Qatar Airways Arrives Down Under

Doha-based Qatar Airways has completed its first ever flight to Australia. The inaugural flight, QR 030, landed in Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport at 2159 hrs on Sunday, 6 December 2009, after a 13 hours 40 minutes flight from Doha.

 

Operated by the airline’s 2-class Boeing 777-200LR aircraft configured with 42 Business Class and 217 Economy Class seats, passengers of the high-profile delegation onboard the flight included Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al Baker, Australian Ambassador to the UAE and Qatar His Excellency Doug Trappett, members of the international media and senior company executives. The airline was officially welcomed to Australia by the Victorian Government Minister of Tourism and Major Events, The Honourable Tim Holding, this morning at the State Government Offices where a joint press conference was held.

 

Flight QR 030 currently operates on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Doha at 0045 hrs and arriving in Melbourne at 2225 hrs. The return flight, QR 031, takes off from Tullamarine International Airport at 2355 hrs, landing back in Doha International Airport at 0625 hrs the next morning. Beginning 1 January 2010, Qatar Airways will increase frequencies from the current 3 times weekly to daily service, when it takes delivery of a fourth Boeing 777-200LR jet.

 

The arrival of yesterday’s inaugural flight completes the trio of Gulf carriers serving Melbourne from their respective hubs. Dubai’s Emirates flies triple daily into the city while its counterpart Etihad Airways operates a daily service from Abu Dhabi. After Melbourne, Qatar Airways will also inaugurate a Doha-Sydney flight in 2010 as part of its ongoing expansion into Australia. The airline is targeting the lucrative ‘Kangaroo Route’ between Australia and Europe with the new non-stop services, which will boost Qatar Airways’ hub operations at Doha International Airport.

 

Qatar Airways now operates a fleet of 72 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to more than 85 destinations worldwide. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com.

Emirates To Begin Flights To Amsterdam

Dubai’s Emirates has announced it will commence passenger services to Amsterdam on 1 May 2010, making it the first Gulf carrier to fly to the Dutch city. The new route is Emirates’ 23rd into Europe and the airline joins KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which currently offer 12 flights a week between Amsterdam and Dubai.

 

Flight EK 145 will depart Dubai at 0825 hrs and arrive in Amsterdam at 1330 hrs. The return flight, EK 146, takes off from Schipol Airport at 1530 hrs, landing back in Dubai International Airport at 2359 hrs. Emirates will operate the flights using a combination of 3-class Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER aircraft, becoming the only airline offering a First Class product on the route.

 

Emirates is leveraging on its successful hub operations in Dubai for the route, timing the flights to allow for convenient onward connections to and from Africa, Asia, Australia and the Indian subcontinent. The new service will complement recent developments by the airline in Europe, where it has opened new lounge facilities in Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Manchester, as well as increased frequencies to Rome. The airline will also be deploying its Airbus A380 aircraft on the Dubai-Paris (Charles de Gaulle) flights in December 2009.

 

For more information, visit www.emirates.com.

Air Canada Expands Tokyo Operations

Air Canada has announced a new direct service linking Calgary with Tokyo. Beginning 27 March 2010, the airline will fly the route 3 times a week offering the only non-stop service between Alberta and Asia.

 

Flight AC 009 departs Calgary International Airport at 1220 hrs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving at Tokyo (Narita) at 1400 hrs the next day. The return flight, AC 010, takes off from Tokyo at 1600 hrs and lands back in Calgary at 1045 hrs every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

 

Air Canada has timed the flights to allow for convenient connections at both points of the route. Together with its Star Alliance partners (ANA, Asiana, Thai Airways and United Airlines), passengers can connect to other Asian destinations including Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei, as well as other cities across Japan. In Canada, passengers can connect with the flights to and from other destinations across Alberta and Western Canada.

 

The new Calgary-Tokyo service will complement Air Canada’s existing daily flights to Tokyo from Toronto and Vancouver. With the new flights, Air Canada will operate 17 flights a week from Canada to Tokyo Narita International Airport using its 211-seat Boeing 767-300ER and 349-seat Boeing 777-300ER aircraft offering Executive First and Economy Class.

 

For more information, visit www.aircanada.com.

Etihad Announces Cabin Improvements

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has announced it will introduce a series of enhancements to the onboard product across its fleet of aircraft. Amongst the improvements are a new inflight entertainment system, cabin refurbishments of the A320 and B777 fleets, as well as the refitting of its Diamond First class Suites on all of its A340s.

 

Next-Generation Inflight Entertainment System

The airline has selected Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s eX2 for its next-generation inflight entertainment system. Featuring over 600 hours of entertainment, the system includes a selection of 85 movies, 114 television shows, 60 games and a CD library of over 450 albums. Guests will also be able to access content on their iPods through a connector in every seat, with Diamond First and Pearl Business passengers also having a RCA connection for other portable entertainment devices.

 

An interactive, easy-to-use interface in both Arabic and English lets guests navigate the system, with several unique features including a new picture-in-picture function, keyword search and ‘Do Not Disturb’ option in premium cabins. In addition, Diamond First guests will be able to use the Etihad Room Service by placing a telephone call to the crew from the comfort of their suite. In every class, in-seat telephones allow for calls to be made from every seat onboard to anywhere around the world at a rate of USD6 per minute using a credit card.

 

The first of 5 new Airbus A330-300 aircraft fitted with the system will enter into service in December 2009. Etihad will also offer the system on its new fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft scheduled for delivery from 2011.

 

A320 and B777-300ER Cabin Upgrades

Etihad will also upgrade the cabins onboard its A320 and B777-300ER aircraft. The airline has engaged Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies to undertake the refurbishments.

 

Currently fitted in a 2-class configuration with a reclining seat in Pearl Business class and standard seats in Coral Economy, the short-haul A320 fleet will be upgraded to feature the latest cabin specifications in both classes. On its B777-300ERs, the airline will also be moving towards a high-density 3-4-3 layout in Coral Economy class. The alterations will also include the replacement of existing seats and an upgrade of the inflight entertainment system in-line with the rest of Etihad’s fleet of aircraft.

 

Diamond First Class Suites To Be Fitted On 9 A340s

First introduced earlier this year exclusively on Etihad’s A340-600 aircraft, the luxurious Diamond First Class Suites will soon be available on 9 of the airline’s fleet of A340 aircraft. The upgrade, to be carried out by Lufthansa Technik, will involve a complete renovation of the cabin, galleys and inflight entertainment system.

 

Each aircraft will be fitted with 12 suites in a 1-2-1 layout. Each suite promises greater privacy, comfort and increased storage, with a sliding door, flatbed seat upholstered in plush leather by Poltrona Frau, personal wardrobe and minibar. A 23-inch widescreen LCD monitor delivers on-demand content from the inflight entertainment system. The cabin also features a large and luxurious changing room equipped with a full-length mirror, new-style wash basin and leather fold-down seat for guests to freshen up and change.

 

For more information, visit www.etihadairways.com.

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.