Big Fat Airline Wrap
Wait, there’s a wholesaler wrap AND an airline wrap today?! Yep, you guessed it. These wraps should take up most of your day if you read them over and over. You’re welcome.
Air Astana receives five-star airline rating at APEX Awards
Air Astana received a five-star Airline Rating in the Major Regional Airlines category at the APEX Awards held in Boston on 24th September 2018.
More than 500 airlines from all over the world are rated by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) on the basis of online passenger reviews of seat comfort, onboard service, food & beverage, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi services.
Amongst other international awards, Air Astana became the first carrier from Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (the CIS) and Eastern Europe to be awarded the prestigious four-star rating by Skytrax at its World Airline Awards 2012 and was also named ‘The Best Airline in Central Asia and India’ that year. Both achievements were repeated in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. TripAdvisor named Air Astana as a Winner in the Regional Airlines – Asia category in the 2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards, which identifies travellers’ favourite carriers around the globe.
Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, operates flights to over 60 domestic and international routes from hubs in Astana and Almaty. The company was incorporated in late 2001 and commenced operations on 15 May 2002. Air Astana fleet consists of Boeing 767/757, Airbus A320 Family aircraft including A320neo and A321neo and Embraer 190 aircraft
Air New Zealand to launch new, Kiwi-designed uniform
Air New Zealand is kicking off the design process for a new uniform for cabin crew and airport staff. Currently, close to 4,500 cabin crew and airport staff wear Dame Trelise Cooper designed garments. The airline will next month invite a selection of local designers, including Dame Trelise, to submit proposals for the new uniform.
Air New Zealand General Manager Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi Williams says the airline’s customer-facing uniforms are among the most recognisable in aviation and a very visual representation of New Zealand on the world stage.
The new uniform, which is expected to roll out in 2021 will mark an exciting new phase for the Air New Zealand brand, preceding the arrival of the airline’s new long-haul aircraft fleet and new onboard product around 2023.
Qatar Airways wins two awards at the APEX 2019 Global Passenger Choice Awards Ceremony in Boston
Qatar Airways received two awards from the Airline Passenger Experience Association’s (APEX) 2019 Passenger Choice Awards (PCAs) in Boston on Monday 24 September. The airline was named the winner of the ‘Best Food and Beverages’ and ‘Best Cabin Service’ awards categories based on feedback from passengers of approximately 500 airlines around the world.
The APEX awards ceremony, held in Boston on 24 September, was attended by more than 5,000 industry professionals, as well as representatives from more than 100 airlines, and was hosted by Mr Brian Kelly, CEO and Founder of The Points Guy.
The APEX awards are based on passenger feedback in different categories and recognise outstanding performance and passenger service offered by airlines globally.
Earlier this year, Qatar Airways also received four awards from APEX Asia in Shanghai: ‘Best Overall Airline: Middle East’; ‘Best Food and Beverage: Middle East’; ‘Best Cabin Service: Middle East’; and ‘Best Seat Comfort: Middle East’, in addition to receiving a 2018 Five-Star APEX Official Airline rating.
Singapore Airlines to offer wireless headphones through Bang & Olufsen partnership
Singapore Airlines will soon offer wireless headphones for use with its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system on select flights, through a new partnership with Bang & Olufsen.
SIA and Bang & Olufsen today announced their partnership to enhance the customer experience of the Airline’s customers. For a start, Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay H9i wired headphones will be made available this October on all of SIA’s newest Airbus A380 Suites cabins before the wireless version is offered on select routes in the A380 Suites cabins. The wired headphones will also be progressively rolled out to the rest of SIA’s other A380 Suites and First Class cabins in November.
Featuring powerful and precise Bang & Olufsen Signature Sound, advanced Active Noise Cancellation technology and an innovative aluminium touch interface, the Beoplay H9i headphones will improve customers’ in-flight entertainment experience while providing over-ear supreme comfort and breathability, due to luxurious genuine leather and adaptive memory foam. With up to 18 hours of playtime, the Beoplay H9i will enable customers to enjoy their favourite music, podcasts, television shows or movies even during the longest flights.
UFC and AirAsia deliver first-time Octagon Branding for UFC 229: Khabib vs McGregor partnership
UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, continues to push the boundaries with AirAsia as its brand partnership takes on new life via the biggest fight in MMA history, as UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (26-0, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) battles former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor (21-3, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland) in the main event of UFC 229: KHABIB vs. McGREGOR, presented by Harley-Davidson, on Saturday, October 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The match-up is the most anticipated in MMA history, the event will see UFC and AirAsia deliver unprecedented branding inside the world-famous Octagon. The famed red corner will be taken over by AirAsia creating unparalleled visibility for the airline brand on fight night.
In the lead up to this colossal event, AirAsia’s cabin crew will join UFC’s Octagon Girls on stage during the official ceremonial weigh-ins, as one of the many highlights of a UFC fight week which sees thousands of fans in attendance and millions watching around the world.
Through this multi-faceted partnership, AirAsia will extend its brand presence on a global scale with asset integration across UFC’s social, digital, and Pay-Per-View broadcast of the event.
Uber and Emirates announce a unique multi-country partnership
Uber, the world’s leading ride-sharing app and Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, have announced an exclusive partnership that will provide Emirates passengers visiting Dubai from select international countries with discounted airport rides. The collaborative offer will see visitors to Dubai from Australia, Egypt, France, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa avail special offers from Uber on bookings made between 26 September to 10 December 2018.
To avail the special offers, travellers will need to book an Emirates Economy Flex or Economy Flex Plus fare on flights from Australia, Egypt, France, Saudi Arabia, South Africa to Dubai via the Emirates website, www.emirates.com.au during the promotional period. Economy Flex Plus travellers will get one free ride from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to anywhere in Dubai up to the value of AED 120 (or AUD $45), while Economy Flex passengers will get 50% off one ride from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to anywhere in Dubai up to the value of AED 60 (or AUD $22.50).
Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia re-affirm close ties with new three-year agreement
Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia have re-affirmed their strong commercial ties by signing a new three-year strategic marketing deal worth A$11 million.
The agreement will see the two parties jointly fund a range of tourism campaigns and promotional activities in eight of Australia’s key inbound markets – Singapore, as well as China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and the UK.
Singapore Airlines currently operates more than 130 scheduled flights per week to Australia, serving Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. This represents eight per cent of all Australia’s international arrivals. Together with subsidiary airlines SilkAir and Scoot, the SIA Group has close to 170 weekly flights to Australia.
Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand team up on campaign encouraging visitors to explore more of New Zealand
Regional New Zealand is set to benefit from an Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand joint venture campaign offering North American visitors a free domestic flight from Auckland to anywhere on the airline’s network.
The online campaign which is running throughout September allows customers in the United States and Canada to add on a domestic fare to another New Zealand destination at no extra cost when booking through Air New Zealand.
Air New Zealand Regional General Manager Americas Liz Fraser says the campaign is all about getting visitors to discover as much of New Zealand as possible during their visit.
The campaign is an attractive way to encourage visitors into the regions to explore the vast range of attractions and activities they offer. Regional visitation is one of their main priorities and delivers long-term term economic, social and employment benefits to New Zealand communities and their people.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air astana air new zealand airasia emirates qatar airways singapore airlinesLatest News
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
TripADeal had the biggest outlay of the more than $153 million spent on travel and tourism advertising in Australia in the first quarter of 2024, followed by Virgin Australia and Flight Centre-owned Ignite Travel, new Nielsen Ad Intel data has revealed. And the industry ad spend enjoyed an increase of 8 per cent on the […]
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.
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.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
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.