Airline
Quick Updates
AIR
FRANCE AND KLM CUSTOMERS
Since April 4, 2006, customer have been able to check in online
for flights to almost all destinations in the combined network
of both airlines. Holders of an e-ticket can choose a seat and
print a boarding pass from home or at the office. On arrival
at the airport, they can deposit their baggage at one of the
dedicated baggage drop-off points, or head straight for the
boarding lounge.
AIR
FRANCE
In early 2007 Air France will be the first airline to take delivery
of a new A318 equipped with OnAir, an inflight system which
allows mobile phones to be used on board without disrupting
navigation. During a six-month period from March to September
2007 on services to Europe and North Africa, Air France will
carry out trials on this aircraft with passengers, first of
all by messaging and emailing only, and then with sound.
During
this phase, Air France will be asking passengers to give their
opinion on the new facility by means of a questionnaire, which
will be given to them during the trip. The findings of this
study will decide whether the service will be extended or not
to other aircraft in the fleet.
This
service will enable passengers to:
-
receive and send calls and SMS' on a mobile phone,
- receive and send emails on a laptop or PDA,
- access the internet in WAP/imode.
Leaflets
will be distributed to passengers before the flight (explaining
the service, how it functions, tariffs etc.) and flight attendants
will make announcements during the flight.
CHINA AIRLINES
Is to increase flights on its Kaohsiung-Bangkok and Taipei-Los
Angeles routes in April and May, respectively.
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES AND ALITALIA
The SkyTeam alliance members have launched codeshare flights.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES
Will go ticket-less for domestic travel transactions effective
May 1, 2006
STAR ALLIANCE
Is to launch a special promotion to celebrate its ninth anniversary
for Frequent Flyer Programme (FFP) members belonging to alliance
carriers servicing Hong Kong. Special discounts and privileges
will be offered to FFP members on Star Alliance carriers from
May 1 to 31 and November 1 to December 15, 2006. Concessions
of up to HK$ 600 per plane ticket will be available during the
period. Under the Star Alliance members of each individual airline
Frequent Flyer Programme are eligible to earn and redeem miles
or points across all 16 Star Alliance airlines.
With
immediate effect, South African Airways (SAA) has joined Star
Alliance as its 18th member into the alliance.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Has appointed one of India’s most prominent and awarded
culinary personalities, Sanjeev Kapoor, to its International
Culinary Panel (ICP) of world-renowned chefs.
TIGER AIRWAYS
Said it is willing to take over some routes from rival Jetstar-Valuair,
owned by Orangestar Investment Holdings, which is currently
seeking fresh capital for its budget airline business.
Hotel
Quick Updates
HOTEL
MAYA KUALA LUMPUR
The stylish newly revamped Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur is the latest
member of WORLDHOTELS.
JIA BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Opens Graze, a new restaurant in Singapore. The name ‘Graze’
relates to ‘eating at a leisurely pace in relaxed surroundings.
Graze offers a new concept in contemporary dining - where people
can ‘hang out’ for an extended time, experiencing
quality cuisine in a friendly and relaxed environment. The chic
venue is located in one of Singapore’s unique pre-war
colonial-style black and white houses in Rochester Park, close
to the smart residential area of Holland Village. Graze is open
for dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 6 pm to midnight with last
food orders at 10.30 pm. On Saturday and Sunday breakfast and
brunch is served from 9 am and BBQ lunch from 12 noon with last
food orders at 2.30 pm. The lounge bar Mint is open from 6 pm
until 1am.
THE LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG
Has launched a range of accommodation packages that include
a Spring weekend escape, a romantic celebration, and a spa retreat.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s Weekend Escape Package
begins at HK$ 2,600 per night for double occupancy, and is valid
on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 15 September 2006.
NOVOTEL
CITYGATE, HONG KONG
The recently hotel opened is offering a special opening rate
of just HK$715++ (US$92++) until 31 May 2006. The contemporary
440-room hotel, located just 5 minutes drive from Hong Kong
International Airport, is also strategically placed to capture
business not only from the airport but also from nearby tourist
attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360
Skyrail (opening in June 2006). In addition the hotel is in
close proximity to AsiaWorld-Expo, which has named Novotel Citygate
as an ‘on site hotel partner’.
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