News in brief: Friday January 18
The Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers Association has described the granting of interim approval to Qantas and Emirates for their proposed alliance as a "real slap in the face."
The union plans to make its case against the tie-up at a pre-determination conference on February 1.
Air New Zealand has named Lorraine Murphy as chief people officer, effective March 4. She is currently vice president human resources international for Campbell Soup Company, based in the US.
A refresh of Azamara Cruises' Azamara Journey has been completed after eight days drydock in Singapore's Sembawang Shipyard. All public areas and staterooms have received a facelift along with the exterior hull.
Vietnam Airlines will update its Golden Lotus Frequent Flyer program with enhanced customer services by upgrading to the latest version of the Unisys Customer Loyalty Solution platform. The program, which currently has more than 500,000 members, will move from version 4.1 to 4.3 adding the capability for members tor edeem their miles online for reward flights.
Rail Europe is offering a bonus day on its four-day Swiss Pass or four-day Swiss Saver Pass in first class, for bookings made by April 26. Priced from $377, the bonus offer is valid for travel from February 1 to April 30.
The Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa will reopen on February 6, following repairs in the aftermath of Cyclone Evan.
Bentours has launched a three-day tour of Russia's Golden Ring region. The Golden Ring package is priced from $1473 per person.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel has launched a mobile booking app for China-based business travellers to book domestic travel via their smartphones. CWT claimed an industry-first for the market with the new tool which is called CWT Online China.
Best Western has welcomed the Hamilton Lakeside Hotel in Victoria to its ranks.
Dusit International has signalled the start of a "year of expansion" with the announcement of dusitD2 Nairobi, its second African property, slated to open in the third quarter of 2013.
AirAsia X will launch three times weekly Kuala Lumpur-Jeddah services from February 16, rising to four times weekly from May 1.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Etihad Guest have inked a deal for members of the loyalty scheme to earn 500 miles for each eligible stay in a room at any of the hotelier's participating hotels worldwide.
Carnival Corporation has so far repurchased two million shares of common stock valued at $78 million since the start of its 2013 financial year. Chairman and chief executive Micky Arison said the repurchase program "demonstrates the continued confidence in the earnings power of our global brands."
Culture has been identified as a priority for wandering Aussies, according to a new survey commissioned by Hilton HHonors.
The research showed 43% of Aussies were keen to experience the Egyptian pyramids, with 30% longing to see the Great Wall of China and 28% wanting to climb the Eiffel Tower.
The Government of Western Australia has created the state's 100th national park. Murujuga National Park covers an 5,000 hectare area of the Burrup Peninsula.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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