Air Astana, the flag carrier of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is celebrating its seventh anniversary with plans to significantly expand its Central Asia network to include more cities in southern Russia and other neighbouring countries. The airline initiated this strategic programme with the recent launch of services from Almaty to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan and Urumqi in western China. A fleet of new generation Embraer EM190 airliners have been selected to specifically operate on Air Astana’s expanding Central Asia network, with the first two leased aircraft scheduled for delivery in early 2011. Airbus A320 Family aircraft will operate these services in the interim.

“Over the past seven years, Air Astana has established itself as the industry leader in the CIS/ Central Asia region, with an outstanding reputation for providing safe, reliable and comfortable air services on both its domestic network and long-haul routes to major cities in Europe, Middle East and Asia,” said Peter Foster, President of Air Astana. After detailed market analysis, we have identified enormous opportunities to expand further over next five years with a new network of services to neighbouring countries operated by a fleet of low cost, high comfort, Embraer EM190 aircraft.”

Despite challenging conditions in 2008, Air Astana continued to achieve growth and profitability, with available seat kilometers up by 16% to 7.5 billion compared to 2007. Passengers carried increased by 8% to 2.3 million.  Almost 28,000 scheduled passenger flights were undertaken, with an average load factor of 64%. The fleet grew to 21 all western aircraft  (2 Boeing 767 /4 Boeing 757 /10 Airbus A320 Family / 5 Fokker 50) during the year and will increase further to 28 aircraft by 2013.
 
www.airastana.com

5/22/2009 12:31:29 PM UTC    Comments 

The Greenway, Cheltenham is set in a delightful location not too far from the centre of Cheltenham nestling in the lee of the Cotswold Hills.  Sprawling grounds and manicured gardens surround the magnificent historic manor house making it a perfect venue for family occasions! 

Situated a short distance from the Manor House the Coach House used to be the original stable block of the Greenway Estate and were transformed into spacious bedrooms in the late 1980’s.  The Coach House is perfect for families offering more privacy and spacious bedrooms.

The Greenway’s welcoming and attentive service, mouth-watering food and stylish décor will ensure you have a really great experience and will guarantee that Dad is made to feel very special!  

Rate: From £240 per room, per night.  (£35 per extra bed in a family room)

To book: www.thegreenway.co.uk or 01242 862352

5/21/2009 9:56:22 AM UTC    Comments 

One of the world’s best beaches is now home to the pinnacle of luxury resorts, with the opening of InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa on Natadola Beach, the pride of Fiji’s Coral Coast.

Spread across 35 acres of tropical gardens, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is the sole destination resort on Natadola Beach – the only stretch of natural, white sand beach on the main island of Fiji, Viti Levu. Protected by a reef to create an aqua-blue ocean facing lagoon, Natadola Beach was voted by Forbes Magazine in 2008 as one of the 25 best beaches in the world. 

A true destination resort, InterContinental Fiji has been created to provide a luxurious pacific retreat for discerning travellers seeking more than just a beachside getaway.  From the overall design and layout of the resort itself through to the smallest details, InterContinental Fiji is a visitor’s gateway to authentic Fijian experiences.

Special opening rates from FJ$280.00 inclusive taxes, room only per night.  This rate is subject to availability, for travel before the end of 2009.

www.intercontinental.com/fiji.

5/21/2009 8:28:59 AM UTC    Comments 

Since 25 February, Iberia is using the remodelled Terminal 3 at London-Heathrow for all its flights to and from the English capital, including those operated by British Airways to/from Madrid and Barcelona and Clickair flights to other Spanish cities.

The move means that eight members of the oneworld airline alliance now use the same Heathrow terminal, facilitating connections between them. Joining Iberia at the terminal are Qantas, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, Cathay, Japan Airlines, and American Airlines. Most British Airways flights continue to operate from Terminal 5

.

Iberia’s check-in counters are in zone F of the building terminal, where four auto check-in machines are available, along with an Iberia ticket sales office, and a service counter for customers and unaccompanied minors. Iberia’s business class passengers and holders of the Iberia Plus frequent flyers Gold or Platinum cards will have access to the terminal’s VIP lounge.

5/21/2009 6:11:36 AM UTC    Comments 

The Northern Broadsides and West Yorkshire Playhouse highly acclaimed production of Othello, starring Lenny Henry in the title role, will transfer to Trafalgar Studios in London from 11 September following a sell-out, regional tour. It is scheduled to play through 12 December.

Love, racism, jealousy and desire are at the emotional core of Shakespeare's monumental tragedy, a tender love story shattered by one man's obsessive hatred of another. Othello is noble, brave and victorious. Iago, passed over for a position in the army, fuels his diabolical revenge with hatred and snarling racism. Poignant, intense and heartbreaking, Othello mercilessly explores every inch of the human condition.

Orwell,  A Celebration featuring the West End premiere of the critically acclaimed adaptation of Coming Up for Air, extracts from Nineteen Eighty-Four and two other rare shorts, will play at the Trafalgar Studios from 8 June to 4 July, followed by Ella Hickson's Eight from 6 to 25 July. Eight offers eight captivating monologues that give a group-portrait of Britain's youth. From high-class hookers and 7/7 survivors to squaddies making friends in morgues, the monologues are hugely effecting. The play scooped a Fringe First and 'Best of the Edinburgh Festival' awards.

http://www.ambassadortickets.com

5/21/2009 6:06:29 AM UTC    Comments 

Air Namibia is to suspend its twice weekly service between Windhoek and Gatwick. The last departure outbound from Windhoek will be 28 May returning out of Gatwick 29 May. The airline stresses that the London direct route has only been suspended, until further notice. It will continue to operate five flights per week from its well-established primary European gateway at Frankfurt, offering good connections from the UK. From Namibia it serves other Southern Africa destinations including Cape Town and Johannesburg.

www.airnamibia.com

5/10/2009 4:29:12 PM UTC    Comments 

Continental Airlines has introduced a daily Heathrow - Cleveland summer only service. Flights will be by a two-class Boeing 757. The flights will be operated by Boeing 767-200ER aircraft, seating 25 passengers in the award-winning BusinessFirst cabin and 149 in economy.

www.continental.com

5/10/2009 4:27:27 PM UTC    Comments 

Jo’burg has seen the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton. Situated in the heart of Sandton's business and financial district the hotel is within walking distance of Nelson Mandela Square, the Sandton shopping centre and Johannesburg's Stock Exchange. The 15-storey hotel has 290 guest rooms including 33 suites. Radisson is focusing on South

Africa prior to the World Cup. Also newly opened is the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, a 177-room oceanfront hotel. Upcoming developments include properties in Port Elizabeth (2009), Blaauwberg, Cape Town (2010), and another Johannesburg development, the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton Central (2010).

www.johannesburg.radissonsas.com

5/10/2009 4:24:12 PM UTC    Comments 

There have been three routes introduced from Stansted Airport recently. Making a popular return is Jersey, which has been added as a 'same plane' service to the daily Guernsey flight by Aurigny. The return leg is direct.

Also new is Bodrum, on Turkey's Aegean coastline, with a Monday only service flight operated by Pegasus Airlines. And lastly, Air Arabia Moroc arrives with the new airline's first ever scheduled flight inbound from Casablanca. The carrier is part of the Air Arabia Group and will use Airbus A320s.

www.stanstedairport.com

5/10/2009 4:21:49 PM UTC    Comments 

Virgin Trains has smartly refurbished and significantly extended its First Class lounge at Euston Station. Open seven days a week the facility can be used by anyone with a valid First Class ticket from Virgin or First ScotRail. With capacity for 140, the first floor lounge offers an environment catering for both business and leisure travellers.

www.virgintrains.co.uk

5/10/2009 4:18:54 PM UTC    Comments 

The award-winning Dutch hotel group citizenM has officially opened the doors to its second hotel the 215 room Amsterdam City Hotel. Located on Prinses Irenestraat in Amsterdam's booming financial district, between the World Trade Centre and city centre and just minutes from the city's cultural attractions, the new hotel focuses on where today's mobile citizens want and need to go ... just like its groundbreaking first hotel at Schiphol airport, which opened to resounding acclaim in June 2008. Rates per room are 69 -149 euros.

www.citizenM.com

5/10/2009 4:15:10 PM UTC    Comments 

Hertz has sliced 15% off daily rental rates to the UK, Europe, US and Canada, in a special offer, which makes car rental even more affordable. The special deal applies only for Hertz vehicles booked before 30 June 2009, for a minimum five day rental between 1 June and 31 August 2009.

www.hertz.com

5/10/2009 4:10:12 PM UTC    Comments 

Austrian Airlines has expanded its route network into the Middle East to 15 with the launch of a three times a week service from Vienna to Amman. The capital of the Kingdom of Jordan is a highly popular destination for tourists and business travellers alike, and flights there will operate using an Airbus A320 equipped with Austrian Premium Service. Every amenity required to create a comfortable and relaxed travel experience will be provided in the Business Class section of the aircraft, giving passengers the opportunity to enjoy a unique mix of Austrian hospitality and Oriental flair.

www.aua.com/uk/eng

5/10/2009 4:08:03 PM UTC    Comments 

British travellers are going barmy for the UK’s seaside destinations, according to leading hotel booking website Hotels.com. The site has seen searches for many of the country’s traditional seaside resorts more than double – showing that British travellers are eager to holiday at home this year.

The English Riviera is the most popular destination this year for British holidaymakers, with searches for towns such as Torquay and Newquay up more than 160% on this time last year. With their beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic surf, Devon and Cornwall are set to be a huge hit with British travellers this summer.

The lures of rock, fun on the pier and strolls along the promenade have also seen searches for traditional British seaside destinations like Blackpool (140%), Llandudno (130%) and Brighton (50%) rocket. Jersey, offering the excitement of a British seaside resort with a Continental influence, is also a popular choice this summer with searches up 120% on this time last year.

Alison Couper, Director of Communications at Hotels.com, says: “It is great to see renewed interest in Britain’s traditional seaside resorts. With a hot summer forecast and UK hotel prices at a record low, there has never been a better time to holiday at home and enjoy everything the UK has to offer.”

www.hotels.com

5/10/2009 9:19:51 AM UTC    Comments 

Eurostar has unveiled a new look and feel for the onboard branding of “Leisure Select” - its first class accommodation for leisure travellers. 

The rich and colourful imagery of the new branding re-defines the Leisure Select experience by using pictures of cultural hotspots - particularly cafes, bars and restaurants - in London, Paris and Brussels that have been selected as offering great value for money. 

Leisure Select offers style, quality and value, and includes a choice of meals and drinks served at seat.  All-inclusive fares start from just £119 return for a weekend day return, or from £149 return for a Saturday night away, with no airline-style extra charges.

Uniquely, Eurostar offers three classes of services on its trains, including two first class products: “Business Premier”, “Leisure Select” and  “Standard Class”.

www.eurostar.com

5/10/2009 9:17:09 AM UTC    Comments 

Air France, Cityjet and VLM Airlines are to operate twice a day during the week and once a day on weekends to Nantes. The 100-minute flights will be operated by VLM Airlines' Fokker 50 aircraft and will offer a choice of Business and Economy Class services.

Passengers using this service can check in at London City Airport just 15 minutes prior to departure (hand luggage only - 20 minutes with hold luggage).

 www.flyvlm.com

5/3/2009 11:40:19 AM UTC    Comments 

London City Airport is now available on your mobile phone with real time flight status information, travel and airport information. Just text LONDON to 60707 and you will be sent a text message enabling you to access the airport’s mobile site. Texts cost £1 per message.

www.londoncityairport.com

5/3/2009 11:37:53 AM UTC    Comments 

Regional airline Air Southwest has started its new double daily service from London City Airport to Plymouth in Devon and Newquay in Cornwall. With a travel time of just under one hour the flights are priced from £29. “These flights fit the busy working lives of our business customers and are ideal for London City customers looking to visit friends and family or make the most of a short break in Cornwall and Devon without the high costs of the Eurozone,” said Peter Davies, Southest MD. He said that more than 5000 seats had already been sold since the routes were announced just a few weeks ago. The services are being operated using Dash 8-300 aircraft.

www.airsouthwest.com

5/3/2009 11:36:03 AM UTC    Comments 

Visitors to a new London bar could be in danger of “breathe driving” with a special room offering the ability to experience a “breathable cocktail.” The Alcoholic Architecture bar on Ganton Street is charging patrons £5 to enter a room filled with a fabulous cloud of vaporised gin and tonic. Stays in the room are limited to 60 minutes at a time, which is estimated to be equivalent to between one and two drinks. A spokesman for the venue says guests are being advised to “breathe responsibly.”

If you do have to many 'breathes' can you go back in the morning for an 'air of the dog'.

5/3/2009 11:28:18 AM UTC    Comments 

Sunglasses, first-aid kit and currency – they’re probably all on your holiday must-haves list, but what about financial protection of your holiday? According to a survey carried out by YouGov on behalf of the Department for Transport, over half of holidaymakers (57%) don’t always check if their holiday is protected when they book.

To help with your travel planning, the Government has published information on financial protection aimed specifically at holidaymakers on the Directgov website www.direct.gov.uk/holidayprotection. Almost half of those surveyed (43%) admitted not knowing where to go for advice on whether their holiday is protected, or for advice on what to do if their travel company or airline goes out of business (49%). So now is the right time, as the peak travel season approaches, to inform travellers that this information is now available on the Directgov website.

www.direct.gov.uk/holidayprotection

5/3/2009 11:20:46 AM UTC    Comments 

W Hotels Worldwide marks its entry into the Middle East with the opening of the W Doha Hotel & Residences and merges traditional Arabian imagery with the contemporary cool design of the W brand.

W Doha includes 291 guest rooms, 31 suites, and 154 W branded Residences and is conveniently located in the West Bay of Doha on the Qatar peninsula, providing easy access to Doha’s world-class shopping destinations, pristine beaches and water sports facilities, first-class greens of Doha Golf Club, and scenic Corniche waterfront district.

www.starwoodhotels.com

5/3/2009 11:17:38 AM UTC    Comments 

British Airways is offering 5,000 return flights worth up to £15 million to help UK small and medium-sized enterprises win new business abroad.

The airline has teamed up with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and British American Business (BAB) to help SMEs fight the recession.

Chief executive Willie Walsh said: “SMEs are the backbone of the British economy and they are hurting badly, with 120 of them closing every week.

“We’d love to see other British businesses pulling together in order to help the UK out of the recession. We’ve put up the flights to allow the SMEs to travel to do business and we’d be delighted if other companies would join us by offering services and skills that will bring real value and benefit.”

BA said it will also announce further plans to benefit British business and travellers throughout the next six months as part of its campaign to get Britain moving again.

British businesses wishing to join BA and offer help to SMEs, should email business.development@ba.com.

5/3/2009 11:16:22 AM UTC    Comments 

Park Hotel Group has celebrated the opening of Grand Park Xian in China's ancient capital famed for the 'Terracotta Warriors'. The 338 room, 5 star Grand Park Xian is adjacent to the ancient City Wall in the heart of the city’s business, shopping and entertainment district.

www.parkhotelgroup.com

5/3/2009 11:13:38 AM UTC    Comments 

EL AL, the national airline of Israel, has introduced its Business Plus loyalty reward scheme to the UK market.  Particularly appealing to SME’s, EL AL’s Business Plus benefits both the company business travel budget and the employees, as it awards frequent flyer points to both for the same trip.  Business Plus is the most generous travel reward and incentive programme on the London to Tel Aviv route.

The company accumulates points from each flight, which can be redeemed to benefit the travel budget, with bonus tickets and upgrades to premium classes.  The account is easily managed online and companies can authorise their Travel Agent or Travel Management Company to manage their Business Plus account. 

The individual employee also earns points for every flight, in any class, between London and Tel Aviv and these are allocated to a personal MATMID account.  These points can be used for bonus flights and upgrades including personal leisure use. 

Uri Danor, EL AL’s CEO, UK, Ireland and Northern Europe said: “Having recently launched a programme for families (family Flyers Club) we have now introduced Business Plus for the business market. We know that this will encourage more companies to fly EL AL to Israel for business and by rewarding the employees as well as the companies we know it will stimulate the individuals to fly with us for leisure as well.

“This announcement comes at the same time as EL AL adding a third weekly frequency from London Luton Airport that will start in May. The third flight provides business (and leisure) travellers further opportunities to get to Israel. The new flights are timed to connect with onward services South Africa and Asia.”

To celebrate the launch of Business Plus EL AL is giving companies that register online two complimentary passes for the King David lounge at Heathrow.

Any UK & Ireland registered company is eligible to join the Business Plus scheme free of charge – registration is online at www.elal.co.uk

4/27/2009 2:04:41 PM UTC    Comments 

The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai will open its doors on 1st May 2009 with a quintet of introductory offers, enabling guests to experience the glamour of the Golden Age of Old Shanghai in a unique Art Deco masterpiece, in the heart of the city.

http://yangtzeboutique.langhamhotels.com

4/19/2009 4:31:54 PM UTC    Comments 

ITV Hell’s Kitchen chef Marco Pierre White is to host private cooking and tasting sessions on board on the P&O Cruise ship Ventura, where the self-proclaimed godfather of modern British cooking oversees an on board restaurant, the White Room.

The interactive sessions will involve participants joining the celebrity chef as he creates a three-course meal. They will then and taste the finished dishes.

4/19/2009 4:30:02 PM UTC    Comments 

During a trial period (15 April and 1 July), SAS passengers can experience the increased simplicity of travelling with Scandinavian Airlines between any of the following seven airports: Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Helsinki, London Heathrow, Oslo, Stavanger and Stockholm.

The service will be available to all passengers with mobile internet (WAP). Once checked in via SMS or the SAS Mobile Portal, all that is needed is one click to confirm flight details and a Mobile Boarding Pass with a 2D bar code will be displayed. The Mobile Boarding Pass contains the flight number, seat number, departure and arrival time.

The 2D bar code can be used when registering luggage at the SAS Self Service Kiosks, as well as for security, Fast Track security and lounge access.

www.flysas.com

4/19/2009 4:24:20 PM UTC    Comments 

Air New Zealand is doubling the number of Pacific Premium Economy seats available on its Boeing 777-200 ER fleet from 18 to 36, with the first of eight aircraft re-entering service this week after being refitted in Auckland.

Air New Zealand are introducing more legroom with seat pitch increased to 41 inches (from 38 inches) and a new self-service bar area for customers travelling in premium cabins.

It is the third Pacific Premium Economy capacity increase in two years, with Air New Zealand twice increasing the number of seats available on its Boeing 747-400 aircraft, now up to 39 Pacific Premium Economy seats.

www.airnewzealand.co.uk

4/19/2009 4:18:49 PM UTC    Comments 

Singapore Airlines, together with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore Changi Airport, are offering all its customers the Fabulous Singapore Stopover Package for just US$1 for the first night stay in Singapore.

This Stopover package covers exclusive deals on hotel accommodation, airport transfers and entry to some of Singapore’s leading tourist attractions.
Customers will each be given Sin$10 Changi vouchers, which they can use to pay for purchases at the many retail and food and beverage outlets at Changi Airport.

They can also take advantage of free ground transfers to and from Changi Airport and unlimited use of the Singapore Airlines’ “Hop-On Bus” – an air-conditioned bus service that allows customers to visit over 20 major attractions in Singapore.

The package also includes free admission to attractions, a 50% dining discount at designated food outlets at selected hotels, a free SingTel Prepaid Mobile hi!Card, which customers can use to make calls and Singapore Airlines Boarding Pass Privileges, which offer discounts on shopping, dining, sightseeing tours, tourist attractions and car rentals when customers present their Singapore Airlines boarding passes.

This attractive package is valid for travel and hotel stay from 15 April to 30 September 2009. At US$1 for the first night, travellers can choose to stay from a list of six hotels.

4/19/2009 4:16:54 PM UTC    Comments 

Etihad Airways is now offering its most frequent customers the opportunity to upgrade their seats at the airport before they fly.

Members of Etihad Guest, the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s loyalty programme, can now use their Etihad Guest miles to upgrade from economy class to business class at any airport on the Etihad global network before they fly. Etihad Guest Gold members can redeem miles to upgrade from business class to first class.

Etihad passengers can also secure an upgrade up to 48 hours before their flight by using the Etihad Guest Service Centre.

www.etihadairways.com

4/19/2009 4:15:07 PM UTC    Comments 

Guests at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport can now ‘check in’ as they ‘check out’.

The 320-room hotel has introduced a dedicated counter for passengers to check in for Singapore Airlines or SilkAir flights, at the same time as they check out of their rooms.

4/15/2009 8:32:35 AM UTC    Comments 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is encouraging and rewarding travel with the launch of its richest promotion yet - SPG Free Weekends. 

With this unprecedented offer, both existing and new members of the Starwood Preferred Guest® programme (SPG) who stay two times at any of Starwood's hotels between May 1 and July 31, 2009 can earn one free weekend night (Friday, Saturday or Sunday).  There are no limits to the number of free weekend nights that can be earned, and earned nights can be combined to make a longer weekend stay. The nights are redeemable without blackout dates through the end of September.

www.spg.com/freeweekends  

4/15/2009 8:27:39 AM UTC    Comments 

The Estonian Golf & Country Club is looking to attract UK golfers with some fantastic golfing deals this summer.

Estonia, just a two-and-a-half hour flight from the UK, is still a relatively unknown quantity for UK golfers but offers some first-class facilities.

The Estonian Golf & Country Club, situated only 25 minutes from the medieval capital city Tallinn, is one of seven courses in the country and the only PGA European Tour course in Eastern Europe.

The club offers 27 holes of golf located within a beautiful natural setting: the 18-hole Sea Course and the nine-hole Stone Course.
 
UK golfers can take advantage of some outstanding spring and summer savings with packages starting from £106 per person, and three nights’ city-centre accommodation, three rounds of golf and transfers available from £310.

In addition, guests staying at The Estonian Golf & Country Club can have additional rounds of golf arranged at other courses near Tallinn if requested when booking.

4/15/2009 8:02:35 AM UTC    Comments 

In the first stage the companies will share frequencies between São Paulo and London Heathrow, with connections to five cities in the UK and four Brazilian state capitals

TAM, Brazil's largest airline, initiates an operational codeshare agreement with bmi on April 14. The initial phase of the bilateral agreement allows for the two companies to expand services for customers travelling between Brazil and the United Kingdom, resulting in more destination options in both countries and convenient connections to-and-from the largest cities in Brazil and the UK.

Through the partnership customers of TAM and bmi will enjoy simplified flight reservation procedures, convenient connections with just one ticket and the ability to check baggage through to the final destination.

In the first phase, TAM's customers will be able to fly from São Paulo to London Heathrow Airport aboard a Boeing 777-300ER (with 365 executive and economy class seats) to connect with bmi flights in Heathrow going on to Aberdeen, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

bmi customers will be able to take direct flights from London Heathrow to São Paulo, Brazil aboard a Boeing 777 operated by TAM with connecting flights in São Paulo to the Brazilian cities of Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Salvador and Fortaleza.

In a second phase the partnership will be expanded to include more bmi routes that will allow TAM to offer its customers more connection options over London to Europe. bmi customers will also benefit from the addition of TAM destinations to other South American countries including Buenos Aires (Argentina), Santiago (Chile), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Lima (Peru).

4/13/2009 9:28:12 AM UTC    Comments