Big Fat Airline Wrap
![Big Fat Airline Wrap](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
TWO Big Fat Wraps in one day?! Yes, the long weekend has left us dazed and confused as well, although that might be the hangover talking.
Qantas to Host 74th IATA AGM in Sydney
Qantas today welcomed the announcement that the International Air Transport Association’s 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in Sydney in June 2018.
One of the most prestigious events on the aviation calendar, the AGM – and the associated World Air Transport Summit – will attract more than 1,000 delegates and is expected to provide a boost to the NSW economy with attendees often choosing to stay and explore the region following the AGM.
The announcement of Sydney as next year’s location and Qantas as host airline was made at the conclusion of IATA’s 2017 AGM in Cancun.
Fiji Airways Implements EAM RFID across Entire Fleet
Fiji Airways has completed installation of over 4,000 ultra high-frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tags throughout its entire fleet of 15 aircraft. One of the first of the Oceanian airlines to utilise RFID, Fiji Airways has taken a keen interest in being an early adopter of customer-centric tech since rebranding in 2013.
Fiji Airways is integrating RFID to improve in-cabin inspections for onboard emergency equipment such as life vests, life rafts, oxygen bottles, fire extinguishers, extension seat belts, earmuffs, flashlights, survival kits as well as oxygen generators across the A330, B737, ATR, and Twin Otter fleet.
To continue with the RFID program, Fiji Airways and EAM RFID Solutions intend to deploy a wider Cyber Physical System (CPS) by tagging other items (including seat covers) and seeking to advance opportunities with additional system integration with Engineering maintenance system AMOS.
Scandinavian Airlines: Baggage or No Baggage?
Many European carriers have introduced airfare products that do not include checked baggage. On SAS this product is called SAS GO LIGHT and it corresponds to a fare basis ending in “LIGHT”. Easy to recognise and bookable by using the “Best Buy” entry in your GDS.
However in most instances Australian travellers to Europe need a checked baggage allowance in additional to their hand luggage. To select SAS GO fares which include the standard 1PC (23kg) baggage allowance, you must use a fare display entry which gives you ALL fare options, not just the lowest ‘Best Buy” fare.
Amadeus, Sabre and Galileo have different entries, therefore please refer to your clue cards or contact your GDS support team for guidance.
For accidental SAS GO LIGHT fare tickets requiring baggage, this can be booked in the ancillary tool in your GDS by choosing XBAG and free text: PREPAID.
Take note that it is cheaper to book a SAS GO fare which includes 1PC checked baggage, than booking a SAS GO LIGHT fare + PREPAID XBAG.
Air Astana Launch Services from Astana to New Delhi
Air Astana will launch direct flights from Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan to New Delhi, the capital of India on 2nd July 2017. The service will be operated three times a week using Airbus A320 and Embraer 190 aircraft. Air Astana continues to operate daily flights between Almaty and New Delhi, with the service having been inaugurated on 4th September 2004.
Kazakhstan’s award-winning carrier offers travellers from New Delhi a wide range of convenient flight connections in Astana, with services to international destinations including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Kiev, Baku and Tbilisi, as well as to many cities across Kazakhstan. Together with other Air Astana international passengers travelling through Astana between 1st June and 10th September 2017, those using the new services to and from New Delhi will be entitled to free admission tickets for EXPO 2017 Astana – Future Energy.
On Mondays and Thursdays, the flight (KC 241) will depart Astana at 07.20 and arrive in New Delhi at 10:55, with the return flight (КС 242) departing New Delhi at 12.00 and arriving in Astana at 17.00 local time. On Sundays, flight (KC 249) flight will depart Astana at 20.35 and arrive in New Delhi at 00.10 (+1), with the return flight (КС 250) departing New Delhi at 01.10 and arriving in Astana at 06.10 local time.
Economy class return fares start at US$316 including tax, with Business Class return fares starting at US$1,873 including all taxes.
Lufthansa Group brings direct payment option to the check-in counter and gate with card terminals
From June 2017 onwards, customers will be able to pay with Amadeus Airport Pay for ancillary services while checking in. This new service, developed by Amadeus and In-genico, will subsequently be available at more than 170 airports around the world. Customers will be able to pay for ancillary services, such as excess baggage, with chip-cards (credit/debit cards), girocard payments and compatible digital wallets.
Additionally, airline staff are able to initiate compensation payments with these terminals, for instance in case a passenger voluntary steps back from an overbooked flight.
The standard used by the Amadeus Airport Pay solution is also fully compatible with PCI-DSS, a series of security standards defined by the payment card industry. By using a PIN method for the cards, fraud is prevented during the payment process itself.
With Amadeus Airport Pay airlines and ground handlers can now reach any passenger with an EMV chip card or an EMV-compliant mobile wallet in any airport worldwide, regardless of the check-in infrastructure; this means airlines worldwide can deploy quickly. As a result, airlines can convert more ancillary sales by offering travellers a fast and secure payment method that overcomes the inconveniences generally faced by travellers nowadays at airports.
Sri Lanka one Step Closer to Being Asia’s New Travel Hot Spot for Australians
Verdant rainforests, palm-fringed beaches, UNESCO temples and an intriguing culture, Sri Lanka is an inspiring destination that will soon be more accessible than ever for Australians with SriLankan Airlines starting to operate daily non-stop flights from Melbourne to Colombo from 29th October this year.
The new flights will tap into growing interest of Australians to visit the destination, which has seen a strong increase in visitation numbers from Australia of over 30% over the last three years.*
The new A330-200 aircraft will take Victorians directly to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital and largest city, in just 11 hours.
According to Chad Carey, co-founder of Asia Travel Specialist GetAboutAsia, Sri Lanka’s destination diversity is one of the main draws luring Australians.
“From stunning scenery, incredible beaches, tea stations and an intriguing culture that goes back thousands of years, Sri Lanka has everything Australians love in a holiday with a vibe that perfectly combines the dramatic India and the laid-back Bali attitude” Mr Carey said.
Introducing United Airlines’ New Transcontinental Service
Premium transcontinental business class offers many of the same amenities found on international routes such as flat-bed seats and enhanced food and amenities Routes will now feature an industry-leading complimentary hot meal and alcoholic beverages for customers seated in Economy Plus
Boston-San Francisco added as premium transcontinental route in addition to New York/Newark-Los Angeles and New York/Newark-San Francisco
CHICAGO, June 8, 2017 – United Airlines (UAL) announced today updates to its transcontinental service beginning July 1 including: adding Boston–San Francisco to its premium transcontinental route network, upgrading meal service and amenities for customers seated in business class and adding complimentary hot meal and beverage service for customers seated in Economy Plus.
“We routinely see high demand for travel between our coasts and we want to provide the same level of quality typically reserved for international routes – this includes all flat-bed seating in business class as well as an industry-leading dining experience for customers in Economy Plus,” United’s vice president of marketing, Mark Krolick said.
“Our updated premium transcontinental service not only connects travelers between four of the nation’s largest markets, it connects customers to the best food, drinks and amenities from these world-class cities.”
These flights are available now for booking.
Oman Air Business Class services
Oman services to/ from Australia are via the Asian hubs of KUL & BKK and use MH, TG as their interline partners in their Business Class fare structures.
With x2 daily into KUL and x3 daily into BKK, Oman Services offer competitive business fares across our network including the Middle East and 7 EU destinations: LON, MAN, PAR, MIL, FRA, MUC & ZRH.
Oman Air’s new B787 Business Class features 8 seats 2-2-2 configuration with every direct aisle access for every seat, generous 180 degrees fully lie flat bed seats with 203cm seat pitch and 58cm seat width, electronically controlled backrest, seat bottom, leg rest and seat depth, beverage and handset compartment, touchscreen IFE and handset, and 2 USB plugs and PC power outlet in every seat.
A full guide to Business Class air fares can be found here.
MW Tours Fam trip to Korea
MW Tours and China Southern Airlines with agents from around Australia have just returned from a trip to Korea including Seoul and Pusan. The tour included highlights such as a Bibap Show, Insadong Antique Market, Haesinsa Temple and Everland Theme Park. The photo shows the fam group “getting their Sexy Korea on” in traditional costume on after their Kimchi Cooking class.
In the back row we have Ann Bridgewater – Ballarat Cruise and Travel, Vic Jo Meredith – MTA, Qld Mark O’Neill – The Adventure Specialist, NSW Karen Robinson – Travel View, NSW David Armstrong – Bicton Travel, WA Kylie Duncan-Tiver – MTA, SA Sarah Butler – Travel Directors. WA
In front row there is Toni Perrin – Travel Managers – Qld, Renee Brown – Thor Travel, SA, Kay Russell – MW Tours SA, WA & NT Sales Manager Sally Laing – China Southern Airlines NSW Erica Torres Garcia -, iTalk Brighton, Vic. Laying in front is Yumi, the travel director from MW Tours in Korea.
AirAsia Female Pilots Take Naelofar Hijab to the Skies
AirAsia and leading hijab brand Naelofar Hijab has unveiled a special collaboration with an exclusively designed hijab for the airline’s female pilots. Beginning June 2017, muslim female pilots from AirAsia and AirAsia X will don the white Naelofar Hijab that is specifically tailored to meet their workday needs.
“This is the first time ever for AirAsia to collaborate with a designer to produce hijab wear for our female pilots. We are happy to work with Naelofar Hijab to create a piece that complements our female pilots’ look while providing enhanced comfort as they perform their duty. We are currently looking into revamping hijab designs for our ground staff as well,” Regional Head of Branding for AirAsia, Rudy Khaw said.
AirAsia female pilots were involved throughout the design process where they worked closely with Naelofar Hijab designers to create a functional, yet comfortable headscarf suitable for their day-to-day operations. Before being rolled out, prototypes undergo multiple wear testing by members of the airline’s pilots. Using fabric materials with enhancement properties, the new hijab allows great stretch and recovery for easy movement along with adornment of the signature Naelofar Hijab symbol in Swarovski crystals for a finishing touch.
South African Airways update their current specials to Africa
Economy Saver: The sale is valid for departures effective immediately to 20 June & 15 July – 13 September & 05 October – 25 November 2017 & 14 January – 20 March 2018, and includes generous baggage allowance of 2 pieces of 23k. Get in quick as the sale ends 21 June 2017. Check out the fares here.
Their Business class specials have been extended to 1 July. Sydney levels have also dropped and are valid for departures effective immediately to 31 August 2017. It includes generous baggage allowance of 2 pieces of 32kg each. For business class airfares check them out here.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
air astana airasia fiji airways international air transport association lufthansa MW Tours Oman Air qantas Scan south african airways SriLankan AirlinesLatest 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?