Big Fat Airline Wrap
Emirates adds Guangzhou to its global list of A380 destinations
Emirates, voted the World’s Best Airline 2016 at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced that it will operate its flagship A380 on services between Dubai and Guangzhou from 1st October 2016, the 67th National Day of People’s Republic of China. This follows the airline’s recent announcements of A380 deployment on its Milan and Johannesburg routes.
Guangzhou will join more than 40 destinations on Emirates’ extensive global network served by its highly popular A380 aircraft, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, London, Paris, Sydney, Toronto, Auckland, Bangkok, and Seoul.
Since the route’s inauguration in 2008, Emirates has been flying a two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its daily flights between Guangzhou and Dubai, and the airline has seen steady growth for its service on the route. Once the A380 service commences, it will increase capacity by 15% to meet the growing travel and trade demand from Southern China to Dubai and beyond.
Emirates will deploy its three-class A380 on the Guangzhou route, offering a total of 491 seats, with 14 private suites in First Class, 76 mini pods with lie-flat seats in Business Class and 401 spacious seats in Economy Class. Flight EK362 will depart Dubai at 10:20am and arrive in Guangzhou at 22:05. The return flight, EK363, will depart Guangzhou at 12:15am and arrive in Dubai at 03:50.
Have your say with Cathay Pacific for a chance to fly away!
Cathay Pacific is calling all Australian travel trade partners to participate in a nationwide survey, for their chance to win two return Economy Class tickets to Hong Kong!
From now until midnight (AEST), 23 August 2016, the airline is inviting its partners to provide feedback on Cathay Pacific’s service in Australia. The survey questions are designed to offer trade the opportunity to share their opinions on how the airline can continue to build on their service and ensure they continue to be easy to work with across the industry.
Richard Jones, Sales and Marketing Manager, Cathay Pacific Airways, Australia said: “Our travel trade partners are an important part of our Australian business. We believe it is essential to our success locally to listen to our partners, to ensure that we are continuing to improve and are providing the services and assistance that they need.”
In addition to the major prize, participants will also have the chance to win one of fifteen daily prizes on offer. To participate and for your chance to win, please visit:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CathayPacificAUS
Air New Zealand adds Sydney to Norfolk flight
Air New Zealand will be adding extra flights between Sydney and Norfolk Island by operating a Sunday service on 8 January and 15 January and also between 26 February through to 30 April 2017. The additional Sunday flight will operate at the same times as the current Monday and Friday services and will be reflected in the GDS from Thursday 14 July 2016.
Experience more of Brazil with LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines, South America’s leading airline, is excited to announce its latest Destination of the Month Sale with discounted return economy airfares to Brazil starting at AUD$1,579* (including taxes).
All eyes are on Brazil for the 2016 Olympic Games but for those who won’t be cheering front row at the world’s biggest sporting event this month, not to worry, Brazil’s famed golden beaches, samba-fuelled nightlife and breathtaking natural wonders will still be open and in full swing post-Olympics.
For the sun-worshippers and history-buffs, Rio de Janeiro’s illustrious Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are the place to play volleyball with the city’s cariocas, sip caipirinhas while working on the tan or simply take in the passing parade of people. Or for those after something a bit more cultural, head further north along the golden coast to Salvador de Bahia, the country’s Afro-Brazilian jewel, to explore this living museum filled with 17th and 18th century Portuguese architecture along with an enigmatic energy and unadorned beauty few cities can match.
For the night-owls and nature-lovers, music is the lifeblood to South America and Brazil’s Sao Paulo is no exception; get to know the moves and soundtracks that make the country tick with a night out experiencing the city’s samba-fuelled nightlife. Or for those wanting to explore Brazil’s natural splendours there’s none other than the powerful sight of the Iguazu Falls – taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide.
There has never been a better time to discover more of Brazil and this is the perfect opportunity for Aussies to grab an incredible deal, with discounted flights on sale till 31 August, 2016.
Malaysia On Sale From $119 with AirAsia
Explore the Diversity of Malaysia on AirAsia Flights from Perth. Book from 1 – 22 August for immediate departure from 2 August to 24 November 2016.
AirAsia and Tourism Malaysia are showcasing Malaysia’s broad range of experiences and multicultural highlights by offering a range of destinations on sale for a limited time only.
AirAsia’s limited time promo is available at www.airasia.com from 1 to 22 August 2016 for immediate travel from 8 August to 24 November 2016.
Guests can fly economy one-way to Kuala Lumpur from Perth from $119* or on one of AirAsia’s Premium flatbeds from $398*.
Fly to these exciting Malaysia destinations one-way from Perth:
Penang, Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu from $197*
Langkawi from $201*
Kuching from $211*
Miri and Sibu from $214*
Bintulu and Labuan from $217*
Kota Kinabalu from $227*
Sandakan and Tawau from $230*
AirAsia X, together with AirAsia, provides Australians with low fares and connectivity to over 100 destinations across 26 countries.
Emirates Goes All A380 to Manchester; Adjusts A380 Schedule to Birmingham
Emirates announced an 11% capacity increase to Manchester with the deployment of a third daily A380 on the route. As of 1st January 2017, the replacement of the Boeing 777-300ER will mean that all Emirates flights to Manchester will be operated by the iconic double decker aircraft. The airline also unveiled plans to swap its current A380 service at Birmingham from the morning to the afternoon departure slot, in order to offer customers even more connections beyond Dubai to other Emirates A380 destinations – ensuring a seamless “A380 to A380” experience.
Thanks to the new aircraft deployment, Emirates will offer 2,198 additional weekly seats on the route, enabling further business and leisure travel between Dubai and Manchester. The airline also expects to break the symbolic mark of one million passengers carried on the route for this financial year, attesting to the growing demand in the market. With a total of 517 seats in a three-class cabin configuration, the aircraft features 14 private suites in First Class, 76 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 427 spacious seats in Economy Class.
Cathay Pacific credit card charge changes
From 1 September 2016, Cathay Pacific Airways will move from a fixed dollar amount to a percentage fee on credit card payments for Australian flight bookings.
The changes are in line with recent regulatory changes made by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) with regards to card payment fees. The current credit card payment fee is a fixed AU$30 on all fares.
Details of the new credit card payment fee, effective from 1 September 2016, is outlined in the table below:
MasterCard | Visa | American Express | Diners Club | JCB | UATP |
0.99% of the total ticket cost | 1.3% of the total ticket cost | ||||
All fees are capped at a maximum fee of AUD70 |
For example, an airfare of $1,500 paid with Visa or Mastercard will incur a fee of $14.85. This will mean most Cathay Pacific customers will pay the same or less in card payment fees than they do today, while some customers may pay more.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air new zealand airasia cathay pacific emiratesLatest News
Australian tourists are big spenders globally on experiences and nightlife, Mastercard report finds
Aussies spending one of every five dollars, or 19 per cent, on experiences and nightlife – significantly higher than the global average of 12 per cent, according to the Mastercard Economics Institute report on travel in 2024. Australia is also the 7th top destination for travel globally in the past year while in Australia and […]
Sydney confirms position as Australia’s No. 1 business events host
Sydney’s reinforced its position as the world’s preferred Australian host city, and top Australian city in the APAC region for international and local business events. Sydney secured 25th place in the worldwide ICCA city rankings and ranked 6th (ICCA) and 3rd (CVENT) in the Asia Pacific region. Tourism Australia also celebrated the ICCA 2023 rankings […]
Luke Mangan launches Bistrot Bisou, his first Melbourne restaurant in over a decade
Melbourne-born, Sydney-based chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan will open his first Melbourne restaurant in more than a decade this winter with the launch of Bistrot Bisou, set within the art-focused, character-filled Hotel Indigo. Set on the corner of Flinders Lane and Spencer Street, the relaxed French bistro and bar will feature modern takes on classic […]
Surf magazine Tracks hunt for grommets to launch Airb’n’b-style platform for surfers
Three young surfers on an all expenses paid surf trip on the Aussie coast.... What could go wrong?
Luxury cruise ship Paspaley Pearl by Ponant has appointed a new team of industry experts
Paspaley Pearl by Ponant will offer a gem of a cruise, as the new team shows by their pearly whites.
Memphis Tourism brings blues to Sydney as it adds Jack Daniels to sponsor roster
Memphis Tourism would win the award for coolest sponsor if there was one. But there isn't.
Jetstar and Qantas perception ratings soar following Bonza’s implosion
Forget what your mum told you, you can make yourself look better by making others look bad.
Train over Plane – Journey Beyond releases The Overland’s 2025 season
Clickety-clack, more than a century on track. Unlike the Overland, our poetry is not in demand.
AmaWaterways launches Australian operations at Sydney office with panoramic Harbour views
You should click on this article for the content but it's also okay if you just want to see someone cut a ribbon.
Travel insurance expert’s top 3 tips for Aussies stranded in New Caledonia amid riots
Despite appearances, being stranded in a luxury resort isn't all milk and honey.
Perfect Somewheres: Hotels.com celebrates best-in-class venues for guest experiences
Surprisingly, no hotels with bed bugs were represented in the top 1% of top hotels.
Airports boss says $1.7 billion Budget innovation fund will “kickstart” domestic manufacture of sustainable aviation fuel
Time to start saving up your waste - Australia is about to become a hub of biofuel innovation!
Apparent launches ‘All heart, no hassle’ campaign for Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller
Despite appearances, even the most severe-looking businessperson wants heart in their travel.
Indaba 2024: Losing out on memory, South Africa Tourism hands its fate to children
South Africa Tourism's chief marketing officer reminds us all we were once joyful children and not grumpy adults.
ACA & CLIA join forces ahead of Australian Tourism Exchange
Watch your back Kyle and Jackie 'O' - a new power couple is in town.
South Africa eyes affordable tourism to grow market
In an unlikely move, South African Tourism is actually encouraging young people to travel MORE.
ATIA applauds government’s fast-track passport announcement
Excellent news if you've ever experienced the sheer horror of realising you don't have a functioning passport.
DayAway names Aussie partners for luxury community based membership
Tired of dining with the riff raff? Get yourself a DayAway membership and slip into a life of luxury.
Silversea expands Nova Class with Silver Ray
Be prepared - this article has more silver than your local jewellers!
Tourism Tasmania CEO says a trip to Tassie could cure your Aurora Australis FOMO
With images like these - you're bound to regret being asleep during Australia's version of the northern lights.
Flight searches to Ho Chi Minh City skyrocket by 246% as city strengthens ties to Oz
We aren't endorsing ditching your work to look at flights to Ho Chi Minh but we're also not not endorsing it.
On Location: Rejoice! It’s Your Daily Wrap Of Africa’s Travel Indaba
Spare a moment to think about the cleaner who had to pick up all the confetti after this one kicked off.
Lack of budget spend will hit international visitor recovery, says Australian Tourism Industry Council
We've done the monotonous trawl through budget reports so you don't have to. You can thank us later!
On Location: Expedia CEO assures AI will not replace human roles, announces AI text assistant
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless its announced at a big conference, then it'll probably be reported.
VietJet walks away from Bonza investment, administrators look to maximise chance of survival
VietJet's making big plays in Australia but is drawing the line at buying a defunct airline.
Top four airports return to profit after post-Covid period comes to an end
If you feel like we just haven't spent enough of our lives talking about Covid, then boy is this the article for you!
COMO launches new family-sized farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany
COMO Hotels and Resorts has launched its new farmhouse apartments in the heart of Tuscany, just in time for Australians to escape our wet winter. And it’s also an ideal time for Aussies of Italian ancestry to explore their home country as 2024 has been declared the year of Roots and Heritage Tourism by the […]
Green light, green fuel for Townsville Airport as passenger numbers set to double to 3.7m
All things sounding positive for Townsville, apart from the fact its football team is playing like 10 year olds.
New Caledonia in lockdown and airport closed after violent riots rock Noumea
New Caledonia officials have announced a 6pm-6am curfew, a liquor ban and have closed the country’s main airport after overnight riots in which vehicles were torched and roads blocked in the wake of proposed constitutional reforms. Australian Government website Smartraveller has issued an alert informing visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in metropolitan […]
‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death
Gambling reform policy makers are shocked at the news surrounding the passing of a guest onboard last week.
Sydney gets excited for Vivid at the city’s favourite entertainment venues
Get lit! Well maybe not the kiddies, but there is a heap of bright and colourful events on at Vivid Sydney 2024.
Novotel Cabramatta launch reveals the start of new hotel and F&B partnership
Brothers will offer hotels bang for their buck in Sydney's booming southwest.
Roots & Heritage Tourism in 2024 with Italian Tourist Board’s Emanuele Attanasio: Travel Weekly TV
Don't blame us if you're yearning for a carb-filled pasta lunch after watching this week's episode!
Aeronology accepted into Virtuoso network as travel-tech company continues to thrive
Aeronology's the new kid on the block making big waves and lucky for you, we're here to get you up to speed.
Qantas suspends flights to Shanghai due to low demand
Low demand prompts Qantas to drop its Sydney-Shanghai flights like a hot dumpling.
From Castle Hill to Paris, local wellness cosmetics brand makes good in world’s best hotels
The harsh glare of our monitors on the news desk have been relieved somewhat by this local brand done good...