Emirates are scheduling its game changer 777 to Male

Emirates has announced the deployment of its latest Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft fitted with the ‘Game Changer’ First Class suites on its Dubai- Malé route from 1st June 2019. The Maldivian capital will become the first destination in the South Asian region to be served on a regular basis by the new aircraft.

Passengers travelling to and from the idyllic archipelago on Emirates flights EK658 and EK659, one of three daily non-stop services* connecting Malé, with Emirates’ hub in Dubai, will be able to experience the fully-enclosed First Class private suites inspired by luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz.

“The Maldives has become an increasingly popular destination for Emirates, attracting premium travellers, honeymooners and families from around the world. Introducing the new Boeing 777 with the state-of-the-art First Class suites on this route reaffirms our longstanding commitment to Malé. It’s also a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide our travellers across the network with an unparalleled experience, demonstrating what Emirates truly means when it invites customers to Fly Better,” said Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, West Asia & Indian Ocean.

Park Inn by Radisson Tashkent City Hotel & Apartments in Tashkent coming in 2021

The Radisson Hotel Group, is adding a new location for the Park Inn by Radisson portfolio of hotels with the signing of Park Inn by Radisson Tashkent City Hotel & Apartments in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 

The newly built hotel and apartment project is due to open in 2021 in the capital of Uzbekistan.              Photo Radisson Hotel Group

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We’re excited to bring the Park Inn by Radisson brand to Uzbekistan, a country where tourism is growing rapidly. In 2018, Uzbekistan welcomed five million tourists – with Tashkent being a popular choice among travellers as the country’s most cosmopolitan city. We’re delighted to be bringing a new brand to such a vibrant region and offering this market something fresh and exciting.”

The Hyatt Place Dubai/Wasl District opens

Photo  Hyatt Hotels Corporation

The Hyatt Place Dubai/Wasl District has now officially opened marking the third property under Hyatt’s select service brand portfolio in the United Arab Emirates. The hotel joins Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Rigga and Hyatt Place Dubai/Baniyas Square in increasing the number of contemporary yet affordable hospitality offerings in the city. The opening of the property brings Hyatt hotels in the UAE to 10 properties.

The Hyatt Place brand is rooted in the provision of stylish, comfortable and seamless experiences for guests, accommodating guests’ needs through purposeful service and an overall uncomplicated stay. Located in the heart of Deira in Old Dubai, the property places guests in close proximity to key landmarks such as the heritage and diving village, the Creek, the famed spice and gold souks as well as numerous retail, dining and entertainment outlets. Furthermore, connectivity is yet another strong suit offered by the location, as Hyatt Place Dubai/Wasl District is close to key metro, dhow cruise and taxi stations.

SpiceJet and Emirates set up codeshare deal

Emirates and SpiceJet have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enter into a reciprocal codeshare agreement, which is set to open new routes and destinations for passengers travelling between India and popular destinations across Africa, America, Europe and the Middle East.

Subject to necessary government approvals, the partnership will enable Emirates’ passengers to enjoy seamless connectivity on flights to India, leveraging SpiceJet’s strong domestic presence and adding six new destinations: Amritsar, Jaipur, Pune, Mangalore, Madurai and Calicut - to the nine existing cities in India served by Emirates. This will bolster Emirates’ already-extensive network adding a total of 67 weekly connections between Emirates’ hub in Dubai to these six fast-growing destinations in India. This includes increased domestic connectivity from Emirates’ nine Indian gateways to points such as Goa, Hubli, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam and Tuticorin which would allow for a greater variety of travel options between both Emirates and SpiceJet flights.

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese to open the 1st of July

Extensively renovated by Jean Philippe Nuel

Rome Villa Borghese                                       Photo Sofitel

Situated in the heart of Rome, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese will reopen on July 1st, unveiling extensive renovations by contemporary architect and interior designer, Jean-Philippe Nuel. Modern luxury voyageurs are invited to eat, sleep, enjoy, travel, stay, celebrate and live the French way at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese.

Situated on a quiet street in the epicentre of Rome, this former 19thcentury Roman palazzo lies within walking distance of some of the city’s best-known cultural landmarks and parks, including the Trevi Fountain, Villa Medici and the Spanish Steps. Evoking the feel of a Roman home, guests will appreciate the hotel’s relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and the sense of being truly immersed in the essence of this picturesque Italian city.

JetBlue announces first quarter 2019 results

Photo JetBlue

JetBlue Airways, the hometown airline of New York and the biggest operator out of Boston's Logan Airport, has released its results for the first quarter 2019 on Monday April23rd.

GAAP pre-tax income of $58 million, a decline of 48.5% from $113 million in the first quarter of 2018. Excluding the one-time costs, adjusted pre-tax income of $70 million(1), a decline of 38.2% from the first quarter of 2018.

Pre-tax margin of 3.1%, inclusive of the one-time costs, a 3.3 point decline from the first quarter of 2018. Adjusted pre-tax margin of 3.7%(1), a 2.7 percentage point decline year over year.

Mexico calling for budget carrier Allegiant

Mexico Calling

Photo Allegiant

The US low-cost airline Allegiant has taken a big step and put in an application with the US Department of Transportation to offer scheduled service between the United States and Mexico. 

The budget carrier, best known for linking small-to-medium cities to top vacation destinations, is hoping to capitalise on international traffic.  "Unlike other U.S. carriers, Allegiant has always been laser-focused on leisure travel and providing access to affordable, non-stop flights for those who wouldn't otherwise be able to go on vacation," said Maury Gallagher, Allegiant chairman and chief executive officer. "Offering service to Mexico will provide a whole new array of options for travellers to discover world-class destinations that may have been previously out of reach."

Airbus at Turkey’s IDEF 2019

Airbus will attend Turkey’s IDEF 2019, 14th International Defence Industry Fair, held at TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center in Büyükçekmece, Istanbul from April 30th to May 3rd.

At the Exhibition Hall 2, Stand 234, Airbus will display a range of innovative defence and security products and services, including military aircraft and helicopters, perfectly in line with the aspirations of the Turkish Armed Forces in regard with the recently launched modernization programmes.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts leads the luxury travel evolution

Photo Four Seasons

The world’s leading luxury hospitality brand, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has confirmed it was taking another step in its top class offerings with an all-new Four Seasons Private Jet that will take flight in early 2021.

The company promises the jet will evoke the bygone era of glamorous air travel coupled with thoughtful, guest-centric design.  A new A321neoLR aircraft is being fully customised by Four Seasons and tailored to the continually evolving vision of its industry-first Private Jet experience.  The concepts embodied in the current Four Seasons Jet, with its luxurious comforts and amenities, are being taken to the next level with even more space for Private Jet guests and staff to mix and mingle, or simply relax and enjoy the ride.

Currently, Four Seasons Private Jet uses a Boeing 757 fitted out with 52 flat-bed seats in sumptuous Italian leather in a 2 - 2 configuration. 

Watch a video preview of the jet

United Airlines CEO blasts passengers.....

The boss of one of the leading US airlines has hit out at passengers in a recent interview claiming they were all 'pissed off with the world' by the time they take a seat on one of his airline's planes.

Oscar Munoz the CEO of United Airlines made the accusation as part of an interview with the US TV network, ABC. The 60-year-old from California blamed the stress of flying for passengers being angry as soon as they board his aircraft. He said 'It's become so stressful from when you leave, wherever you live, to get into traffic, to find a parking spot, to get through security.  By the time you sit on one of our aircraft, you're pissed at the world and I don't care what coffee, what cookie, or what smile I give you.".

Generous Norwegian passengers donate $3 million to UNICEF

Photo Norwegian

In a remarkable show of generosity passengers on Norwegian's flights have donated a total of three million dollars, that's £2.3 million since the airline added the donation option to the booking process in July 2015.

Within its first year, the new donation option raised more than $720,000 and in July 2018 Norwegian introduced onboard donations in the personal in-flight entertainment system on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. UK passengers are among the top donors with those travelling to New York donating the most to UNICEF.

Australian airline Qantas to launch a seasonal service to Sapporo - Japan's most beautiful city

Photo Qantas

The Australian airline Qantas has confirmed it will launch new direct seasonal flights between Sydney and Sapporo, to meet the growing demand from Australians wanting to travel to the popular Japanese ski holiday destination.

To coincide with the peak ski season, Qantas will fly three times per week to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport between 16 December 2019 and 28 March 2020. subject to government approval. Qantas will be the first airline to fly direct between Sydney and Sapporo and the service will be the national carrier’s fifth route between Australia and Japan. The flights are scheduled to be operated with the carriers recently upgraded Airbus A330 aircraft. 

Qantas International Acting CEO Naren Kumar said Sapporo was a highly sought-after holiday destination for Australian travellers.  "Travel between Australia and Japan is booming. These new flights make it easier for Australians to reach Hokkaido’s popular ski resorts like Niseko and Rusutsu. The number of Australians travelling to Japan has more than doubled over the past five years, with almost 500,000 Australians visiting Japan in the last 12 months alone. We expect Japan’s popularity to continue with the country hosting a number of major international sporting events in the next two years.

Air Asia shows off new Airbus A330-900neo

Fresh from the paint shop.  Photo Air Asia

The budget carrier Air Asia has been keen to show off its latest Airbus aircraft at the European manufacturers Toulouse base last week.

AirAsia has released this image of the Airbus A330-900neo aircraft leaving the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, France.  The new aircraft is expected to enter service in late June 2019, when it will become the first-ever Airbus A330neo to join the AirAsia fleet.

Watch a time-lapse video of the aircraft getting painted below.

Earthquake in Philippines causes damage to airport

A powerful, 6.3 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines Pampanga Province that has caused the deaths of at least six people and injured around 50 others.  The quake has also impacted operations at the Clark City international airport.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a preliminary magnitude of 6.3 and it was felt in a number of nearby provinces including Bulacan as well as some parts of Manila, causing scores of people to rush out of their offices, homes and other buildings. Early reports indicate some buildings have collapsed and others damaged by the earthquake.

It's understood that part of the ceiling in the check-in area collapsed at Clark International airport during the quake injuring around 7 people. The airport has suspended international and domestic flights for at least 24 hours. A crisis team at the airport reported there was no damage to the runways or taxiways and they were checking the "Soundness of the building structure and other facilities as we are assessing other structural damages around the airport," 

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Baby death o Air Asia flight to Australia

Photo Air Asia

A two-month-old baby girl has died on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Perth over the weekend local media in Australia are reporting.

The incident happened on an Air Asia aircraft when the aircraft was around two and a half hours from Perth and was recounted on social media by a former nurse who happened to be travelling on the same flight.  

Nadia Parenzee, the former nurse, offered to assist the parents shortly after boarding the flight as the baby girl was crying and agitated and Parenzee could see the new parents were stressed.

Later, during the flight, the cabin crew came to wake Parenzee as help was needed, "The parents offered the baby to me with desperation in their eyes," Parenzee shared on social media, "Then baby Farah took her last breath and went limp. I immediately knew something was horribly wrong and shouted out to the passengers to see if there were any doctors onboard."

Colombo Airport on lockdown

Colombo's main international airport was placed on lock-down earlier after a suspected pipe bomb was found by the Sri Lanka's Air Force, just hours after eight bombings that killed at least 207 people.

A spokesperson for the Air Force, Gihan Seneviratne, informed local media, "A PVC pipe which was six feet in length containing explosives in it was discovered."  It is understood that authorities have now carried out a controlled explosion on the device to destroy it and any potential risk to the public.

Students become unwell on an American Airlines flight to Boston

 13 students hospitalised 

Officials are investigating how 13 students became ill on an American Airlines flight to from Miami to Boston on Sunday morning.  

American Airlines Flight AA1201, a Boeing 737 arrived at Boston's Logan Airport ahead of schedule at 0924 on Sunday morning and the students were said to be part of a group of around 40 passengers who were on a connecting flight when they all became ill.

The students affected complained of stomach upsets and sickness and were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for evaluation and treatment. The Boston Emergency Medical Services said "This morning at approximately 9:20am, Boston EMS responded to Logan Airport with multiple units. A total of 13 patients were transported to MGH, all for symptoms that were minor in nature."

Massachusetts Port Authority Spokesperson, Samantha Decker confirmed the incident but didn't have any details of how the passengers became ill but said the symptoms were rather mild. According to American Airlines, there were no other reports of illness among passengers or crew of the flight. 

(Photos American Airlines)

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Korean Air starts Boston service

Korean Air, with its joint venture partner Delta Air Lines, launched non-stop flights between Boston and Seoul on April 12th. 

“Korean Air is the largest Transpacific airline and we’ve been eyeing Boston for a long time,” said the airline’s Vice President of Marketing, John Jackson. “It makes sense, with our Delta joint venture, to start service there now. Delta is growing fast in Boston and adding an Asia flight will help them solidify their position as Boston’s number 1 global airline.”

Aeroflot wins more awards - The Russian airline leading the way.....

Aeroflot A330                    Photo Aeroflot

The Russian airline and the Worlds most recognisable brand has won yet more awards in recent days. The airline has been recognised as the airline with Best Seat Comfort in Europe at the 2019 АРЕХ Passenger Choice Awards held on 16th April. 

 APEX - the Airline Passenger Experience Association,  is a US-based non-profit membership organisation comprised of the world's leading airlines, industry suppliers, major media groups and related aviation industry leaders, which is dedicated to elevating the passenger experience.  The APEX Passenger Choice Awards are considered to be one of the highest accolades in the global airline industry as awards are said to be based on real passenger feedback. 

Also on 16th April, the airline claimed the top spot in two key categories at Wings of Russia Awards held in Moscow. Aeroflot was named Airline of the Year in the International and Category 1, Domestic segments at the ceremony at the Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel.

Barbaric attack targets Christians and Tourists in Sri Lanka

Shangri La Hotel                                  Photo AFP

More than 207 people have been killed and over 450 injured in a wave of explosions that have rocked through in Sri Lanka.

There were eight blasts deliberately targeting Christians at three Churches in Negombo, Batticaloa and Colombo's Kochchikade district during Easter services. The Shangri-La, Kingsbury and The Cinnamon Grand hotels as well as one other, all in the capital, were also targeted.

According to an official at the foreign ministry, at least 27 of the fatalities have been foreign nationals and that number is likely to increase in the coming hours.are among the dead.

The Sri Lankan government has blocked social media networks from operating and have instigated a nationwide curfew as the country reels from the devastating attacks.  Officlas have also said that 7 people have been arrested over the bombings, yet so far, no group has claimed responsibility for the explosions.