Big fat airline wrap
You’re all busy bees so we’ve made this wrap short and sweet. We wanted to say ‘just like us’ but our colleagues reckon we’re tall and rude.
Take 20 per cent off all fares with AirAsia
AirAsia has today launched a promotion that is sure to bring joy to millions, with 20% off all seats on all flights* booked during the promotional period.
It’s a great chance for guests to grab a last-minute bargain and escape to one of AirAsia’s 140 destinations.
The sale is available for booking at airasia.com or via the AirAsia mobile app from 18 February (0001h GMT +8) to 24 February 2019 (2400h GMT +8) for travel period 25 February until 31 July 2019.
Singapore Airlines: Third Quarter revenue growth offsets higher new fuel costs
The SIA Group reported an operating profit of $388 million in the third quarter of the 2018/19 financial year, a decline of $66 million (-14.5%) from last year’s restated profit of $454 million [Note 2], notwithstanding a steep $227 million (+22.2%) increase in net fuel costs. A robust improvement in revenue (+$265 million or 6.5%) largely offset higher fuel and non-fuel expenditure.
Group revenue increased $265 million to $4,342 million on stronger flown revenue (+$248 million), largely driven by growth in passenger demand (+$245 million or 7.7%). Passenger traffic for the Group rose 8.0%, which outpaced the growth in capacity, resulting in a 0.9 percentage-point improvement in passenger load factor to 83.0%.
Expenditure for the Group rose $331 million to $3,954 million (+9.1%), mainly due to higher net fuel cost (+$227 million or 22.2%). Fuel cost before hedging for the Group rose by $285 million, predominantly due to a US$16 per barrel (+21.1%) increase in average jet fuel price, partially alleviated by a larger hedging gain versus last year (+$58 million or 131.6%).
Group net profit declined $105 million (-27.0%) to $284 million, as the weaker operating profit was exacerbated by share of losses of the Group’s joint ventures (-$28 million), in particular NokScoot, which saw its results being adversely impacted by the rise in fuel prices and intense competition.
Emirates to link Phnom Penh and Bangkok with daily service from Dubai
Emirates will link Phnom Penh (PNH) and Bangkok (BKK) with its new daily service set to launch on June 1, 2019. The service from Dubai to Phnom Penh, via Bangkok, will provide passengers travelling between the capital cities of Cambodia and Thailand with more flight options. Travellers from both Southeast Asian nations will also enjoy access to Emirates’ global network, with enhanced connectivity to over 150 destinations in 86 countries and territories.
The new service will be operated with an Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft. Flights to Phnom Penh will depart daily from Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 0845hrs local time, as EK370, and arrive in Bangkok at 1815hrs. The same flight will then depart Bangkok at 2000hrs, before arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport at 2125hrs. On the return segment, flight EK371 will depart Phnom Penh at 2320hrs, and will arrive in Bangkok at 0040hrs, the following day. It will then set off to Dubai at 0225hrs, arriving at 0535hrs. All times are local.
LATAM Cargo flies over 9,000 tons of flowers for Valentine’s Day
LATAM Cargo operated more than 140 flights from Colombia and Ecuador using specially fitted B767-300F aircraft between January 14 and February 8 to transport flowers for the 2019 Valentine’s Day season. LATAM Cargo carried more than 9,000 tons of flowers over this period, which together with Mother’s Day (in April and May) represent the peak of fresh flower export activity.
Red and pink roses, mixed bouquets, carnations, chrysanthemums, iris, gypsophila and green foliage were among the most popular varieties this season.
During the four weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, LATAM Cargo transported flowers from Bogota and Medellin in Colombia and from Quito, Ecuador, to North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania as well as other parts of South America. This connectivity was possible thanks to LATAM Cargo’s network of over 140 destinations, linking Latin America with the rest of the world.
Vietnam Airlines Flight Sale
- Sydney and Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines, from $728 return in economy*
- Sydney and Melbourne to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines, from $735 return in economy*
- Valid for travel from 4 February to 7 December 2019
- Fare on offer from 4 February to 28 February 2019
- For bookings see www.vietnamairlines.com/au
Singapore Airlines to boost Osaka services with third daily flight
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will add a third daily service to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport in April 2019, to meet growing demand for travel between Singapore and Japan.
SIA already operates two flights per day on the popular Singapore-Osaka route, and the third will be introduced with effect from 27 April 2019. Airbus A330-300 aircraft will be operated, adding nearly 2,000 seats per week in each direction.
Flight SQ620 will depart Singapore at 0830hrs and arrive at Osaka at 1610hrs. The return flight will operate as SQ621, departing Osaka at 1725 hrs and arriving in Singapore at 2305hrs.
In addition to Osaka, Singapore Airlines operates six daily services to Tokyo (Haneda and Narita airports), as well as daily services to both Fukuoka and Nagoya. Regional subsidiary SilkAir operates thrice-weekly services to Hiroshima, while low-cost subsidiary Scoot operates 11 weekly flights to Osaka, four weekly flights to Sapporo and 19 weekly flights to Tokyo Narita. With SIA’s third daily service to Osaka, the SIA Group will operate a combined 114 weekly flights between Singapore and Japan.
The new flights are subject to regulatory approvals. Tickets will be made available for sale progressively through the various distribution channels.
easyJet offers customers new 3D augmented reality hand luggage scanning feature
easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, has offered a feature on its app which enables customers to scan their cabin bag to check its size before they travel to the airport.
The new technology has been introduced to offer customers an easy way to check their hand luggage dimensions to give them peace of mind before they travel to the airport.
easyJet already has one of the most generous cabin bag allowances with no weight limit and whilst the permitted dimensions of cabin bags are clearly displayed on easyJet’s website, the move is set to make it even easier for customers to check their luggage and provide greater certainty as to whether they can travel with their bag in the cabin. It also means they won’t be faced with any additional charges at the gate for bringing an oversized bag which can’t be taken onboard.
The new app feature, which uses Apple’s ARKit 2 technology, is available on iOS initially and sits on easyJet’s app – which has now surpassed 30 million, downloads. The app works by using augmented reality technology combined with customers’ smart phone cameras (iPhone 6S onwards). The scan itself provides an on-screen 3D box which when combined with the phone’s camera sizes the cabin bag and indicates whether it fits within the maximum dimensions.
Latest 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!