Last year, Singapore Airlines announced that it would be introducing a new premium economy class to its Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleet in the second half of 2015. Airline Route, a website that tracks airline schedule changes in the Global Distribution System (GDS), used by airlines to distribute ticketing information to travel agents is now reporting that Singapore Airlines have updated the GDS to reflect what is likely a draft schedule of Premium Economy flights. Premium Economy sits between Economy and Business class in terms of product and amenity, and was largely created as the gap between Economy and…
Author: Mark B
Qantas has announced that it will restructure international airfares, by folding its fuel surcharge into its base fares. However, this will not cause a drop in fares, as the base fares will. At the same time, they have announced a decrease in its fuel-related charges for Frequent Flyer redemption bookings of up to $130. The change follows Virgin Australia’s announcement last week that it was going to remove the separate fuel surcharge for flights to the USA. The changes by Qantas to the pricing calculation is unlikely to be readily noticed, as airlines are required to advertise a fully inclusive…
Rydges has taken over popular Urban St Kilda in Melbourne, rebranding it a Rydges Hotel. Only 200 metres from Melbourne’s premier inner-city beach, the hotel suits those leisure or corporate travellers seeking a unique high-value experience combined with relaxed, modern comforts with quirky edge. Complete with conference facilities and chic restaurant and bar, this uniquely stylish hotel combines some unique hotel features with plenty of guest room perks. With 4 unique room types, signature beds and the genuine Rydges service, unique offerings and top-shelf amenities combined with surprisingly affordable prices makes for an enjoyable and gratifying stay. The expansion to…
Qantas has confirmed that customers travelling in Domestic Economy will be offered more choice and greater value with the extension of main meal times across the short and medium domestic sectors. Breakfast is served for an extra 30 minutes for departures up until 0859 Lunch now starts an hour earlier for departures commencing from 1100 Dinner now starts an hour earlier for departures commencing from 1700 This adds to other recent enhancements on the domestic network. Some other recent improvements include: Some of our other exciting new initiatives we’ve been working on and introduced for Domestic travellers are: Hot and cold gourmet dinner…
Qantas has teamed up with Oroton in creating a new ‘limited edition’ business class amenity kit. The new kit will be exclusively offered on services operated by A330 aircraft sporting the new Business Suite product. The so-called ‘Business Sleep Collection’ amenity kit features a signature Oroton styled bag paired with exclusive ASPAR products by Aurora Spa. The unisex amenity kit has been designed to hold Qantas’ signature Business pyjamas, eye mask, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste and earplugs comfortably inside. Qantas International Head of Customer Experience & Creative Development Kylie Morris said the limited edition Oroton amenity kit was timed to…
The current Rydges Perth hotel is set to close late next year, and following a refurbishment will emerge as the Intercontinental. This will mark the return of the IHG brand to Perth after leaving the city previously when the Burswood Resort was absorbed into the Crown empire.The hotel currently has 240 rooms and is nestled amongst the city’s top business and leisure facilities including the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, His Majesty’s Theatre and the city’s King St precinct.The Rydges has been in Perth in its present form for the last 18 years. The owner has now decided to take…
The sign on the building says Citigate, and the lobby is still being renovated, however, the first DoubleTree by Hilton has commenced operations in Melbourne. The 180 room property, located opposite Flinders Street Station takes has been operating under the Citigate brand, a leftover from the days the hotel was managed by Mirvac. More recently it has been managed by Accor, but was never rebadged to an Accor brand. The centrally located property provides an additional option for Hilton HHonors members, which are losing the Hilton on the Park to Accor of 1 January, 2015. The existing Hilton hotels -…
Accor today announced that they will be part of a new mixed-use hotel, commercial and retail precinct to be developed in Mascot, near Sydney Airport. Expected to open in May 2016, the 5-star hotel to be badged Pullman Sydney Airport is part of a new AUD$100 million development project that will encompass extensive office and retail facilities. Accor is touting the 229-room Pullman Sydney Airport hotel as “the first internationally branded 5-star hotel to service Sydney Airport.” The design of the hotel will include 229 accommodation rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, conference facilities and gymnasium. The hotel will…
Accor have announced that they will be taking over the management of Melbourne’s Hilton on the Park hotel. From 1 January, 2015 the hotel will be rebranded as Pullman on the Park. The change from Hilton to Accor, comes following a previous announcement that Accor’s Citigate property was moving into the Hilton fold, under the Doubletree brand.Twelve months ago there were rumours that Hilton may be leaving as the property had been placed up for sale. Hilton at the time had said they were interested in renewing the management contract for the property. While it does now seem its future…