New Business Lounge For Qantas Passengers In Hong Kong

Australia’s Qantas Airways has opened a new International Business Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. The new facility replaces the original lounge opened in 1998 and is the latest in a series of lounge upgrades for the airline, following Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Perth, Tokyo (Narita), Los Angeles and Honolulu.

 

To provide greater comfort and personal space for passengers, Qantas has rearranged the seating layout and furnished the lounge with a new furniture range. Plush armchairs, dining chairs and bar stools combining wood, leather and fabrics are paired with chocolate brown carpets, as well as designer elements such as Moooi lighting and an Akira Isogawa rug.

 

The food and beverage offering has been expanded to include a greater selection of hot and cold foods, beverages and snacks, while 11 bathroom and shower suites with Molten Brown bath amenities let passengers relax and freshen up before their flight. Complimentary internet access, power and data ports, as well as 14 individual workstations equipped with PCs support the needs of business travellers who need to catch up with work.

 

The Qantas International Business Lounge is open to all Business Class, Chairman’s Lounge, Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers, Qantas Club members and eligible passengers travelling on Oneworld marketed or operated flights. Qantas is also upgrading and expanding its First Lounge in Hong Kong, due to reopen in early December 2009.

 

From Hong Kong, Qantas operates flights to Brisbane, London (Heathrow), Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.  For more information, visit www.qantas.com.au.

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.

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.

Qantas Adds Fourth A380 To Fleet

Australia’s Qantas Airways has increased the size of its Airbus A380 fleet, taking delivery of a fourth aircraft today. The aircraft, registered VH-OQD and named Fergus McMaster in honour of one of the airline’s founders and first Chairman, landed in Sydney after a delivery flight from Toulouse.

 

With the addition of the jet, Qantas passengers can look forward to further expansions to the airline’s A380 flying schedule. Beginning 7 September 2009, Qantas will operate the double-decker jet 5 times a week on its popular Sydney-Singapore-London route and 4 times a week on its Sydney-Los Angeles services.

 

Sydney – Singapore – London

Flight QF 031 will now operate with the A380 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, departing Sydney at 1625 hrs and landing in Singapore at 2230 hrs, before taking off again at 2359 hrs for a 0640 hrs arrival the next morning. The return flight, QF 032, departs London at 1215 hrs and arrives in Singapore at 0810 hrs the next morning. The flight then continues to Sydney at 0940 hrs where it lands at Kingsford Smith International Airport at 1905 hrs.

 

Sydney – Los Angeles

Flight QF 011 departs Sydney at 1015 hrs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Los Angeles International Airport at 0945 hrs. The return flight, QF 012, takes off from Los Angeles at 2230 hrs, arriving back in Sydney at 0615 hrs the next morning.

 

The Qantas A380 is configured with 450 seats in a 4-class layout (First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy). 2 more aircraft are scheduled to join Qantas’ fleet by the end of the year, after which Qantas will operate the Kangaroo Route daily with the A380 and increase Melbourne-Los Angeles flights to 3 times a week.

 

For more information, visit www.qantas.com.

New Entrant On Sydney-Los Angeles Route

Delta Airlines has joined Qantas, United Airlines and V Australia on the popular Sydney-Los Angeles transpacific route. The inaugural flight, DL 017, arrived in Sydney at 0717 hrs on 3 July 2009, after a 15 hour flight from the US west coast.

 

To celebrate the commencement of operations, Delta Airlines partnered with Tourism Australia to stage a pre-boarding party for the 278 passengers booked on the flight. The highlight of the party was the presence of a live kangaroo, a symbol of Australia.

 

Operated by Delta’s Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, flight DL 017 departs Los Angeles daily at 2235 hrs, arriving in Sydney at 0635 hrs 2 days later. The return flight, DL 016, takes off from Kingsford Smith International Airport at 0925 hrs and lands back in Los Angeles at 0610 hrs the same day.

 

With the new flights, Delta Airlines joins a select group of airlines around the world to fly to all 6 inhabited continents and becomes the first US airline to do so since Pan Am.

 

For more information, visit www.delta.com.

Qantas To Increase A380 Flights To London And Los Angeles, Expand European And North American Networks

Sydney-based Qantas has announced it will increase the number of flights on the Sydney-Singapore-London and Sydney-Los Angeles routes operated by its Airbus A380s. The airline will also expand its network in Europe and North America through codeshares with Oneworld partners Iberia and American Airlines.

 

More A380 Flights

The Australian airline is scheduled to take delivery of 3 more aircraft by the end of this year, allowing it to operate more services with the aircraft. From 6 August 2009, Qantas will fly the double-decker aircraft 5 times a week between Sydney and London, via Singapore.

 

Operating flight QF 031, the A380 will depart Kingsford Smith International Airport at 1625 hrs every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, landing at Singapore Changi International Airport at 2230 hrs before taking off again at 2359 hrs for London, where it arrives at Heathrow Airport at 0640 hrs the next morning.

 

The return flight, QF 032, departs London at 1215 hrs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving in Singapore at 0810 hrs the next morning. The flight continues to Sydney at 0940 hrs, where it arrives at Kingsford Smith International Airport at 1905 hrs.

 

The Qantas A380 will also fly between Sydney and Los Angeles 4 times a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with effect from 6 August 2009. Flight QF 011 departs Sydney at 1305 hrs, arriving in Los Angeles at 0945 hrs. The return flight, QF 012, takes off from Los Angeles at 2230 hrs and arrives back in Sydney at 0615 hrs 2 days later.

 

By November 2009, Qantas will offer daily A380 flights to London and Los Angeles and will increase its Melbourne-Los Angeles A380 service to 3 times weekly. Since its introduction in October 2008, more than 200,000 Qantas passengers have flown onboard the giant aircraft, equipped with 14 First Class, 72 Business Class, 32 Premium Economy and 332 Economy Class seats.

 

Codeshares With Iberia And American Airlines

From 15 July 2009, Qantas will codeshare with Spain’s Iberia on its flights to Madrid from Frankfurt and London, offering passengers greater convenience when flying between Spain and Australia. The Spanish airline will in turn, place its own code for the first time on Qantas-operated services from Frankfurt and London to Sydney.

 

The new Iberia-operated services complement the Australian airline’s existing codeshares to Spain with Oneworld partner British Airways from London and offers an alternative routing via Germany. Qantas currently operate 35 services between Australia and Europe, connecting with 23 codeshare destinations.

 

In North America, Qantas will expand its existing codeshare agreement with American Airlines. Beginning 17 June 2009, the “QF” code will be placed on selected American Airlines-operated flights to Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detriot, Indianapolis, Memphis, Minneapolis, New Orleans and Tampa from its hubs at Chicago and Dallas.

 

Passengers flying to/from Australia can connect with the new flights via existing codeshare services with American Airlines from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Chicago and Dallas. With the new destinations, Qantas’ North American network now comprises of 36 cities in the USA and 6 Canadian destinations.

 

For more information, visit www.qantas.com.

British Airways To Fly London-Las Vegas

British Airways have announced it is to launch flights from its London-Heathrow base to Las Vegas later this year.

 

Flight BA 275 will operate daily, departing Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at 1530 hrs and arriving in Las Vegas at 1920 hrs. The return flight, BA 274, departs Las Vegas McCarran International Airport at 2120 hrs, landing in London at 1405 hrs the next day.

 

British Airways becomes the second British airline to operate in Las Vegas, following Virgin Atlantic’s London-Gatwick service. The airline will operate a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft configured in a 3-class layout with 36 seats in Club World, 24 seats in World Traveller Plus and 212 seats in World Traveller.

 

British Airways currently fly to 7 domestic and 143 international destinations in 69 countries. Las Vegas will be the airline’s 144th destination outside the UK and 18th in the USA, where it currently flies to major gateways such as Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC.

 

For more information, visit www.ba.com.

Cruise Lines Cancel Mexican Port Calls

Following the outbreak of Swine Influenza in Mexico, the major cruise lines operating cruises in the Caribbean and Mexican riviera have responded with precautionary measures for passengers and crew onboard their ships. Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International have undertaken itinerary adjustments and canceling Mexican port calls.

 

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival will cancel all Mexican port calls for current sailings and all cruises departing from 30 April 2009 through to 4 May 2009, replacing the cancelled call with an alternative port or an extra day at sea.

 

Carnival Conquest, Carnival Ecstacy, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Legend will have their 29 and 30 April 2009 visits to Cozumel, Ensenada and Progresso replaced with a day at sea, while Carnival Fantasy will call at Key West in place of Progresso and spend an additional day at sea after skipping Cozumel.

 

Carnival Imagination will visit Nassau, Bahamas, instead of Cozumel while Carnival Splendor will arrive in San Francisco on 1 May 2009, having skipped Cabo San Lucas. Carnival Valor will arrive in Key West on 2 May 2009 to replace its original call at Cozumel on 1 May 2009.

 

In addition to the revised itineraries, Carnival Cruise Lines will also allow passengers to reschedule their cruise to a later date.

 

For more information, visit www.carnival.com.

 

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International

As with Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruises is suspending all Mexican port calls for its ships sailing under the Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International brands, replacing them with alternate ports or additional days at sea.

 

On its repositioning cruise, the Celebrity Infinity will replace port calls to Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco with alternative ports currently being finalized at this time.

 

On its 5-night sailings departing Port Everglades on Mondays, Enchantment of the Seas will substitute Cozumel with additional time in Key West and an additional day at sea while its 4-night cruises departing Port Everglades on Thursdays will spend more time in Key West and call at Nassau, Bahamas, instead.  The ship’s 5-night cruises departing Port Everglades on Saturdays will now feature calls at Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

 

Freedom of the Seas will replace Cozumel with more time in George Town, Cayman Islands, and an additional day at sea on its 7-night sailings departing Port Canaveral on Sundays, while sister ship Liberty of the Seas will visit Coco Cay in the Bahamas instead of Cozumel during its 7-night sailings departing Miami every Saturday.

 

Mariner of the Seas will feature a fully-revised itinerary for its 7-night sailings departing Los Angeles on Sundays. The ship will now visit San Francisco, Seattle and Victoria, British Columbia, with the 10 May 2009 sailing calling at Astoria rather than San Francisco.

 

Currently on repositioning cruises, Serenade of the Seas will replace its port call in Cabos San Lucas with a port call in San Diego while Radiance of the Seas will extend its stop in San Diego and spend more time at sea after skipping Huatulco, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

 

Royal Caribbean Cruises has also implemented Influenza Prevention and Response Plans on its vessels, including screening passengers and crew, providing hand sanitizers onboard and a readiness by onboard medical personnel to isolate and treat guests and crew displaying flu-like symptoms.

 

For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com or www.royalcaribbean.com.

 

Fred Olsen Cruise Line

Originally scheduled to visit Acapulco on 6 and7 May 2009 as part of a 104-night World Cruise, Balmoral will now skip the Mexican port and spend an extended stay in San Diego. The ship will then sail to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala and visit Puntarenas in Costa Rica on 10 May 2009.

 

For more information, visit www.fredolsencruises.com.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Pearl’s current repositioning cruise will have its itinerary adjusted, with the final 2 calls in Mexico scheduled for today and 1 May 2009 cancelled. Norwegian Pearl will now call on San Diego on 2 May 2009. The cruise line’s scheduled deployment until the end of September 2009 will also not include any Mexican ports of call.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line is also implementing protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and precautionary measures.

 

For more information, visit www.ncl.com.

More Premium Economy Seats, New Self-Service Bar On Air New Zealand’s B777s

Air New Zealand has begun an improvement program to the Pacific Premium Economy cabin onboard its fleet of 8 Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. The first aircraft is currently being refitted in Auckland to accomodate more seats and a new self-service bar for premium passengers, while the remaining 7 jets are expected to be refitted by June 2009.

 

The new Pacific Premium Economy cabin is located between the Business Premier and Pacific Economy cabins, and will feature 36 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. Passengers enjoy greater legroom with seat pitch increased to 41 inches, together with a leg rest, foot bar and 50% more recline than in Pacific Economy to ensure optimal comfort. The seat is equipped with in-seat power supply and a 8.4-inch high resolution personal screen from which passengers can enjoy Air New Zealand’s KiaOra inflight entertainment system.

 

The airline is also adding a new self-service bar onboard for premium passengers, offering drinks and snacks on long-haul routes operated by the Boeing 777. The bar complements the selection of New Zealand food and beverages offered to passengers, including the country’s wines and 42 Below vodka cocktails.

 

From its base at Auckland, Air New Zealand’s Boeing 777-200ER aircraft operate flights to Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Shanghai and Tokyo. The airline’s Boeing 747-400 aircraft currently feature 39 Pacific Premium Economy seats.