Big Fat Airline Wrap
It’s our 70th Big Fat Airline Wrap today, and to celebrate we wrote another one. Sorry, no cupcakes or streamers here.
British Airways invests in substantial new catering for World Traveller customers
British Airways is today announcing a multi-million pound investment in its World Traveller economy class catering, introducing an exciting and expanded new menu, which provides more quantity and quality to both meals and great snacking options throughout the flight.
Options now include:
- Pretzels with the welcome drink
- Four-course meal with starter, main, dessert, cheese and biscuits, accompanied by a bread roll and bottle of water
- Second meal or substantial snack depending on the length of the flight
- Regional meal options served according to destination
- Magnum ice-creams
- Tuck box with chocolates and crisps
- Hot breakfast on longer overnight flights
- Graze movie-snack box on longer* flights
- Complimentary drinks from the bar
Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group sign MoU for cooperation in Aviation Security
Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in aviation security.
The MoU was signed by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, and Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, His Excellency Hamad Abdulla Al Shamsi, Vice Chairman, Etihad Aviation Group and senior representatives from Emirates Group Security, Etihad Aviation Group, at the Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai.
Emirates Brisbane Resumption – Australia & NZ Network Update
Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) is pleased to announce the return of scheduled services to Brisbane (BNE) effective Wednesday 06 June 2018. The services from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) will initially be operated four times weekly using Airbus A330-300s, with a view toward daily services once demand has been established.
BNE schedule is noted below:
The new Brisbane services will be available for sale in the GDS and at malaysiaairlines.com from today.
SilkAir welcomes the new Boeing 737 Max 8 to northern Australia
SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, today celebrated the arrival of its new aircraft, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 into Cairns. The newest aircraft to join the SilkAir fleet, the MAX 8 offers customers an enhanced on-board experience and new cabin products, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant flight.
The new aircraft was welcomed to the city with a water cannon arrival, and travelling guests were treated to a celebratory breakfast at the gate.
SilkAir is the first airline to operate the MAX 8 aircraft to Australia, with the aircraft touching down for its inaugural flight to Darwin on Sunday.
The Airline took delivery of the first of 37 MAX 8 aircraft it has on firm order in October last year, which marked a significant milestone in its journey towards expanding its network to bring customers to inspiring destinations across Asia and beyond.
Get 2018 off to a Flying Start with Air Tahiti Nui’s New Year Sale
Air Tahiti Nui is offering Australians a fun and achievable New Year’s resolution in 2018 – the trip of a lifetime.
As part of the airline’s annual New Year Sale, Air Tahiti Nui has discounted flights to Tahiti and Bora Bora, bringing the ultimate getaway within reach of more Australians.
On sale until 24 January 2018, return economy airfares from Sydney to Papeete are priced from just $1149* per person.
Meanwhile return economy airfares from Sydney to Bora Bora start from $1675* per person.
Air Tahiti Nui Regional Manager Australia Alan Roman said the New Year Sale was a great way to add one of the world’s most sought-after destinations to the 2018 travel calendar and get the year off to a flying start.
Air Astana takes delivery of first Airbus A321neo
Air Astana, the award-winning Kazakh flag carrier, has taken delivery of the first A321neo at the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft is on an operating lease from Aercap, with the deal including two further A321neo and one A320neo aircraft for delivery planned in 2018.
The Air Astana A321neo is configured with 28 Business Class and 151 Economy class seats, all of which are equipped with personal IFE systems. The A321neo is powered by the latest generation Pratt & Whitney engines, which together with aerodynamic improvements, make it the quietest aircraft in its class and also delivers fuel consumption 15% lower than the previous model. The cabin features larger overhead-bin capacity and a new mood-lighting system with LED technology.
The aircraft will be operated on Air Astana’s network of domestic and regional routes.
Air Astana currently operates 13 A320 aircraft and one A320neo, which was delivered in 2016. The carrier plans to increase the fleet of A320neo family aircraft to 17 by 2020.
Air Astana offers in-flight connectivity across Boeing 767 fleet
Air Astana has completed the installation of an in-flight broadband communication system across the Boeing 767 fleet. The new service is available to both Business and Economy class passengers, who can now connect to the internet, use various applications for instant messaging, social networks, listen to audio and check mail through personal computers, tablets and smartphones.
Air Astana passengers can choose from three connectivity packages: Light option covers 15 Mb, Regular option covers 50 Mb for 15 USD, and Super option offers 100 Mb. All services are estimated to operate at an average speed of 2 to 5 Mbps.
The Boeing 767 is operated on domestic trunk routes and high-density, long-haul routes out of Almaty and Astana.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
airline airways big fat airline wrap british airways emirates flight wrapLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!