahead of the hurricane. No sailings have been canceled, although New Orleans has been removed from itineraries through this month.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Star Alliance launches Upgrade Awards

Star Alliance is now offering a Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP) upgrade redemption option across the alliance, rather than on an individual carrier basis.

This enhancement is now available to the FFP members of ANA (ANA Mileage Club), Austrian (Miles & More), LOT Polish Airlines (Miles & More), Lufthansa (Miles & More) and Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer). Other Star Alliance member carriers will begin to offer this product during 2006.

Star Alliance Upgrade Awards permits customers to redeem miles or points from their FFP account to upgrade by one class, either from Economy Class to Business Class or from Business Class to First Class, on scheduled flights operated by the participating member carriers.

Star Alliance Upgrade Awards requires a confirmed booking prior to travel through the existing FFP redemption channels, in general either a call centre or a website (depending on carrier’s offer). The upgrade is processed electronically through the computer reservations system, eliminating the need to issue paper certificates to the customers. Both conventional paper tickets as well as electronic tickets can be upgraded under this new scheme. As with most FFP redemption products, capacity restrictions apply and upgrades from certain types of fares are not permissible.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Low-cost airlines eye market here

Having announced major flight cuts in Cincinnati, Delta Air Lines is bleeding in the water, but the low-cost sharks it fears most say they aren't biting yet.

Cincinnati's dominant carrier announced a 26 percent reduction in flights out of its second-largest hub here, where it controls more than 90 percent of ticket sales. Delta and industry watchers say the move is a sign of how dire finances are at the company, which has lost nearly $10 billion since 2000.

Analysts say the cuts, coupled with Delta's financial weakness, could ultimately lead low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines, AirTran and JetBlue to enter the market.

But Delta is attempting to pull off a delicate balancing act by cutting enough flights to improve profitability without luring competition, said Greg Clifton, an analyst with Moody's Investors Service.

"Trimming flights makes routes more efficient, but they're trying not to open the door for low-cost carriers to take market share in Cincinnati," he said.

Those expanding low-cost carriers, which have overrun 70 percent of Delta's other markets, are tight-lipped about their next move.

Kevin Healy, vice president of planning at AirTran, said the Orlando-based carrier has studied possible service to Cincinnati before and remains interested.

"Cincinnati is a strong market that we've looked at a lot - but we have to see how things evolve from here," Healy said.

Healy said one complication for AirTran if it comes to Cincinnati is the airline's already-established service in Dayton. He said the airline wouldn't want to cannibalize its operations there.

Officials with Southwest Airlines, a low-cost upstart airline that has evolved to become the nation's sixth largest, also expressed concern with siphoning loyal customers away from other airports. Still, with Columbus its nearest city, they acknowledge the airline has successfully operated in airports 100 miles apart.

"We've done that before," said spokes- woman Brandy King.

JetBlue wouldn't comment specifically on the Cincinnati market, but acknowledged the Midwest is creeping onto its radar in addition to more East and West Coast destinations. Though New York is a top destination out of Cincinnati, JetBlue officials did hint they would look for connections with less competition

Source: cincypost.com

Tourism Players Welcome Extension To New Passport Rule

Some tourism industry professionals expressed relief on Tuesday over a decision made by the US Government to extend by one year the deadline for the implementation of a policy that would require persons traveling outside the United States to present a passport upon their return.

"This provides us with additional time to be able to create the level of awareness with the US traveling public about the need to be prepared to travel not only to The Bahamas, but anywhere outside of the United States," Frank Comito, executive director of the Nassau Tourism Development Board

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was formally submitted by the US Department of Homeland Security as a means of border protection from terrorism.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all U.S. citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and citizens of Canada and Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States by January 1, 2008.

The new proposed timetable would mean that as of December 31, 2006 the policy will come into effect for all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

As of December 31, 2007, it would come into effect for all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

Frank Comito, executive director of the Nassau Tourism Development Board, believes that the policy could have had severe effects on the tourism product of developing countries like The Bahamas if enough time had not been given to prepare for its implementation.

Mr. Comito indicated that before the policy comes into effect, proper planning and heightened awareness are essential.

"This provides us with additional time to be able to create the level of awareness with the US traveling public about the need to be prepared to travel not only to The Bahamas, but anywhere outside of the United States," Mr. Comito said.

"Essentially that would save them time and the inconvenience of not being able to have a passport ready should they make a short term or impulse type of decision to travel to The Bahamas."

The initial implementation date for the Caribbean was January 2006, but local officials and those throughout the region had argued that more time was needed.

Earle Bethell, president of the Bahamas Hotel Association, said his organization pushed for fair treatment for The Bahamas and the Caribbean in receiving an extension.

"This is good news because the minute that the Bahamas Hotel Association got wind of this passport requirement and the deadline in particular, noting the fact that Canada and Mexico had a longer deadline than we did, we immediately got the Ministry of Foreign Affairs involved," Mr. Bethell said.

"We also got the support of the Ministry of Tourism and also our longer arm, which is the Caribbean Hotel Association, to start lobbying. Not that we oppose what the US wanted to do, but we wanted to ensure that we were given the same extension and deadline as those other countries."

Mr. Bethell said he supports the idea of having proper identification when traveling.

"Our main concern here in The Bahamas is that we tend to have persons who book last minute to come to The Bahamas. It’s good for persons to have proper identification because after all even Bahamians whenever we travel to any foreign country are required to have passports," he said.

"Americans are given the opportunity to go to many places without visas and passports. I think that the time has come for proper documentation of any individual [who travels]."

Michael Hooper, general manager of the British Colonial Hilton, also welcomed the extension.

"I feel good about [the new extension]," Mr. Hooper said. "I believe that it will allow The Bahamas to continue developing tourism as [it has] done over the last few years when we have had extremely good years and allow enough time for the stakeholders to get the word out to our guests and other people who book reservations to our hotel to let them know what the requirements are.

"It will also allow enough time for the Americans to get their visas and passports in order."

Although passports will be the document of choice for travel within the Western Hemisphere or re-entry, another document anticipated to become acceptable under travel initiatives is Border Crossing Cards (BBC) or Laser Visas. Currently, the BCC serves in lieu of a passport and a visa for citizens of Mexico traveling to the US from contiguous territory.

Other documents being considered for acceptance under this initiative are the Customs and Border Protection Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI), and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program cards.

Source: bahamasissues.com

Tourism Victoria appoints PR agency in Singapore to publicize Commonwealth Games 2006 in Melbourne

Tourism Victoria has appointed public relations agency Michael de Kretser Consultants (MDK) to handle its publicity work in Singapore for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

The seven-month project will commence in September and culminate with the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next year.

MDK will be responsible for providing strategic PR counsel in the activities leading up to the Commonwealth Games with the aim of creating awareness and excitement for the event.

In addition, the agency will also identify stakeholders and work closely with them to find innovative ways to generate more awareness about Melbourne as a tourist destination during the period.

“We were looking for a partner that is able to think creatively and yet possess a good understanding and appreciation of Victoria and its heritage. MDK’s track record demonstrated that they have garnered extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. We are confident that we will be able to drive the campaign successfully through this partnership,” said Celia Ho, Regional Manager, South Asia

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

LOT Polish Airlines orders up to 14 Boeing 787s

Boeing and LOT Polish Airlines today reached an agreement for up to 14 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

LOT will purchase seven 787-8s, take options on two and hold purchase rights for five more 787s. Excluding options and purchase rights, the order is worth approximately $910 million at list prices. Deliveries begin in 2008.

"Replacing our Boeing 767s with the all-new 787 allows us to lead with new and innovative passenger-comfort features on our North Atlantic operations and will be key in opening new Asian destinations," said LOT President and Chief Executive Marek Grabarek. "The 787 fits perfectly with our cost-reduction and profitability strategies."

Including LOT, 22 airlines have announced firm orders and commitments for 263 Dreamliners since the airplane's launch in April 2004. Three of those are Star Alliance members: LOT, ANA and Air New Zealand.

The 787's range will allow LOT to reach new destinations from Warsaw, such as Los Angeles and Bangkok. LOT, founded in 1929 and headquartered in Warsaw, today serves 48 destinations worldwide.

The 787 family will carry passengers on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 to 16,000 kilometers). The Dreamliner's first flight is scheduled for 2007, with certification, delivery and entry into service in 2008

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

China Southern Airlines orders 10 Airbus A330s

China Southern Airlines signed a contract with Airbus today in Beijing for the purchase of ten additional Airbus A330s, which comprises eight A330-300s and two A330-200s. China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group (CASGC) was also involved in the deal by signing a General Terms Agreement (GTA) with Airbus. The ten A330 aircraft will be delivered from 2007 to 2008.

“The selection of ten additional A330s will definitely increase our capability and flexibility in the flight operation, especially in the domestic trunk and regional routes”, said Si Xianmin, President of China Southern Airlines. “We believe that this acquisition of additional A330s will not only further optimize the operation by improving the scale of economy of the A330 fleet, but also will help us to save pilot resources due to cockpit commonality with our growing fleet of A320 family aircraft.”

China Southern Airlines, the first A330 customer on the Chinese Mainland, currently operates a fleet of over 60 Airbus aircraft, including 14 A319s, 27 A320s, ten A321s, six A300s and four A330s. On April 21, 2005, the Guangzhou-based carrier ordered five A380s and became the first customer for the aircraft in China and the 15th in the world.

The A330-200 is the longest-range twin-engine Airbus aircraft in-service. A330 airliners have flown over five million operational hours with more than 60 customers and operators, including Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, which have 26 and 12 A330s respectively in service.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

Bookings open for AIME 2006

Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has released its Exhibitors Prospectus for AIME 2006 and opened the booking process for next year’s exhibition.

AIME 2006, a premier exhibition for the convention and incentive industry in Asia Pacific, will be held on 6 and 7 June at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, the first time the event has been held outside its normal scheduled time of February.

AIME Event Director, Rosemarie Sama, said that RTE is expecting another year of strong growth as the business events industry in the Asia Pacific region shows no signs of slowing.

“Asia Pacific is one of the strongest growth regions in the world for the business events industry. The enormous amount of new meetings infrastructure being built in Asia means that many countries will be looking to increase their inbound meetings and incentive business. As AIME is the premier event for the region, we expect to see good growth in both exhibitor numbers and Hosted Buyers,” Ms Sama said.

AIME will increase its space in 2006 to 12,500 square metres in total area, up from 10,000 square metres in 2005.

Ms Sama said the future growth was expected to come from international exhibitors, particularly from Asia, as well as from Australian and New Zealand exhibitors.

“We expect to attract more than 850 exhibitors from 50 countries to next year’s event, following strong and positive feedback from exhibitors at AIME 2005. Exhibitors were particularly pleased with the Hosted Buyers that AIME attracted, and many also commented on the high quality of the trade visitors,” Ms Sama said.

“Our post event research also showed that there was a significant increase in the amount of estimated business booked at the event or expected to be booked following the exhibition.”

AIME’s Hosted Buyer programme will be extended in 2006 with increased numbers of buyers expected from Asia, particularly from the emerging business event markets of China and India.

“We expect to increase our Hosted Buyer program from 425 to 480. In addition, we have new marketing plans in place to help increase our trade visitors in 2006.”

AIME is one of the few industry events, particularly in Australia, that is audited each year by the Circulations Audit Board.

“AIME verifies its registration figures, does not include re-visits (people who visit the show more than once), which artificially inflate some event numbers, and does not include students, exhibitor stand personnel or exhibitors who register as visitors, in its figures. Exhibitors and prospective exhibitors can be sure that the figures we quote are correct,” Ms Sama said.

AIME 2006, 14th AsiaPacific Incentives and Meetings Expo, will be held on 6 and 7 June at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Source: ASIA Travel Tips .com

BA To Overhaul Customer Operations

British Airways said on Thursday it would reorganize its customer service and operations division following the retirement of a senior executive.

The revamp, which places three executives in charge of key operations headed by outgoing director Mike Street, follows a strike by BA ground crew at London's Heathrow Airport last month which stranded more than 100,000 passengers.

The airline's current director of safety and security Geoff Want will become director of all ground operations following the previously-announced retirement of Street at the end of September.

Want will also be responsible for the airline's move to a single terminal at London's Heathrow Airport in 2008, BA said in a statement.

In-flight service will come under the responsibility of BA's director of marketing, Martin George, in a move the airline said would align product development and delivery.

Robert Boyle, currently in charge of network and fleet planning, will take charge of all commercial and operational planning under the revamp.

"This organization places them under the stewardship of three very capable directors when Mike Street retires at the end of the month. Our focus in the meantime will be to ensure a smooth and efficient handover," Chief Executive designate Willie Walsh said in a statement.

Walsh replaces current chief Rod Eddington who retires at the end of the month.

BA's operations at Heathrow have been hit with disruptions for the last three summers. Its in-flight meals service has also been rattled this summer due to an industrial dispute at its caterer Gate Gourmet.

Source: Reuters