UPGRADED SERVICE: Qantas introduces internationally configured wide-body aircraft on East–West routes. © Maurie Hill

Qantas has introduced Boeing 747s on its Sydney (SYD)–Perth (PER) route. The introduction of the 747s means business-class travellers can experience the Qantas Skybed seat on the five-hour flight across the country to Western Australia's booming state capital.

In addition, Qantas is introducing more wide-body Airbus A330s on routes connecting Australia's major cities and Perth. The airline says more than 90 percent its of East–West flights will be serviced by wide-body planes configured for international flights.

Also in May, Virgin Australia — the new name for Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue and V Australia — launched its first business-class seats for the domestic market. The carrier added two-class A330s to its Sydney–Perth service. As well as introducing more luxurious seating into aircraft, Virgin Australia is opening new airport lounges and offering passengers priority check-in.

At present, Virgin Australia has just 10 percent of the domestic business travel market in Australia. "We're going after Qantas's business market and by capturing that business market we will be able to do a lot more for the economy customers," said Virgin Group Chairman Richard Branson. "We'll provide new leather seats (for economy), better entertainment systems and hopefully we can be more competitive on fares."

Launching its new Perth service on Monday, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said Qantas is ahead of the competition when it comes to offering value for money because its all-inclusive ticket prices include baggage and seat selection.

Malaysia has joined a growing number of countries including Japan, Brazil and the United States that use fingerprint biometrics to identify visitors. The new biometric collection system — the National Foreigners Enforcement and Registration (Biometrics) System was launched at all entry and exit points in Malaysia on June 1. Malaysia is collecting the fingerprints of both left and right index fingers from all foreigners entering and leaving the country. The only exceptions to the rule are diplomatic passport holders, disabled passengers and children below the age of 12. Longer queues at entry and exit points are expected during the first few months of implementation. South Korea has plans to start fingerprinting foreigners next year, while the European Union has indicated that it will begin the process in 2015.

Singapore Airlines has announced plans to establish a new no-frills, low-fare airline operating wide-body aircraft on medium- and long-haul routes. The airline says it will be aimed at "a largely untapped new market and cater to the growing demand among consumers for low-fare travel". Operations are expected to begin within one year. The airline will be wholly owned by Singapore Airlines, but will be operated independently and managed separately from SIA.

All Nippon Airways is one step closer to launching its new low-cost airline, Peach. The airline says it chose the name because in Japan peaches symbolise longevity, energy and happiness. Sporting pink, white and fuchsia livery, Peach aims to be Japan's main low-cost carrier operating both international and domestic routes. Peach plans to launch domestic services out of Osaka (KIX) in March 2012. Services between Osaka and Seoul (INC) will follow by May 2012. To offset operating costs Peach will require customers to pay for all in-flight services and the airline will only use e-tickets.

Japan Airlines has expanded its partnership with China Eastern Airlines to increase the number of eligible flights under the airlines' Mileage Partnership Agreement and make it easier for customers to earn and redeem mileage. From June 1, Japan Airlines' 23.66 million Mileage Bank members earn mileage on all flights operated by China Eastern Airlines on Japan–China routes as well as Chinese domestic routes including non-codeshare flights that did not previously qualify for mileage accumulation. JMB members can now accrue mileage on an additional 28 routes with 154 China Eastern Airlines-operated flights a week.

Thai Airways International has added a new invitation-only membership level to its Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer programme. Thai's new Platinum status is available only to long-standing Gold Royal Orchid Plus members who travel frequently and exclusively in Royal First Class and Royal Silk Class. Platinum members who accept the invitation will enjoy enhanced recognition and benefits that include no expiry date on air miles, a waiver of Royal Orchid Plus service fees and complimentary upgrades that can be transferred to award nominees.

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With less than 100 days to go before the kick-off of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, the Novotel Auckland Airport is preparing to welcome guests to the city. The 263-room property officially opened with a traditional Maori dawn ceremony on May 27. While paying homage to the past and to Maori heritage, the new Novotel is also a reflection of contemporary New Zealand, with the latest in communication technologies, including full arrival and departure monitors in the lobby to ensure that guests are kept fully informed of the latest movements at Auckland International Airport (AKL). The Novotel Auckland Airport has a special opening deal with rates starting from NZD 179 per night. Through August, the hotel is offering a 25 percent discount on all fully flexible rates.

Soft-opened in April 2011, Hotel Icon is a fully integrated teaching and research under the umbrella of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The multi-use facility includes a hotel with 262 deluxe guestrooms ranging in size from 36 to 80 square metres. Hotel Icon showcases the work of noted Hong Kong designers such as Rocco Yim, William Lim, Vivienne Tam and Barney Cheng. During its soft-opening phase, Hotel Icon has an introductory offer — stay two nights and enjoy the third night free. Accommodation must be booked before June 30 for stays through Sept. 8.

The latest hotspot for a stylish tipple in Shanghai is high above the city bustle on the South Bund. The Roof at Waterhouse is a new rooftop bar crowning the boutique hotel The Waterhouse at South Bund. The Roof offers sweeping views of the glittering Pudong skyline and is surrounded by low-rise heritage architecture of Shanghai's old town. The bar also boasts a rooftop herb garden and a sophisticated menu of cocktails whipped up from scratch showcasing fresh fruit and herbs. A Spanish-influenced bar menu features a choice of tapas. The Roof is open Monday to Friday 17:00–01:00, and from 11:00 to 01:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has launched an online competition that lets guests win free room nights at Sofitel properties worldwide. The competition, Around the World with Sofitel: 80 Magnifique Nights, takes its inspiration both from the Tales of the 1001 Arabian Nights and the novel Around the World in 80 Days. To win, participants need to complete a virtual travel diary describing their ideal world tour of eight Sofitel destinations. The top prizewinner will get 31 room nights and two flights around the world to make their dream journey come true. For more details and to take part in the competition, visit Sofitel 80 Nights.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is offering special rewards for guests this summer. Through Aug. 31, guests staying for a minimum of three nights will receive a 20 percent discount on the Hyatt daily rate as well as a complimentary upgrade to the next room category upon check-in, subject to availability. Guests can soak up the summer sun at the 50-metre outdoor pool, relax in the sauna or work out in the fitness studio.