United Adds New Destinations For 2010

United Airlines has announced it will begin flights from the USA to new destinations in Africa, Europe and the Middle East in 2010. The Chicago-based airline will inaugurate a daily, same-plane service to Accra, Ghana and Lagos, Nigeria, as well as flights to Brussels and Bahrain.

 

Washington DC – Accra – Lagos

From 2 May 2010, United will fly non-stop from Washington DC to Accra, connecting the capital cities of the USA and Ghana. The service is United’s first-ever non-stop flight to Africa and continues to Lagos, Nigeria.

 

Flight UA 990 departs Washington Dulles International Airport at 2210 hrs, arriving in Accra at 1240 hrs the next day, before continuing to Lagos at 1420 hrs where it lands at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 1625 hrs. The return flight, UA 991, takes off from Lagos at 2115 hrs for Accra, where it arrives at Kotoka International Airport at 2120 hrs, before departing at 2300 hrs back to Washington DC, where it arrives at 0625 hrs the next morning.

 

United will operate on the route daily with a 4-class Boeing 767-300ER aircraft configured with 6 First, 26 Business, 71 Economy Plus and 80 Economy Class seats. 

 

Chicago – Brussels

United Airlines will also expand its operations at Brussels with a new flight connecting the Belgian capital to Chicago. The new service, which begins on 28 March 2010, adds a second US city to the airline’s flights from Brussels, in addition to its existing Washington DC-Brussels service.

 

Flight UA 972 departs Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 1800 hrs and arrives in Brussels Airport at 0920 hrs the next morning. The aircraft returns to Chicago as flight UA 973 at 1100 hrs, landing back at O’Hare International Airport at 1315 hrs.

 

Flight timings have been scheduled to allow for connections at O’Hare International Airport to cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Across the atlantic, the new route allows passengers to enjoy convenient connections to onward destinations on Brussels Airlines, which joins the Star Alliance next month. United will fly a 4-class Boeing 767 aircraft on the route daily.

 

Washington DC – Kuwait – Bahrain

Beginning 18 April 2010, United will extend its existing Washington DC-Kuwait service to Bahrain. United Airlines will become the first and only US carrier to serve Bahrain and the flight will be the only same-plane service between Bahrain and the North America.

 

Flight UA 982 departs Washington Dulles International Airport at 1812 hrs, arriving in Kuwait at 1335 hrs the next day, before taking off again at 1450 hrs for Bahrain, where it arrives at 1555 hrs. The return flight, UA 981, takes off from Bahrain International Airport at 2125 hrs, landing in Kuwait at 2230 hrs. The flight continues to Washington DC at 2345 hrs for a 0647 hrs arrival the next morning.

 

Operated by a Boeing 777-200 fitted with 348 seats in a 3-class configuration, passengers can look forward to a product enhancement as the airline outfits its aircraft with the new United First and Business Class cabin product in 2010 and 2011.

 

For more information, visit www.united.com.

Japan Airlines Enhances Offerings On Chicago, Los Angeles Routes, Reopens Frankfurt Lounge

Tokyo-based Japan Airlines has introduced several enhancements in the air and on the ground to selected North American and European services respectively. Passengers flying to and from Chicago and Los Angeles can now enjoy the improved product onboard the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, while the airline’s lounge in Frankfurt has reopened following the completion of renovations.

 

Boeing 777-300ER Service On Chicago And Los Angeles Routes From Tokyo (Narita)

First introduced in summer 2008 on the New York and San Francisco routes from Tokyo, Japan Airlines has deployed the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on its flights to Chicago and Los Angeles. The aircraft, configured in a 4-class layout, has been operating the daily JL 009/010 and JL 061/062 services to both cities respectively from 25 October 2009.

 

First Class passengers will be able to enjoy the comfort of the JAL Suite reminiscent of a traditional lounge chair and convertible into a full-flat bed. JAL Executive Class – Seasons passengers are accomodated in the JAL Shell Flat Neo seats, which are softer than previous generation seats and feature slip-proof upholstery, repositioned seat controls and 15.4-inch personal screens.

 

Japan Airlines will also offer a Premium Economy product on the Chicago and Los Angeles routes with the new aircraft. The award-winning JAL Sky Shell seat offers 20% more legroom than in Economy Class, with its shell-shaped slide down recline ensuring each passenger’s personal space is maintained throughout the flight. In Economy Class, new seats incorporate a ‘hammock headrest’ for added comfort and a 9-inch personal monitor installed in the seatback. All passengers onboard enjoy Japan Airlines’ state-of-the-art MAGIC III on-demand entertainment system. 132 channels of movies, music, videos and games can be accessed at their convenience throughout the flight.

 

The twin-engined aircraft will also allow Japan Airlines and passengers to reduce their carbon footprint whilst flying.  Offering better fuel efficiency, the jet produces 20% less carbon dioxide than the 4-engined Boeing 747-400 it replaces on the routes.

 

Renovated Lounge Reopens In Frankfurt

In Europe, Japan Airlines has reopened its departure lounge at Frankfurt International Airport. Recently renovated, the new facility comprises a separate First Class Lounge and Sakura Lounge and is a convenient 2-minute walk from the departure gates.

 

Modelled after the Japan Airlines’ lounges at Narita International Airport, the revamped Frankfurt lounge is spacious and well-equipped with amenities to allow passengers to relax or catch up with work before their flight. Following feedback from passengers, the facility now incorporates amenities such as shower rooms, complimentary high-speed internet access and power outlets, in addition to comprehensive business and dining options.

 

Japan Airlines flies connects Frankfurt with Tokyo daily, operating a 4-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the route. Passengers can connect at Frankfurt to other destinations across Europe through the airline’s Oneworld alliance partners.

 

For more information, visit www.jal.co.jp.

New Southeast Asian Route Updates From KLM, Silkair

Beginning in December 2009, KLM and Silkair will add new flights to Bali and Penang respectively. The new services mark KLM’s return to the Indonesian resort island, while Silkair takes over the morning flight from sister carrier Singapore Airlines.

 

3 Times Weekly Amsterdam-Singapore-Bali Flights From KLM

Following a 12-year absence, KLM resumes services to Bali in Indonesia from 6 December 2009. KLM will operate a 2-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft configured with 35 seats in World Business Class and 390 seats in Economy Class on the route.

 

Flight KL 835 departs from Amsterdam at 2100 hrs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Singapore at 1620 hrs the next day before taking off at 1730 hrs for a 2010 hrs landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport. The return flight, KL 836, departs Bali at 2130 hrs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, landing in Changi International Airport at 0005 hrs the next morning before continuing back to Amsterdam at 0120 hrs where it arrives at 0800 hrs.

 

The tropical destination is popular amongst Dutch and European holidaymakers. With the new flights, KLM will operate 10 flights each week between the Netherlands and Indonesia, where it also flies to the capital Jakarta via Kuala Lumpur.

 

For more information, visit www.klm.com.

 

Silkair To Fly Triple-Daily On Singapore-Penang Route

Singapore-based regional carrier Silkair will increase flights on the Singapore-Penang route from 1 December 2009 when it takes over the daily morning service from affiliate Singapore Airlines. Rich in culture, history and heritage, Penang is one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations with its charming colonial buildings and famous food such as the Penang laksa and char kway teow.

 

Flight MI 352 will depart Changi International Airport Terminal 2 at 0850 hrs, arriving in Penang International Airport at 0930 hrs. The aircraft returns as flight MI 351 at 1025 hrs, landing back in Singapore at 1150 hrs.

 

Passengers who have made bookings to travel between Singapore and Penang on Singapore Airlines will be re-accomodated on Silkair flights. The airline, which began flying the route in June this year, currently operates an afternoon and evening flight using a 2-class Airbus A320. Silkair also flies to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Langkawi in Malaysia.

 

For more information, visit www.silkair.com.

Singapore Airlines Inaugurates A380 Flights To Melbourne

Singapore Airlines has launched a daily A380 flight to Melbourne. The inaugural flight, SQ 227, departed from Changi International Airport Terminal 3 at 2101 hrs yesterday and arrived in Tullamarine International Airport at 0543 hrs this morning.

 

Melbourne is the second Australian destination and sixth city in the Singapore Airlines network to receive A380 service, after Hong Kong, London, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo. The airline currently operates 21 weekly flights between Singapore and Melbourne, using Boeing 777 aircraft.

 

Flight SQ 227 departs Singapore at 2100 hrs daily, arriving in Melbourne at 0610 hrs the next morning. The return flight, SQ 228, takes off from Tullamarine International Airport at 1550 hrs for a 2140 hrs landing back at Changi International Airport.

 

Singapore Airlines currently has 10 A380s in its fleet, with a further 9 aircraft on order. The airline is the second operator of the aircraft type in Melbourne, following Australian carrier Qantas, which flies the double-deck aircraft from Melbourne to Los Angeles.

 

For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com.

KLM Introduces Economy Comfort Zone

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced it will offer more space and comfort with a new Economy Comfort zone onboard its aircraft on intercontinental flights. The new zone supplements KLM’s preferred seats which are available at an additional charge.

 

Economy Comfort seats offer up to 10 centimeters more legroom and back supports that recline twice as far as standard seats. While cabin service will be the same as in Economy Class, passengers will be able to disembark the aircraft first with the zone located in the front of the Economy Class cabin. With effect from November 2009, Economy Class passengers will be able to reserve seats or upgrade to the new zone at the airport with self-service check-in kiosks for an additional charge, while passengers holding fully-flexible Economy Class tickets and Platinum members of its Flying Blue frequent flyer programme can do so for free. KLM will also offer a 50% and 25% discount to Flying Blue Gold and Flying Blue Silver members respectively.

 

The new Economy Comfort zone will be available on all aircraft onboard KLM’s intercontinental fleet, with the first aircraft already converted. Conversion of the remaining aircraft, including the Airbus A330, Boeing 747, 777 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11, is currently underway and expected to be completed in time for the Economy Comfort zone’s introduction in December 2009.

 

Netherlands-based KLM currently operate services to more than 90 destinations around the world from its base at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

 

For more information, visit www.klm.com.

Singapore Airlines Opens New Lounge In Hong Kong

Singapore Airlines has opened a new Silver Kris Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. The new facility is located on level 6 at the Main Departure Hall after the immigration/security area and offers convenient access to the boarding gates frequently used by the airline. 

 

Nearly twice the size of the old lounge, more than 210 premium passengers can relax, dine and work in comfort. Designed in modern-contemporary style, the new Silver Kris Lounge features 3 seating areas for travellers to relax in comfort before their flight, while keeping up-to-date with the latest news and other entertainment programmes from the 4 LCD televisions. An extensive selection of local and international magazines and newspapers is available to passengers who prefer to read. Passengers who need to catch up with work or surf the internet can do so from the convenience of their own computers, with wireless high-speed internet access available in the entire lounge. There are also 16 internet-ready PC and Mac workstations with power connectors for mobile devices.

 

The food and beverage offerings include a beverage and snack bar, as well as a full dining area with marble tables furnished in a long-bar setting and an intimate coffee shop-styled area. A selection of savoury snacks, ranging from dim sum to sandwiches, hot and cold foods, soups, pastries, fruits, cheese and ice cream will be served, complemented by alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including champagne, wines, beers, liquor, fresh juices and soft drinks.

 

The Silver Kris Lounge is available to all Suite, First and Business Class passengers travelling on Singapore Airlines from Hong Kong. Passengers who are holding Solitaire PPS and Star Alliance Gold status and travelling in Economy Class on Singapore Airlines or any Star Alliance member airline are also entitled to utilize the facilities in the lounge.

 

Singapore Airlines operates 5 non-stop flights daily between Hong Kong and Singapore, including the city’s only Airbus A380 service. The airline also connects Hong Kong with San Francisco daily, flying a 3-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft configured with 278 seats.

 

For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com.

Air France Boosts London Heathrow – Charles de Gaulle Frequency, Routes Offering Premium Voyageur

Air France has announced that it will increase the number of daily flights between its base at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle International Airport and London Heathrow. The French flag carrier will also expand its Premium Voyageur premium economy product to 4 destinations in Asia and the Middle East.

 

More Paris (Charles de Gaulle)-London (Heathrow) Flights

From 25 October 2009, 2 additional flights will be added, boosting flight frequency to 9 roundtrips each day. The flights have been timed to fill gaps in Air France’s existing schedule on the route and cater to both business travellers and passengers connecting at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

 

The afternoon service, flight AF 1580, departs Paris at 1440 hrs, arriving in London at 1505 hrs. The aircraft returns as flight AF 1581 at 1710 hrs and lands back in Charles de Gaulle International Airport at 1935 hrs.

 

In the evening, flight AF 2080 takes off from Paris at 2050 hrs and lands in London at 2115 hrs. The aircraft overnights in the UK to operate flight AF 2081 at 0820 hrs for a 1050 hrs arrival back at Charles de Gaulle International Airport.

 

Both daily flights will be operated using 48-seat ATR42-500 turboprop aircraft leased from Airlinair, marking a change from the other 7 flights, which are operated with Airbus A319 and A321 jet aircraft.

 

4 New Destinations With Premium Voyageur Service

Air France will also extend its Premium Voyageur premium economy cabin on flights to Beirut, Singapore, Hong Kong and Beijing. Passengers will be able to enjoy the product on the former 2 routes from 28 December 2009, with the latter 2 destinations being introduced on 18 January 2010. As more aircraft are fitted with the cabin, the airline will also offer Premium Voyageur service on a second daily flight from Paris (Charles de Gaulle) to Tokyo from 7 December 2009 and New York from 8 December 2009.

 

First introduced in April 2009, the Premium Voyageur cabin offers passengers greater space and comfort onboard with a new shell seat measuring 48 centimeters wide and reclining to 123 degrees. 22 seats are arranged in the same area previously accomodating 40 Voyageur economy seats, allowing for a generous seat pitch of 97 centimeters. Each seat also features a 10.4-inch wide personal screen offering 500 hours of audio-video on-demand inflight entertainment and passengers enjoy amenities from the Affaires business class such as a travel kit, bottled water, noise-reducing headphones and a pure wool blanket. On the ground, Premium Voyageur passengers also enjoy dedicated check-in desks, a 30-kilogram baggage allowance, boarding at their convenience and priority baggage delivery.

 

By the end of 2010, the Premium Voyageur cabin will be available on the entire Air France long-haul network served by the airline’s Airbus A330, A340 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

 

For more information, visit www.airfrance.com.

EVA Air, UNI Air Launch Scheduled Cross-Straits Air Service

Taipei-based EVA Air and its affiliate UNI Air have launched scheduled services from Taiwan to China, marking the next phase in cross-straits air travel. Both airlines will serve 12 destinations and fly 19 routes from Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Kunming, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin and Xiamen.

 

From Taipei Taoyuan International Airport

EVA Air will fly 5 times a week between Taoyuan and Beijing. Flight BR 716 departs at 0915 hrs (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) and at 1620 hrs (Mondays and Fridays), arriving in the Chinese capital at 1230 hrs and 1930 hrs respectively. The return flight, BR 715, departs Beijing Capital International Airport at 1345 hrs (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) and at 2030 hrs (Mondays and Fridays), landing back in Taoyuan International Airport at 1655 hrs and 2340 hrs respectively.

 

The airline will also fly to the port city of Tianjin twice a week. Flight BR 730 takes off at 0915 hrs (Wednesdays) and 0945 hrs (Sundays), arriving in Tianjin at 1220 hrs and 1250 hrs respectively. The aircraft returns to Taipei as flight BR 729 at 1355 hrs (Wednesdays) and 1425 hrs (Fridays), landing back in Taoyuan International Airport at 1655 hrs and 1725 hrs.

 

Shanghai will be served 9 times a week. Flight BR 702 departs Taoyuan International Airport at 1010 hrs every Thursday and Sunday, arriving in Pudong International Airport at 1205 hrs. The return flight, BR 701, departs Shanghai in the evening at 2005 hrs, arriving back in Taipei at 2200 hrs. On all other days of the week, flight BR 712 takes off from Taipei at 1010 hrs, arriving in Shanghai at 1205 hrs, before returning as flight BR 711 at 1310 hrs for a 1500 hrs arrival. An additional flight, BR 722, operates on Monday and Friday afternoons at 1630 hrs, landing in Pudong International Airport at 1820 hrs. The return flight, BR 721, departs Shanghai at 2005 hrs and arrives back in Taipei at 2200 hrs.

 

EVA Air will operate a daily flight between Taoyuan and Hangzhou. Flight BR 758 takes off at 1625 hrs (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) and 1815 hrs (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays), arriving in Hangzhou at 1815 hrs and 2005 hrs respectively. The return flight, BR 757, departs Hangzhou International Airport at 1930 hrs (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) and 2120 hrs (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays), landing back in Taoyuan International Airport at 2125 hrs/2315 hrs.

 

The southern city of Guangzhou will be linked to Taipei 3 times a week, with flight BR 707 departing Taoyuan International Airport at 0955 hrs every Monday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Baiyun International Airport at 1155 hrs. The return flight, BR 708, takes off from Guangzhou at 1310 hrs in the afternoon and lands back in Taipei at 1520 hrs.

 

UNI Air will operate a twice weekly flight to Dalian. Flight B7 106 takes off from Taoyuan International Airport at 0755 hrs on Tuesdays and Fridays, arriving in Dalian at 1040 hrs, before returning as flight B7 105 at 1200 hrs for a 1440 hrs arrival back in Taipei.

 

Qingdao, located on the east coast of the mainland, will also receive 2 flights each week. Flight B7 102 departs at 0730 hrs (Mondays) and 1645 hrs (Fridays), arriving at 1000 hrs and 1915 hrs respectively. The retrun flight, B7 101, takes off at 1115 hrs (Mondays) and 2025 hrs (Fridays), landing back at Taoyuan International Airport at 1345 hrs and 2225 hrs.

 

Flights to Kunming will be flown 2 times weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. Flight B7 191 departs Taipei at 1130 hrs and arrives in Kunming at 1500 hrs. The aircraft returns as flight B7 190 at 1630 hrs, landing back in Taoyuan International Airport at 1940 hrs.

 

Ningbo will be served 3 times weekly, with a morning flight on Mondays and evening services on Wednesdays and Sundays. Flight B7 128 departs Taoyuan at 0900 hrs (Mondays) and 1645 hrs (Wednesdays and Sundays), arriving in the Chinese city at 1040 hrs and 1825 hrs respectively. The return flight, B7 127, takes off at 1210 hrs (Mondays) and 1925 hrs (Wednesdays and Sundays) to land back in Taipei at 1400 hrs/2115 hrs.

 

UNI Air will also fly 3 times a week to Shenzhen, with flight B7 187 departing Taoyuan International Airport at 1610 hrs on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, landing in Shenzhen at1755 hrs. The return flight, B7 188, takes off at 1905 hrs and arrives back in Taipei at 2055 hrs.

 

Effective 28 September 2009, the airline will fly twice weekly to Wuhan. Flight B7 195 departs Taipei at 0745 hrs on Mondays and Thursdays, arriving at Wuhan at 1030 hrs. The return flight, B7 194, takes off at 1150 hrs and lands back in Taipei at 1430 hrs.

 

Services to Chongqing will also be introduced on 29 September 2009. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, flight B7 193 takes off from Taipei at 0730 hrs and arrives in Chongqing at 1050 hrs. On the return leg, flight B7 192 departs at 1200 hrs, landing back in Taoyuan at 1515 hrs.

 

From Taipei Sungshan International Airport

UNI Air will also fly twice weekly to Xiamen from Sungshan Airport. Flight B7 2511 will depart at 0800 hrs (Mondays) and 1700 hrs (Fridays), arriving in Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport at 1000 hrs and 1900 hrs respectively. The return flight, B7 2512, takes off at 1100 hrs (Mondays) and 2000 hrs (Fridays), landing back in Sungshan International Airport at 1300 hrs and 2200 hrs.

 

From Kaohsiung International Airport

EVA Air will connect Kaohsiung with Chengdu on Mondays. Flight BR 791 departs Kaohsiung at 0830 hrs, arriving in Chengdu at 1155 hrs. The aircraft returns as flight BR 792 at 1300 hrs, landing back in Kaohsiung at 1620 hrs.

 

Ningbo will also be served once a week, with a morning flight on Fridays. Flight BR 796 departs Kaohsiung at 0730 hrs, arriving in Ningbo at 0940 hrs. The return flight, BR 795, takes off from Ningbo at 1040 hrs and lands in Kaohsiung at 1250 hrs.

 

The airline will also operate twice weekly services to Shanghai. Flight BR 706 departs Kaohsiung at 1640 hrs, arriving in Pudong International Airport at 1850 hrs in the evening on Thursdays and Sundays. On the inbound leg, flight BR 705 takes off from Shanghai at 1310 hrs and lands in Kaohsiung at 1520 hrs.

 

UNI Air will fly twice weekly to Hangzhou, with flight B7 268 departing Kaohsiung at 1800 hrs and arriving in the chinese city at 2010 hrs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The return flight takes off from Hangzhou at 2110 hrs, arriving back in Kaohsiung at 2325 hrs.

 

Flights to Shenzhen will be flown once a week on Fridays. Flight B7 287 will depart Kaohsiung at 1730 hrs, arriving in Shenzhen at 1900 hrs, before returning as flight B7 288 at 2005 hrs and landing in Kaohsiung International Airport at 2140 hrs. 

 

From Taichung International Airport

UNI Air will also operate a weekly flight to Shenzhen from Taichung on Wednesdays. Flight B7 2581 departs Taichung at 1700 hrs, touching down at Shenzhen at 1840 hrs. The return flight, B7 2582, takes off from Shenzhen at 1940 hrs and arrives back in Taichung at 2130 hrs.

 

Hangzhou will also be served once a week. Flight B7 2562 departs Taichung at 1630 hrs every Tuesday, landing in Hangzhou at 1830 hrs. On the return leg, flight B7 2561 takes off at 1930 hrs and arrives back in Taichung at 2130 hrs.

 

On Fridays, the airline will fly to Xiamen in the evening. Flight B7 2517 takes off from Taichung at 1600 hrs, landing in Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport at 1735 hrs. The return flight, B7 2518, departs at 1840 hrs for a 2025 hrs arrival back in Taichung.

 

The new scheduled flights are expected to boost air travel between China and Taiwan, where travellers had to previously transit via Hong Kong or Macau, offering increased convenience and flexibility. Travellers can plan itineraries with multiple cities within the same region (northern China, eastern China, central China and southern China), arriving into 1 city and departing from another. Both airlines will operate a variety of aircraft on the routes. EVA Air will deploy its Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing 747-400s and Airbus A330-200s while UNI Air will operate the smaller McDonnell Douglas MD-90 aircraft.

 

For more information, visit www.evaair.com and www.uniair.com.tw.

V Australia Launches New Routes From Brisbane, Melbourne

V Australia has announced the next phase of its expansion with the unveiling of new routes to Phuket and Johannesburg, as well as services to and from Melbourne. Beginning in November 2009, the airline will introduce 4 new flights from Brisbane and Melbourne.

 

Brisbane – Phuket

Beginning 22 November 2009, V Australia will fly twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays from Brisbane to Phuket. Flight VA 023 will depart Australia at 0945 hrs and arrive in Thailand at 1540 hrs. The return flight, VA 024, takes off from Phuket at 1815 hrs in the evening every Thursday and Sunday, landing back in Brisbane at 0540 hrs the next morning.

 

Melbourne – Phuket

From 3 December 2009, the airline will also launch flights to Phuket from Melbourne, flying once a week on Thursdays. Flight VA 019 departs Melbourne at 1200 hrs and arrives in Phuket at 1640 hrs in the afternoon. The return flight, VA 020, takes off at 1925 hrs on Fridays for a 0800 hrs arrival back in Australia the next day.

 

Melbourne – Los Angeles

V Australia will also connect Los Angeles direct with a third port in Australia, with twice-weekly Melbourne flights commencing on 1 December 2009. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, flight VA 011 departs Melbourne at 1055 hrs, arriving in Los Angeles International Airport at 0625 hrs. The return flight, VA 012, takes off at 2230 hrs and arrives back in Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport at 0915 hrs 2 days later.

 

Melbourne – Johannesburg

The airline will also launch flights to Johannesburg in South Africa, a 15-hour long route, from 13 March 2010 in time for the FIFA World Cup tournament. Flight VA 015 will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, taking off at 1100 hrs and arriving in OR Tambo International Airport at 1715 hrs. The return flight, VA 016, departs Johannesburg at 1925 hrs and lands back in Melbourne at 1800 hrs the next day.

 

All flights will be flown using V Australia’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft configured with 33 full-flat beds in Business Class, 40 seats in Premium Economy and 288 seats in Economy Class.

 

For more information, visit www.vaustralia.com.au.

Middle Eastern Carriers Unveil New Routes, Schedules

Middle Eastern carriers Etihad Airways, Gulf Air and Qatar Airways have announced new routes and flight timings for their upcoming destinations, continuing a trend of expansion amidst the worldwide slowdown in air travel.

 

Etihad To Begin Abu Dhabi – Hyderabad

The national carrier of the UAE, Etihad Airways, has announced it will launch flights from its Abu Dhabi base to the Indian city of Hyderabad beginning November 2009. Initially, the airline will operate a 4 times weekly service, before increasing frequency to daily flights in 2010.

 

Flight EY 274 departs Abu Dhabi International Airport at 2200 hrs, arriving in Hyderabad at 0300 hrs the next day. On the return leg, flight EY 275 takes off from Hyderabad International Airport at 0415 hrs and lands back in Abu Dhabi at 0700 hrs.

 

Hyderabad is Etihad’s seventh destination in India, where it operates 38 flights per week from Abu Dhabi to Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode. The airline will operate a 2-class Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 20 Pearl Business and 120 Coral Economy Class seats on the route.

 

For more information, visit www.etihadairways.com.

 

Gulf Air To Link Bahrain With 3 Iraqi Cities

Bahrain’s Gulf Air will begin flights to 3 destinations within Iraq, beginning with a 5 times weekly Bahrain-Baghdad service on 1 September 2009. The airline will also begin flying to Najaf and Erbil later that month.

 

Flight GF 201 will depart Bahrain at 0945 hrs every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, arriving in Baghdad at 1130 hrs. The return flight, GF 200, takes off from Baghdad at 1245 hrs for a 1425 hrs arrival back in Bahrain. All flights will also be operated with Gulf Air’s 2-class Airbus A320 aircraft configured with 136 seats.

 

Flight schedules for the Bahrain-Najaf and Bahrain-Erbil flights will be announced at a later date. The airline first began flying to Iraq in 1976, serving the capital city Baghdad.

 

For more information, visit www.gulfair.com.

 

Qatar Airways Releases Timetable For Melbourne Route

Doha-based Qatar Airways has revealed the flight schedule for its upcoming Doha-Melbourne flights. Beginning on 6 December 2009, the airline will fly 3 times weekly between both cities using a 2-class Boeing 777-200LR with 42 Business and 217 Economy Class seats. 

 

Flight QR 030 will depart Doha at 0045 hrs on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, arriving into Melbourne at 2225 hrs. The return flight, QR 031, takes off from Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport at 2355 hrs and lands in Doha International Airport at 0625 hrs the next morning. From 1 January 2010, Qatar Airways will upgraded the flight to daily service.

 

Melbourne will be Qatar Airways’ first destination in Australia, with flights to Sydney to follow. The flight timings allow for convenient connections to and from Europe at Qatar Airways’ Doha hub, as well as the airline’s flights within its regional Middle East network.

 

For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com.