Etihad Airways Opens Dublin Airport Lounge

Etihad Airways has opened its new premium lounge at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2). The new lounge offers Etihad’s premium customers a range of top quality facilities and services that include:

- a high-tech “Business Centre”, offering Mac workstations with broadband access and printer facilities, along with free WiFi for those that prefer to work from their own laptops;
- shower rooms
- a luggage room for bag storage
- a comfortable main lounge area boasting a library of books, magazines and newspapers from around the world, furnished with Italian leather chairs and soft sofas
- a full bar
- a wide variety of food for customers travelling out of Ireland, including an a la carte menu, international buffet, and a special children’s menu
- a dedicated “family room” for younger travellers, stocked with toys, books and a TV to help keep them inspired and entertained.

Air Astana Wins Injunction Against Amadeus in Spanish Civil Court

On 6 January 2011, Amadeus served Air Astana a notice for termination of distribution services effective 21 January 2011, based on an alleged breach of contract.

Air Astana immediately contested the alleged breach, asking Amadeus to withdraw the termination notice.

Qatar Airways launches Flights to Brussels

Qatar Airways has launched scheduled flights between Doha and Brussels in Belgium.

The addition of Brussels strengthens Qatar Airways’ European presence to 24 destinations, representing 25% of the carrier’s global network that also spans the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North and South America.

Lufthansa to Launch A380 Flights to San Francisco

From 10 May 2011, Lufthansa will operate a daily A380 service to San Francisco under the present flight numbers LH 454 and LH 455, replacing the Boeing 747-400 service currently offered on this route.

The new Lufthansa flagship is configured with 526 seats - eight in First Class, 98 in Business Class and 420 in Economy Class.

Finnair Partners Jetstar for AU and NZ Access

Finnair has embarked on a new interline agreement with Australian airline, Jetstar, expanding its network connections in the Asia Pacific area.

The cooperation allows customers to purchase a Jetstar, Jetstar Asia, Valuair or Jetstar Pacific flight as part of a single integrated transaction and travel itinerary through Finnar’s distribution network and sold on a Finnair E-ticket.

AirAsia launches Hong Kong - Medan Flights

AirAsia has launched its first Indonesian destination from Hong Kong with the inaugural flight to Polonia International Airport (MES) in Medan, Indonesia.

Medan, Indonesia has been building a name for itself as an escape to city life with the stunning scenic attractions it offers. Being the nation’s third largest city, Medan is the home to a vast variety of cuisines, the harbor of fruits of an energized milieu, and is where the spectacular Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in South-East Asia is situated.

AirAsia Launches World Domination Promotion

AirAsia has launched a sale across most of its network starting today (17 January) until 6 February 2011 for travel between 1 July and 30 September 2011.

Routes on AirAsia’s new Flight Transfer Service - which allows guests to connect more easily between flights - are on sale including Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur from A$199, London (Stansted) from A$429 and Mumbai from A$289 one way.

Mandarin Oriental Munich launches Ultimate Car Promotion

Mandarin Oriental, Munich has launched a promotion for car enthusiasts which includes four days’ use of a sleek Mercedes Benz to tour the scenic areas of Southern Germany, plus visits to some of the world’s most important car museums and factories: Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz and Porsche.

The Mandarin Oriental, Munich is a perfect base for visiting the world famous BMW Welt and BMW museum as well as Audi’s largest plant in Ingolstadt, just an hour’s drive away from Munich. Along with all the latest BMW designs, news and history, BMW Welt houses the GINA, one of the world’s first concept cars. Likewise, the Audi museum brings to life the philosophy and history of Audi, with an opportunity to catch an exciting glimpse behind the scenes.

China Airlines to Launch Taoyuan - Wuhan Flights in January

China Airlines (CAL) is to launch direct scheduled flights linking Taoyuan and Wuhan on 26 January 2011.

Wuhan will become the 17th mainland Chinese destination served by CAL since the opening of flights across the Taiwan Strait.

Singapore Visitor Arrivals in October 2010

Singapore visitor arrivals registered 15.8 percent growth to reach 978,000 in October 2010, the highest number of arrivals recorded for the month of October. [See: Singapore Visitor Arrivals for October 2009]

Garuda Indonesia Wraps Up Financial Restructuring

Garuda Indonesia has wrapped up its financial restructuring with creditors, where the last group which are the ECA (European Export Credit Agency) and the Commercial Lenders was signed for the remainder debt of US$ 277 million.

AirAsia to Launch New Low Cost Airline in Philippines

AirAsia, through its fully owned subsidiary AA International, has entered into a partnership agreement with Antonio O. Cojuangco Jr., Michael R Romero and Marianne B. Hontiveros to establish a low cost airline in the Philippines.

Tickets for 2011 Hong Kong Sevens On Sale 22 January

Tickets for what is widely regarded as the greatest Rugby Sevens party on earth, the Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens, will go on public sale on Saturday, 22 January 2011.

The price of a three-day adult event ticket in 2011 will be HK$1,250, with children’s tickets priced at HK$300 for youth aged 12 and under.

Etihad Airways Launches Flights to Seoul, South Korea

Etihad Airways has launched flights between Abu Dhabi and Seoul’s Incheon Airport in South Korea.

Seoul is Etihad’s 65th destination on the network in just seven years of operations. The inaugural flight, EY876, will depart Abu Dhabi at 10:45pm, arriving at Seoul’s Incheon Airport at 12:05pm on 11 December (local times).

Etihad Airways Opens Airport Lounge in Manchester

Etihad Airways has opened the doors of its latest premium lounge in Manchester Airport’s Terminal 1.

Etihad Pearl Business class guests were among the first to enjoy the Etihad premium lounge, following an opening ceremony hosted by Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) manager, Roberto Mancini; Garry Cook, MCFC Chief Executive; and Mike Summerbee, MCFC ambassador.

AirAsia launches 48-Hour Promotion

AirAsia is to launch a new promotion, that will last for just 48 hours, with all-in fares from as low as RM18.

The very special fares are available from all of its hubs in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Penang), Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai) and Indonesia (Jakarta, Bali, Medan and Surabaya).

Etihad Airways launches Free Luxury Stopover Promotion

Etihad Airways is rewarding its premium guests who book Diamond First or Pearl Business class tickets between now and 31 January 2011, with a complimentary stopover and stay at either the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort or the Yas Hotel in the UAE.

Garuda Indonesia to Join SkyTeam

Garuda Indonesia has signed an agreement to join the SkyTeam airline alliance in 2012.

Garuda will expand SkyTeam’s presence in Southeast Asia, adding 30 new destinations to the alliance network. Some of the 30 new destinations in the SkyTeam network are Surabaya in East Java, Medan in North Sumatra and Perth in Australia.

New Year’s Eve in New York

On 31 December 2010 hundreds of thousands of revelers will fill New York city’s Times Square to watch the famous New Year’s Eve Ball descend from One Times Square and to celebrate the start of a new year. The 106-year-old tradition continues as friends and families gather to count down to 2011.

Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees in HK launches Travel Trade Promotion

The Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees in Hong Kong is offering travel industry personnel, including hoteliers, travel agents, airline staff and industry media, 20% off until 31 March 2011 (inclusive). Rates start from as low as HK$584 plus 10% service charge per night.