Big Fat Airline Wrap
![Big Fat Airline Wrap](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
This airline wrap makes us both happy and sad. Happy, because it’s no longer Monday, but sad because we’ve still got four days until the weekend.
First Embraer E190-E2 for Air Astana arrives in Kazakhstan
The first new generation Embraer E190-E2 for Air Astana arrived at Nursultan Nazarbayev International airport in Astana today, following ferry flights from the manufacturer’s factory in São José dos Campos, Brazil. This is the first of five Embraer E190-E2 aircraft scheduled to be delivered to Air Astana following an order originally placed in August 2017.
Air Astana currently operates a fleet of nine Embraer E190 aircraft on domestic and low-density regional services, with the first aircraft having entered service in 2011. The new generation Embraer E190-E2 aircraft will gradually replace older Embraer E190s in the fleet.
The new aircraft features a special Air Astana “Snow Leopard” livery, which is intended to draw global attention to the threat of extinction faced by this large wild cat, which is a native of the mountain ranges in southern Kazakhstan. Air Astana seeks to improve ecological protection for endangered species, like the Snow Leopard, as well as more widely preserving the environment.
The twin-engine, single-aisle Embraer E190-E2 belongs to the family of upgraded E-Jets, which offer lower operating costs, emissions and noise levels, with a range of more than 5,000 km.
American Airlines introduces premium A321T Aircraft to transcontinental service between Los Angeles and Boston
American adds more comfort as the only airline to offer first and business class on the transcontinental route FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines will introduce its unmatched premium travel experience twice daily on a three-class Airbus A321T between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) beginning April 2, 2019.
American already offers more flights between LAX and BOS than any other airline, and with today’s announcement, becomes the only airline to offer both first and business class on this route. Customers travelling from coast to coast on the A321T in Flagship First and Flagship Business will experience fully lie-flat seats and a chef-curated menu, as well as premium wines and amenity kits.
Those travelling in Main Cabin can stay connected with power at every seat, high-speed Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment. And, as part of American’s new collaboration with Zoës Kitchen, Main Cabin customers can purchase new light and healthy menu options.
LATAM Airlines launches Sao Paolo to Munich route starting June 2019
LATAM Airlines, Latin America’s leading airline, has announced that it will commence a non-stop service to Munich (Germany) from São Paulo on 25 June 2019 with tickets now on sale. LATAM will operate four weekly flights using Boeing 767 aircraft with capacity for 191 passengers in Economy and 30 in Premium Business.
The Bavarian capital will become LATAM’s second destination in Germany after Frankfurt and its ninth European city. Located north of the Alps, Munich is a leading centre for business, art, education, sports and tourism. Home to leading multinational companies, an internationally renowned football team and the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, it attracts both tourists and business travellers from around the world.
Starting 25 June 2019, LATAM Airlines flight LA8212 will depart São Paulo/Guarulhos on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 23:25, arriving in Munich at 17:15 the next day. The return flight (LA8213) will operate on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, departing from Munich Airport at 20:15, arriving in São Paulo at 04:35 the following day (all times local).
The flight has been scheduled to conveniently connect with cities throughout South America including 23 destinations in Brazil, Santiago (Chile), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Asunción (Paraguay).
Virgin Australia international sale
Virgin Australia is thrilled to launch a sale for flights between Australia and New Zealand, with sale flights available for purchase from today until the 12th December.
The average discount for these fares is 30 per cent from our year-round lead-in fares, so provides guests with a wonderful opportunity to travel to Fiji, Bali, Vanuatu or the Cook Islands at substantially discounted rates.
The airplane seat that is the closest to your bed at home
Flying out of Australia often includes long hours on a plane and while there are plenty of tips for surviving a long-haul flight, there is one that beats all others – getting a comfortable seat for some quality sleep.
Spending those extra pennies on extra legroom doesn’t always ensure a good rest, therefore it’s important to do your research before booking your seat. Qatar Airways’ Qsuite is the first ever lie-flat double bed in Business Class and allows you comfort like your own bed, if not more! Key features of the revolutionary Qsuite include:
- Quad configuration and movable panels to create a private room
- The first ever fully lie-flat double bed with a turndown service
- Premium sleepwear that ensures you get a well-deserved sleep
- A-la-carte menu: restaurant-style quality meal from a specially designed menu
- World-class entertainment with 4,000 options to choose from
The Qsuite is available on flights to and from Canberra via Sydney to Doha with connections to Qatar Airways’ global network of more than 150 destinations from 1 July 2018.
Emirates invests in latest bus fleet to enhance on-ground comfort for Economy Class passengers
Australian passengers travelling through Dubai will be able to enjoy even more comfortable transfers when they arrive, depart or transit at Dubai International Airport, Emirates has taken the initiative to bring in a fleet of new high tech buses for airside passenger operations.
These new dedicated buses will ferry Emirates’ passengers between the terminals and its aircraft at remote stands. Ten of these new buses are already in service. 30 more will be delivered by January 2019, with the entire fleet to comprise 128 buses by 2020.
Emirates is the first airline in the world to introduce airside buses that have equal standing and seating capacity, a significant improvement on standard airside transfer buses which usually prioritise standing room and offer minimal seating.
The new fleet of buses also have convenient ramp access and fold-up seats to make travel more comfortable for customers who use wheelchairs or are travelling with baby strollers. Other customised features include: ambient lighting, an intercom facility to contact the driver, microphones for announcements, and flight information systems inside the buses which display the latest information to customers. Clear messaging will also appear outside the buses to alert customers quickly and easily on the direction the bus is going.
First non-stop air service between New Zealand and Chicago takes flight
Air New Zealand’s inaugural flight between Auckland and Chicago has taken off from Auckland International Airport this afternoon.
Flight NZ26 departed around 5pm and is scheduled to land at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport around 1.00pm local time. With a flight time of approximately 15 hours northbound and just over 16 hours southbound, the flight is Air New Zealand’s longest, taking over from Auckland-Houston which has a flight time of 13.5 hours.
Chicago is an exciting destination with a lot to offer from its fascinating history, world-class museums and stunning architecture to internationally-renowned jazz and blues scene, and famous dishes including the iconic deep dish pizza.
Air New Zealand’s direct Auckland-Chicago service, operated by its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, will depart Auckland on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty-Free to host the Trinity Forum 2019
The world’s most influential airport commercial revenues conference, the Trinity Forum, will be held in Doha in 2019, the first time the event has ever been hosted in Qatar. The conference, organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, ACI World and ACI Asia-Pacific, will be hosted by Hamad International Airport (HIA), Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty-Free (QDF) and will take place in Doha from 30-31 October 2019.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker and The Moodie Davitt Report Founder and Chairman, Mr. Martin Moodie, signed the partnership agreement for the event in the presence of Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer and Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations, Mr. Thabet Musleh.
The second-largest duty-free operator in the Middle East, QDF boasts more than 90 elegant boutiques and luxury, high-end stores, as well as more than 30 restaurants and cafés covering an area of 40,000 square metres at HIA, providing travellers with a world-class shopping experience under one roof.
New Tamworth lounge
Qantas is set to open a new Regional Lounge at Tamworth Airport. Announced at Qantas’ Full-year Results in August 2018, the lounge will be redesigned with more seats and 20 per cent more space than the current facility.
Located in a new airside location (after security), the lounge will feature tarmac views, contemporary furnishings, complimentary refreshments and beverages, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
Development on the new lounge will begin on Monday 3 December and open to customers on 22 December. During this period, the previous facility will be closed and customers will be offered vouchers to redeem at the food outlet in the airport terminal.
Separately, the interiors of the airline’s Bombardier Q200, Q300 and Q400 aircraft are being upgraded at QantasLink’s maintenance facilities, including at Tamworth Airport, the airline’s hub for regional aircraft maintenance. The improved turboprop experience includes new ergonomic seat cushioning, leather upholstery, tablet device holders, a refreshed interior colour palette and new floor coverings.
China Southern Airlines celebrates first anniversary of the Cairns-Guangzhou Route
On December 4, 2017, China Southern Airlines officially launched the “Cairns -Guangzhou” route. The route has now been operating for one year.
To recognise and show appreciation of the support from the community and our customers, China Southern Airlines held an Appreciation Dinner on November 30th, 2018, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the ‘Cairns-Guangzhou’ route at the Riley Hotel in Cairns.
Over 110 guests including Counsellor of Consulate-General of People’s Republic of China in Brisbane, Lan Yuqiang; Mayor of Cairns, Bob Manning; CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Pip Close; CEO of Cairns Airport, Norris Carter; International Director, Greater China of Tourism and Events Queensland, Mr. Charley Shen; representative of Tourism Australia and other VIP guests attended the dinner.
During the event, Zhang Yubin, General Manager of China Southern Airlines Australia and New Zealand, reviewed the achievements of the Cairns-Guangzhou route over the past year and expressed his gratitude on behalf of China Southern Airlines.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air astana air new zealand american airlines china southern airlines emirates LATAM Airlines qantas qatar airways virgin australiaLatest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?