Big Fat Airline Wrap
If there’s one thing we look forward to on Tuesdays, it’s an Airline Wrap. That, and our sneaky half-hour nap at 3pm.
Qatar Airways partners with top Irish milliner Jennifer Wrynne for Dublin Horse Show sponsorship
Emirates celebrates 9 years of the A380 service as newly revamped Onboard Lounge takes to the skies
Emirates’ newly revamped A380 Onboard Lounge has made its operational debut on a flight to Kuala Lumpur, marking the 9th anniversary of the airline’s award-winning A380 service.
The Onboard Lounge was first introduced on 1 August, 2008 and has since become a mainstay of Emirates’ double decker aircraft. Now in its 9th year, the Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge is arguably the most popular social spot at 40,000 feet.
The latest makeover of the lounge, inspired by private yacht cabins, features a more intimate and social area. With a clientele made up of Business and First Class customers on board the A380, the exclusive lounge accommodates 26 guests and serves the finest wines from around the world. The six wines on offer differ by destination but a champagne offering of Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot is always available. Emirates also has over 6,000 crew trained as mixologists who can whip up 14 cocktails such as its signature Bloody Mary or a non-alcoholic Apple Spritzer.
Oman Air increases codeshare flights with Etihad
Oman Air has established codeshare flights with Etihad Airways between Brisbane and Perth and Abu Dhabi.
The year-round fares are both economy and business class and the structure covers peak December to January travel periods as well as school holidays.
Base fares attract seven per cent commission if sold in Australia, and stopovers in Abu Dhabi are permitted.
Booking classes are very unique, with the same prime class for international and regional flights.
Etihad Airways introduces Boeing 787 on Seoul Incheon service
Etihad Airways has introduced the Boeing 787-9 on its scheduled daily service from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to Seoul. The aircraft touched down this morning at the South Korean capital’s space-age Incheon International Airport.
Etihad Airways’ modern fleet of 16 Boeing 787 aircraft feature innovative, award-winning cabin designs and products, complemented by the airline’s acclaimed service and hospitality offering. Seoul flights include Food and Beverage Managers in Business Class and a Norland approved Flying Nanny in Economy Class to provide extra specialised care for families with young children.
Each Business Studio has an 18-inch personal touch-screen TV with noise-cancelling headsets. Guests can also enjoy mobile connectivity, onboard Wi-Fi and seven satellite channels of live TV.
Economy Smart Seats provide enhanced comfort with a unique ‘fixed wing’ headrest, adjustable lumbar support, a seat width of approximately 19 inches and an 11.1” personal TV monitor on each seat. The aircraft has been designed with enhancements including humidity controls while air pressure levels are set to ensure a smoother flight, allowing guests to arrive feeling fresher.
Emirates SkyCargo wins multiple accolades
Emirates SkyCargo has once again topped the air cargo industry by winning several awards at industry forums around the world. The freight division of Emirates was recently named ‘Best Air Cargo Carrier- Middle East’ at the 2017 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards held in Singapore. This is the third consecutive time that Emirates SkyCargo has won this prestigious recognition.
Organised by Asia Cargo News, the AFLAS awards are an important recognition for leading service providers in the global cargo industry. As the finalists and the winners are determined by the over 15,000 readers of the publication, Emirates SkyCargo’s win is a true reflection of customer sentiment in the air cargo industry.
Emirates SkyCargo’s emphasis on quality and customer focus were also recognised across other parts of its extensive global network. The air cargo carrier was awarded ‘Best Airline – Flown as Booked’ by the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan (ACAAP). In addition Emirates SkyCargo was also named the ‘Best International Cargo Airline of the Year 2016-17’ by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), India for the second year running.
American Express confirms Lounge at Melbourne International Airport
As part of American Express’ growing investment in rewards, benefits and experiences for Australian Card Members, the global credit card company announced today plans to open an American Express Lounge at Melbourne International Airport later this year. This will be the brand’s second airport lounge in Australia since the opening of the American Express Lounge at Sydney Airport in November 2014.
Like Sydney, Melbourne’s American Express Lounge will be operated by global airport service specialists Plaza Premium Group, and will offer guests everything you can expect from a premium airline lounge: barista-made coffee, a self-service food buffet and drink station, complimentary WiFi and business facilities, as well as local and international newspapers and magazines.
Melbourne Tullamarine is an important transport hub for many Australian and international travellers and the new airport lounge will be a welcome travel benefit for card members. It joins the brand’s growing Global Lounge Collection, where eligible American Express card members have access to more than 1,000 lounges, in 500 cities across 120 countries, with Philadelphia and Hong Kong lounges also planned to open in 2017.
Latest News
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.