W Hotels Opens 35th Property

W Hotels has opened its 35th property with the unveiling of the new W Boston, marking a milestone in the brand’s ongoing expansion. Located in the heart of Boston near Chinatown and the Theater District, the hotel is designed as a ‘virtual garden’ concept and is the result of a collaboration between local architect William Rawn, TRO Jung|Brannen and New York-based Bentel & Bentel. The building’s glass facade enables light to be subtly transitioned as it filters through into the interior spaces, while the designers have made use of falling water and a modern fireplace to create visual interest of the interior.

 

The hotel features 235 guestrooms and suites, ranging from W Hotels’ signature Wonderful Room to the Extreme WOW Suite, vividly-designed with high-energy interiors familiar to guests at sister properties around the world. Each room is furnished with the W bed and pillow menu, a spacious bathroom with separate bathtub and rain shower complemented by amenities from Bliss, flat-screen televisions with CD/DVD player and iPod docking station, high-speed internet access, dual-line cordless telephones with voicemail feature, workdesk and a munchie box/minibar.

 

Dining at W Boston promises to be a gastronomic experience with outlets offering gourmet food and drinks from Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and master mixologist Sasha Petraske. Market by Jean-Georges serves a multicultural menu inspired by Asian, French and Italian influences and prepared with ingredients from the New England region. The cozy W Bar boasts stylish spaces to mix and mingle over drinks and light snacks, while Descent, scheduled to open early next year, will be an exclusive underground spot with cocktails created by Sasha Petraske of New York’s Milk & Honey fame.

 

Business travellers at W Boston requiring conference facilities will have 9 spaces available to them, including the 177-square meter Great Room. Each meeting space is equipped with complete audio-visual support and a teleconferencing system, with business and secretarial services provided by the WIRED business center. Guests seeking a workout can do so at the SWEAT fitness center, or indulge in the variety of spa treatments available at Bliss Spa.

 

W Boston is the brand’s ninth hotel to open in 2009. W Hotels is on track to double its portfolio by 2011, with new hotels scheduled to open in Athens, Bangkok, Dubai, Hollywood, Koh Samui, London, Marrakech, Paris and Shanghai.

 

For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

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.

The Peninsula Shanghai Opens On The Bund

Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels has expanded its hotel portfolio with the opening of The Peninsula Shanghai along the bank of the Huangpu River. Located next to the former British Consulate Gardens, the grand and glamourous property is the first new building on the city’s celebrated Bund in over 60 years and marks the company’s return to its Shanghai roots.

 

Built in the style of a noble 1920s and 1930s residence, the hotel combines art deco features with subtle Chinese influences to reflect Shanghai’s glorious heyday. Special features include an elevator large enough to deliver a limousine to the ballroom, a custom-made 1930s Schindler cage lift, a full-scale replica of a 1930s seaplane and a fleet of customised Rolls Royce Phantom limousines.

 

The 235 guestrooms and suites are amongst the largest in the city and boasts views of Huangpu River, Pudong skyline or the former British Consulate Gardens. Each room is furnished with luxury bedding, a marble bathroom with separate bathtub and shower, 46-inch flat screen plasma television, CD/DVD player with sound system and iPod connectivity, in-room safe, minibar and Nespresso coffee machine. Business travellers will enjoy complimentary high-speed internet access, dual-line telephones with voicemail function, a 3-in-1 fax, printer and photocopier machine, VOIP and spacious workdesk.

 

4 themed suites (Astor, Majestic, Palace and Peninsula Suites) provide unique, private accomodation for discerning guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows open out to a landscaped terrace with its own table and whirlpool, making them perfect for romantic retreats. The Peninsula Shanghai’s most luxurious accomodation, the 900-square meter Palace Suite, promises utmost privacy and exclusivity. Accessed by a dedicated private lift, the suite features a large foyer with 3 grand reception rooms perfect for private parties and events, complemented by the wraparound outdoor rooftop terrace.

 

The Peninsula Shanghai brings 5 unique restaurants and bars to Shanghai, spearheaded by Sir Elly’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace serving modern European cuisine. At Yi Long Court, Executive Chef and China’s first Michelin Star winner Tang Chi Keung offers mouthwatering Cantonese and regional dishes. The Lobby recreates the world of a wealthy noble house of the 1920s where guests can enjoy breakfast in the mornings, exquisite afternoon tea and drinks in the evenings. Guests preferring a more intimate venue can proceed to The Compass Bar, where the dark timber floor, deep navy and purple furnishings combine with nautical memorabilia to create a cozy haven for meetings and socializing. In the basement, Salon de Ning provides a glimpse of Shanghai’s decadence during the 1930s with 4 private alcoves (Azure, Indian, L’Atelier and Cinema).

 

Business travellers and meeting planners have 6 flexible venues at their disposal, including the spectacular Rose Ballroom, which is capable of accomodating up to 1,000 guests for a cocktail reception. Recreation facilities at the hotel include a fully-equipped gymnasium with state-of-the-art equipment, a 25-meter long indoor swimming pool with its own fireplace, vitality pool and glass doors that open onto an outdoor terrace, as well as a Peninsula Spa by ESPA. The expansive facility boasts 7 treatment rooms and 2 VIP suites, tropical rain showers, steam rooms and saunas with iridescent light features and shaved ice fountains, where guests can indulge in holistic massages and treatments with spa products from ESPA.

 

The Peninsula Shanghai is the 9th hotel for Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, joining other Peninsula properties in Bangkok, Beijing, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Hong Kong, Manila, New York and Tokyo. The group is slated to further expand its portfolio with The Peninsula Paris when it opens in the French capital in 2012.

 

For more information, visit www.peninsula.com.

Refurbished Mandarin Oriental Jakarta Opens

Following a comprehensive 20-month renovation, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has reopened the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and gala event attended by the Indonesian capital’s society elite. Located at Jalan M. H. Thamrin, the hotel is easily accessible to Soekarno-Hatta Interantional Airport and the business district.

 

The 272 rooms and suites have been outfitted in a classic, contemporary design by renowned interior design firm Lim, Teo & Wilkes, blending Indonesian culture with the group’s oriental heritage and modern amenities. Each room is furnished with luxury bedding, a large marble bathroom with mood lighting, separate rain shower and bathtub, in-room entertainment system with 42-inch LCD television, CD/DVD player and surround-sound stereo, iPod connectivity and multi-function data port, high-speed internet access, workdesk with telephone, in-room safe, minibar and coffee-/tea-making facilities. 56 spacious Mandarin rooms measuring 64 square meters in size feature a living area that can be separated from the bedroom by sliding doors, while the luxurious Oriental and Mandarin Suites also offer guests complimentary use of the Executive Club Lounge facilities and the group’s renowned personalised service.

 

The hotel’s 4 new restaurants serve a range of international cuisine, including authentic Gallic fare at Lyon, the French fine dining restaurant. Each dish is carefully prepared according to traditional techniques with fresh seasonal ingredients, accompanied by the vintage selection from the wine cellar. Specialising in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines, guests dine on authentic dishes, premium dim sum and a wide selection of Chinese teas amidst the ornate decor at Xin Hwa. For casual dining, Cinnamon showcases classic dishes from across Asia prepared at live cooking stations, while the signature Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop returns to offer guests freshly made pastries, cakes, chocolates and savouries, paired with afternoon tea in a casual and comfortable setting. Located on the 5th floor next to the swimming pool, guests will find exotic cocktails, smoothies, fresh juices and beverages at Azure, before partying the night away to the beats of the DJs at MO Bar.

 

Business travellers at the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta have a fully-equipped business center at their disposal, with a comprehensive range of secretarial, translation and interpretation services. The hotel also offers 9 flexible function rooms, including a Grand Ballroom which seats up to 350 guests for a dinner banquet. Following a day of meetings, guests can relax in the freeform swimming pool, or enjoy a workout at the state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel can also book a round of golf for guests at one of the numerous courses in Jakarta.

 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group currently operates hotels and resorts around the world in the Americas, Asia and Europe, including Bangkok, Geneva, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manila, New York, Prague, San Francisco, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington DC. The group’s portfolio is slated to further expand with new developments announced in Barcelona, Beijing, Chicago, Las Vegas, Macau, Marrakech, Moscow and Paris.

 

For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com.

W Hotels Debuts In Western Europe With W Barcelona

Starwood Hotels and Resorts has debuted its W Hotels brand in Western Europe with the opening of the new W Barcelona in Spain. Situated at Nova Bocana on the city’s waterfront, the 26-story sail-shaped hotel is easily accessible to Barcelona’s attractions and shopping districts such as the Barcelona Cathedral, Picasso Museum and FC Barcelona stadium.

 

Designed by renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, W Barcelona offers guests 10 accomodation types, ranging from the 39-square meter Cozy Rooms to the 295-square meter Extreme WOW Suite. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views of the cityscape and beachfront, each room is furnished with the W signature bed accompanied by pillow-top mattress, goose-down duvet and 350-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, as well as a spacious bathroom with rainforest shower and Bliss sinkside six bath amenities. Entertainment and communications is provided by a 32-inch LCD television, iPod docking station, high-speed internet access and a dual-line telephone with speaker and voicemail capabilities. Other amenities include an oversized work desk, in-room safe, minibar, munchie box and coffee-/tea-making facilities.

 

The hotel boasts an impressive array of food and beverage options, most notably a signature restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred Catalan Chef Carles Abellan and Eclipse, a glamourous rooftop bar with stunning views of the Mediterranean from London-based nightlife gurus Ignite Group. The WAVE all-day dining restaurant serves a selection of Arabic, Lebanese, Mediterranean and Spanish favorites, while guests are kept entertained at the W Bar with its cocktail list and tapas to the live DJ mixes. The poolside WET Bar, surrounded by fully-equipped cabanas, is ideal for a refreshing drink and snacks while spending time in the hotel’s swimming pool and terrace.

 

W Barcelona’s seaside location grants guests direct access to Sant Sebastiá Beach, the watersports site for the 1992 Olympics, where the beach ambassadors take care of their every need. Within the hotel, incarnations of the brand’s signature WET swimming pool, SWEAT fitness center and Spain’s first Bliss Spa, together with its array of treatments and products, are available to guests. For business, the WIRED business center is outfitted with workstations, laptops, printers, scanners, fax machines, telecommunications and audio-video equipment, as well as high-speed internet access. 11 unique meeting venues totalling 2,100 square meters of space can accomodate conventions and functions of all sizes, ranging from wedding parties to product launches.

 

There are now 34 W properties around the world and the brand is on-track to double its portfolio by 2011. In Europe, W Hotels have announced properties in Athens, London, Manchester, Milan, Paris and St. Petersburg, with plans to open a W Retreat in Verbier, which will be the brand’s first ski retreat.

 

For more information, visit www.whotels.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.

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.

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.

Murano Hotels And Resorts Join Design Hotels

Murano Hotels and Resorts, which operates 4 properties in France and Morocco, has joined Design Hotels as a member. The group has developed 2 distinctive yet complementary brands, Kube Hotels and Murano Resorts, that are now part of the Design Hotels portfolio.

 

Kube Hotel Paris

Tucked away in a quiet street at the summit of Montmartre, Kube Hotel Paris is a retro-future hotel that combines geometric architecture with a 1960s science fiction-themed decor. The hotel is easily accessible by the various modes of transportation in Paris, with the Metro, Gard du Nord station and Eurostar terminal minutes away, while Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports are 30-45 minutes by car.

 

The courtyard of the hotel features a see-through cube which serves as its reception area. The stylish design extends to the 31 rooms and 10 suites, arranged around the open courtyard and cater to the modern traveller. Each room boasts amenities such as biometric fingerprint room access, comfortable beds lit from beneath, spacious bathrooms, television with CD/DVD, high-speed internet access, workdesk, in-room safe and minibar. In addition to the standard room amenities, the suites located on the hotel’s top floor feature private terraces.

 

Dining at the Kube Hotel Paris is available at the all-day Lounge Restaurant and Bar, which serves a buffet breakfast in the mornings, followed by lunch and dinner with a 24-hour snack menu. The venue also features a live DJ act every night, complementing the hotel’s other food and beverage venue, The Ice Kube. Developed in conjunction with Grey Goose vodka, the bar is Paris’ first ice bar.

 

Other facilities at the hotel include 2 meeting rooms, Blue Salon and Orange Salon, which can accomodate up to 65 guests and are equipped with modern audio-visual equipment. There is also a 40-square meter gymnasium for guests looking for a fitness workout.

 

Kube Hotel Saint Tropez

Like its Parisian counterpart, the Kube Hotel Saint Tropez exudes stylish design and a unique character, making it ideally suited for a romantic getaway or a business retreat. Sitting atop a hillside on the coast road above St Tropez, the hotel is far enough from the hustle and bustle to serve as a seaside refuge, yet near enough to the riviera’s nightlife to satisfy guests in search of a more boisterous experience.

 

41 rooms (including 10 suites) are arranged in 4 freestanding buildings along the perimeter of the resort gardens and pools. Ranging in size from 30 to 100 square meters, each room features luxurious beds, spacious bathrooms, televisions with CD/DVD players, iPod docking station, game consoles, high-speed internet access, LED lighting with dimmer, in-room safe, minibar and coffee machine. 28 of the rooms feature a private garden, balcony or terrace, allowing guests to relax in the comfortable outdoors of the French riviera.

 

4 restaurants and bars satisfy the gastronomical needs of guests. Kube Restaurant is a contemporary space with sleek, white and modern decor where guests can sample reinventions of French classics by the chefs in the open industrial-chic kitchen, before a round of martinis at the aptly named Martini Bar. For a bird’s eye view of the hotel grounds and bays of St Tropez, the rooftop Skybar offers a live DJ set to complement the wide selection of drinks available. Guests can also retreat to the cool comforts of Kube Hotels’ signature ice bar, Ice Kube, designed in partnership with Grey Goose vodka.

 

Kube Hotel Saint Tropez has 2 swimming pools (a 24-meter seaside pool carved from grey marble and a smaller, heated pool), a spa with 3 treatment rooms and 9 meeting rooms including a 100-square meter venue. There is also a complimentary shuttle service to bring guests to the Pampelonne Beaches and downtown St Tropez.

 

Murano Resort Paris

Located in the Marais district, Murano Resort Paris is within 500 meters of the Place des Vosges and 1 kilometer from the Pompidou Centre. Behind the hotel’s 19th century white facade, guests enter a world of quirky design, evocative lighting and technological innovation.

 

Each of the 52 rooms and suites is equipped with a biometric fingerprint access system and mood lighting. Amenities include premium bedding, stylishly-designed bathrooms with complimentary designer toiletries, cable/satellite television, DVD player,  direct-dial telephone, complimentary high-speed internet access, workdesk, in-room safe and minibar. 2 of the suites also feature a heated, outdoor private swimming pool.

 

Murano Resort Paris’ restaurant serves a selection of French dishes in a 5-meter high main dining room, 2 cozy lounges and an outdoor terrace. The bar features an impressive collection of 180 types of vodka and allows guests to relax over a cocktail or cigar while taking in its modern, modular decor work to the sounds of live music entertainment or tunes from the house DJs.

 

The hotel has 4 different meeting spaces catering for events of different sizes, supported by a full range of business and secreterial services. There is also a health club with modern fitness equipment for guests looking for a workout.

 

Murano Resort Marrakech

Set amidst a palm grove 15 minutes from the Medina and 20 minutes from the airport, the Murano Resort Marrakech is a quiet retreat at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Housed in 5 riads (traditional Moroccan houses) arranged around a central courtyard, guests are greeted by a 32-meter, red-tiled pool surrounded by red and white sofas as they make their way towards the hotel’s lobby.

 

33 rooms and 4 suites combine traditional Moroccan architecture with modern French design flair, with contemporary furniture, light silky curtains and white stucco walls. All accomodation options are furnished with large comfortable beds, black marble bathrooms, LCD televisions, iPod docking stations, CD players, direct dial telephones, complimentary high-speed internet access, minibar and coffee-maker, with either a garden, pool or mountain view.

 

For dining, the stylish hotel restaurant serves French and Moroccan cuisine, while the 2 bars offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with light snacks throughout the day. The hotel also offers 24-hour in-room dining to guests.

 

Murano Resort Marrakech features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness center and a deluxe spa with hammam, indoor pool and spa boutique that is due to open next month, ensuring that guests are able to relax and indulge in recreational activities. When business needs are required, the resort is able to provide business and secreterial services on request to guests.

 

For more information, visit www.designhotels.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.