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Volume 3, Issue 29, [ACTUALDATE] |
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Talk of delays to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner entering commercial service overshadowed its first public appearance outside the United States at Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom this week. At the air show, Boeing publicly acknowledged that the first delivery may now slip into 2011.
For Japan’s All Nippon Airways — scheduled to receive the first Dreamliner later this year this means yet another delay to their launch of new services.
Jean Saito, ANA’s manager, online/marketing communications, marketing and sales, The Americas, told Global Traveler, “It is not a secret that we have been frustrated and disappointed by the past delays, but Boeing has indicated that their schedule supports delivery this year, and that remains their plan though we understand it could move a few weeks into the new year.”
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner flew non-stop flight to Farnborough, the world’s leading aerospace show, from Seattle where it has been undergoing daily testing since its maiden flight last December.
Asked whether ANA would be seeking compensation for the delay as speculated in the Japanese media, Saito replied: “Since Boeing has indicated that their schedule supports delivery this year, we are not seeking compensation at this point. The airplane must be right and it must be ready, and we share Boeing’s commitment to safety and thoroughness. We are working together to introduce this airplane into service and we remain very close partners in this endeavour.”
From the excitement and orders at Farnborough, it appears other airlines agree that the new aircraft is worth the wait; after all more than 50 airlines have ordered 863 Dreamliners. Significant fuel savings are the big promise. Unlike traditional aircraft nearly half the body will be made of lightweight carbon-fibre composites that are lighter than the aluminum, steel and titanium traditionally used in aircraft production. Boeing claims the Dreamliner could cut fuel use by at least 20 percent, a considerable saving given that fuel is the biggest single cost for airlines.
Earlier this year Global Traveler contributor David Armstrong had a preview of the Dreamliner at Seattle’s Boeing Field. Read his article Dreams Come True to find out more about why this aircraft creates such excitement in the industry and how it should improve long-haul travel.
The JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong is the first Marriott property in Asia to launch a dedicated teleconference suite. The GoThere Virtual Meetings is part of a roll-out of AT&T Telepresence Solution using Cisco TelePresence studios enabled by the AT&T network and the AT&T Business Exchange at Marriott properties worldwide. Located on the hotel’s 30th floor, the studio offers a connecting executive boardroom, with an LCD television and breathtaking views of Hong Kong. The self-contained suite is available for hire by the hour, or in half-day sessions. “GoThere Virtual Meetings will offer our clients a new way to hold more productive, collaborative meetings linking locations around the globe within seconds,” said Mark Conklin, general manager, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong.
India’s Jet Airways, has commenced a codeshare arrangement and network-wide frequent flyer partnership with Kenya Airways. Jet Airways will place its code on Kenya Airways’ daily services between Mumbai (BOM) and the Kenyan capital Nairobi (NBO). “Africa is an important market for Jet Airways in addition to our direct service to Johannesburg (JNB),” said Nikos Kardassis, CEO, Jet Airways. “We are confident that this partnership will translate into greater air traffic between India and Africa, enabling Jet Privilege members to tap into Kenya Airways’ impressive network across Africa while earning and redeeming frequent flyer miles.” Jet Airways currently operates one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world — its 89 aircraft have an average age of 4.74 years.
Last week, Qantas opened its new Sydney Domestic Transfer Facility on the arrivals level at Sydney International Airport (SYD). Qantas passengers transferring from international to domestic flights now have a purpose-built transfer facility. “The new transfer facility is 50 percent larger than the current facility and includes a new spacious check-in area, six additional check-in counters and an additional bag drop area,” said Lesley Grant, Qantas group executive customer and marketing. “Additional check-in staff and counters will ensure Qantas customers are transferred to their domestic flight quickly.” A shuttle bus service runs between the international terminal and domestic terminals every 10 minutes during peak times and every 20 minutes during off-peak times.
Preferred Hotels’ Sterling Design group has added its second member in Asia Pacific in Hiroshima, Japan. The 227-room Oriental Hotel Hiroshima is located along Heiwa Odori the main thoroughfare in Hiroshima. The hotel features the work of some of Japan’s best-known designers including Shigeru Uchida. “Preferred have a strategic plan to grow our portfolio outside of Tokyo in other key cities in Japan. The Oriental Hotel Hiroshima is a welcome addition to our existing members outside Tokyo including Sapporo and Yokohama,” said Mark Simmons, Asia managing director, Preferred Hotels. “It is also significant as our fourth Sterling Design member in Asia Pacific and 12th globally, a brand that was launched at the end of 2009 to represent a collection of value-for-money properties that are extremely functional with sleek and modern design.”
Qatar Airways is actively exploring further growth opportunities in Asia following the successful April launch of flights to Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), its newest Asian destination, according to the airline’s CEO Akbar Al Baker. Qatar Airways’ new direct daily services between Tokyo and the Qatari capital of Doha (DOH), became one of the airline’s top performing routes within its first two months of operation. Last month, Qatar announced new routes from Doha to Phuket (HKT) and Hanoi (HAN), to begin in October and November respectively. In addition, the airline is stepping up frequency between Doha and Bangkok (BKK) from twice-daily flights to three services a day from the end of October.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is offering guests a complimentary third night with any two consecutive paid nights. In addition to the hotel’s usual free amenities and luxurious accommodation, guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast. Plus, on one night of their three-night stay guests can redeem a complimentary martini and choice of tapas at Aqua, the hotel’s air-conditioned outdoor lounge. Rates start from USD 242 (plus taxes) for a superior room. For a first-hand report on the Four Seasons Bangkok, read our eTested review.
If you are travelling from Australia to the United States, France or Japan this year, Air Tahiti Nui is offering a stopover in Tahiti from just AUD 1 (USD 0.90). The one-dollar rate applies to the first night of a stay at Le Meridién Tahiti, but other Tahitian resorts are also offering special rates. This offer is exclusive to specific Air Tahiti Nui fares for travel originating from Australia to an international destination beyond French Polynesia. The stopover must be purchased with the ticket before departing Australia. The offer is valid through March 31, 2011 for bookings confirmed by Aug. 31. Blackout dates are Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Read more about Tahiti in July’s Global Traveler.
Carlton Hotel Singapore is celebrating the opening of its new 287-room Premier Wing with a special promotion. The new Premier Wing features an exclusive Premier Club lounge for members, and guestrooms are designed for business travellers. Featuring the latest technology including wireless Internet and adjustable glass-top desks, comfort is enhanced with ergonomic Herman Miller chairs. Guests can also enjoy personalised check-in and check-out with exclusive access to the Premier Club Lounge on the top floor offering panoramic harbour and city views, serving complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Premier Rooms rates start from SGD 328 per night and Premier Club Rooms from SGD 378 per night, through Aug. 31.
Shopping in Hong Kong is fun, but can be exhausting so Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers is offering the option of having a personal shopping porter. When you book the hotel’s limousine service, a porter takes care of your bags. Located at the tip of the Kowloon Peninsula beside Nathan Road, the Sheraton is close to dozens off flagship designer shops and vast shopping malls. The New Vogue in Shopping package includes: afternoon tea in the Sky Lounge, an energising breakfast, in-room bath therapy and a limousine with a shopping porter. Packages start from HKD 2,000 per night for a two-night stay through Aug. 31.
Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach is promising guests an experience that will inspire, motivate and energise. The resort’s four-night Inspire Me package starts at THB 36,200 (inclusive of all taxes and service charges) and includes daily breakfast, round-trip transfer to Koh Samui International Airport (USM), one Thai set lunch, one Western set dinner, one full-day jungle safari tour, a one-hour Traditional Chinese Medical treatment at Chuan Spa, and a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival. Email lpsmu.sales@langhamhotels.com for details and reservations.
