News in Brief: Tuesday June 3

News in Brief: Tuesday June 3
By admin


Aeroflot, Aer Lingus, Qatar Airways and JR Technologies will participate in three new pilot programs to test the International Air Transport Association's New Distribution Capability (NDC).

The program for the development and market adoption of a new, XML-based data transmission standard is expected to “transform” the way air products are retailed to corporations, leisure and business travellers.

“We are delighted to be the first Middle East airline to launch an NDC pilot,” Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said.

“We believe that given our position as a leading full service carrier, Qatar Airways will be able to benefit significantly from NDC features as this will enable us to better showcase the value of our five-star product offering to our passengers.”

 

Singapore Airlines has expanded its codeshare arrangement with Asiana Airlines delivering its customers "seamless travel" to more destinations in the US.

Under the expanded deal, Singapore Airlines will codeshare on Asiana-operated flights beyond Seoul’s Incheon International Airport to Honolulu, Seattle and Los Angeles.

 

River cruise operator APT has invited travel agents to take an online virtual tour of its latest European river cruise ship, the MS AmaReina.

The virtual tour offers 360 degree views of the ship's dining areas, deck with its swim up bar, public areas and each of the different cabin categories.

“Using the latest in our series of virtual river ship tours, travel agents will be able to invite clients considering choosing an APT European River cruise to step aboard the beautiful AmaReina to see for themselves what sets our latest vessel apart," general manager marketing and sales Debra Fox said.

"Early feedback from travel agents is that they love this new feature and it is making a real difference during the booking process.”

 

Emirates will launch its sixth daily service to Karachi in Pakistan from August 1.

The additional service will be operated by an Emirates Airbus A330-200 in a two class configuration.

 

Accor has unveiled its latest Sofitel So property in Singapore’s CBD area, describing it as one the “most anticipated” launches for the group this year.

The 134-room property, set within a heritage building on Robinson Road, has been desgined by Singapore’s only French design house – MIAJA Design Group.

“We have developed a completely original concept for Singapore with the new Sofitel So Singapore and look forward to welcoming our international and local guests,” general manager Tony Chisholm said.

“With the promise of an excellent hospitality experience from Sofitel combined with the playful luxury of the ‘So’ label, we are confident that Sofitel So Singapore will be an industry benchmark for service, design, gastronomy and an immersive cultural experience of Singapore.”

 

The new Curio hotel portfolio from Hilton Worldwide will be a “carefully selected”, global collection of “distinctive” four to five star hotels, the hotel giant has revealed.

“Just as the word “curio” can refer to something of interest, unique or even rare, each Curio hotel will be different from the next, with individuality being a common thread, along with the quiet reassurance of the Hilton name behind every location,” it said.

Letters of intent have so far been signed with five properties in a variety of US locations.

 

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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