A short and sweet wrap today. Just like our “shirt” when we took it out of the dryer this morning.

Jeju Air deepens partnership with Sabre to fuel international growth

Sabre Corporation, the leading technology provider to the global travel industry, today announced a renewed distribution partnership with Jeju Air, the largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in South Korea, that will allow the airline to expand into new markets as part of their growth and expansion plan.

A pioneer LCC in South Korea, Jeju Air has renewed with Sabre to scale its global footprint, cater to traveller’s demands for reasonable flight fares and bring sustainable innovation to the Korean airline industry. The renewed partnership will also allow travel agents connected to the Sabre Travel Network to have access to air content from Jeju Air that will give travellers greater options and drive revenue for the airline.

South Korea has one of the world’s largest travel markets, and outbound travel continues to grow. With a growing economy and increasing affluence, the demand for air travel has sparked keen competition amongst airlines as they develop new growth and distribution strategies to keep up with the changing market. With the Sabre platform, Jeju Air will have the flexibility to do business the way they need, enabling them to adapt their business to meet changing requirements and to incorporate new innovations more efficiently.

Qatar Airways eelcomes the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft to Doha

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, welcomed the arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft to Qatar, as part of a special Demonstration Tour by Airbus. The visit was the first stop by the advanced aircraft to 12 destinations throughout the Middle East and Asia Pacific, designed to showcase the aircraft’s exclusive features to airlines and passengers.

The arrival of the Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft comes just a month before Qatar Airways will become the global launch customer for the world’s very first A350-1000.

The aircraft performed an impressive fly-by over the iconic Doha corniche to commence its international tour. During its stop in Doha, the test aircraft was visited by local dignitaries and VIPs who were given a guided tour of the A350-1000 hosted by H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker.

Scoot to take over Silkair’s Langkawi, Pekanbaru and Kalibo services

SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines (SIA), will be transferring its services to Langkawi in Malaysia, Pekanbaru in Indonesia and Kalibo in the Philippines to Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of SIA. SilkAir’s last Langkawi, Pekanbaru and Kalibo services are scheduled for 8 April, 30 May and 28 June 2018 respectively. Currently, SilkAir flies three times weekly to each destination.

The transfer of the three services to Scoot will optimise aircraft utilisation within the SIA Group, at the same time better matching travel demand. Scoot already operates three and four weekly services to Langkawi and Kalibo respectively, while Pekanbaru will be a new addition to the network.

With the transfers, Scoot will progressively adjust its services to Langkawi and Kalibo in the coming months to provide more options and convenience to customers. Scoot also targets to commence sales for Pekanbaru in the first half of 2018, subject to final regulatory approval.

Emirates to launch non-stop Dubai-Newark service with a second daily flight from 1 June

Emirates will introduce a new non-stop service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Dubai from 1 June 2018, adding to its existing daily flight which operates with a stop in Athens, Greece.

The new non-stop service will be operated with an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, offering 8 suites in First Class, 42 seats in Business, 306 in Economy Class, and 19 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity. Flight EK223 will depart Dubai at 0300am and arrive in Newark at 0900am. The return flight EK224 departs Newark at 1150am, arriving in Dubai at 0820am the next day. This new timing complements the existing Emirates service, as it provides travellers with a new option of a morning arrival in Newark, and a morning departure.

The morning arrival in Dubai also means east-bound travellers can conveniently explore one of the world’s most dynamic cities on a stopover day tour, before taking an evening connection to another destination on Emirates’ global network.

Singapore Airlines forges ahead with digital innovation blueprint

Singapore Airlines (SIA) today announced the launch of its Digital Innovation Blueprint through the unveiling of key bilateral partnerships with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Economic Development Board (EDB) and National University of Singapore (NUS).

The Digital Innovation Blueprint is part of SIA’s ongoing transformation programme under which it is significantly boosting its digital capabilities. The Airline has been progressively building an open innovation culture across the Group through staff involvement in digital projects, and supporting employees through digital training, such as in digital innovation and design and agile methodologies.

A Digital Innovation Lab is being set up to enable staff to work with innovative companies including start-ups, established incubators and accelerators, to stimulate new ideas and facilitate collaboration in a creative environment. The Airline is now taking its Blueprint to the next level through extensive collaboration partnerships.

Cathay Pacific’s Jetsetter and Washington DC sale

Cathay Pacific has launched two new exciting promotions on fares from all Australian ports to Europe, North America and Tel Aviv from just AUD$967 return. Both sales run from today until Friday, 2 March for select 2018 departures, offering travellers the chance to visit incredible destinations and live a life well-travelled.

Cathay Pacific Jetsetter Sale

Aussies jetsetters looking to travel far and wide this year have the opportunity to discover the culinary delights and cultural attractions of a variety of destinations across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The promotion is available for departures from all Australian ports with fares starting from AUD$1,031 return.

Washington DC Sale

Cathay Pacific’s newest destination, Washington DC, is now on sale and encourages Aussies looking to expand their political knowledge and visit The White House, or explore the infamous Smithsonian Institute, to book their next adventure. The sale is available for departures from all Australian ports with fares starting from AUD$967 return.