Air France Takes Delivery Of First A380

French carrier Air France has taken delivery of its first Airbus A380, becoming the first European airline to operate the double-decker jet. The aircraft, registered F-HPJA, landed at Charles de Gaulle International Airport at 1627 hrs following its delivery flight from Hamburg.

 

Configured in a 3-class layout, Air France promises greater space and comfort for the 538 passengers onboard. In the La Première cabin located at the front of the main deck, passengers are guaranteed high levels of privacy and exclusivity with only 9 seats available. The seats have also been improved with seat covers made from “Climatex” fabric and a new innovative handset. La Première passengers will also have their own private changing cabin with a dressing table opposite 2 built-in shelves containing beauty products from Clarins and a wardrobe where they can place their belongings. An exclusive bar with magazines and a buffet selection will also be available for passengers to mingle and relax.

 

Located on the upper deck, the Affaires business class cabin accomodates 80 passengers in a 2-2-2 configuration. With the larger cabin of the A380, Air France has fitted an improved version of its Affaires seat onboard. The 2-meter long seat has a more comfortable seat recline for takeoff and landing, with an in-seat power supply and 15-inch personal screen, the largest in business class across the Air France fleet. In a world first, Air France has dedicated the area in the front of the upper deck as a gallery for its premium passengers. The open-plan space incorporates 38-centimeter screens showcasing artwork from major museums and artistic institutions worldwide, with the famous Louvre museum offering the theme of “Titan, Tintoretto, Veronese…Rivals in Renaissance Venice” in November 2009.

 

449 Voyageur economy class seats are located on the main and upper decks. Fitted in a 3-4-3 configuration, passengers will enjoy greater space with the enhanced seats featuring armrests that are 30% wider and better legroom. A large 8.4-inch personal screen delivers inflight entertainment, while passengers can charge their laptops at sockets located around the cabin. Air France has also fitted 3 self-service bars (2 on main deck and 1 on upper deck), which are stocked with refreshments throughout flights.

 

The Air France A380’s inaugural flight from Paris to New York will take place on 20 November 2009, with the airline donating the proceeds from an auction of its seats to charity. The aircraft will then enter scheduled service on the route daily from 23 November 2009, with Johannesburg being introduced in early 2010. Air France is the 4th airline to operate the A380, after Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qantas.

 

For more information, visit www.airfrance.com.

Continental Airlines Now A Star Aliiance Member

Houston-based Continental Airlines has joined Star Alliance as its 25th member airline, completing its switch from rival alliance Skyteam. The entry of Continental Airlines is expected to enhance the alliance’s customer benefits of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless travel.

 

Passengers can now have access to 19,500 daily flights serving nearly 1,701 airports in 171 countries, with network enhancements in North and South America, transpacific and across the North Atlantic, including the prestigious London (Heathrow)-New York route. Continental adds its 3 hubs in Cleveland, Houston and Newark, offering greater connectivity and access to its extensive Caribbean and South American network. Across the Pacific, the airline adds flight options to mainland China, Hong Kong and Japan, while affiliate Continental Micronesia offers services from Guam.

 

Apart from network enhancements, travellers will also benefit from Continental’s operational integration with other Star Alliance member airlines. Effective immediately, through check-in will be available for any itinerary involving a Continental flight with another Star Alliance flight at the originating airport, eliminating the need to repeat the process at connecting airports. The airline will also physically move airport operations to co-locate with other member airlines at locations such as Bangkok, Chicago, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Munich and Tokyo (Narita). In case of flight irregularities, Star Alliance Connection Centres will also include Continental-operated flights, looking after passengers and baggage transfers.

 

Continental’s entry also integrates its frequent flyer program with Star Alliance. OnePass Members can now accumulate and redeem miles on all Star Alliance member airlines, with Gold and Platinum Elite members automatically accorded Star Alliance Gold status and benefits while Silver Elite members will enjoy automatic Star Alliance Silver status. Members of the frequent flyer programs of the other 24 member airlines will also be able to earn miles when travelling on Continental Airlines.

 

Continental Airlines is the 3rd US member in Star Alliance, joining United Airlines and US Airways. For more information, visit www.continental.com and www.staralliance.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.

Media One Hotel Opens In Dubai

Frankfurt-based WORLDHOTELS has added a new property in Dubai to its hotel portfolio under the Deluxe collection. Located in the heart of the emirate’s bustling Media City district, Media One Hotel occupies the first 23 floors of a 43-floor mixed-use tower and is minutes from Dubai Marina and the iconic Palm Jumeirah.

 

Each of the 260 rooms and 10 suites feature comfortable bedding, a bathroom with separate bathtub and shower, satellite television and high-speed internet access. Other amenities include a workdesk, telephone, in-room safe, minibar and coffee-/tea-making facilities.

 

3 restaurants in the 4-star property offer guests various dining options. At The Med, guests can indulge in mediterranean favorites throughout the day, while CafeM and Z:ONE serve international cuisine.

 

Targeted at professionals, Media One Hotel boasts 7 meeting rooms capable of accomodating up to 90 guests, supported by a fully-equipped business center. For recreation, there is an outdoor pool, fitness center, sauna and steam room.

 

A collection of unique, independent hotels, WORLDHOTELS has almost 500 affiliated properties in more than 300 destinations and 70 countries worldwide.

 

For more information, visit www.worldhotels.com.

Air Arabia Adds New Routes From Casablanca And Sharjah

Middle Eastern low-cost carrier Air Arabia is to add 2 new destinations in Russia and Switzerland from its hubs in Sharjah and Casablanca respectively.

 

Sharjah – Samara

From 26 October 2009, Air Arabia will fly twice weekly to Samara, Russia. Situated on the banks of the Volga River, the city is among the top 10 Russian cities in terms of national income and industrial volume.

 

Flight G9 247 departs Sharjah at 0900 hrs on Mondays and Fridays, arriving in Samara at 1330 hrs. The return flight, G9 248, takes off from Samara at 1430 hrs and lands back in Sharjah International Airport at 1855 hrs in the evening. Air Arabia will operate its 162-seat Airbus A320 on the route.

 

Samara is the airline’s third destination in Eastern Europe, following services between Sharjah and Almaty, Kazakhstan and Kiev, Ukraine.

 

Casablanca – Basel

Air Arabia’s affiliate airline, Air Arabia Maroc, will also expand its network from Casablanca with the launch of flights to Basel in Switzerland from 25 October 2009. Located on the Swiss border, the city provides easy access to France and Germany, with EuroAirport serving Basel, as well as Mulhouse in France and Freiburg in Germany.

 

Flight 3O 360 departs Casablanca at 1730 hrs on Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Basel at 2135 hrs. The return flight, 3O 361, takes off from EuroAirport at 2210 hrs, landing back in Mohammed V International Airport at 0030 hrs the next morning.

 

Air Arabia Maroc will fly the route twice weekly using its 164-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline began operations in April 2009 and currently operates services from Casablanca to destinations in Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey and the UK.

 

For more information, visit www.airarabia.com.

In-Flight Internet Returns Onboard Lufthansa Flights

German airline Lufthansa is set to re-introduce its inflight broadband service FlyNet. From the middle of 2010, passengers will be able to enjoy communications options on-par with powerful wireless hotspots or upmarket hotels onboard the airline’s long-haul flights by logging on the network using their computers or GSM/GPRS-enabled devices from any point in the aircraft.

 

Partnering with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Lufthansa aims to install FlyNet on a major part of its intercontinental aircraft fleet within the first year of operation for the service. The improved FlyNet allows passengers to not only surf the internet wirelessly, but also send and receive emails, text messages and transfer data via their smartphones. Lufthansa is focusing on the high-bandwidth service to facilitate web surfing, file transfer and Virtual Private Networks (VPN), which will benefit business travellers who need to catch up on work whilst in the air.

 

Specific prices for the use of FlyNet has not yet been determined by Lufthansa, but the Cologne-based airline has plans to introduce different pricing models, ranging from an hourly rate to a monthly flat rate. Passengers may also be able to utilize their frequent flyer miles for the use of the service.

 

FlyNet was first introduced by the airline in January 2003, before being withdrawn at the end of 2006 by Lufthansa’s then-partner Connexion by Boeing. 69 of Lufthansa’s long-haul aircraft were fitted with the system, which had approximately 30,000 users each month. Lufthansa’s re-introduction of FlyNet follows similar services offered or planned by its competitors, including American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Airlines and Virgin America.

 

Today, Lufthansa operates a fleet of Airbus A330, A340 and Boeing 747 on intercontinental flights from Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich. The airline is set to take delivery of the double-deck Airbus A380 in early 2010.

 

For more information, visit www.lufthansa.com.

Oman Air Receives First A330-200

Oman Air has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-200 aircraft this week. The twin-engined jet, registered A40-DA, was unveiled at Muscat’s Seeb International Airport on Wednesday, following a delivery flight from Toulouse where it was formally handed over to the airline.

 

The first of 7 A330s for Oman Air, the aircraft will form the mainstay of the airline’s long-haul fleet in support of its international expansion beyond the Middle East. The jet will initially be deployed on services between Muscat and Europe, flying to Frankfurt, London (Heathrow) and Paris (Charles de Gaulle). Oman Air currently operates 2 A330s leased from India’s Jet Airways on long-haul routes from Muscat.

 

Oman Air has configured the aircraft in a 2-class layout, featuring 20 Business and 196 Economy Class seats. Passengers will enjoy a full-flat bed, electrically-controlled backrest and legrest, ottoman and 17-inch personal monitor in Business Class, while a 34-inch seat pitch, adjustable headrest and footrest and individual 10-inch monitors await passengers in Economy Class. The advanced inflight entertainment system will offer live television, as well as access to e-mail and the internet onboard to every seat.

 

Muscat-based Oman Air currently flies to international destinations in Asia, Europe, Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and North Africa.

 

For more information, visit www.omanair.aero.

InterContinental Kiev Opens

InterContinental Hotels Group has opened its newest property in Ukraine. Located in the heart of Kiev, the InterContinental Kiev occupies a city center address between St Michael’s Cathedral, St Andrew’s Cathedral and the Cathedral of St Sophia.

 

Designed by celebrated Ukrainian architect Sergey Babushkin, the 11-floor hotel blends classical and contemporary design features. The angular marble and glass facade is accentuated by a 3-meter high statue of the Greek goddess Nike by local sculptor Michael Reva, while the interiors have been created by renowned British designer John Tweedie. Reminiscent of noble Ukrainian homes, the residential lobby and public areas are decorated with cream and pale yellow marble floors, black marble columns, handmade Italian furniture, exquisite drapes and specially-commissioned art and lighting fixtures from Eastern Europe.

 

The 272 rooms, including 5 Ambassador Suites, a Royal Suite and the 314-square meter Presidential Suite, overlook St Michael’s Square. All of the guest rooms and suites feature a classical decor and are furnished with furniture by British designer David Salmon, together with silk drapes and upholstery in light blue, gold and burgundy accents. Standard room amenities include luxury bedding, spacious bathrooms, plasma televisions, iPod docking stations, spacious workdesk, high-speed internet access, dual-line IP telephones with voicemail capability, minibar and coffee-/tea-making facilities.

 

Guests staying in the hotel’s Executive Club rooms enjoy additional amenities and services such as a separate check-in area and complimentary access breakfast, snacks and drinks, while Suite guests have a personal butler at their disposal and a separate kitchen. The Presidential Suite boasts enhanced security features including private lift access and has been designed to meet the needs of visiting heads of state and high-level dignitaries.

 

InterContinental Kiev features 3 restaurants helmed by Executive Chef Hector Jimenez-Bravo. At Comme il Faut, guests enjoy French cuisine in the environment of a traditional Parisian brasserie inspired by the legendary Cafe de la Paix of the InterContinental Paris Le Grand. All-day casual dining is available at Olivera, serving a Italian-Mediterranean menu with live cooking demonstrations in the open kitchens. For fine dining, b-Hush Rooftop Caviar Bar offers guests exclusive champagnes, some of the world’s best caviar, premium oysters, lobsters and foie gras in a stylish setting overlooking Kiev. The Lobby Bar and Lobby Lounge provide intimate spaces for meeting friends over coffee in the mornings, traditional English high-tea in the afternoon or cocktails in the evenings.

 

Business travellers and meeting planners have 6 function rooms and Kiev’s largest and most technologically advanced pillarless ballroom at their disposal for conventions and social events. The function spaces are supported by a fully-equipped business center, while guests can relax at the hotel’s numerous recreational facilities. The InterContinental Spa offers a variety of health and beauty treatments, as well as a sauna. Guests can also utilize the state-of-the-art fitness center or 15-meter heated indoor swimming pool.

 

The InterContinental Kiev marks the brand’s first foray into the Ukraine, joining over 150 hotels in more than 65 countries worldwide. In Europe, InterContinental Hotels are located in Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and Uzbekistan.

 

For more information, visit www.intercontinental.com.

South African Developments For UAE Carriers

The major carriers of the UAE, Etihad Airways and Emirates, have announced developments for their operations in South Africa. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad will be launching daily flights to Cape Town in September 2009, while Dubai’s Emirates has opened its latest international lounge in Johannesburg.

 

Etihad Airways To Fly Abu Dhabi – Johannesburg – Cape Town

From 30 September 2009, Etihad Airways will commence daily flights to Cape Town, its second South African destination. The service will operate via Etihad’s existing Abu Dhabi-Johannesburg route with an Airbus A330-200.

 

Flight EY 602 will depart Abu Dhabi at 2220 hrs, arriving in Johannesburg at 0455 hrs the next morning, before continuing to Cape Town at 0625 hrs for a 0825 hrs arrival. The return flight, EY 601, departs Cape Town at 1050 hrs, arriving in Johannesburg at 1250 hrs and taking off again at 1355 hrs back to Abu Dhabi, where it lands at 0010 hrs the next morning.

 

Etihad began flying to Johannesburg in December 2005 and the service has proven popular with travellers. The new flights to Cape Town will offer further travel choices to and from South Africa in time for the 2010 World Cup tournament.

 

For more information, visit www.etihadairways.com.

 

Africa Gets Its First Emirates Lounge

Emirates has opened its first airport lounge in Africa. The new facility at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport is the Dubai-based airline’s fourth new lounge to be opened this year, following similar facilities in Dusseldorf, Mumbai and Beijing.

 

The lounge features furnishings and services catering to passengers’ leisure and business requirements. As with other Emirates Lounges around the world, there are plush couches and comfortable seating areas, designer showers, full bar service and a selection of hot and cold food available. The fully-equipped business center with individual workstations and complimentary wireless high speed internet access allow business travellers to keep up to date with work before their flight.

 

Emirates is one of a few international airlines to invest in its own lounge facilities outside of its base at Dubai International Airport, with 23 lounges across its global network. Emirates Lounges are located in Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, London (Gatwick and Heathrow), Melbourne, Mumbai, Munich, New York (JFK), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Perth, Singapore, Sydney and Zurich.

 

For more information, visit www.emirates.com.

Etihad Opens New Lounge, Partners Rendezvous Hotels

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has once again introduced enhancements to its ground product with the opening of its first premium lounge outside the UAE and a new hotel partner for Etihad Guest, the airline’s frequent flyer program.

 

Etihad Premium Lounge Frankfurt Airport

Located in Transit Area E, near the gates most commonly used by Etihad flights, the new lounge can accomodate up to 50 premium guests in comfort. Designed to emulate the look and feel of the airline’s flagship lounge at its home base in Abu Dhabi International Airport, the facility is open to Etihad’s Diamond First and Pearl Business guests 3 hours prior to the departure of their flight.

 

The lounge offer a selection of food from around the world from a live kitchen, while the timber-panelled business center has individual workstations for privacy and a telephone providing free calls to the greater Frankfurt area. Other facilities include a lounge area with plush Italian seating, showers for guests to freshen up before their flight and a prayer room.

 

Etihad currently operate 2 flights daily between Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt, using a 2-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The new Frankfurt lounge marks the beginning of a gradual roll-out of the airline’s lounges across its network, with a new facility to open in September 2009 at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 4.

 

Rendezvous Hotels and Resorts International Join Etihad Guest

Australian hotel group Rendezvous Hotels and Resorts has joined Etihad Guest as its latest partner. The group offers 4-star and 5-star hotel accomodation in 10 destinations across Asia-Pacific under its Rendezvous Hotels and Marque Hotels brands.

 

Etihad Guest members will earn 500 miles per qualifying stay at Rendezvous Hotels located in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Port Douglas, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. At the group’s Marque Hotels located in Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney, guests earn 300 miles per qualifying stay.

 

The award-winning Etihad Guest program recently garnered the Best Website, Best Member Communication, Best Bonus Promotion and Best Award Redemption accolades at the global Freddie Awards. The program offers travellers immediate rewards, no blackout periods and anytime availability, with a wide choice of redemption options.

 

For more information, visit www.etihadairways.com.