Central Vietnam hots up for the summer with amazing offers from the regions most luxurious beach resort, The Nam Hai.

The Summer Season Packages are available from 1st April to 30th September 2008 and offer incredible value at all grades of villa from one bedroom villa to five bedroom pool villas including free nights accommodation and complimentary spa treatments at the award winning spa. The Nam Hai, Hoi An is situated on 35-hectares of beautiful landscaped gardens on Ha My Beach, a picture perfect section of the world famous China Beach with unspoilt stretches of white sands.

The Nam Hai features 60 stylish one bedroom villas and 40 stunning pool villas each boasting views of the South China Sea and nearby Cham Islands.

For the exclusive period only, any bookings for the one bedroom villas include a choice of a complimentary 2-way private airport transfer or a 60 minute Vietnamese Massage at The Spa at The Nam Hai per guest per stay if booking for two nights or more.  Guests choosing to book for three nights or more also receive one nights accommodation free.

The Nam Hai is offering Pay 2 nights/Stay 3 nights or Pay 3 nights/ Stay 4 nights on all pool villas.  Guests booking three nights or more also receive a complimentary 60 minute Vietnamese Massage per guest at The Spa at The Nam Hai.

Club benefits for guests staying in the pool villas include return airport limousine transfer, check in at either reception or in privacy of the villa, personal butler for the duration of the booking, daily breakfast, complimentary in room mini-bar, daily afternoon tea served in the villa, complimentary cocktails and snacks served daily in the villa, complimentary laundry service and limousine service to Hoi An and Da Nang City.

Ideally located 11km north of the historical city of Hoi An, The Nam Hai complements spectacular beachfront living with renowned cultural and historical attractions that reflect the true spirit of Indochina.  In keeping with GHM’s tradition of providing guests with a culturally inviting experience, The Nam Hai stands for all the charms of true Vietnamese hospitality.

The best time to visit Central Vietnam due to the local micro-climate is between March and September. 

www.ghmhotels.com

3/28/2008 5:40:30 AM UTC     

Reval Hotels, the largest hotel group in the Baltic region, opened the doors of it latest addition – the Reval Hotel Neris in Kaunas, Lithuania. With 208 rooms, a fully-equipped conference and event centre with capacity for 1000 guests, the 140-seat Diverso restaurant and chic Ginger Bar, the Reval Hotel Neris opens up the region to both holidaymakers and the MICE market as an exciting, fresh and natural alternative.

Guests at the Reval Hotel Neris will have a wide selection of room styles and lifestyle options to choose from during their stay. Of the 208 modern and comfortable guest rooms there are 37 single standard class rooms, 153 double Reval class rooms, 17 executive class rooms and one suite. A free internet station for hotel residents as well as wireless internet in all hotel areas is also available.
 
The hotel is situated in the very heart of Kaunas – near the main, linden tree-lined and pedestrianised Laisves Avenue. City highlights include the 14th-century Kaunas Castle, the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica (the largest Gothic building in Lithuania and the lively town hall and square – perfect for a chat and lively beer (or two) with friends. Easily reached from the Kaunas bus station, train station and airport, it’s a great base for explorations of the Lithuanian countryside.

“The second largest Lithuanian city of Kaunas offers a convenient geographic position and has huge potential in becoming a business and tourism centre,” adds Ruksenas. “We expect Reval Hotel Neris to promote this goal by being the first hotel in the city to have capacity in providing wide-scale conference services.”

Opening rates at the Reval Hotel Neris start from just 49€ per room, per night.

www.revalhotels.com.

3/28/2008 5:39:24 AM UTC     

Japan Airlines (JAL) will introduce its new domestic first class service to the Tokyo - Sapporo route from June 1, 2008. The new first class service, the first-ever introduced on Japan domestic flights, will be offered on two round trip flights per day between Tokyo (Haneda) and Sapporo (Chitose), the largest city in Hokkaido. The flight time between the two cities is approximately an hour and a half.

At Chitose airport, JAL will provide dedicated first class check-in counters, and passengers will be able to enjoy priority boarding, priority baggage claim and access to the Sakura Lounge.

JAL's domestic first class service was first introduced on the Haneda, Tokyo - Itami, Osaka route from December 1 2007 and from April 1 2008 the service will also be introduced on flights between Haneda, Tokyo and Fukuoka. By the beginning of May, JAL will have increased the number of flights the first class service is available to 10 flights per day on the Osaka route and 6 flights per day on the Fukuoka route.

Also during June, JAL will serve in first class on all of these routes as its recommended drink of the month a range of sake produced by 11 members of the Hokkaido Sake Brewers Association. The sake, specially branded under the name saikatouya, have been produced to mark the holding of the G8 Summit in Toyako, Hokkaido in July 2008. 

3/27/2008 4:53:26 AM UTC     

Anantara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel brand in Asia Pacific, today announced the formation of a joint venture with Kempinski Hotels & Resorts for strategic development opportunities in Europe and Asia.

With extensive knowledge and experience in the Asia market, Anantara Hotels & Resorts is well placed to seek out development opportunities on behalf of the Kempinski group and offer technical service skills which match the brand’s growth strategy. In turn, key locations being tapped for expansion by Anantara Hotels & Resorts include the Mediterranean basin, where Kempinski have a selection of existing properties and a strong depth of experience. 

William Heinecke, CEO of Anantara’s parent company, Minor International commented “This is truly an exciting time for Anantara Resorts, as the brand is very focused on developing in key markets which enable our guests to feed their passion for exploration and experience. Partnering with Kempinski, one of Europe’s most established and premium hotel brand, allows us to extend the synergies and development opportunities between our two hotel groups.”

The agreement sets the stage for Anantara and Kempinski to move quickly with local knowledge in ever increasingly competitive markets. Kempinski’s Chairman Michael Selby added, “Kempinski is pleased and excited about the joint venture with Anantara Resorts. Anantara has been growing at an impressive rate within the South East Asia region and has developed a reputation for quality in service as well as unique and attractive hotel properties. Kempinski is a major operator of Five Star Hotels throughout the world and we believe that the joint venture agreement will allow the pooling of the resources within both groups to provide a range of exceptional guest stay experiences.”

Over the next 10 years, Anantara Resorts expects to continue the extensive development to include at least 40 resorts in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and indeed Europe.

3/27/2008 4:52:36 AM UTC     

A new chapter in the history of Heathrow Airport begins today when at 04.50hrs, the first passengers arrived at Terminal 5, from Hong Kong on flight BA26.

Mark Bullock, Managing Director of BAA Heathrow said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for BAA and one which marks a turning point for Heathrow. We have waited over 20 years to welcome passengers to Terminal 5 and during that time Heathrow has got increasingly congested.  Terminal 5 signifies a new beginning for Heathrow and I am immensely proud that we open the doors of this magnificent building today, exactly when we said we would. 

Designed for 21st century travel, every aspect of the terminal, from the arrangement of check-in desks and high-tech baggage system, through to the 9,000 seats, has been designed for passengers’ comfort and ease. Over 30,000 square metres of glazing provides a light and airy environment with clear views across the airfield.  Located beneath the terminal is a modern and spacious rail station, providing direct transport links to London including the Heathrow Express service and London Underground’s Piccadilly Line .

The start of operations at Terminal 5 signals a new beginning for Heathrow; it will provide the airport with much needed additional capacity so that the transformation of existing terminal facilities can continue at pace. Over the next five years, BAA will invest around £4bn in a development programme that includes closing Terminal 2 and replacing it with a modern, energy efficient terminal.

Terminal 5 is one of the most successful construction projects ever undertaken in the UK. The hugely complex programme of work was carried out on a 260ha site, situated between with the world’s busiest runways. A former Thames Water sludge works, the site now includes Terminal 5A – the UK’s largest free-standing structure - and its satellite building Terminal 5B. A second satellite building, Terminal 5C will open in 2010. 

3/27/2008 4:51:31 AM UTC     

Starwood’s anticipated new lifestyle brand aloft hotels, are open for bookings for stays starting between August 14 and October 8, 2008, for five of its U.S. properties: Charleston Airport and Convention Centre, South Carolina (September 4), Lexington, Massachusetts (September 1), Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga, California (August 14), Philadelphia Airport, Pennsylvania (October 8) and Rogers-Bentonville, Arkansas (August 14).

Starwood claim that aloft is shaking up the lodging industry with its urban-influenced design, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. aloft offers rooms featuring loft-like, nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows to create a bright, airy environment.

The centrepiece of the aloft room is the ultra-comfortable signature bed, and large stylish bathrooms with oversized walk-in showers and amenities created by bliss(R) spa.

Each aloft room is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment centre, featuring wireless internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDAs, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops - all linked to a 42' flat panel HDTV ready television for optimal sound and viewing.

www.alofthotels.com  

3/24/2008 11:32:48 AM UTC     

Millennium and Copthorne Hotels are opening five new hotels in China during 2008, in Beijing, Chengdu, Qingdao, Xiamen and Wuxi.

The 352-room Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen is a corporate oasis near the commercial city centre with easy access to the airport. Together with state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, the hotel ensures a unique business experience that is professional, comfortable, and unforgettable.

The Millennium Wuxi Hotel is situated at the heart of Yangtze River Delta Region on the southeast coast of China, close to the international metropolis of Shanghai. Wuxi is also known as “little Shanghai” due to its developed industry and flourishing economy. The Millennium Wuxi Hotel is predominately aimed at the Japanese market and is furnished with classical Japanese inspired interiors and provides its residents with quality facilities and services.

The Grand Millennium Beijing opens in April 2008 in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In the heart of China’s capital city this premium five-star hotel offers 521 grand and spacious guestrooms. The hotel is well facilitated with hotel-wide broadband access, the latest in meeting & conference services, three levels of spa & fitness facilities and restaurants offering a fine spread of international cuisines

Other hotels scehduled to open in 2008 are the Millennium Hotel Chengdu and the Copthorne Hotel Qingdao.

www.millenniumhotels.co.uk

3/24/2008 11:21:29 AM UTC     

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has announced the opening of InterContinental Al Khobar, the group's 20th property in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The property is ideally situated just a few minutes from Al Khobar's corniche in the heart of the city. It is also close to the business and commercial centre, making the luxury hotel an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.

InterContinental Al Khobar boasts 120 well-appointed, luxurious guestrooms and suites complete with a full range of amenities including plasma screen interactive TVs and Wi-Fi access.

www.ichotelsgroup.com    

3/24/2008 11:10:21 AM UTC     

Air China is set to move all of its Beijing Capital International Airport operations to New Terminal 3 at midnight on March 26, 2008. Better services and better facilities mean that all passengers will benefit.

As the world's largest airport terminal, Terminal 3 boasts state-of-the-art equipment and impressive architecture, but getting acclimatized to this new environment may take time. For passengers to have sufficient time to get to know the new facility, check-in counters for Air China's domestic flights will close 45 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time, and passengers for the company's international and regional flights will close 60 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time. Boarding gates for all of the company's flights will close 10 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time.

www.airchina.co.uk

3/24/2008 11:05:00 AM UTC     

easyJet today launched services from Luton to Jersey and Pisa. One-way fares including taxes start from £21.99 to Jersey and from £23.99 to Pisa. The airline expects to carry 100k passengers on each route over the next 12 months.

www.easyjet.com    

3/24/2008 11:00:05 AM UTC     

Innovative on-line flight booking site, Alternative Airlines, has teamed up with Royal Jordanian Airlines to offer discount fares to Amman and Aqaba in Jordan, Aleppo in Syria, Sanaa and Aden in Yemen plus Riyadh and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.

www.alternativeairlines.com

3/24/2008 10:49:49 AM UTC     

Following tests carried out on a Boeing 767-300 aircraft between April 2007 and January 2008, Qantas is to roll out new technology on its domestic aircraft from late 2008 to allow customers to send and receive e-mail and SMS via mobile phone or personal electronic device. The roll out does not include incoming or outgoing calls.

www.qantas.com

3/24/2008 10:45:54 AM UTC     

The Government of Dubai has confirmed it is to operate a low-cost airline model with its own brand and identity.

Although Emirates will initially support the new airline during the set-up period, it will not be part of the Emirates Group.

Initially the new airline, which as yet remains nameless, will operate regionally within the GCC area and surrounding countries.

3/24/2008 10:35:24 AM UTC     

Despite the majority of passengers surveyed over the last few years being against the use of mobile phones in-flight, Emirates has made a bold and somewhat controversial move in becoming the first major airline in the world to commercially launch an in-flight mobile telephone service.

The airline will be investing some US$27 million to fit its fleet with the AeroMobile system which ensures that passenger mobile phones operate at their absolute minimum power, thereby allowing their safe use on the aircraft. A second Emirates aircraft, a Boeing 777-300, has already been installed with the AeroMobile system and will be in operation very shortly.

The service will only be activated when the aircraft is at cruising altitude and the cabin crew will have full control over the system, including the ability to prevent voice calls at certain times such as during night flights. The number of calls that may be made at any one time is also limited to a maximum of five or six calls, the same number as for the current in-seat phones.

Emirates cabin staff and information videos will advise and encourage passengers to switch their phones to silent / vibrate mode when used in the aircraft.

In addition to calls, the service will also allow passengers to send and receive text messages, with charges in line with premium international roaming rates. Users will be billed on their regular phone bills by their own service providers as with any other roaming call.

Emirates and AeroMobile will be working to add further features such as the ability for BlackBerry-type email and other GPRS data applications later in 2008 and also to integrate AeroMobile with Emirates' ICE inflight entertainment system.

On aircraft where the AeroMobile system is not installed, existing rules banning the use of mobile phones by passengers remain in force at all times. Mobile phones must remain switched off for the duration of the flight in accordance with current aviation regulatory requirements.

www.emirates.com

3/24/2008 10:31:07 AM UTC     

Antalya will become the fourth point in Turkey available to oneworld carriers, when British Airways start services there from London Gatwick three times a week from 10 April.

Malev Hungarian Airlines is to start flights to Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania from its Budapest base twice daily from 30 March.

Poznan will bcome the alliance's fourth city in Poland when British Airways starts flying there from London Gatwick daily from 30 March.

Key new routes being launched to existing oneworld destinations during the coming months include:

• Budapest-Milan Malpensa, from the end of this month by Malev Hungarian Airlines twice daily.
• Budapest-New York JFK, resumed by Malev Hungarian Airlines daily from 12 May.
• Budapest-Toronto, resumed by Malev Hungarian Airlines five times a week from 26 May.
• Fort Lauderdale-Kingston (Jamaica), from 1 June by American Airlines with daily Boeing 737-800s.
• Hong Kong-Bangalore, by affiliate Dragonair from 1 May with daily Airbus A330-300s
• Hong Kong-Madras, by Cathay Pacific, from 1 June, with four flights a week.
• Madrid-Dubrovnik, by Iberia, from 7 June, with two A320s a week.
• Madrid-St Petersburg, by Iberia, from 1 April, with two A319s a week.
• New York-Barcelona, by American Airlines, from 1 May with daily Boeing 767-300s.
• New York-Milan Malpensa, also by American Airlines from 1 May with daily Boeing 767-300s.
• Tokyo Haneda-Beijing, by Japan Airlines, in time for the Olympics in the Chinese capital and in addition to its round trips from Tokyo Narita.

Finnair is to launch flights from its Helsinki hub to Yekaterinburg and increase frequencies to its two established Russian destinations. It will become the second oneworld carrier to serve Yekaterinburg, alongside Malev Hungarian Airlines. Although Finnair has not yet confirmed a start date for the new service, it will operate it three times a week.

Meantime, it will increase frequencies to Moscow from April to two a day, besides code-sharing on another two dailies operated by Aeroflot, up from a combined three a day at present. Schedules to St Petersburg should also increase to double daily by summer 2009, with another two dailies operated by Rossiya also carrying the Finnair code, up again from the current three flights a day.

American Airlines and British Airways move a number of their London routes between the UK capital's Gatwick and Heathrow Airports later this month.

The UK carrier will transfer to Heathrow its flights serving Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston from 28 March and its Algiers operation from 30 March. Its services to Warsaw move in the opposite direction, to Gatwick.

American Airlines transfers to Heathrow one of its Dallas/Fort Worth dailies and its daily Raleigh/Durham service from 30 March, with its second Dallas/Fort Worth daily following on 13 April. American will then offer 18 daily departures from Heathrow - the same number of frequencies that are currently split between Heathrow and Gatwick - serving Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK besides Dallas/Fort Worth and Raleigh/Durham. It will add a second daily between London Stansted and New York JFK from 1 August.

www.oneworld.com

3/24/2008 10:19:55 AM UTC     

Communications watchdog Ofcom has granted UK airlines approval for in-flight mobile use within European airspace, subject to approval of onboard systems by the Civil Aviation Authority.

A British Airways spokeswoman said the airline would not rush into a trial.

‘We are in the early stages of research and we will have to think very carefully about this,’ she said. ‘We will be led by customer feedback.’

She added that preliminary work with Executive Club members had shown they were in favour of allowing texting rather than spoken conversations onboard.

3/24/2008 10:05:07 AM UTC     

China’s regulatory body the CAAC said it has adopted measures to curb flight delays in advance of this summer's Olympic Games.

According to the regulator, Chinese airlines based in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other Olympic-related cities are being ordered to have one or two backup aircraft on hand to guarantee on time performance. Carriers cancelling flights during the period must transfer passengers to other airlines and cover their fares in full.

From July through September, the regulator will forbid all domestic airlines from ticket over booking. Any carriers that do not perform adequately in terms of on time performance and mishandled baggage during the Olympic period won't be approved for any expansion or allowed set up a branch company for two years, CAAC said.

3/24/2008 10:03:05 AM UTC     

Star Alliance member US Airways has launched a dedicated UK web site, www.usairways.co.uk. It coincides with the airlines launch of its new service to Philadelphia from Heathrow, which begins on March 29^th.

The site, which a spokesperson said was already doing very well, is easy to navigate and payment is in pounds sterling. It compliments US Airways’ pan-European site, which is available for all European citizens who wish to make bookings in English and pay for their trip using the Euro.

US Airways will keep its Gatwick services to Philadelphia and Charlotte in place as well as its routes from Manchester and Glasgow.

www.usairways.co.uk  

3/24/2008 7:30:51 AM UTC     

Singapore Airlines, has set yet another milestone in the world of civil aviation, as the Airline today flies the world’s first commercial A380 flight to Europe. 

The inaugural Singapore Airlines A380 flight to London, SQ308, took off from Singapore’s Changi Airport at 0900 hours today (18 March 2008). The flight will land in London’s Heathrow Airport at 1505 hours today (all times local).

Singapore Airlines General Manager UK and Ireland, Marvin Tan said: “The arrival of the first commercial A380 flight to London will be a proud moment for Singapore Airlines but also for British aviation.  The Singapore Airlines A380 has wings made in Britain, it is powered by Britain and its interiors are designed in Britain.  The new aircraft also represents a significant step towards greener flying.  It is 20% more fuel-efficient and has a noise footprint half that of the B747-400 it is designed to replace.  Our aircraft will also carry a third more passengers than the B747-400, thus enabling us to satisfy demand without having to increase the number of flights.” 

Among the distinguished guests welcoming the A380’s historic arrival at London Heathrow Airport will be Minister of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Pat McFadden MP and Aviation Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP. 

Mr McFadden commented: “Today’s flight represents a significant milestone. The Airbus A380 is a remarkable aircraft – quieter, cleaner, smarter and greener than existing commercial planes. It is a privilege to be here to witness its first ever commercial flight to not just the UK, but to Europe. The aerospace sector is very important part of UK manufacturing and this journey is a chance to celebrate the contribution of more than 400 British companies to the A380 programme.  I wish the aircraft, the airport and the airline a long and successful future working together.”  

3/18/2008 4:13:01 AM UTC     

Langham Hotels International has signed a new loyalty partnership with Royal Orchid Plus – the frequent flyer programme of Thai Airways International – Asia’s  smooth as silk airline.

The agreement with Royal Orchid Plus enables members to earn 750 miles per qualified stay. In addition, members can also redeem Award Stay certificates via Langhamhotels.com.

The partnership, which comes into effect in April 2008, will give both parties opportunities to cross-market their services. This includes the new Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa, Koh Lanta, in Krabi Province, Thailand which opened in January this year.

“Thai Airways International is recognized as one of the largest award-winning international carriers in Asia.  As we launch and develop our resort business in Thailand, the partnership will allow us to drive awareness of our luxury hospitality brands to Royal Orchid Plus’ 2.5 million members worldwide,” said Brett Butcher, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing of Langham Hotels International.

3/18/2008 3:53:05 AM UTC     

Spring is often seen as a time of new beginnings and what better way to start the new season by getting away from it all with Royal Brunei Airlines? The national carrier of Brunei has a range of special deals on offer this spring, so whether it’s a beach getaway, a business trip or a family holiday for the Easter break, there’s bound to be something to capture your attention.

• Easter Special:
  Book now - 24 Mar 08
  Travel: 11 Mar - 24 Mar 08
  Dubai – Economy Class £313.50 (inc taxes)Dubai - Business Companion Class fare 2 seats for £2852.0 (must travel together at all times, can not be booked for 1)
• Spring Special
  Book now -15 Mar 08
  Travel: 28 Feb - 10Mar/25 Mar - 15 Jun 08
  Dubai - Business Companion Class fare 2 seats for £2687 (must travel together at all times, can not be booked for 1)
  Dubai - Economy Class - £283.50 inc taxes
  Brunei - £643.60
  Kota Kinabalu - £618.40
  Kuching - £621.70
  Bali - £627.60 
• Australia/New Zealand
  Book now - 15 Feb - 15 Mar 08
  Travel: 25 March - 15Jun
  Perth - £613.40
  Sydney - £676.20
  Brisbane - £672.30
  Auckland - £699

www.bruneiair.com

3/17/2008 10:45:12 AM UTC     

With a journey time of just 21 minutes, Heathrow Express will provide passengers with the fastest, most stylish and hassle-free way to get from Central London to Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 from 27 March 2008.

Departing from London’s Paddington station every 15 minutes, the Heathrow Express will stop after 15 minutes at Heathrow Central (servicing Terminals 1, 2 & 3), for passengers to alight the train before arriving at Terminal 5 in only 21 minutes.

Brain Raven, managing director at Heathrow Express said:” We have worked hard to ensure the journey time from Central London to the World’s newest airport terminal is as quick as we can provide. 21 minutes from Central London to Terminal 5 is a phenomenal journey time considering that our passengers will be travelling between one of the world’s busiest airports and one of the world’s largest capital cities. Our rapid rail-air link ensures that we continue to meet the needs of our customers as Heathrow Airport becomes Europe’s leading gateway.”

3/17/2008 7:53:58 AM UTC     

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announces the addition of Jet Airways as Priority Club Rewards' newest airline partner. Priority Club Rewards is the world's largest hotel loyalty programme with 37 million members worldwide. Its partnership with JetPrivilege, Jet Airways' frequent flyer programme, creates even more opportunities for frequent travellers to earn their rewards.

This partnership with India's largest frequent flyer programme gives IHG guests the opportunity to get more value from their travels to key destinations across India. Members are offered the option of earning JetPrivilege miles or Priority Club points whilst staying at any of IHG's 3,900 hotels under brands such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. Priority Club points can in turn be redeemed for free hotels stays, in-hotel amenities, retail certificates and other exciting rewards.

Members who prefer to receive mileage will receive 500 JetPrivilege miles for every qualifying stay at any IHG hotel worldwide. Priority Club Rewards members will also enjoy the option of redeeming their Priority Club Points for JetPrivilege Mileage at a ratio of 10,000 points for 2,000 JetPrivilege miles.

www.ichotelsgroup.com  

3/16/2008 7:09:21 AM UTC     

Members of the independent airport lounge program, Priority Pass, have voted the Continental Presidents Club in Houston, Terminal E as their number one lounge worldwide – the fourth consecutive year that Continental has claimed this honour, and the third year out of four for this particular lounge.

Priority Pass has held its Lounge of the Year awards since 2005, and the objective is to rate each lounge in the program. Members are asked to rate each lounge they have visited based on the facilities provided, the general ambience and the service they receive. Over 8,000 ratings were made for the 2008 awards.

Lounge of the Year Awards 2008

Lounge of the Year: Continental Presidents Club, Terminal E, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston TX, USA

Lounge of the Year, Europe: Swiss-Lounge, Y Terminal, EuroAirport, Basel-Mulhouse, Switzerland

Lounge of the Year, Middle East and Africa: Dilmun Lounge, Bahrain International Airport, Bahrain

Lounge of the Year, Asia Pacific: The Skyview Lounge, Terminal 1, Changi Airport, Singapore

Lounge of the Year, Latin America and Caribbean: SUMAQ VIP Lounge & Business Center, Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima, Peru

www.prioritypass.com

3/16/2008 6:54:02 AM UTC     

Heathrow is the first airport in the entire El Al network to allow passengers to check-in online, print their Airport Authority compatible final boarding pass and, if travelling with hand baggage only, proceed direct to their aircraft departure gate to clear El Al security. Passengers with baggage should go to the designated baggage drop-off desk.

This new development is largely down to the multi-million dollar investment El Al has made in cutting edge security technology. The technology is geared to provide a less intrusive, but still robust security procedure, expand the options available to passengers and provide them with a better airport experience.

The benefits of internet check-in are that it can be conducted from 3 to 24 hours prior to departure from home, office or hotel and will save time, a valuable commodity especially for business travellers, at Heathrow where passengers with luggage can now arrive 2 hours 15 minutes rather than 3 hours as previous. Carry on luggage passengers should arrive at the airport 1hour 30 minutes prior to departure.

www.elal.co.uk

3/14/2008 6:28:51 AM UTC     

Emirates, is set to expand its network even further this year with the start of services to the West Coast of the U.S. On 1st September, 2008 Emirates will open its third U.S. gateway with non-stop flights between Los Angeles and Dubai.

Operating daily, the service will be the first non-stop operation connecting Dubai to Los Angeles. The new flight runs a distance of 8339 miles, clocking 16 hours 35 minutes journey time to California, while the shorter return flight will be just under 16 hours.

The non-stop, long haul flight will deliver the highest standards of comfort: Emirates’ 777-200LR is fitted with eight luxurious private suites in First class, 42 of its latest lie-flat beds in Business class, and generous space for 216 passengers in Economy class.

3/14/2008 6:27:23 AM UTC     

Visit London, the capital’s official visitor organisation, has today welcomed the opening of Terminal 5 at London Heathrow saying it will alleviate the pressures experienced at Heathrow. Visit London Chief Executive James Bidwell said: 

“T5 will provide visitors to London and the UK with a spectacular first impression and alleviate the pressure experienced at Heathrow, the world’s busiest airport. “The terminal’s smoother check-in process and state-of-the-art baggage management system will certainly better the tourist experience and should help improve the airport’s international reputation.”

London is the number one city destination in the world for international travel and in 2006* welcomed a record 15.6 million overseas visitors. Visit London forecasts that 2007 will also result in a record year for overseas visitors to the capital – 16 million visitors.

“London is the gateway to the UK. Almost 50% of all overseas visitors to the capital visit London and around 75% come through London’s airports. The visitor experience commences from the moment of arrival and by improving the quality of its welcome, London will be better placed to maintain its competitive advantage and to compete effectively in the global tourism market,” Mr Bidwell said.

3/14/2008 4:43:26 AM UTC     

• Cost: £4.3bn
• No. of Passengers annually: 30 million
• Phase 1 - Terminal 5A and B opening 2008   
  50 aircraft stands (total)
• Phase 2 - Terminal 5C opening 2010   
  60 aircraft stands (total)
• Terminal 5A dimensions: 396m long x 176m wide x 40m high, levels above ground 4
• Terminal 5B dimensions: 442m long x 52m wide x 19.5m high, levels above ground 3
• Multi-storey car park: 3,800 spaces
• Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel: 605 rooms (opens June)
• Rail links: Heathrow Express & Underground Piccadilly Line
• Check-in self service kiosks: 96
• Check-in fast bag drops: over 90
• Check-in standard desks: 54
• Security lanes: 20
• No of bags processed per hour: 12,000
• Number of toilets: 800
• Number of baby change facilities: 32
• Number of retail facilities:112 (including 25 food and drink outlets)

Designed by 2006 Stirling Prize winner Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the building's design meets the needs of the passenger from the moment they arrive at the airport to boarding their aircraft. It offers space, convenience, comfort and spectacular views across the airfield for virtually every step of the passenger's journey.
 
Commenting on this, Sir Nigel Rudd said : "From every perspective, this is a landmark project and I am proud to think that Terminal 5 has become a model construction project, setting new, higher standards for an industry around the world." 

3/14/2008 4:37:26 AM UTC     

Her Majesty The Queen officially opens BAA's stunning new £4.3 billion gateway to the UK today Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. Built on time and on budget, the new terminal will open for business for up to 30 million passengers a year in thirteen days time on 27 March.
 
The Queen, who has a long association with Heathrow, opened the airport's first passenger terminal, the Europa Building (now called Terminal 2), over half a century ago in 1955. Accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen will initially be greeted by hundreds of airport and construction workers, in front of a backdrop of giant screens, depicting heroic shots celebrating the construction of Terminal 5.
 
In his welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony, Sir Nigel Rudd will say: "Terminal 5 marks the start of a new beginning for Heathrow, for BAA and for our millions of passengers. It is, by any standard, a triumph of ambition, commitment and collaboration. It will breathe new life into Heathrow, allowing us to continue our transformation of the rest of the airport, and will put Heathrow and BAA back where they belong - at the leading edge of global travel.
 
"Terminal 5 will soon be the starting point for many exciting journeys and it will be a place too for many happy reunions, as travellers come home to loved ones. Today, before those journeys begin, we can look and admire a magnificent building - a source of huge pride for BAA as a company, but also for all those individuals who have invested so much of their lives in its creation."
 
The bright, airy new terminal at Heathrow, with British Airways as sole airline occupant, is set to help transform the passenger experience at Heathrow. It will offer passengers a simple and stress-free experience through online check-in and fast bag drop facilities, with the benefit of state-of-the-art security and baggage facilities.
 
The Terminal 5 complex features 60 new aircraft stands; two satellite buildings, the second of which (phase 2)  will be completed by 2010; rail links to London Underground and Heathrow Express; a new multi-storey car park; and extensive landscaping.

3/14/2008 4:33:56 AM UTC     

Coventry Airport is delighted to welcome the first Wizz Air flight from Gdansk in northern Poland, which will be arriving this Saturday. Wizz Air commences the new three times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) services to Gdansk on Saturday 15 March, using a 180 seat Airbus A320 aircraft.

Chris Orphanou, Chief Executive Officer of Coventry Airport, said:  “We are delighted that Wizz Air is complementing its existing services to Katowice with the introduction of new flights to the important Polish commercial centre of Gdansk.  The West Midlands region has strong historical links with Poland and these new flights are great news for the Polish community, business and leisure travellers.”

“Forward bookings on this route look very healthy,” said John Stephenson of Wizz Air. “Our load factors are extremely promising and we’re certain the Gdansk route will be equally as popular as our existing services to Katowice.”

Gdansk, situated on the southern coast of Gdansk Bay on the Baltic Sea, is the sixth largest city in Poland and can trace its history back to AD980.  The city has been a principle seaport since medieval times and subsequently a major ship-building centre.  Gdansk is famous worldwide as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement which, under the leadership of Lech Walesa, played a major role in bringing an end to Communist rule in Poland. 

www.wizzair.com. 

3/12/2008 11:54:02 AM UTC     

Qantas announced today it would commence its first ever non-stop services to South America, with flights from Sydney to Buenos Aires* commencing on 24 November, 2008.

Mr John Borghetti, Executive General Manager,  said the airline would operate three return services per week on the route. “Qantas previously offered one-stop services to Buenos Aires, via Auckland, between 1998 and 2002. “We have maintained services to South America via our successful codeshare with LAN since then, and this relationship will continue. LAN Argentina is also planning to codeshare on Qantas’ new Buenos Aires flights,” Mr Borghetti said.

“Qantas’ new services will also offer passengers connections to other destinations in South America, including Brazil. “These network developments will enable us to grow business and leisure travel to and from Argentina and strengthen tourism and trade links between Australia and South America.”

3/12/2008 7:59:49 AM UTC     

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts has launched its brand new website it complements the style of the international hotel chain superbly. Its elegant layout reflects the company’s corporate identity in a clear, modern and contemporary design.

“The new website with its appealing “look and feel” matches our deluxe hotels and our image perfectly,” explains Petra Goetting, Vice President Marketing & Sales at Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. “The new layout and wider selection of images gives guests a more effective impression of our individual hotels. The website is currently available in a German and an English-language version. However, we are already working on additional versions in Turkish, Japanese and Chinese, to meet th