Big Fat Airline Wrap
Dreaming of flying away? Well, we’re sorry to say this airline wrap will probably just make your wanderlust worse. But only for once more before Christmas!
Vietnam Airlines receives two awards at World Travel Awards 2018
Vietnam Airlines has been named the World’s Leading Cultural Airline and World’s Leading Airline – Premium Economy Class at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards gala ceremony, held in Lisbon, Portugal on 1 December 2018.
The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Each year the World Travel Awards covers the globe with its Grand Tour – a series of regional gala ceremonies to recognise excellence within each continent, culminating in a Grand Final at the end of the year, which this year was held at the historic Pátio da Galé in Lisbon, Portugal. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.
Vietnam Airlines has retained these dual awards for two consecutive years, echoing its commitment to bringing customers the highest quality service, in line with the airline’s impressive four-star Skytrax ranking.
Change for Good raised almost HK$12 million in 2017
Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Rupert Hogg and Director Customer Simon Large present the 2017 Change for Good donation to UNICEF HK Chairman Judy Chen.
The Cathay Pacific Group and the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) announced that a total of HK$11.7 million was raised from the Change for Good inflight fundraising programme in 2017. Since its launch in 1991, the programme has successfully converted spare change from Cathay Pacific passengers into supplies and services to improve the lives of vulnerable children worldwide.
Of the total donation in 2017, Cathay Pacific has designated HK$2.73 million to support UNICEF’s Schools for Asia programme in Myanmar and India. The thematic programme, which aligns with one of the airline’s key community engagement endeavours of promoting youth development, aims to provide quality and sustainable learning for children.
There is a particular focus on disadvantaged children who are less likely to receive an education because of their gender, ethnicity, disability, geographic location or economic circumstance.
Qatar Airways launches flights to Mombasa – the Airline’s second destination in Kenya
Qatar Airways’ first non-stop flight from Doha to Mombasa, Kenya landed today at Moi International Airport, marking the airline’s second gateway in Kenya. Qatar Airways flight QR1333, operated by an Airbus A320, departed Hamad International Airport (HIA) on Sunday 9 December at 02:30 and arrived at Moi International Airport at 08:40, where it was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute.
On board the inaugural Qatar Airways flight to Mombasa, Qatar Airways Chief Flight Operations Officer, Captain Jassim Al-Haroon, was joined by the Kenyan Charge D’Affaires a.i. to the State of Qatar, Mr. Washington Oloo.
The VIP delegation was greeted upon arrival by the County Government of Mombasa Deputy Governor, H.E. Dr. William Kingi, County Government of Mombasa, Executive for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Hon. Fawz Ali, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Director Aviation Safety Security and Regulation, Capt. Tom Ogenche, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director, Middle East Directorate, Amb. Jackline Yonga, Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty Radier, Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Hersi, Moi International Airport General Manager Marketing and Business Development, Mr. Jimmy Kibati and Moi International Airport Manager, Mr. Peter Wafula.
Air New Zealand to operate Christchurch – Singapore services
Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines will deliver South Island travellers greater choice and increased frequency as part of their joint venture alliance, with Air New Zealand to operate flights between Christchurch and Singapore from December 2019.
The airline will operate a five times weekly seasonal service between Christchurch and Singapore from 1 December 2019 to 22 February 2020 using new configuration Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Up to now, Singapore Airlines has been operating the seasonal service three times a week, in addition to its daily service between Christchurch and Singapore.
The increase in seasonal services to Christchurch follows approval for the two airlines to extend their alliance for a further five years until March 2024.
In addition to Christchurch services, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines also offer three daily services between Auckland and Singapore and four times weekly service between Wellington and Singapore via Australia under their joint alliance. Tickets for the new Air New Zealand operated service will go on sale from 23 January 2019.
South African Airways proudly honours Nelson Mandela with special fly-over
On Saturday December 2 in Johannesburg, South African Airways, the national flag carrier and iconic South African brand, joined the world in honour of Nelson Mandela, the first President of a democratic SA and Nobel Laureate, with a special fly-over at the Global Citizen Concert.
The fly-over was reminiscent of another special and historic “Madiba moment” when SAA did a fly-over more than two decades ago at the 1995 Rugby World Cup finals. The world watched as former President Mandela captivated the crowd and the world. The moment when Madiba walked onto the pitch wearing a Springbok cap and replica of the number six captain jersey was immortalised in the inspiring movie Invictus.
SAA again captured the crowds at the concert when the biggest aircraft type in its fleet, the Airbus A340-600, with a message “Global Citizen – Be The Legacy – Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018” on its belly, seamlessly executed the fly-over at approximately 13h35. In the cockpit were Captain Andre Steenkamp, and First Officer Bradley Bennetts, with Captain Pierre Gouws overseeing safety.
The crowds cheered when the SAA aircraft glided across the skies over the excitement-filled FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, shortly before the official program for the day got underway.
Emirates gets festive this winter holiday
Get festive this winter season with Emirates’ tailor-made holiday sweaters and pyjamas. Available at the Emirates Official Store and online, essential holiday wear is now available in time for a cozy winter night at home, stocking stuffers, as well as special occasions and gatherings with friends and family.
Adults: Available in all sizes, Emirates Official store is offering a holiday red unisex sweater with a Dubai twist through its embroidered design of pilots and crew along with camels and palm trees. Retailing for USD$ 50, shoppers can purchase the limited edition sweater on www.emirates.store.com.
Children: Shop for little ones this holiday season and surprise them with a festive Emirates pyjama set. Both are embroidered with Emirates pilot and cabin crew design with cross stitches that resemble small hearts. The festive Emirates onesie is available for newborns and children up to 18 months, retailing for USD$ 26 and the full pyjama set is for children aged between two to eight years old, retailing for USD$37.
When Cathay Pacific meets Seattle…every day
Cathay Pacific has announced that its forthcoming non-stop service to Seattle will go daily from July 2019, further strengthening the only direct link between Hong Kong and the bustling city on the west coast of the United States, and offering its customers more choice and increased convenience.
Launching next year as a four-times-weekly operation on 31 March 2019, the airline is upping frequency to daily from 1 July 2019 to meet thriving demand. The additional services are scheduled to depart Hong Kong on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; returning the following day from Seattle.
Flown by the airline’s technologically-advanced Airbus A350-900 aircraft, the Seattle route is Cathay Pacific’s eighth to the United States and follows existing services to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), New York (Newark), San Francisco and Washington DC.
Out of Australia, Cathay Pacific has more than 70 flights a week to Hong Kong from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Cairns. Fares start from just $1,361* return to Seattle.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air new zealand cathay pacific emirates qatar airways south african airways Vietnam AirlinesLatest News
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.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!