IN THE AIR: The Flying Kangaroo is back. © Gordon Tipene

Qantas flights were getting back to normal on Tuesday, 48 hours after CEO Alan Joyce grounded the entire Qantas fleet on Saturday.

Passengers around the world affected by the Qantas decision were mostly back in the air by late Tuesday. Many passengers questioned the airline's strategy in dealing with the dispute with the trade unions. Public opinion in Australia appears divided and the airline's activities has dominated the media and political debate.

Australia's national carrier grounded its fleet after months of industrial action by unions representing pilots, aircraft mechanics, baggage handlers and caterers that had already forced the carrier to cancel flight sand reduce capacity. According to AFP the decision to ground its fleet cost Qantas AUD 70 million and affected 70,000 customers. The government's industrial relations body, Fair Work Australia gave the airline and unions 21 days to reach an agreement.

The root of the dispute is said to be the August announcement by Qantas that it would be creating an Asia-based airline with its own name and brand. The five-year plan to restructure the airline is expected to cost 1,000 jobs within Australia.

Meanwhile Joyce said he is confident he will continue to receive the backing of the Qantas board, shareholders and the business community. "I've had full endorsement for what we've done and I've been overwhelmed by the support from the business community," he said. "They knew that Qantas' survival was at risk and we had to do something that turned this around."

Flooding remains a major problem in many districts of Bangkok this week. The United States, United Kingdom. Australia and Hong Kong governments are among those advising citizens to reconsider their need to travel to Bangkok and flood affected provinces due to transport disruptions and reduced access to essential services caused by severe flooding. It is not known how long the floods will persist. Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is operating normally but the domestic airport Don Muang (DMK) remains closed. For more information see the Thailand Tourism Update and the Australian government's Smart Traveller information.

On Nov. 1 All Nippon Airways commenced scheduled services featuring the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to domestic Japanese destinations. International services on ANA will commence in the following two months, with flights initially to Beijing (PEK) and Frankfurt (FRA) from Tokyo Haneda (HAN). Last week ANA made aviation history, with the first passenger flight of the 787 from Narita Airport, Tokyo (NRT) to Hong Kong (HKG). ANA has ordered 55 Dreamliners from Boeing and has already received two planes, with a total of 20 expected to be delivered by the end of 2012. The Dreamliners will eventually help ANA save USD 130 million a year through fuel savings.

Eva Air has teamed up with Japanese brand Sanrio to launch a second generation of Hello Kitty Jets. The Taiwan-based carrier unveiled the first of three new aircraft in Taiwan on Oct. 27. Hello Kitty can be seen on Eva flights between Taipei (TPE) and Sapporo (CTS) in Hokkaido. The other two Hello Kitty Jets are scheduled to debut later this year. The three Hello Kitty aircraft are Eva Air's first A330-300s. Each A330 is configured with 30 seats in Premium Laurel Class (business) and 279 seats in economy.

Korean Air was named the best airline operating A300-600 by Airbus at a recent awards ceremony. After evaluating overall performance, including the operational reliability and aircraft utilization, Korean Air was awarded the A300-600 Award for Top Operational Excellence. Operational reliability is an international index that measures the accuracy of flight operation due to delays or defects. Higher scores for this measurement verifies the operating capability of the airline and reflects its maintenance and safety management. Among 24 airlines, Korean Air received the highest score of 99.8 percent for the best operational performance.

On Dec. 16, Singapore Airlines will launch a fourth daily flight between Changi Airport, Singapore (SIN) and Beijing (PEK). With the additional service, the airline will operate a total of 28 weekly services to and from the Chinese capital. The new service, SQ806, operated with Airbus A330 aircraft, will depart Singapore Changi Airport at 19:10 and arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport the following day at 01:05. The return flight, SQ807, will depart Beijing at 02:15 and arrive in Singapore at 08:55.

Emirates, is celebrating its increased flight service between Dubai (DXB) and Hong Kong (HKG) with early-bird promotional fares from HKD 6,271 (inclusive) for a return economy-class ticket. Starting Dec. 2 Emirates will offer a third daily flight on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays to Sundays, making a total of 19 flights weekly between Hong Kong to Dubai. The early-bird fares are available for travel starting between Dec. 2 and Jan. 31, 2012.

Peregrine Antarctic has released details of its tours and cruises into the rugged wilderness of the Antarctic region for the 2012 to 2013 season. There's a 15 percent discount for early-bird bookings. The discount is per person on all twin share cabin prices on all Peregrine Antarctic voyages on board the Sea Spirit and the Clipper Adventurer, for departures between October 2012 and March 2013. Bookings must be made by Nov. 30 to take advantage of this deal. Prices start from USD 8,670 for the shortest voyage. Visit Peregrine Adventures.

Las Vegas Sands is offering a promotional Ultimate Spa Escape package at all three of its Macao properties. Each package for two includes luxury accommodation, breakfast, a one-hour massage, limousine service and one-way first-class CotaiJet ferry tickets from Macao to Hong Kong. Package prices start at HKD 2,898 (plus taxes). The hotel and spa elements of the package can be mixed and matched, as guests can opt to stay at the five-star hotel of their choice. Guests can choose between treatents at the MALO Clinic Spa at The Venetian Macao, the spa at the Four Seasons Macao and the spa at Sands. Details for all three packages are online at Ultimate Spa Escape.

Book an Air France ticket in November to enjoy a free shuttle to downtown Paris. The complimentary ticket on an Air France coach, is the hassle-free way to travel to the heart of Paris. Passengers must book their round-trip ticket from Hong Kong (HKG) online with at least one sector travelling in Premium Voyageur class before Nov.30 for travel through Dec. 31. Round trip Premium Voyageur fares to Europe via Paris (CDG) start from HKD 13,220 (excluding taxes)

Mandarin Oriental is accepting reservations for its Christmas accommodation package, with rates starting from JPY 52,999 per room per night with daily breakfast for two and a surprise gift from Santa Claus. Available from Dec. 22 through Dec. 25, guests can also choose from an array of nine festive a la carte treats and activities to design their ideal Christmas holiday. For example, the hotel offers three Christmas dinner options, starting from JPY 16,950 per person, include Michelin-starred modern French cuisine at Signature, Michelin-starred stylish Cantonese delicacies at Sense or Asian inspired dining at Khiki. For details or to reserve online visit Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.