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JetBlue Airways and Lufthansa today kicked off codeshare operations linking their two networks via Boston and New York. At a ceremony at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport this afternoon, JetBlue CEO Dave Barger and Lufthansa German Airlines CEO Christoph Franz officially launched the new partnership as the airlines welcomed their first arriving customer from Europe.
The new relationship between JetBlue -- the leading airline at both JFK and Boston -- and Lufthansa -- Europe's #1 airline -- expands the reach of both carriers, giving customers more choice in travel and providing JetBlue customers with new access to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Worldwide connections to such popular destinations as Bangkok; Barcelona; Dubai; Johannesburg; Mumbai; Paris; Rome; and Tel Aviv are now available daily via Boston and New York/JFK, where customers transfer seamlessly between domestic JetBlue flights and transatlantic services operated by Lufthansa. JetBlue and Lufthansa intend to further expand their codeshare in 2010 by adding more JetBlue destinations to the agreement.
"Today's a great day for JetBlue customers as we begin to offer connections to an unbelievable array of worldwide destinations with Lufthansa," said Dave Barger, JetBlue's President and CEO. "Lufthansa's partnership with JetBlue is a significant endorsement of our airline's brand, our people, and our award-winning service."
Customers looking to purchase flights for JetBlue-Lufthansa codeshare flights may book online at www.jetblue.com, www.lufthansa.com, or through local and online travel agencies. Eligible U.S. destinations include Austin, Texas; Buffalo, N.Y.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Fort Myers, Fla.; New Orleans; Pittsburgh; Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; Rochester, N.Y.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Syracuse, N.Y.; Tampa, Fla.; and West Palm Beach, Fla.
Gogo Inflight Internet now available on all p.s. flights
Just in time for the busy Thanksgiving holidays, United Airlines customers on transcontinental p.s. flights can enjoy a complimentary onboard Internet session with the new Try-Before-You-Buy promotion, offered in conjunction with airborne communications provider Aircell.
Through Dec. 31, first-time users of Aircell's Gogo Inflight Internet service will be offered one free session upon creating a new account.
Gogo enables customers with Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs to surf the Web, check e-mail, send and receive instant messages, and access a corporate VPN.
The service is available on all of United's p.s. flights between New York Kennedy and the airline's Los Angeles and San Francisco hubs.
"Gogo Inflight Internet service on our p.s. flights provides our customers with an even more productive and enjoyable travel experience," says Allen Will, managing director of strategic aircraft programs. "With Gogo Inflight Internet and an AC power port at every seat, p.s. customers will get more accomplished in the air this holiday season, leaving time for more holiday cheer on the ground."
For more information on United's inflight Internet service, visit united.com/Wi-Fi.
SOURCE United Airlines
SuperShuttle, the largest shared ride airport transportation service in the U.S., just launched its first international service in Paris, France. The new service is available from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) - main international airport, ORLY (ORY) and the local airport Beauvais (BVA) to anywhere in Paris including hotels, local residences, and Disneyland Paris.
US customers traveling to Paris will be able to book reservations through the U.S. SuperShuttle website and call center in early 2010.
Pricing for Paris will be the same whether your destination is a hotel, residence, office or train station. The fare to or from Charles de Gaulle and Paris city center is 27 EUR for the first passenger and 17 EUR per additional adult in the same party. Children under 12 are priced at 12 EUR per child. Veolia Transport, headquartered in Paris, bought SuperShuttle International in 2006 and started Veolia Transportation On Demand headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. This is the first expansion for SuperShuttle in the international market and Veolia chose its hometown of Paris for the first international rollout.
SuperShuttle International, based in Phoenix, AZ, is a division of Veolia Transportation On Demand and a subsidiary of Veolia Environment (Euronext: VIE, VE). SuperShuttle serves 33 airports, carrying more than eight million passengers a year. Airports served by SuperShuttle include some of the largest in the country including Los Angeles, New York, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Washington, D.C. and Miami. Please go to www.supershuttle.com for more information.
SOURCE SuperShuttle International
New Campaign Launched in the Asian Market
The Eurail Group G.I.E. is swiftly expanding by inviting the Chinese market to discover the European continent by train. Every year the number of Asians travelling through Europe with a Eurail Pass continues to grow and the number of Chinese travellers increased by a staggering 25% in 2008. Eurail launches a new marketing campaign starting with two Travel Trade seminars in Beijing and Shanghai on 23rd and 24th November, 2009.
According to Zhu Shanzhong, from the China National Tourism Administration "China remains Asia's largest source of outbound tourism and exceeds the average world level," Eurail supports this trend by further endorsing the Eurail Pass sales in China. For this purpose, representatives and journalists from the Chinese Travel Trade industry will participate in the Eurail marketing seminars in Beijing and Shanghai to further educate and inform the Chinese market about the advantages of travelling through Europe by train.
During 2009, Eurail Group celebrated its 50th Anniversary and in the five decades since 1959 (when only one type of pass was available), Eurail has become the market leader in European rail passes. From humble beginnings when little more than 5,000 passes were sold to overseas travellers in their first year, the idea of a pre-paid pass allowing unlimited mileage across the European continent has become a huge success story. In fact, a staggering 430,000 international Eurail Pass holders trekked across Europe in 2008.
Ever growing concerns about climate issues coupled with recent major European rail investments means that travelling the continent by rail is a cleaner, less expensive and more enjoyable choice. With 160,000 miles of track in today's European railway system covered by Eurail Passes, many major towns and villages are connected and offer excellent international connections.
The jointly promoted student offer with ISIC (the International Student Identity Card Association), makes travelling with a Eurail Pass even more appealing to the youth. Nevertheless, the Eurail Group offers a broad product range to attract all age groups by accommodating most budgets and, the brand name continues to be universally appealing with pass sales transcending across the globe.
Eurail Group will further continue to boost the development and expansion of Eurail Pass sales in the Chinese market during 2010 via the strong distribution network. "China is one of the most important new markets for Eurail and shows huge potential," Ana Dias e Seixas, Eurail Group's Marketing Director, says. "We would like to embrace this opportunity to highlight the many advantages of the Eurail products to more Chinese customers. In the coming year, we will concentrate on offering additional customer benefits to make the product range more attractive."
SOURCE Eurail Group G.I.E.
First Canadian Airline to Offer Wi-Fi Connectivity in the Air
Air Canada said today it has begun trials to offer its customers Gogo(R) Inflight Internet service on board select flights on the carrier's Toronto-Los Angeles and Montreal-Los Angeles routes.
"Air Canada is the first Canadian airline to begin offering customers access to the internet while they are flying," said Louise McKenven, Senior Director, Marketing, at Air Canada. "With this service, our customers will be able to email, work and surf the net while flying, and more fully enjoy what is already a superior travel experience that includes complimentary seatback entertainment and access to standard power outlets."
Following the test period which runs until January 29, 2010, Air Canada will analyze usage and customer feedback before it proceeds with introduction of the service on other routes.
"This initial phase is intended to get our customers' feedback about this exciting new service. The ultimate rollout of our inflight internet service will be finalized pending the outcome of the trial period as well as obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and the development of ground infrastructure in Canada to provide a domestic network," added Ms. McKenven.
"We are very pleased to launch Gogo on Air Canada, the first Canadian airline to offer Inflight Internet," stated Ron LeMay, Aircell President and CEO. "Air Canada's customers will now feel the freedom of having the world at their fingertips thanks to having full Internet access in flight. We look forward to working with Air Canada to deliver that world to them."
Customers can access the service using their own standard, Wi-Fi equipped laptop at a cost of US $9.95 per flight or Personal Electronic Device (PED) at a cost of US $7.95 per flight.
Initially, the Gogo system will be powered by Aircell's existing network and only available in the continental U.S. in order to make Air Canada's rollout fast, economical and simple. Air Canada intends to extend the system on other routes in North American with the deployment of the Canadian Air-To-Ground (ATG) network. Aircell plans to collaborate with the Canadian ATG licensee in supporting the establishment of a Canadian ATG network and in facilitating the fleet-wide deployment of Air Canada's onboard connectivity service.
SOURCE AIR CANADA
The Pierre hotel, re-opened this year after a $100 million renovation, has been awarded a 2010 AAA Five Diamond rating, an accolade that recognizes it as among the best in North America. This award puts the Pierre solidly in the elite group of just 113 five diamond hotels across America, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
"We are honored to receive this award in our first year of re-opening," said Heiko Kuenstle, general manager of The Pierre. "It is a tribute to our staff and our pursuit of excellence. Our determination, from the moment we took over management of this hotel in 2005, has always been to be recognized as among the very best hotels in New York - which of course is tantamount to ranking among the world's best. We say that with a full understanding that our job now only gets harder and that is to live up to the five diamond rating, every day and in every interaction with every guest."
Raymond Bickson, CEO and managing director of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces said, "Taj has always prided itself on running some of the best hotels in Asia, a fact that has repeatedly been acknowledged in international ranking going back decades. In India, our home base, Taj has always been synonymous with the very best. We are just delighted with this AAA Five Diamond award because it is an acknowledgment that Taj style and ongoing pursuit of excellence have been successfully transferred to North America."
The $100 million renovation of the Pierre involved updating and reconfiguring just about every public space and guest room in the hotel, with an eye firmly on creating an elegance that suits both the Fifth Avenue history of this iconic hotel and the realities of the 21st century. The renovation involved bringing new thinking to meeting the needs of today's global traveler.
The AAA Five Diamond rating is considered North America's premier ratings system, with the organization's professionally trained evaluators inspecting more than 58,000 hotels annually. Less than one percent of the over 31,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this prestigious designation.
The Pierre, on Fifth Avenue overlooking New York's Central Park, first opened in 1930. The iconic hotel with 189 guestrooms, including 49 suites, was acquired by Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces as the luxury chain's U.S. flagship in 2005. The Pierre, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, re-opened June 1, 2009, following a $100 million renovations program to redesign all guestroom and bath interiors and add a new restaurant, Le Caprice, and a new destination lounge and bar, Two E. To book reservations: 1-800-743-7734 or www.tajhotels.com/pierre.
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 65 hotels in 48 locations across India with an additional 15 international hotels. Taj is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. For more on Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces: www.tajhotels.com.
SOURCE Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Now Easier for Customers to Find, Book Hotels, and Earn Marriott Rewards(R) Points
With Over $6 Billion in Annual Gross Revenue, Marriott.com is the 7th Largest Online Retail Site
Marriott International has unveiled the new look of Marriott.com, the world's 7th largest online consumer retail site.* It is the first in a series of improvements to Marriott.com that will make it easier for guests to find and book hotels and manage their Marriott Rewards® account online. Customers will also continue to earn Marriott Rewards® points, get the lowest rates backed by Marriott's Look No Further® Best Rate Guarantee, and incur no cancellation fees on most reservations.
The improvements include a modernized look and feel, more intuitive layout, and one-click guest access to their Marriott Rewards® account from anywhere in the site. These customer-driven changes are the first in a series over the next year.
To see the new site, go to Marriott.com.
"Marriott.com is the largest point of interaction with our customers. It receives more than 12 million visits each month and more than 75 percent of our guests say they use our website when planning or booking their hotel stays," noted Shafiq Khan, senior vice president, eCommerce for Marriott International. "When we surveyed guests, they gave Marriott.com the highest satisfaction rate -- 92 percent -- of all possible booking channels. Today customers make 2,000 times more bookings in an hour on Marriott.com than they did in 1999, making it our company's fastest growing booking channel."
Despite the success and exponential growth of the site, intensive customer testing revealed new visitors could find the site confusing, and often left and booked hotels elsewhere. Marriott reached out and involved its customers in evaluating multiple new design concepts for Marriott.com, ultimately landing on one that those customers described as "innovative," "simple and easy to use," "intuitive to navigate" and "more interactive."
For the redesign, Marriott kept aspects of the site that were working well for frequent guests, but have now also made it much easier for a large under-served segment of newer customers to navigate, find, and book what they need on Marriott.com. This in turn will generate more revenue and cut booking costs. The changes also take effect on Marriott's international websites in the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Latin America, Australia, Japan, Korea, Brazil and France.
To encourage customers to experience the new design, Marriott is giving consumers and Marriott Rewards® members chances to win travel and gift card prizes in online sweepstakes running now through December 8. To learn about the new site changes and to enter the sweepstakes, go to www.marriottdelivers.com/rewards for Marriott Rewards® members and www.marriottdelivers.com for all other customers. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.
SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.
When Flights are Cancelled, Massages, Spray Tans, Showers & More Keep Travelers Happy
SeatGuru, the web's most comprehensive resource for airline information, today released its pick of the top five domestic airports to be stuck at, should travelers experience flight delays in their upcoming holiday travel season. SeatGuru founder Matt Daimler says, "We've picked these airports because of their amenities and attractions designed to help travelers relax and be entertained and pampered during any unfortunate, extended layovers."
Top Five Airports:
SOURCE SeatGuru
United Airlines and Continental Airlines today announced that members of each carrier's frequent flyer program who have earned elite status will receive unlimited, complimentary domestic upgrades on flights operated by both airlines when space is available.
Continental's elite-level frequent flyers also will have complimentary access to United's Economy Plus seating, offering additional legroom near the front of the Economy cabin. United's elite-level frequent flyers will have complimentary access to Continental's Premium Seating as well.
These new benefits will begin to roll out in mid-2010.
Unlimited domestic upgrades and preferred economy class seating for elite-level frequent flyer members are the latest additions to the suite of benefits available to United and Continental customers since the two carriers announced a wide-ranging global partnership in June 2008 and since Continental joined the Star Alliance Oct. 27 - benefits that include new access to dozens of cities around the world, recognition of elite status, and the ability to accrue and redeem miles on each other's flights.
"The partnership between United and Continental means more comfort and better rewards for our most loyal customers," said Graham Atkinson, president of Mileage Plus. "While our elite-level customers enjoy significant benefits on Continental through its membership in Star Alliance, we are delighted to build on those benefits to provide travelers the best our industry has to offer."
"Continental and United have highly complementary networks that cover the map for business travelers," said Mark Bergsrud, Continental's senior vice president Marketing Programs & Distribution. "This announcement is part of our ongoing plan to deliver frequent flyer benefits that offer the best overall solution for the traveler who wants extra space and comfort across the network."
SOURCE United Airlines; Continental Airlines
BedVoyage Travel Blankets, Pillowcases, and Bed Sheets are perfect gifts for holiday travel during the cold and flu season
As the Holidays approach, BedVoyage, a new eco-friendly home-lifestyle brand, is proud to announce the launch of its 100% organic bamboo bed linens just in time for holiday travel. Using only the highest thread counts and the most luxurious fabric, BedVoyage offers lavish comfort and style and is now exclusively available at www.BedVoyage.com
Great for gifts, these soft as silk travel linens are perfect for holiday excursions. The BedVoyage line includes: travel blankets, travel-size zippered pillowcases, and sheets. The sheets consist of a top sheet secured to a deep fitted sheet with invisible-zippered, logo-embroidered pillowcases, making bed assembly easy. The sheet set conveniently folds into a compact matching fabric travel tote.
"With the cold and flu season upon us, people need a safe layer of protection and BedVoyage linens offers travelers the opportunity to snuggle down in an ultra-hygienic environment. Most airlines don't provide pillows and blankets to passengers anymore, so why not carry your own and be comfortable and safe," explains Sharon Stuart, founder & CEO, BedVoyage. "BedVoyage's patent-pending design, along with invisible zippered pillowcases, guarantees the most secure encasement and protection against allergens, dust mites, and germs. I am confident that our products allow our customers to have a comfortable, sound and healthy sleep."
Soft as silk, BedVoyage bamboo sheet sets are organic, sustainable, biodegradable, naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant. Bamboo is naturally thermostatic-warm in the winter and cool in summer-and it wicks away moisture better than other natural fibers. These luxury bed sheets are also hypo-allergenic, as bamboo needs neither pesticides nor herbicides in the fields.
Offered in either bamboo leaf green or white, BedVoyage travel linens can be purchased online at www.BedVoyage.com.
Products are available online at www.BedVoyage.com, and Amazon
Tips by Sharon Stuart, Founder of BedVoyage on how to travel this busy holiday season to minimize any possibility of contracting an illness:
SOURCE: BedVoyage
Continental Airlines today announced a major increase in the effectiveness of its recycling programs after the company put special emphasis on recycling projects in support of its ongoing commitment to the environment.
As the United States prepares to observe "America Recycles Day" on Sunday, Continental said that so far in 2009, it has collected more than 4 million pounds of mixed recyclables from terminal operations at its Houston Bush Intercontinental, New York/Newark Liberty and Cleveland Hopkins hubs - an 800 percent year-over-year increase. Mixed recyclables include newspapers, cans, and plastic bottles contributed by co-workers and customers via designated "EcoSkies" recycling bins in hub airport terminals.
"While Continental has had a robust recycling program for more than a decade, we have made substantial enhancements to the program throughout 2008 and 2009, increasing recycling onboard our aircraft, at our airport terminals and at other supporting facilities, like our food service kitchens," said Leah Raney, Continental's managing director of global environmental affairs. "We have had strong encouragement and support from our co-workers and customers, and we are excited to see such great results from our expanded recycling program."
In 2008, Continental's expanded inflight and flight kitchen recycling efforts resulted in the recovery of more than 462 tons pounds of plastic and aluminum, and more than 1,300 tons of cardboard. So far in 2009, Continental has more than doubled that amount, recovering more than 1,500 tons of plastic and aluminum, and more than 30,000 tons of cardboard.
Continental also works with contract caterers at the non-hub airports it serves to encourage recycling; today, more than 91 percent of Continental's domestic caterers and more than 87 percent of its international caterers recycle.
Due to Continental's focus on increasing its recycling efforts in 2009 alone, Continental has:
Proceeds from Continental's recycling program are re-invested in the program or donated to We Care, a nonprofit charity organization that provides financial assistance to Continental employees in need.
Continental has been an airline industry leader in environmental responsibility for more than a decade, with a dedicated team of environmental professionals who work to review and mitigate the airline's environmental impact in every aspect of its business. Continental's expanding recycling program is one of numerous environmental initiatives that the company has undertaken in the past several years. The airline also partnered with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM International, and Honeywell's UOP to perform the first biofuel demonstration flight by a commercial carrier in North America. Continental, which is 38 percent more fuel efficient than it was in 1997 per revenue passenger mile, has undertaken comprehensive efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its ground fleet by testing alternative energy sources, and offers customers a carbon offset program, offered through nonprofit Sustainable Travel International.
SOURCE Continental Airlines
LEED(R) Certified Hotel Prototype Will Reduce Costs and Enhance Speed to Market
Marriott International, Inc. announced today that it will expand its green hotel portfolio ten-fold over the next five years by introducing a green hotel prototype that will be pre-certified LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), an internationally recognized green building certification system designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The green hotel prototype, which will be available in April 2010, will save owners approximately $100,000 and six months in design time, and reduce a hotel's energy and water consumption by up to 25 percent, based on national averages. These savings, combined with incentives offered in many jurisdictions, could provide a payback for the LEED building investment in about two years.
The green hotel prototype, referred to by the USGBC as "volume build certification," has been created for Marriott's Courtyard brand, which has a development pipeline of nearly 160 hotels worldwide. In 2010, the company expects to introduce similar green hotel prototypes for its Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites brands, which represent more than 290 hotels in the pipeline worldwide.
"Marriott's' commitment makes it among the first in the world to commit to implementing green buildings on this scale," said Doug Gatlin, Vice President, USGBC. Marriott was the first hospitality member of the USGBC, and has more than 20 LEED accredited professionals on staff.
While many of the benefits of LEED certification, such as improved energy savings, better indoor air quality and reduced CO2 emissions, are transparent to guests, others are easier to identify such as easy access to public transportation, in-room recycling, and light sensors in the guest rooms. These features are becoming even more important to travelers, who said that supporting environmentally-responsible travel service suppliers is a necessity, even in an economic downturn, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Ypartnership.
"The green hotel prototype gives Marriott a competitive edge with guests who prefer a green hotel experience, and with the growing number of owners and franchisees who want to provide it," said Arne Sorenson, Marriott's President and Chief Operating Officer at the USGBC's annual Green Build conference in Phoenix today.
The Courtyard Settler's Ridge in Pittsburgh, Penn., scheduled to open in the summer of 2010, will be the first to be built based on the new green hotel prototype concept. "We are very excited to have collaborated with Marriott on this significant initiative to help mold the Courtyard brand to be green for the future. We are committed to green building designs which are now being incorporated at different levels in every building we develop. We expect to build many more LEED-certified hotels using this prototype in the future," said Mark Laport, president and CEO, Concord Hospitality.
Marriott already has 50 hotels registered for LEED, with 15 open or set to open by the end of 2010. The Inn & Conference Center by Marriott at the University of Maryland in College Park was the first LEED hotel in North America, and Marriott's recently opened Portland Courtyard City Center in Oregon was just awarded LEED-Gold status. Other green hotels are planned in the Caribbean and Latin America, in partnership with Caribe Hospitality. As a benchmark, there are only 31 LEED-certified hotels across the entire U.S. lodging industry.
Building on more than 20 years of energy conservation experience, Marriott is committed to protecting the environment. The company's Spirit To Preserve environmental strategy calls for: Greening its $10 billion supply chain; further reducing fuel and water consumption by 25 percent per available room; creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council; educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment; and helping protect the rainforest. Earlier this year, Marriott invited guests to add to the company's $2 million commitment to help save the rainforest in Brazil. More information is available at www.marriott.com/savetherainforest or www.marriott.com/green-brazilian-rainforest.mi.
Marriott was recently ranked one of Newsweek's "The Greenest Big Companies," and has been recognized for its environmental leadership in the hotel industry by several groups, including Ceres, an alliance of investors and environmentalists; the non-profit organization ClimateCounts.org; and Travel + Leisure magazine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored Marriott with its Sustained Excellence Award for the third straight year, and has awarded its ENERGY STAR® label to approximately 275 Marriott hotels.
SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.
flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, celebrated its eighth inaugural flight in less than six months last night when the airline's first flight to Sudan touched down at Khartoum International Airport.
FZ631 left Dubai International Airport's Terminal 2 at 1845hrs on Sunday, November 8, and arrived in the Sudanese capital at 2150hrs local time, where flydubai's CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith was welcomed by a Sudanese delegation to commemorate the first flydubai flight between the two cities.
Al Ghaith said Khartoum is enjoying increasing levels of investment and development and that makes the city an exciting new destination for flydubai.
"Sudan has enjoyed increased exposure in recent years because of its important involvement in the global oil industry. In addition it has growing glass, textile and printing industries which are rapidly developing and enjoying new levels of investment. There are also impressive levels of investment being ploughed into the infrastructure development of downtown Khartoum which is a sign of the city's commitment to modernize and grow.
"We feel flydubai can play an important role in bringing visitors and potential investors to Khartoum, as well as help to ensure the undoubted opportunities that are available in Sudan are accessible to a wider range of people."
Despite the distance from Dubai to Khartoum - 1,600 miles - flydubai is keeping fares low with prices starting from just AED 325 one way, which includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10kg, per passenger.
The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just AED 40 for the first piece and AED 100 for the second, weighing up to 32 kg, subject to availability. Checked baggage at the airport is also strictly subject to availability and passengers are advised to book online early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.
A nominal payment of AED 5 allows customers to select their seat and just AED 50 secures the extra legroom positions. Bookings can be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board.
flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.
SOURCE: flydubai
New York City's legendary Plaza Hotel (www.ThePlaza.com) has been awarded a 2010 AAA Five Diamond Rating by AAA, an independent federation of not-for-profit automobile clubs that provide comprehensive travel services to its 51 million members, joining the ranks of an elite group of hotels across the United States. This is the first time in The Plaza Hotel's 102-year history that the AAA Five Diamond Rating was awarded to the hotel, recognizing The Plaza Hotel as one of most distinguished hotels in the world.
The AAA Five Diamond Rating is considered North America's premier ratings system, with the organization reviewing more than 60,000 hotels annually. Less than one percent of the over 31,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this prestigious designation. The Plaza Hotel was awarded Five Diamonds based on an extensive list of criteria that recognizes the hotel's superior guest service, spacious guest rooms, luxury furnishings, exceptional architecture, fine dining, excellent shopping and unmatched hotel services and amenities.
"We are honored to have received such a prestigious award from an organization as influential as AAA," says Shane Krige, General Manager of The Plaza Hotel. "The Plaza Hotel's Five Diamond Rating illustrates our ongoing commitment to providing an outstanding luxury experience for our clientele."
The Plaza Hotel also includes The Shops at The Plaza, occupying 160,000 square feet including a Caudalie Vinotherapie® Spa, featuring an 800 square foot wine lounge that is unique to the Plaza Hotel, Fitness Center by Radu Physical Culture and a Warren-Tricomi Salon; and culinary options including the elegant Champagne Bar offering an incomparable selection of Champagnes; The Rose Club, a stylish new cocktail lounge; and The Oak Room and Oak Bar, originally opened in 1945, providing a quintessential New York experience for hotel guests and residents alike.
Additionally, The Plaza includes the Grand Ballroom, a New York City landmark retaining the neo-classical decor of its original design. The meticulous restoration of the Grand Ballroom includes the elaborate chandeliers, balconies featuring curved ornamental railings and attached iconic columns, and six landmark murals. Offering 21,000 square feet of meeting space with seven new meeting rooms, including the Grand Ballroom and the Terrace Room, The Plaza is the premier location for events and meetings in New York City.
SOURCE The Plaza Hotel
World's Largest and Most Revolutionary Cruise Ship Sails into her Home Port of Port Everglades Flanked by Ceremonial Maritime Escort
Royal Caribbean International's newest cruise ship - the highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas - made her global debut today, arriving into her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. following a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Turku, Finland. Hundreds of eager onlookers - ranging from Royal Caribbean top executives to local government officials, residents and media - came out to welcome Oasis of the Seas to the United States for the first time and to be among the first to catch a glimpse of the world's most revolutionary cruise ship.
In the course of the next six days, the ship will undergo the final touches in preparation for pre-inaugural festivities kicking off with an exclusive private performance by pop music artist Rihanna, the first performer ever to take the stage on Oasis of the Seas', Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. Oasis of the Seas will then make her national television premiere on ABC's "Good Morning America," Friday, Nov. 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (EST). Until that time, eager consumers can track her progress during the pre-inaugural activities via webisodes and updates, which are available at www.oasisoftheseas.com as well as join the conversation on Twitter by following @OasisandAllure and including #Oasisishere in Tweets.
The official naming ceremony for Oasis of the Seas will take place on Monday, Nov. 30 during a one night inaugural celebration fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime event begin at $750 per person. Guests who wish to continue their adventure onboard will receive an exclusive discount price, beginning at $650 per person, on a four-night cruise package sailing to the cruise line's private beach destination, Labadee, departing the morning following the event on Tuesday, Dec. 1 (rates based on double-occupancy and stateroom package). For reservations to this exclusive event combined with the four-night sailing, contact Cynthia Paez, Royal Caribbean International, at (877) 202-1520, ext. 12751, or cpaez@rccl.com.
The ultimate expression of Royal Caribbean's legacy of imagination and innovation, Oasis of the Seas introduces unique industry "firsts" including a neighborhood concept - seven main themed areas providing guests with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood. Within these seven neighborhoods - Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, Pool & Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone - are extraordinary elements such as the first living park at sea; a thrilling zip line that races diagonally nine-decks above an open-air atrium; an original handcrafted carousel; 28 multilevel urban-style loft suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows; an amphitheater-style theater that serves as a pool by day and a dazzling ocean front theater by night; and an array of epicurean innovations that allow for new culinary experiences each day of a guest's cruise vacation.
Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas is the first ship to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.oasisoftheseas.com.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.
SOURCE: Royal Caribbean International
Mexicana becomes part of oneworld® at midnight tonight - adding Mexico and Central America's leading airline to the world's leading quality airline alliance.
Its subsidiaries MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink join oneworld at the same time, as affiliate members. All three airlines will offer the alliance's full range of services and benefits with the first flights tomorrow.
They extend the oneworld network to almost 700 destinations in nearly 150 countries, with a combined fleet of some 2,250 aircraft operating more than 8,000 flights a day, carrying 325 million passengers a year, with annual revenues of $100 billion.
A massive promotional program will be launched today to highlight the group's addition to the alliance.
Mexicana is offering passengers flying with the airline in the next four weeks the chance to win a pair of tickets for a trip of a lifetime right around the world, flying with its new oneworld partners.
A Mexicana Airbus A320 and MexicanaClick Boeing 717 were unveiled today at their Mexico City hub - decorated in oneworld's alliance livery.
oneworld's award-winning Travel and Charging Stations land for the first time in Latin America, installed today at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport.
Mexicana's market-leading Mexican and Central American network are covered starting at midnight tonight by oneworld's full and extensive range of alliance fares and sales products - including its new Visit Mexico and Central America pass.
Mexicana's addition comes a day after oneworld was named the World's Leading Airline Alliance for the seventh year running in the World Travel Awards.
As it updates its Web site to mark the addition of Mexicana, oneworld is also enhancing its online services to include a Spanish version of its popular round-the-world booking tool, an iPhone flight search application and a complete mobile website for customers using Blackberrys, iPhones and other smartphones.
As of tomorrow, members of the MexicanaGO frequent flyer program can earn and redeem mileage awards on all oneworld partners, which include some of the biggest and best airlines in the world - American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN Airlines, Malev Hungarian Airlines, Qantas and Royal Jordanian and almost 20 affiliated airlines. Russia's leading domestic carrier S7 Airlines is on track to join during 2010.
MexicanaGO Conquer and Discover cardholders have oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status respectively, gaining them access to some 550 airport lounges worldwide offered by the alliance's airlines. Mexicana Explore cardholders have oneworld Ruby status.
The 21,000 customers in these top three MexicanaGO tiers have been sent new membership cards, bearing the oneworld logo, to ensure they receive their alliance benefits.
Also starting at midnight tonight, the 100 million members of the established oneworld airlines' frequent flyer programs will be able to earn and redeem awards and tier status points and receive all other oneworld benefits on Mexicana and its two affiliates.
As Mexicana joins oneworld, its logo will be added to thousands of oneworld signs at the 700 airports worldwide on its member airlines' networks, on the alliance's website and all oneworld branding used in its and its member airlines' advertising, publications and stationery, increasing awareness of Mexicana in the near 150 countries served by the alliance's carriers.
At the same time, Mexicana will be applying oneworld logos onto the fuselages of all 105 aircraft in its combined fleet and featuring the alliance emblem wherever its own Mexicana logo is featured.
oneworld Governing Board Chairman, American Airlines Chief Executive Gerard Arpey, said: "oneworld is very selective about who we invite on board to join us as a new member. We only consider airlines with brands that match the quality of our established partners, who share our priorities of safety, customer service and profitability and who can expand our existing combined network in key regions, rather than simply replicating what we already offer. As the leading carrier in Mexico and Central America, Mexicana more than fits the bill. We are delighted to be welcoming it and its customers on board oneworld."
Iberia Chairman and Chief Executive Antonio Vazquez said: "Iberia has been honored to act as Mexicana's sponsor into oneworld, a process that has reinforced the excellent relations between both airlines. Mexicana will considerably strengthen oneworld's long established position as the leading airline alliance in the Spanish-speaking world and in Latin America, making it easier for more customers to reach more places more easily and for better value with some of the world's best airlines."
Mexicana Chief Executive Officer Manuel Borja said: "As a member of oneworld, we can now offer our customers more choice and convenience, a much more extensive global network, more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer rewards, more lounges, more customer service support and better value - services and benefits beyond the reach of any individual airline. For Mexicana and our employees, becoming part of oneworld, flying alongside some of the most respected names in the airline industry worldwide, strengthens our position considerably in an increasingly competitive marketplace."
SOURCE: oneworld Alliance
New service to Ghana, Nigeria and Kingdom of Bahrain to begin in spring 2010
United to add nonstop service between Chicago and Brussels
United Airlines announced today the airline will inaugurate its first-ever service to Africa in 2010, with one daily, same-plane service from Washington to Accra, Ghana, and Lagos, Nigeria. The airline also will extend its existing daily Washington-Kuwait flight to include Bahrain, and will offer a new non-stop flight between Chicago and Brussels, Belgium. Introduction of all of the new services is subject to government approval.
"Our first-ever non-stop service to Africa will offer customers convenient and comfortable travel opportunities to visit two of the fastest-growing cities in the continent," says Kevin Knight, senior vice president of planning. "In addition, our new services to Bahrain and Brussels will open more international routes to our customers throughout Europe and the Middle East."
The new routes are consistent with the 2010 capacity outlook United provided on its third quarter earnings conference call, and reflect the continuing optimization of United's international network.
Africa
Daily non-stop service from Washington Dulles to Accra, the capital of the west African nation of Ghana, begins on May 2. The flight will continue from Accra to Lagos, Nigeria. The return flight will operate from Lagos to Accra and Washington. The flights, which will be available for sale this fall, will be operated by Boeing 767 aircraft on the following schedule:
Schedule Depart Arrive Start Date
-------- ------ ------ ----------
United 990 Washington to Accra 10:10 p.m. 12:40 p.m.* May 2, 2010
United 990 Accra to Lagos 2:20 p.m. 4:25 p.m. May 3, 2010
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United 991 Lagos to Accra 9:15 p.m. 9:20 p.m. May 3, 2010
United 991 Accra to Washington 11:00 p.m. 6.25 a.m.* May 3, 2010
* indicates next day arrival
---------------------------- ---------- --------- -----------
"I am delighted that United Airlines, a global leader in the airline industry, has demonstrated the economic wisdom to expand its routes to include destinations in Africa," said U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois. "African economies are among the fastest growing in the world, registering nearly six percent overall economic growth in 2007, the highest in 20 years. United's new routes are an important element in advancing the mutual trade interests of the United States and Africa and I am encouraged by the prospects for enhanced economic prosperity for the three nations."
Middle East
On April 18, United will launch the only same-plane service operated from the Western Hemisphere to the Kingdom of Bahrain. United's existing non-stop service from Washington Dulles to Kuwait will continue to Bahrain, with the return flight also stopping in Kuwait before continuing to Washington.
Flights will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft on the following schedule:
Schedule Depart Arrive Start Date
-------- ------ ------ ----------
United 982 Washington to Kuwait 6:12 p.m. 1:35 p.m.* Existing Service
United 982 Kuwait to Bahrain 2:50 p.m. 3:55 p.m. April 18, 2010
United 981 Bahrain to Kuwait 9:25 p.m. 10:30 p.m. April 18, 2010
United 981 Kuwait to Washington 11:45 p.m. 6:47 a.m.* Existing Service
* indicates next day arrival
------------------------------- ---------- --------- ----------------
The Accra/Lagos and Kuwait/Bahrain flights are conveniently timed for connections at Washington Dulles, United's principal transatlantic gateway, to and from dozens of cities throughout the Americas. United offers more than 275 daily departures from Washington Dulles to more than 90 cities.
"We are delighted with United's announcement," said Leo Schefer, president of the Washington Airports Task Force. "Service to a new international market expands a region's trading horizon and increases its competitiveness as a business location and tourist destination."
Brussels
Additionally, United will inaugurate non-stop service between Chicago and Brussels on March 28, offering convenient connections on Brussels Airlines - which joins the Star Alliance on Dec. 9 - to points in Europe and Africa. The Chicago-Brussels services also are timed to offer convenient connections at Chicago O'Hare to and from dozens of cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. As the largest airline in Chicago, United offers more than 570 daily departures to more than 130 cities worldwide. Chicago-Brussels flights will be operated by Boeing 767 aircraft on the following schedule:
Schedule Depart Arrive Start Date
-------- ------ ------ ----------
United 972 Chicago to Brussels 6 p.m. 9:20 a.m. March 28, 2010
United 973 Brussels to Chicago 11 a.m. 1:15 p.m. March 29, 2010
------------------------------ ------- --------- --------------
United will continue to offer non-stop service between Washington and Brussels.
Customers seated in United First and United Business cabins aboard all transoceanic B767 flights enjoy United's International Premier Travel Experience, which includes lie-flat seats, iPod connectivity, more than 150 hours of movies and television shows on-demand, and a selection of appetizers and entrees designed by world-renowned chef Charlie Trotter. United's B777 aircraft will be outfitted with new United First and United Business cabins in 2010 and 2011.
Source: United Airlines
W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today unveils its latest insider escape with the opening of W Boston and The Residences at W Boston, the W brand’s 35th hotel globally. Owned and developed by Sawyer Enterprises, W Boston is the newest addition to Boston’s historic and revitalized Theatre District, located in the heart of Midtown, near Downtown and the Back Bay. The landmark is set to inspire jetsetters and locals alike with spectacular design that sets the stage for W’s fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience: 123 W-branded residences; Descent, an underground bar and lounge to be overseen by master mixologist Sasha Petraske; Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s casual restaurant, Market; Bliss®, New York’s hottest spa, making its Boston debut; approximately 5,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space; SWEAT® state-of-the-art fitness center; and W Hotels The Store, the W brand’s twist on the traditional hotel gift shop.
“As our 35th W Hotel and ninth hotel to open in 2009 alone, W Boston marks a true milestone in W’s global expansion into the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “Renowned designers Bentel & Bentel have designed a landmark building that takes a modern twist on Boston’s historic green spaces, creating a true urban oasis for guests and locals alike.”
“This is such an exciting day for those who have been involved,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Sawyer Enterprises, Carol Sawyer Parks. “For a long time all of Sawyer Enterprises believed in this location, believed in this product, believed in this brand, and to see it come to fruition today is certainly a dream come true. It’s the result of a great deal of hard work, dedication and commitment from so many, and I would like to thank them for their time and energy. If I had to sum up the excitement of today and this feeling in one word, it would be ‘Wow!’”
“With the help of our Boston Invests in Growth pool initiative, Boston does not have to wait a moment longer to have the world-class W Hotel open its doors, despite a difficult economy and slower credit market than we have seen in years," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "We’re extremely pleased to welcome W – and we know they will be a terrific addition to the Chinatown and Theater District neighborhoods.”
A Landmark in the Center of Boston’s Revitalized Theatre District
W Boston is the product of a stunning collaboration between Boston-based architect William Rawn, ARCHITECT magazine’s choice for “Best Architect Firm in the U.S.,” TRO Jung|Brannen, an international firm recognized by the Boston Society of Architects as gifted in sustainable design, and New York-based design team Bentel & Bentel, recipient of the American Institute for Architects Award for Interior Design (2007) and the James Beard Award for Best Restaurant Design (2006). Together they have created an urban oasis that pays homage to Boston Common, the Public Garden and Boston’s other prominent green spaces.
Envisioning a “virtual garden” concept, Bentel & Bentel’s design expresses this in myriad ways throughout the rooms and public areas of the hotel. Steel tendrils that define spaces and create visual interest are at the same time both organic and industrial. Falling water in the lobby is juxtaposed against interior and exterior glass and the dynamic interplay with what’s happening outside on Stuart Street and in the Theatre District. A modern fireplace is positioned at the most acute angle of the building providing a “beacon” of light to those passing by, enticing them to come inside to join in the fun. Throughout the day, light is subtly transitioned as it filters through the building’s impressive glass exterior into the thoughtfully created spaces within the hotel.
W Boston features 235 guestrooms, including 24 suites. Bentel & Bentel has created a distinct design for each of the different W guestroom categories – from the Wonderful Room to the Extreme WOW Suite (W’s twist on the Presidential Suite). All guestrooms and suites at W Boston provide W Hotels signature amenities, like the W bed, sink-side Bliss products, Munchie Box (W Hotels’ re-interpretation of the traditional hotel Mini Bar) and state-of-the-art entertainment system which includes two plasma televisions, CD and DVD player and docking station for MP3 players.
The restaurant, Market by Jean-Georges, offers a multicultural menu, featuring French, Asian and Italian inspirations that emphasizes fresh, locally produced ingredients from the New England region artfully blending Jean-Georges’ most exceptional dishes. Slated to open in early 2010, Descent is an exclusive, underground spot that will combine a 1920s speakeasy vibe with a sleek, twenty-first century lounge experience. Guests will enjoy a mix of sound and taste from the bar’s DJ and master mixologist Sasha Petraske of New York’s Milk & Honey and Little Branch and most recently, POV at the new W Washington D.C. Also designed by Bentel & Bentel, Petraske’s cocktails will tastefully blend classic allure with a modern W twist. Bliss Spa, when it opens early next year, will offer guests and locals signature treatments including bliss’ popular ginger rub, hangover herbie, betweeny wax, triple oxygen treatments, and the ultimate indulgence – the legendary brownie buffet.
Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts
