LION'S SHARE: Indonesian low-cost carrier places record-breaking order.© Boeing

When Boeing announced it won its largest ever order from the Indonesian low-cost carrier Lion Air, many industry commentators and global travellers were surprised. The provisional order for 230 Boeing aircraft is worth USD 21.7 billion. It is the largest commercial airplane order in Boeing's history by both dollar volume and total number of airplanes.

Jakarta-based Lion Air ordered 201 Boeing 737 MAXs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ER airplanes. The agreement also includes purchase rights for an additional 150 airplanes.

Little-known outside Indonesia, Lion Air is the country's largest private airline. It currently operates 92 aircraft. "The 737 MAX will be the future of Lion Air," said Rusdi Kirana, Lion Air founder and president director. "The highly efficient, technologically advanced airplane will help Lion Air continue to bring low fares and allow us to open new destinations because of the longer range of the airplane."

The Jakarta Post says Lion Air plans to follow the AirAsia model and set up a premium airline also. Space Jet is due to launch in a year's time. According to the Central Statistic Agency, in 2010 the number of air passengers in Indonesia increased 22 percent from 43 million in 2009 to 53 million.

China's fifth largest airline, Xiamen Airlines, is joining global airline alliance SkyTeam. Named after its home city in Fujian, Xiamen Airlines operates a network of domestic and regional services throughout China and Asia from its hub airports of Xiamen (XMN), Fuzhou (FOC) and Hangzhou (HGH). Major shareholder China Southern is supporting the integration of Xiamen Airlines into SkyTeam. Xiamen Airlines will be a full member of SkyTeam by the end of 2012. The carrier aims to expand its network to major long-haul destinations in Australia, Europe and North America in 2014.

Abercrombie & Kent has launched a new concierge service at more than 200 airports worldwide. A&K Airport Concierge is a one-stop, first-class global service for business and leisure travellers. A&K Airport Concierge provides a variety of airport meet-and-greet services and airside assistance for arrivals and departures. In Asia Pacific, the concierge services will be available at airports in more than 15 destinations, including China, India, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia. For more details visit A&K Airport Concierge.

Korean Air has launched a mobile Internet portal for passengers. The new mobile service will include flight schedules and Skypass information and allow customers to check in via Smartphones, select seats, check flight status and tracking and transit information. Mobile check-in service is available beginning 24 hours before scheduled departure time, until four hours before departure. Passengers can print their own boarding passes or collect them at the airport.

Hawaiian Airlines will launch a daily non-stop service between Honolulu (HNL) and New York (JFK) on June 4, 2012. Flights will depart Honolulu at 15:05 and arrive in New York City at 06:55 the following morning. The return flight departs New York at 10:00, arriving at Honolulu at 15:00. Hawaiian Airlines flies to Hawaii from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, American Samoa and Tahiti. The carrier also provides approximately 150 daily jet flights between the Hawaiian Islands.

On Nov. 19, the first Continental Airlines aircraft with Economy Plus entered service. Economy Plus provides Continental customers four inches of extra legroom in the forward rows of the economy cabin. United introduced Economy Plus in 1999 and offers the extra legroom seating on all mainline aircraft. When the company fully deploys Economy Plus on Continental and Q400 regional aircraft, United's fleet will include more than 40,000 Economy Plus seats, providing customers more than 122,000 seats each day, more than any airline in the world. For details of the roll-out, visit Economy Plus.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts presents its Seasonal Saver offer for travel over the Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year holidays. Swissôtel is offering a 20 percent discount on the best available rate for stays from Dec. 12 through Feb. 5, 2012. Bookings must be for two or more nights. The promotion is valid in Swissôtel's 28 deluxe hotels in 16 countries on five continents.

Following a USD 30 million refurbishment, Angsana Laguna Phuket opens Dec.1 at Laguna Phuket's beachside complex at Bang Tao Bay. The former Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket has 409 rooms, suites, lofts and pool residences. Angsana Laguna Phuket has an introductory rate starting from THB 6,100 (plus taxes) per room per night, with breakfast, for stays between Dec. 1 and Feb. 27, 2012. Guests booking for two consecutive nights will also receive a THB 3,000 hotel credit (per room) redeemable for food and beverage or spa treatments during their stay. For more details visit Angsana Laguna Phuket.

Cathay Pacific has a City Chic package for short breaks in London for travellers flying out of Hong Kong (HKG). Through March 31, 2012, the package includes a return business-class fare to London (LHR) and three nights in one of three leading London hotels with breakfast. Choose from The Langham Hotel (HKD 37,350), W London Leicester Square (HKD 39,750) and The Ritz London (HKD 41,880). Extra nights are available from HKD 1,180.

Get-away-from-it-all retreats on a tropical island are on offer at luxury spa hideaway Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa on Panglao Island in the Philippines. With just 15 private villas, most with their own private swimming pools, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World property is an ideal getaway for the festive season and Chinese New Year breaks. Activities include sailing, diving, whale watching and kayaking. Packages start from USD 1,000 for two for two nights. Eskaya Beach's Family Package includes three nights with breakfast in a beachfront family villa with private swimming pool at USD 3,800 for up to six people.

Celebrate Christmas and New Year on the Singapore Flyer and enjoy sky dining from up to 165-metres in the air. The Singapore Flyer is the world's largest observation wheel. It also has a wide range of shops, restaurants, activities and facilities. Guests can dine all year round on the Singapore Flyer. Once on board diners are looked after by a butler while enjoying spectacular views of Marina Bay and beyond. Festive menus are available Dec. 23, 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1, 2012 only. Prices start from SGD 269. Early-bird discounts available for bookings made before Dec.1.