June Supplier News Update | Voyager Travel Blog

qantas news

new QF A380R debuted

Qantas has introduced the first of its 12 newly reconfigured A380s. The reconfiguration process will see the superjumbo modified to better suit long haul customer demand featuring 14 First suites, 64 Skybeds, 35 Premium Economy seats and 371 Economy seats ? a total of 484 seats. Additional capacity was made by reducing the Business cabin and reshuffling some interiors. All 12 of Qantas?s A380s are scheduled to be reconfigured by Apr 2013.

See the seating chart for revamped Qantas A380s here.

qantas surfs the net sky high

Qantas has been trialling OnAir Internet connectivity on selected A380 flights between Australia and the USA, as it evaluates its deployment across its fleet on an ongoing basis.

The trial launched in March, initially for an eight week period, but has now been extended, with Qantas continuing to invite feedback on the product from business and first class passengers. Six A380s have the system, and Qantas is the first carrier to offer connectivity on direct flights between Australia and the USA.? The connection is provided using global Inmarsat satellite based connections, and becomes live as soon as the aircraft leaves Australian airspace. Under the current trial, the system is free for First class passengers, while there is a sliding scale of costs in Business class depending on downloads and device type.

qantas expands upgrade options

Qantas says its new ?at the gate? upgrade functionality has been introduced following extensive feedback from Frequent Flyers who have been frustrated when their Flight Upgrade Award requests using points are denied, yet they see empty seats available when boarding. ?To increase the members? chances of obtaining an upgrade we have introduced an additional process where an upgrade request can be further processed at the airport prior to departure,? a spokesperson said. She said that members will still continue to receive notification of an upgrade confirmation prior to arriving at the airport, but there is now an additional opportunity to be advised at check-in. The carrier began trialling the new system this month on selected routes, with the aim of rolling it out across the entire international network by the end of July.

dry-cleaning by QF

Qantas has announced it now offers dry-cleaning services at its Sydney & Melbourne domestic terminals as part of its Qantas Valet experience. The service is also available to QantasLink and Jetstar passengers, along with valet parking, car cleaning and chauffeur limousine transfers.
Customers drop dry-cleaning off at a dedicated counter when they leave their car and collect it upon their return, with customers receiving a free garment bag to use each time as well as three frequent-flyer points per $1 spent.

changes to qantas group services

Effective 23 August the number of flights between Sydney and Cairns will reduce from three daily services to two daily return services.

The following flights will cease operations:
QF932 ? Sydney to Cairns
QF921 ? Cairns to Sydney

Qantas will also reduce services between Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Perth from four return services per week to two return services per week effective 1 September.? This service will then be suspended from 28 October 2012.

Qantas will reduce services between Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Cairns from 14 return services per week to seven return services per week effective 1 September 2012.

Qantas has made these changes due to a decline in demand on the impacted services.

Qantas will re-accommodate all Qantas customers booked on cancelled flights including those customers travelling on Qantas Frequent Flyer Award tickets. If you have any questions please contact your dedicated consultant.

Meanwhile, Qantas Group has announced plans to increase capacity on east coast routes by up to 25,800 seats per week during 2012/13. A range of changes, including aircraft upgrades and additional frequencies will be made.
- Qantas will add extra services during peak times on core east coast business routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- The reintroduction of Boeing 747 services on the Sydney-Perth route and more Airbus A330 services on the Melbourne-Perth route will increase capacity in the east-west market and give more customers access to the award-winning Skybed product in business class.
- Jetstar will increase capacity in its key leisure markets.
- QantasLink will increase capacity across Queensland with the introduction of F100 jet services between Brisbane and Emerald, complementing Q400 services and providing cascaded growth in key regional markets.

The introduction of these services in 2012/13 will result in an increase of more than 496,000 additional Jetstar seats and 400,000 Qantas seats per year along the east coast.

qantas business class baggage allowance increased

Qantas have advised travel agents of an increased luggage allowance for domestic business class travellers, with the move effective from 02 May. The checked baggage allowance for travel in?? business on QF domestic flights will increase from one 32kg piece to two 32kg pieces.

new singapore changi lounge

By the end of 2012, First customers of Qantas and British Airways travelling to London via Singapore will be able to enjoy a new lounge in Singapore. Designed by Qantas Creative Director Marc Newson, the new First Lounge aims to deliver unsurpassed levels of comfort and luxury, building on the success of the Sydney and Melbourne lounges.

In the meantime Qantas are making a change to their current Singapore lounges.? The current Business Lounge has been temporarily switched to a First Lounge for access by Qantas, British Airways and oneworld customers travelling in First and Business, Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyers, British Airways Gold Executive members and oneworld Emerald members.
The current First Lounge has been temporarily switched to a Business Lounge for access by Qantas Gold Frequent Flyers, British Airways Silver Executive Club members, Qantas Club members and oneworld Sapphire members travelling in Premium Economy and Economy and Jetstar customers travelling on a Business Max fare.

virgin news

virgin tasman meals

Virgin Australia has announced changes to meals offered along with its trans-Tasman Flexi Fares. Effective immediately, guests travelling on Flexi Fares will now receive a new hot meal in addition to complimentary beer, wine and other beverages, while those in Premium Economy will also receive the new meal plus complimentary menu selections.

changes to virgin services

On the 28 May Virgin Australia added two additional daily flights between Brisbane and Gladstone from, increasing? frequency to 58 per week. The services utilise the ATR turboprop fleet which now operates over 200 weekly flights within Qld, NSW and the ACT.

For the first time in 11 years, the north-west region will gain the benefit of a choice of two major airlines (Qantas and Virgin), with Virgin Australia announcing it will commence competitive services between Mount Isa and Brisbane on 13 August 2012.

virgin? lounge updates

Virgin Australia has opened its Lounge at Gold Coast Airport, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to the Gold Coast hub and enhancing travel to this important destination for both leisure and corporate guests.

Virgin Australia & Etihad to open new Sydney Airport lounge in early 2013 with a Melbourne lounge to follow. Refurbishment work at Melbourne Airport?s Terminal 3 has been launched as part of the airline?s brand repositioning. The investment includes a new ?high-quality? corporate Lounge and the introduction of a Premium Valet service at T3. Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff said flights will operate as normal during the upgrade and that the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Perth lounge has been updated with more space, more seats and more flat-screen TV?s.? It now features several ?zoned areas to offer choice and improved experience? for travellers, additional group seating and a self-service beverage area (in addition to the barista and bar service) plus three more HD TVs and two additional sets of flight information displays. The lounge is open to all business class travellers plus Gold and Platinum members of Virgin?s Velocity frequent flyer program.

virgin?atlantic gives the OK on in-flight calls

Virgin Atlantic says it will begin allowing passengers on transatlantic A330 flights from London to New York to use mobile phones to make calls as it begins rolling out new technology this year.? Smartphone users will be able to send & receive text messages, emails & web browse in-flight. The service is available for 02 or Vodaphone-compatible devices, charged at ?1 (AU$1.60)/min once airborne & outside US air space.

other airline news

hot deal from united airlines!

United Airlines has put business class companion fares on sale for travel from Australia to the US, with levels starting at $4200 ex Sydney/Melbourne to Los Angeles. New York is selling from $4800 and Las Vegas from $4400.

The fares are on sale till 16 July, with open seasonality. Hurry, call your dedicated consultants to book now.

hawaiian airlines adds second australian port

Hawaiian Airlines has announced the debut of nonstop flights between Brisbane and Honolulu, with the thrice weekly operation to commence from 28 November this year. The move will see HA become the only US carrier to fly to the Queensland capital, with the new flights connecting in Hawaii with same-carrier same-day services to other Hawaiian islands.
The return service HA443 will depart Hawaii at 9.45am each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving in Brisbane at 4pm the following day in time for onward connections to destinations across Australia.

singapore airlines closes heathrow terminal 3 lounge for month-long ?aesthetic face lift?

Singapore Airlines has closed its first and business class SilverKris lounges in London Heathrow?s Terminal 3 for a minor make-over and are expected to reopen by 15 July 2012
While the SilverKris lounges get their refurbishment, Singapore?s business and first class passengers and high-tier frequent flyers will have access to the No 1 Lounge, an independent lounge located on the second floor of Terminal 3 (airside).

south african airways increase frequency of perth-johannesburg flight

From 17 August South African Airways will increase the frequency between Perth and Johannesburg to daily services.

bid to upgrade on etihad

Etihad Airways has introduced a new online upgrade system that gives you the opportunity to upgrade to Diamond First or Pearl Business Class. The online upgrade system facilitated through PlusGrade.

If you have a confirmed Coral Economy or Pearl Business Class ticket and your flight has seats available for potential upgrade, you will receive an email 10 days prior to departure from Plusgrade.? If you wish to upgrade, you can click on the ?Upgrade Now? icon from the email which will lead you to the bidding platform managed by PlusGrade.??You then choose the amount you are willing to pay for the upgrade and submit your credit card details. The amount will be deducted only if your bid has been successful and you will receive a confirmation email two days prior to departure informing the status of your bid. To view more details on the offer, click here.

auckland?fees up & down

Auckland?Airport is raising airport charges by NZ$1.32 to NS$5.55 for domestic passengers? but dropping international charges by NZ$0.58 to NZ$21.55, effective 01 July.?

air new zealand perth?777 on sale

Air?New Zealand is promoting its new non-stop three-class Boeing 777-200 service which will operate non-stop between Perth and Auckland from 03 Sep. The carrier is offering an expanded ?seats to suit? fare structure including fully lie-flat business class beds as well as a premium economy? cabin.

etihad to sao paulo

Etihad?Airways chief James Hogan has revealed the carrier will add Sao Paulo, Brazil to its global network within 12 months. ?Brazil is a logical next step for us and we will mark the sixth continent we serve and our coming of age as a truly global airline,? Hogan said. EY will offer a daily non-stop service from Abu Dhabi to Sao Paul from 01 Jun 2013, using triple-class A340-600 aircraft.

print at home bag tag

Technology?firm Unisys has offered a new convenience for international? air travellers by introducing the world?s first home-printed luggage tags. The new system will be trialled at Denmark?s Billund Airport and goes hand-in-hand with established online check-in procedures.
Users will be able to print tags for up to nine bags, with a unique code added to tags to enable bags to be tracked if they go missing. Tags are placed in a reusable plastic tag holder provided by the airport, with passengers dropping their luggage at designated counters prior to passing through security. The development is in line with an IATA directive as part of its ?Fast Travel Initiative?.

adina for sydney airport

Toga?Hospitality has announced the 2013 opening of a new hotel to be known as Adina Apartment Hotel Mascot, located within 1km of Sydney Airport on Bourke Road. Toga MD Allan Idor said it would be the fourth new Adina Apartment Hotel to be announced this year in Sydney, after Bondi Beach, Norwest & Royal Randwick.

rex links new routes

Regional?Express has unveiled a range of new services linking the towns of Mildura in Victoria and outback NSW town of Broken Hill with each other, as well as Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. The new routes have been created in respective partnerships with Mildura Airport and Broken Hill City Council, set to commence from 09 Jul. Direct Sydney to Mildura flights will operate on weekdays with an additional flight on Sun, however the return leg will fly only on weekdays. The new schedule will see Broken Hill receive 17 weekly services to and from all ports.

hotel news

hotel charsfield and the crossley

Hotel Charsfield now has an on site gym and beauty room catering for guests exercise and pampering needs.?? Also, The Crossley has recently updated their TV?s and now have all rooms have digital TVs with FREE in-house movies and FREE Wifi.

langham observatory

Langham Hospitality Group has confirmed the acquisition of The Observatory Hotel in Sydney, effective 08 Aug. ?Strategically, this purchase signals the group?s plans for long term expansion in the Pacific region,? said LHG CEO Brett Butcher. Within the Pacific region, Langham has properties in both Melbourne and Auckland.

sydney marriott now the pullman

Accor has announced the settlement of its purchase of the Mirvac hotel portfolio, with the first phase of integration seeing the Sydney Marriott Hotel re-branded as the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park. The hotel will receive a $7 million refurbishment ?to align the hotel to Pullman?s five-star standards? with the work to include renovating all remaining rooms as well as significant upgrades to public areas.

london rates sliding

Despite?rates at London hotels surging around 93% year-on-year for travel during the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games, new data from Hotels.com suggests accommodation prices are now deflating. The online accommodation site says rates have fallen by nearly $20 a night since Mar this year.

country comfort perth revamp

Country Comfort Perth will undergo a $14million upgrade taking the hotel?s capacity from 99 to 161 rooms.? The upgrade is in direct response to demand from the mining and resource sector and comes as SilverNeedle announced the expansion of seven new properties to the group?s overall brand network including two properties in Townsville,? an area that is also experiencing room? shortages due to the mining boom.

park hyatt sydney?s transformation earns 2012 top awards

Park Hyatt Sydney?s recently revealed refurbishments have been noted with accolades and awards for the luxury hotel bestowed by two prestigious travel magazines.

Travel & Leisure magazine?s IT list names the Park Hyatt Sydney one of ?The Best New Hotels 2012? and in the 2012 Australian Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards Sydney?s harbourside jewel was awarded Best Capital City Hotel.

After 11 months of renovations, the Park Hyatt?s grand reopening in March 2012 showcased the extensive transformation and secured the hotel?s position as a world-class, luxury establishment. The awards represent a first for the Park Hyatt in the Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards and the fourth time the Park Hyatt Sydney has scooped a Travel & Leisure award.

other news

Interested in what Australian Business Traveller predict as 2012?s five top airline trends reshaping business travel?? Read the article here.

hertz nz mobile wifi

Hertz?New Zealand is claiming a first with the release of a new mobile Wi-Fi rental service, enabling car rental customers to stay connected during their New Zealand travels. Portable units giving nationwide coverage can now be rented at Hertz international airport locations in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. They?re priced from NZ$12.95+GST per day including 150MB of daily data, and Hertz suggests they will cut global roaming data and call charges.

hertz ups suv range

Hertz?Australia has adapted its Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) range to now offer a SUV Class and a Large SUV Class, to meet demand from the market for more options. Announced this morning at ATE, within the SUV Range are the Toyota Rav 4 & Nissan X Trail, while the Toyota Kluger & Ford Territory fall within the Large SUV category.

climate friendly and qantas visit a vietnamese carbon offsetting project.

Read the latest blog post here at Climate Friendly?s website.

new partner in egypt

Our GSM Egypt office manages corporate travel for clients such as Honda, Care, Carrefour, General Motors and the American University in Cairo. Established in 1996, GSM Egypt employ 115 staff and specialise in Finance / Investment, Manufacturing, Government, Entertainment, Pharmaceutical, Oil and Gas. If you have an office in Egypt and are interested in consolidating your corporate travel program, contact your Client Relationship Manager.

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