News in Brief: Wednesday February 26

News in Brief: Wednesday February 26
By admin


Etihad will add a second destination in Thailand to its network with the launch of non-stop daily services between Abu Dhabi and Phuket from October 26.

The new route will use two-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft, with 22 Pearl Business seats and 240 Coral Economy seats.

The airline already serves Bangkok, along with six other destinations in South East Asia including Phuket will become the second destination in Thailand to be served by Etihad Airways, and the seventh in South East Asia, alongside Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta.

 

An Express Ticketing system upgrade will see the cost of reissuing partially flown tickets halved for travel agents using the platform, according to the company.

The 500 agent members of both the Select and Independent Travel Groups can now go online 24/7 to reissue and revalidate either full or partially flown tickets.

The enhanced speed and efficiency of transactions as a result of the new functionality will generate time and cost savings for agents, according to chief executive Tom Manwaring.

“Convenience, speed and reduced fees are immediate benefits,” he said.

“This system upgrade is another example of how we continue to focus on helping members control their business and improve their bottom line. Every little bit helps.”

 

The Sebel Surry Hills will be rebranded as Rydges Sydney Central from April 8, as owners the Schwartz Family Group appointed Rydges Hotels & Resorts to manage the four-star hotel.

The 271-room property has operated as the Sebel Surry Hills since 2008, and has been managed by Accor for the past two years.

Director of the Schwartz Family Company, Dr. Jerry Schwartz, attributed the move to Sebel becoming an apartment-style brand. The property will now be “hubbed” with his other Rydges-managed hotel, at nearby World Square.

“The two hotels will benefit from working more closely together, as both are large hotels with major conferencing facilities and a strong domestic market,” said Dr Schwartz.

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

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