Big Fat Airline Wrap
We know you’re all busy bees so we’ve made this Airline Wrap short and sweet. We wanted to say ‘just like us’ but our colleagues deny we’re sweet.
Lufthansa reintroduces Singapore – Munich with A350
Starting on 27 March 2018, Lufthansa will reintroduce the route between Singapore and Munich. This service will be available five times a week with the Airbus A350-900. Singapore becomes the first destination in Southeast Asia to receive Lufthansa’s A350-900.
The new route will be operated five times weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The flights depart in Munich late in the evening and arrive in the afternoon of the next day at Singapore’s Changi Airport. The flights from Singapore leave late in the evening and arrive in Munich early the next morning.
Lufthansa ordered a total of 25 Airbus A350-900 and received three of them so far, which were deployed to Delhi, Boston and Mumbai.
The aircraft offers Lufthansa’s best on-board product, assuring passengers the highest level of comfort in all travel classes, with a wider cabin, new seats in Economy Class, bigger windows, large TV screens, innovative mood lighting, personalized playlist and much more. The Lufthansa A350-900 is configured to seat 293 passengers: 48 in Business Class, 21 in Premium Economy and 224 in Economy Class.
In comparison with similar types of aircraft it consumes 25 percent less fuel and produces 25 percent fewer emissions. The noise footprint is up to 50 percent smaller than comparable aircraft types.
Tigerair Australia flies Melbourne to Townsville
Tigerair Australia’s inaugural service between Melbourne and Townsville took to the skies last week, providing the only direct low cost daytime services between the Victorian capital and North Queensland destination.
Tigerair will operate four weekly direct return low cost flights between Melbourne and Townsville on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. These services will deliver almost 75,000 additional passenger seats through Townsville Airport annually.
The new service launched today has created ten new jobs at Townsville Airport and is supported by the Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund through Tourism and Events Queensland, in partnership with the Townsville City Council and Queensland Airports Limited (the owner and operator of Townsville Airport).
Malindo Air takes East Coast Agents to Bali
To celebrate Malindo Air’s recently inaugurated Brisbane-Denpasar-Kuala Lumpur service, the airline, with Tourism Malaysia, recently invited a group of agents from the East Coast (Brisbane, Cairns and Sydney) to experience the product and two destinations.
The “flop & shop” famil spent two days at each destination, staying in Kuta, Seminyak, and the golden triangle area of KL. Accommodation was provided by the Bali Hotel Association at The Bali Beach Garden Resort and The Villas Seminyak to contrast the different budget options available.
Berjaya Hotels and Tourism Malaysia provided accommodation and tours, respectively, in Kuala Lumpur along with a Ramadan dinner buffet feast!
Image: (left to right): Marc Parsons (ARS/Malindo Air), Jigisha Patel (Fantasy Travel), Jess Van Kempen (Infinity Holidays), Martine Gautier (Travel Managers), Kirsten Wallis (Journeys Worldwide), Amy Trumata-Paatan (Philippine Travel & Trade), Kylie Stokes (Travel Managers), Mohit Chopra (CCS), Calvin Lim (Berjaya Hotels)
AirAsia orders 14 more A320ceo
AirAsia has signed an agreement with Airbus to order an additional 14 A320ceo aircraft to meet higher than expected near-term growth on the carrier’s regional network. The contract, which is subject to AirAsia board approval, was announced at the Paris Air Show.
Today’s announcement will see the total number of A320 Family aircraft ordered by AirAsia rise to 592, reaffirming its position as the largest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line. To date, 171 A320ceo and eight A320neo have already been delivered to the airline and are flying with its units in Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer said, “Demand is very strong in AirAsia’s traditional countries, but now we have Indonesia, Philippines and India doing extremely well. The robust demand has led us to expanding our fleet, and Airbus has been a great partner in finding us slots.
“We still need to find more aircraft to expand our regional reach and are actively sourcing from the leasing market. The competitive environment is at its best, coupled with a stable oil price. With the lowest cost in the world, AirAsia is back on aggressive growth.”
Hainan Airlines to launch Shenzhen – Brisbane services
Hainan Airlines of China has announced the commencement of direct flights between Shenzhen and Brisbane with the first flight arriving 21 September this year.
The flights will operate two times per week arriving on Thursdays and Mondays using an Airbus A330 aircraft.
Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO and Managing Director, said, “BAC welcomes Hainan to Brisbane and we look forward to partnering with them to make the route a success, further strengthening the ties between China and Queensland”.
Shenzhen has had a Sister City relationship with Brisbane’s since 1992, making it Brisbane’s longest held Sister City. It is the major city of the Pearl River Delta manufacturing area and home to 12 million residents, located on the China – Hong Kong border, a convenient 90 drive to/from Hong Kong.
For Brisbane Airport, Shenzhen will be its 80th destination and Hainan Airlines its 31st airline. Passengers will be able to connect all across China with Hainan Airlines’ extensive next work from Shenzhen.
Hainan Airlines is a 5-Star airline, as rated by Skytrax, and is celebrating its 7th year at the top rating for quality. Hainan Airlines is part of the HNA group which is part owner of Brisbane based Virgin Australia.
SilkAir add extra Singapore-Cairns rotation
SilkAir will fly an additional direct return service between Singapore and Cairns each week on a year round basis, starting in November.
Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, Norris Carter, welcomed the extra flight, saying it will offer an excellent increase in connectivity for international visitors to Cairns and Great Barrier Reef.
“SilkAir announced earlier this year they would operate five flights per week for the peak period of July and August.”
“To hear that this level of frequency is going to become part of their year round schedule from November is very good news.”
“The Singapore service has gone from strength to strength since it commenced in May 2015 with three return flights per week. It attracts European, Chinese, South East Asian and Indian travellers, who make up almost 60 per cent of all international visitors to Cairns.”
“It also provides residents of Far North Queensland with the convenience of a direct link to Singapore and beyond, saving them travel time.”
SilkAir Manager Cairns, Ravindran, said the airline is pleased with the performance of their Singapore – Cairns service.
“We are introducing this additional rotation as a permanent part of the service’s schedule in response to demand,” Ravindran said.
“Since we began the service we have seen demand on the Singapore – Cairns route continue to grow as we’ve increased from three to four and soon to five rotations each week.”
AirAsia flies boxing champ Manny Pacquiao to Brisbane
Nine-time world champion AirAsia will be flying boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao to Australia for his World Boxing Organization (WBO) title defence.
Pacquiao, the only boxer to have won titles in eight weight classes, will be defending his WBO welterweight title against Australia’s Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 2 July 2017.
It will be his first defence of the title since winning it in a unanimous decision from American boxer Jessie Vargas in November 2016.
AirAsia will fly Pacquiao and his team from their training camp in General Santos City in the Philippines to Brisbane on an Airbus A330 with special livery.
The aircraft will feature an image of the Filipino boxer next to the Pacman and Pound-for-Pound logos.
WBO world welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao said, “In all my years of boxing, I have never been as motivated and fired up as this fight. With this agreement forged with AirAsia, I am inspired to give it all I got.
“Teaming up with AirAsia makes it more special because we have been accorded the respect of the fans. I have been called the People’s Champion and AirAsia is a world champion airline, and I’m extremely proud to be flying with the Asean world champions.”
AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “Manny is a huge inspiration to the Philippines and the whole of Asean. We want to show that this region makes world champions and no one is a better example of this Manny. Manny is like AirAsia, climbing to the top and staying there after all these years through blood, sweat and tears, and we are very honoured to be able to support him once again.”
South African Airways special
If you have been lurking for Perth specials, they now have some very special fares in both economy and business class ready for your customers:
Economy Saver fares:
- Valid for departures effective 14 July – 31 Aug & 01 – 31 Oct 2017
- Generous baggage allowance of 2 pieces of 23kg
- Sale ends 30 June 2017.
- Get the FARE SHEET
Business Class Specials:
- Valid for departures effective 01 Dec 2017 – 15 Jan 2018
- Generous baggage allowance of 2 pieces of 32kg
- Sale ends 30 June 2017.
- Get the FARE SHEET
Philippine Airlines support Habol Ilonggo Fashion Festival in Australia
On Saturday 24 June 2017, the Philippine Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, the Philippine Embassy in Canberra and the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney were delighted to support the Habol Ilonggo Fashion Show at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
SBS also attended to report on the event, which was the first time in Australia that the Habol Ilonggo fashion parade showcased Filipino dress collections of four Filipino designers as part of the opening day of Passion and Procession: Art of the Philippines at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
This Habol Ilonggo Fashion Festival Sydney event attracted nearly 400 guests, who gathered to enjoy the stunning collections from the Philippines’ top contemporary designers including, PJ Aranador, John Montinola, Sidney Eculla and Jun-G Candelario. In addition, guests learned about the Philippines’ traditional hand weaving process, known as Hablon, via a live demonstration of hand weaving looms.
The Sydney event follows the success of the Habol Ilonggo Fashion Festival’s Canberra fashion show, which took place at the Park Hyatt Hotel, last week on 19 June 2017.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
airasia Hainan Airlines lufthansa Malindo Air philippine airlines silkair tigerair australiaLatest 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!