A Dubai-based airline has announced that it will introduce new flights to Dubai from Iraq in 2011.
Emirates will begin flights to Dubai from Basra on February 2nd using its Airbus A330-220 aircraft. It is the 110th destination for the carrier and will include a four times weekly service between the two countries.
Passengers will be able to choose from three classes, including first and business class, and flights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
News Source
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Virgin Unveils New Strategy
Virgin CEO, John Borghetti revealed a brand new strategy at the annual general meeting of the company. The new strategy will literally change the face of the airline major, which is comprised of Polynesian Blue, Pacific Blue, Virgin Blue, and V Australia. Virgin also has aggressive plans to increase its market share in corporate travel section by 100%. In fact, major developments are taking place within Virgin. For instance, the new Creative Director is none other than Mr Hans Hulsbosch, the brand and identity manager for the widely acclaimed Woolworths logo and the Qantas flying Kangaroo livery.
Media sources quoted Mr John Borghetti as saying ‘Hans is overseeing the Virgin Blue brand identity work with our commercial team to change, reposition and create an identity that can stretch across both the Leisure and Corporate sectors’. Mr Borghetti further said ‘Together with our new agency (Clemenger) you will see re-energised approach to marketing’. Mr Borghetti went on to say that Virgin’s re-branding efforts will be evident as early as this week at the Brisbane Airport. All these developments may just also spell as an increase in the number of cheap flights to Australia.
Virgin is already a very well-known name in the aviation sector and offers plenty of flights to Australia and other destinations. For instance, someone looking for flights to Brisbane usually considers Virgin Blue as the airline is based in Brisbane and there are fair chances of netting cheap flights.
Speaking about the key segments, Mr Borghetti expressed ‘Our business has been primarily focused on the leisure and SME end of the market. And although we have and will continue to have a strong position in these segments, we are over reliant on them’.
He also observed that ‘Meanwhile the corporate and business end of the market is effectively controlled by one player with a significantly higher cost base’. ‘It is therefore logical for us to diversify our revenue base, reduce our exposure at the lower end of the market and use our cost base as an advantage’.
Media sources quoted Mr John Borghetti as saying ‘Hans is overseeing the Virgin Blue brand identity work with our commercial team to change, reposition and create an identity that can stretch across both the Leisure and Corporate sectors’. Mr Borghetti further said ‘Together with our new agency (Clemenger) you will see re-energised approach to marketing’. Mr Borghetti went on to say that Virgin’s re-branding efforts will be evident as early as this week at the Brisbane Airport. All these developments may just also spell as an increase in the number of cheap flights to Australia.
Virgin is already a very well-known name in the aviation sector and offers plenty of flights to Australia and other destinations. For instance, someone looking for flights to Brisbane usually considers Virgin Blue as the airline is based in Brisbane and there are fair chances of netting cheap flights.
Speaking about the key segments, Mr Borghetti expressed ‘Our business has been primarily focused on the leisure and SME end of the market. And although we have and will continue to have a strong position in these segments, we are over reliant on them’.
He also observed that ‘Meanwhile the corporate and business end of the market is effectively controlled by one player with a significantly higher cost base’. ‘It is therefore logical for us to diversify our revenue base, reduce our exposure at the lower end of the market and use our cost base as an advantage’.
Asia-Pacific airlines see passenger increase
New figures show an increase in international passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region during October.According to data from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), airlines in the region handled a total of 15.9 million international travellers - a growth of 11.8 per cent compared to the same month in October 2009.
In particular, there was a strong increase in business and leisure travel on key flights to Thailand and other Asian destinations.
Andrew Herdman, AAPA's director general said: "The dynamic economies of Asia are powering ahead and so are its airlines. Passengers are back in numbers and the return of premium class passengers and airfreight is particularly welcome."
News Source
Monday, November 29, 2010
One in four Brits plan late holiday
Many Brits are planning to take a late holiday this year in order to reduce costs, claims a new survey.
Research from Halifax showed that one in four people are set to take a break during the low period of the year for a number of reasons, including taking advantage of the off-peak prices on flights. A further 23 per cent are looking for some winter sun and 14 per cent believe they can afford to travel further.
It is expected that more than 11 million people will take a break in the last few months of the year - spending around £9 billion on holiday plans and a further £500 million while away.
News Source for One in four Brits plan late holiday
Research from Halifax showed that one in four people are set to take a break during the low period of the year for a number of reasons, including taking advantage of the off-peak prices on flights. A further 23 per cent are looking for some winter sun and 14 per cent believe they can afford to travel further.
It is expected that more than 11 million people will take a break in the last few months of the year - spending around £9 billion on holiday plans and a further £500 million while away.
News Source for One in four Brits plan late holiday
Fog and Flight Issues Plague Bangalore Airport
It is winter time again and airports across India are going into overdrive to tackle the inevitable fogs that cloud the skies. Like most other airports, the Bengaluru International airport is also set to put its best foot forward to deal with the situation as fogs are expected to result in massive flight delays. Expressbuzz revealed airport sources as having disclosed that a fog contingency plan has been set aside after a meeting with Air Traffic Control, different airlines operating flights to Bangalore, Meteorological Department, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
It is noteworthy that last year dense fogs in North India led to large scale rescheduling of numerous Bangalore flights. In fact, every year many travellers who book their flights to India during winters, have to put up with fog related delays in quite a few airports across the country. The fog that surrounds Bangalore airport is called Radiation fog. This year round, the fog was expected to start from 15th November and is likely to last till 15th February 2011.
Airport sources were quoted as saying ‘We are anticipating morning fog up to February and flight operations are expected to be hampered," said an official who did not want to be identified. "Keeping this in mind, we have directed all airlines and airport partners to undertake steps to minimise the inevitable difficulties that passengers will have to face.’ For passenger convenience, airport initiatives include sending SMS updates on flight status and flashing fog related news on LED screens at the airport
Anyone, who has booked cheap flights to India and has plans of travelling to Bangalore, should be well informed about the fact that fogs during the wee hours delays 1215 flights, which creates a backlog of airborne flights as well as those on the ground. This in turn delays 4042 flights on a daily basis revealed the source.
It is noteworthy that last year dense fogs in North India led to large scale rescheduling of numerous Bangalore flights. In fact, every year many travellers who book their flights to India during winters, have to put up with fog related delays in quite a few airports across the country. The fog that surrounds Bangalore airport is called Radiation fog. This year round, the fog was expected to start from 15th November and is likely to last till 15th February 2011.
Airport sources were quoted as saying ‘We are anticipating morning fog up to February and flight operations are expected to be hampered," said an official who did not want to be identified. "Keeping this in mind, we have directed all airlines and airport partners to undertake steps to minimise the inevitable difficulties that passengers will have to face.’ For passenger convenience, airport initiatives include sending SMS updates on flight status and flashing fog related news on LED screens at the airport
Anyone, who has booked cheap flights to India and has plans of travelling to Bangalore, should be well informed about the fact that fogs during the wee hours delays 1215 flights, which creates a backlog of airborne flights as well as those on the ground. This in turn delays 4042 flights on a daily basis revealed the source.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Phuket Island preparing for sailing event
Phuket is set to welcome around 2,000 international participants to the forthcoming Phuket King's Cup Regatta. The event is the largest of its kind in Asia and will welcome around 100 boats with crews taking flights to Thailand from a number of countries.
Starting on December 4th, the regatta takes place off the coast off Kata Beach and offers entrants tropical sailing waters.
"The 2010 Phuket King's Cup Regatta is considered the regatta in Asia and this year, with already 97 entries, we are hopeful of surpassing last year's record fleet. We have entries coming from all corners of the world to Phuket," said Kevin Whitcraft, president of the 24th Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organising Committee.
News Source
Starting on December 4th, the regatta takes place off the coast off Kata Beach and offers entrants tropical sailing waters.
"The 2010 Phuket King's Cup Regatta is considered the regatta in Asia and this year, with already 97 entries, we are hopeful of surpassing last year's record fleet. We have entries coming from all corners of the world to Phuket," said Kevin Whitcraft, president of the 24th Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organising Committee.
News Source
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Perth Zoo is top Australian attraction
Perth Zoo has been named as the top attraction in Western Australia in the latest Western Australian Tourism Awards.
For those taking flights to Perth, a number of other attractions were also recognised by the awards for their achievements within the tourism sector, including Rottnest Island and The Bell Tower.
Tourism Council Western Australia's chief executive officer, Graham Moss, explained that the awards had seen a substantial increase in the number of nominations for eco categories - largely due to an increase in demand from tourists looking for a greener holiday experience.
He added: "The standard of submissions were especially high this year which positions Western Australia for success in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards which will be held on the 11th March 2011 in Perth."
News Source
For those taking flights to Perth, a number of other attractions were also recognised by the awards for their achievements within the tourism sector, including Rottnest Island and The Bell Tower.
Tourism Council Western Australia's chief executive officer, Graham Moss, explained that the awards had seen a substantial increase in the number of nominations for eco categories - largely due to an increase in demand from tourists looking for a greener holiday experience.
He added: "The standard of submissions were especially high this year which positions Western Australia for success in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards which will be held on the 11th March 2011 in Perth."
News Source
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thai spa offers 'ultimate luxury'
Travellers looking to fly to Phuket for a spot of luxury could consider a stay at the Banyan Tree.
Erin O'Dwyer, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, explained the resort offers guests "the ultimate in Thai luxury" within its 68-acre complex. In addition to a private swimming pool, outdoor sunken bath and meditation pavilion, the hotel also has a 18-hole championship golf course and 25 spa rooms offering a whole host of traditional and non-traditional Thai treatments.
First opened in 1994, the Banyan Tree has its own spa academy plus a marine lab which focuses on protecting turtles in the region.
Recently, the resort has also expanded to include 22 villas that are designed to offer luxury accommodation for families, with special children's rooms and two pools.
News Source
Erin O'Dwyer, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, explained the resort offers guests "the ultimate in Thai luxury" within its 68-acre complex. In addition to a private swimming pool, outdoor sunken bath and meditation pavilion, the hotel also has a 18-hole championship golf course and 25 spa rooms offering a whole host of traditional and non-traditional Thai treatments.
First opened in 1994, the Banyan Tree has its own spa academy plus a marine lab which focuses on protecting turtles in the region.
Recently, the resort has also expanded to include 22 villas that are designed to offer luxury accommodation for families, with special children's rooms and two pools.
News Source
Tourists 'tempted' by Egypt's beaches
A new development close to the Red Sea could appeal to Brits taking flights to Egypt.
The Amer Group has launched the Porto South Beach development -located near to the Red Sea and 130km from Cairo, reports Easier.com.
It is hoped by the developers that Porto South Beach, close to Ain Sokhana, could appeal to those looking to purchase a second home, either as an investment opportunity or as a holiday hideaway.
The region offers over 1,000 villas and timeshare properties as well as a wide range of shops, bars and a spa plus private beach. There is also a five-star 275 room-hotel that welcomes holidaymakers from around the world.
Peter Riddoch, chief executive officer of the Amer Group, said: "A well-kept Egyptian secret Ain Sokhana offers stunning panoramic views of the Red Sea and a wide range of facilities and amenities."
News Source
The Amer Group has launched the Porto South Beach development -located near to the Red Sea and 130km from Cairo, reports Easier.com.
It is hoped by the developers that Porto South Beach, close to Ain Sokhana, could appeal to those looking to purchase a second home, either as an investment opportunity or as a holiday hideaway.
The region offers over 1,000 villas and timeshare properties as well as a wide range of shops, bars and a spa plus private beach. There is also a five-star 275 room-hotel that welcomes holidaymakers from around the world.
Peter Riddoch, chief executive officer of the Amer Group, said: "A well-kept Egyptian secret Ain Sokhana offers stunning panoramic views of the Red Sea and a wide range of facilities and amenities."
News Source
Monday, November 22, 2010
Grounding of Qantas A380 Fleet May Spell a Little Inconvenience
On 4th November, the Sydney bound Qantas A380 that had to make an emergency landing in Singapore may have exploded in mid air, media reports have revealed. The flight, which took off from Singapore, was one of the six A380s owned by Qantas. All these planes are fitted with the Rolls Royce manufactured Trent 900 engines. According to investigators, the problem arose because there was leakage of oil which caught fire leading to the heating of the metal parts and bursting of the engine. The explosion churned out metal parts, some of which cut through the hydraulics and an engine control line located in the wing of the aircraft. The pilots were forced to land in Singapore as the second wing and approximately half of the brake flaps of the damaged wing spun out of control.
Alternate Arrangements
Taking serious note of this potentially fatal incident, Qantas has grounded its entire A380 fleet until safety issues are addressed completely. The airline indicated that this may take up to 7 weeks. Passengers who had made meticulous travel plans and had fulfilled their dream of buying a cheap flight ticket for the A380 are likely to be a disappointed lot. However, Qantas has assured that there would not be much inconvenience. The airline has a huge fleet that includes 14 A330s and 26 B747s along with 30 other aircrafts. This entire fleet can be used for making alternate travel arrangements for the affected passengers.
Alternate Arrangements
Taking serious note of this potentially fatal incident, Qantas has grounded its entire A380 fleet until safety issues are addressed completely. The airline indicated that this may take up to 7 weeks. Passengers who had made meticulous travel plans and had fulfilled their dream of buying a cheap flight ticket for the A380 are likely to be a disappointed lot. However, Qantas has assured that there would not be much inconvenience. The airline has a huge fleet that includes 14 A330s and 26 B747s along with 30 other aircrafts. This entire fleet can be used for making alternate travel arrangements for the affected passengers.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Dubai 'ideal' Christmas getaway
Dubai could be an ideal destination for Brits looking for do some Christmas shopping, claims a holiday review website.According to HolidayCheck, the increasing cost of taking trips within Europe means more people are considering taking flights to Dubai and other alternative destinations to stock up on festive gifts.
The UAE state has minimum taxes and no duties on a whole range of goods, so shoppers can pick up bargains while also doing a bit of sightseeing and enjoying the average December temperatures of 23 degrees C.
The Dubai Mall, the largest in the world, offers 350,000 square metres of shops selling designer goods and various other consumer products. It also has branches of popular UK shops including Marks & Spencer and Hamley's amongst its 1,000 retail units.
News Source
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Orion Hotels And Resorts expands South African portfolio
Orion Hotels & Resorts has finalised the purchase of the Selborne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
It is the third purchase for the company in 2010 and is the 11th South African hotel in its portfolio, reports Travelwires.com. First opened in 1985, Selbourne provides luxury accommodation and an 18-hole golf course to guests. Further expansion has since added 120 villas that are occupied all year round.
The nearest airport to the resort is Durban Airport. Orion chief executive officer Franz Gmeiner said: "It is a unique property that offers excellent hospitality and facilities to discerning clientele and the golfing fraternity.
News Source
It is the third purchase for the company in 2010 and is the 11th South African hotel in its portfolio, reports Travelwires.com. First opened in 1985, Selbourne provides luxury accommodation and an 18-hole golf course to guests. Further expansion has since added 120 villas that are occupied all year round.
The nearest airport to the resort is Durban Airport. Orion chief executive officer Franz Gmeiner said: "It is a unique property that offers excellent hospitality and facilities to discerning clientele and the golfing fraternity.
News Source
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
South Africa bids for Disney World franchise
A new Disney World attraction could be opened in South Africa, if the country manages to secure the franchise.
It is understood that Free State and Mpumalanga are both interested in being the new home to the only Disney World in Africa. Media reports suggest that it could cost around ZAR25 billion (£2.24 billion) to achieve.
Free State premier Ace Magashule and his economic affairs minister, Mxolisi Dukwana, recently visited the US and met with officials from Disney World. However, there has been no official details of the talks released, reports the Sunday Times.
Mpumalanga first revealed its Disney World aims in September and according to Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency chief executive officer Charles Ndabeni, the agency is shortly planning to conduct a feasibility study.
"Our project is known, even at national level. I have presented it to the National Parks chief executive forum," he said.
News Source
It is understood that Free State and Mpumalanga are both interested in being the new home to the only Disney World in Africa. Media reports suggest that it could cost around ZAR25 billion (£2.24 billion) to achieve.
Free State premier Ace Magashule and his economic affairs minister, Mxolisi Dukwana, recently visited the US and met with officials from Disney World. However, there has been no official details of the talks released, reports the Sunday Times.
Mpumalanga first revealed its Disney World aims in September and according to Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency chief executive officer Charles Ndabeni, the agency is shortly planning to conduct a feasibility study.
"Our project is known, even at national level. I have presented it to the National Parks chief executive forum," he said.
News Source
Monday, November 15, 2010
Call for child-free flights to Australia
Many travellers are calling for airlines to offer child-free flights to Australia and other destinations, claims the New York Times.
According to Douglas Quenqua, some passengers view sitting next to an unruly child as second only to a crash landing. Therefore, customers could be tempted by child-free services or family-only sections of planes to help make their trips more enjoyable and quieter.
Ian Burford, who recently created a Facebook group calling for kid-free flights, explained: "I would gladly pay extra for a child-free flight. "At least if they made it easier when booking a flight to say I don't want to be seated next to a one-year-old. That would be helpful."
Airline Qantas recently faced a lawsuit from a woman who believed her hearing had been affected after being sat near a toddler on a flight to Australia from New York.
News Source
According to Douglas Quenqua, some passengers view sitting next to an unruly child as second only to a crash landing. Therefore, customers could be tempted by child-free services or family-only sections of planes to help make their trips more enjoyable and quieter.
Ian Burford, who recently created a Facebook group calling for kid-free flights, explained: "I would gladly pay extra for a child-free flight. "At least if they made it easier when booking a flight to say I don't want to be seated next to a one-year-old. That would be helpful."
Airline Qantas recently faced a lawsuit from a woman who believed her hearing had been affected after being sat near a toddler on a flight to Australia from New York.
News Source
Saturday, November 13, 2010
BAA Numbers Soar as Business Travellers Return
The biggest airport authority in the UK, the British Airports Authority (BAA) reported an increase of 3.4% in passenger air traffic in October, thanks to an upswing in the business travel division. BAA stated that all of its six airports collectively handled nearly 10 million passengers in the last month. The 1.2% increase in the number of flights in the region also contributed to this impressive growth in travellers’ traffic.
The London Heathrow Airport reported an increase of 6% in its flight traffic along with a rise of 7.2% in passenger numbers which is up by 410,000. Buoyed by the impressive numbers, BAA believes that 10.6% rise in Heathrow’s European travel can be an indicator of improving things after the traumatic economic depression.
Long-haul flights between London Heathrow and China improved by 16.1%, which is a phenomenal number given the fact that the hub serves only two Chinese destinations. The number of flights between BAA airports and North America increased by 7.5%, while long-haul flights from UK to other destinations spiralled up by 3.2%.
Colin Matthews, the Chief Executive of BAA is pleased with the reported numbers and stated in a press release that “Passenger growth is good for the economy with thousands of people across the country employed in aviation, international trade and tourism. We are continuing with our £5 billion Heathrow investment programme – the biggest private investment project in the UK – providing thousands of jobs as we modernise facilities to improve everyone's experience of the airport.
Among other BAA airports, Edinburgh’s passenger traffic rose by 3.5% while Southampton mounted up by 1.0%.
The London Heathrow Airport reported an increase of 6% in its flight traffic along with a rise of 7.2% in passenger numbers which is up by 410,000. Buoyed by the impressive numbers, BAA believes that 10.6% rise in Heathrow’s European travel can be an indicator of improving things after the traumatic economic depression.
Long-haul flights between London Heathrow and China improved by 16.1%, which is a phenomenal number given the fact that the hub serves only two Chinese destinations. The number of flights between BAA airports and North America increased by 7.5%, while long-haul flights from UK to other destinations spiralled up by 3.2%.
Colin Matthews, the Chief Executive of BAA is pleased with the reported numbers and stated in a press release that “Passenger growth is good for the economy with thousands of people across the country employed in aviation, international trade and tourism. We are continuing with our £5 billion Heathrow investment programme – the biggest private investment project in the UK – providing thousands of jobs as we modernise facilities to improve everyone's experience of the airport.
Among other BAA airports, Edinburgh’s passenger traffic rose by 3.5% while Southampton mounted up by 1.0%.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Tiger Airways launches new Australian flights
Budget carrier Tiger Airways is planning to offer a number of new flights within Australia as it expands. The airline has opened a new base at Avalon Airport and will commence new flights to Brisbane and Canberra following demand from travellers.
Crawford Rix, Tiger Airways managing director, said: "Commencing with seven new flights from Avalon Airport, this is further proof that Tiger Airways is well positioned to continue our successful expansion in Australia as planned."
Last year, Tiger Airways carried a total of three million passengers flying to 14 domestic airports in Australia.
The airline operates nine Airbus A320 aircraft in Australia and ten A320s on its Singapore routes. Tiger Airways reported a profit after tax of $14.1 million (£8.75 million) for the three months ending 30 September 2010, compared to a loss of $2.3 million (£1.4 million) during the same period in 2009.
News Source
Crawford Rix, Tiger Airways managing director, said: "Commencing with seven new flights from Avalon Airport, this is further proof that Tiger Airways is well positioned to continue our successful expansion in Australia as planned."
Last year, Tiger Airways carried a total of three million passengers flying to 14 domestic airports in Australia.
The airline operates nine Airbus A320 aircraft in Australia and ten A320s on its Singapore routes. Tiger Airways reported a profit after tax of $14.1 million (£8.75 million) for the three months ending 30 September 2010, compared to a loss of $2.3 million (£1.4 million) during the same period in 2009.
News Source
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
New website may encourage flights to Dubai
Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is launching a new logo and website to help boost the country's international profile.
Definitelydubai.com is now live and aims to provide information about the destination and its worldwide appeal. Those Brits planning to take flights to Dubai will find specific UK content on the website before the end of the year.
Ian Scott, UK and Ireland director of the DTCM, explained: "The Definitely Dubai brand identity has a contemporary edge, reflecting the Dubai offering and making it relevant to the diverse market to which the destination appeals."
He added: "Its strength is its simplicity."
The new website will also be backed by a series of marketing campaigns to promote Dubai's versatile attractions.
News Source
Definitelydubai.com is now live and aims to provide information about the destination and its worldwide appeal. Those Brits planning to take flights to Dubai will find specific UK content on the website before the end of the year.
Ian Scott, UK and Ireland director of the DTCM, explained: "The Definitely Dubai brand identity has a contemporary edge, reflecting the Dubai offering and making it relevant to the diverse market to which the destination appeals."
He added: "Its strength is its simplicity."
The new website will also be backed by a series of marketing campaigns to promote Dubai's versatile attractions.
News Source
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