Dave

Qantas unveils ‘Project Sunrise’ First and Business class cabins for A350s

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Qantas has unveiled prototypes of the First and Business cabins on the aircraft that will fly passengers non-stop from Australia to London and New York from late 2025.

Designed with ultra-long haul travel in mind, the flagship cabins are the first to be developed from the ground up by a mix of aviation specialists, as well as Australian industrial design studio Caon Design, and a multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre including sleep scientists.

Revealed: the Qantas fleet of specially designed Airbus A350s overcomes the ‘tyranny of distance’.

Key to the cabin design has been giving passengers more space, made possible by Qantas’ decision to configure its 12 Airbus A350s to seat 238 passengers compared to the 300-plus seat layout specified by other carriers.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the investment in new A350 aircraft and approach to cabin design continues Qantas’ 100-year history of aviation ‘firsts’.

Qantas has been the leader in opening up new long-haul flights for most of our history, and we’re bringing everything we’ve learned, both technically and in terms of passenger comfort, to Project Sunrise flying. We think our A350 cabins have the most sophisticated and thoughtful design of any airline, combining cutting edge technology with sleep research to shape the look and feel for what is effectively a new era of travel. We’re building on the customer experience of our extremely popular non-stop flights from Perth to London as we keep working to make it easier to connect Australia with the rest of the world.

The spacious First suite has a range of features to make customers feel like they are in a mini boutique hotel room complete with an extra-wide fixed bed, separate recliner chair, personal wardrobe, dining table for two and a 32” ultra-high definition TV.

First suite: fixed flat bed, separate lounge recliner and wardrobe

Every Business suite will have direct aisle access for ease of moving around the cabin, and Qantas is incorporating sliding doors into the suite for privacy, if desired.

Other Business features include a two metre flat bed, generous storage (including a large mirror), cushioned leather ottoman, 18” ultra-high definition touch screen TV, large dining table and feature lighting.

Qantas Business: next generation Business suites with sliding door for added privacy

First and Business will also offer multiple personal device charging options including wireless induction charging.

The Qantas A350 will offer fast and free high-speed Wi-Fi with partner Viasat following completion of key satellite launches covering the Qantas international network.

The aircraft will also feature Bluetooth connectivity allowing all customers to connect their own Bluetooth-enabled headset to the in-flight entertainment system.

Australian designer David Caon said every possible opportunity has been seized upon to promote wellbeing and comfort in the First and Business suites.

We began designing this aircraft cabin five years ago, working with Airbus and Qantas to maximise space, as well as creating a tailored lighting program that will influence mood and sleep patterns.

All the design and service elements will work together to significantly improve inflight comfort, convenience and health and wellbeing and help minimise the old nemesis of jetlag.

Every element has been created for Qantas, from the reading light right down to the fabrics, to ensure that passengers spend their journey in refined comfort.

There are also a number of storage design elements to keep personal items within arm’s reach so the space can be personalised by each individual passenger to feel just like they are in their own bed at home.

The Qantas A350 will have six First suites in a 1-1-1 configuration and 52 Business Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration.

It will also feature a Wellbeing Zone for all passengers, which will be unveiled alongside the Premium Economy and Economy cabins in the coming months.

Dave

Stretch out on Air New Zealand

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Recognising one size doesn’t fit all, Air New Zealand customers flying the Auckland – Los Angeles route will now have three ways to fly in Economy: Economy, Economy Skycouch and the new Economy Stretch.

From an additional NZD $175 one-way, customers can upgrade to a dedicated stretch zone in the first four rows, enhancing the economy travel experience by having:

  • Up to 39% more legroom than the airline’s standard Economy seat
  • A roomy 35-inch (89cm) seat pitch
  • A comfortable headset and pillow designed for long-haul comfort
  • Free advanced seat selection and early disembarkation

As Air New Zealand operates some of the world’s longest flights, Chief Customer and Sales Office Leanne Geraghty says space and comfort is always high on travellers’ wish lists.

Customers have told us they want more room to relax, and at a competitive price. Economy Stretch answers this challenge, with some luxury for the legs all while enjoying our renowned in-flight service, Kiwi cuisine and wine, and seat-back entertainment.

Through innovations such as the Economy Skycouch and with Economy Skynest launching later next year, Air New Zealand continues to push boundaries in Economy travel.

The Economy cabin welcomes the most diverse group of travellers. The introduction of Economy Stretch means we are providing more choice for customers at an Economy price point that will meet the needs of families, solo travellers, as well as those just looking for that little bit extra of extra comfort.”

There are 42 Economy Stretch seats on the airline’s Boeing 777s.

Seats are subject to availability and are charged on a per sector basis.

Dave

Rebrand: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

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Emirates Palace Hotel has officially rebranded as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.

The company states that this signals “a new golden era as part of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group portfolio. This exciting chapter will celebrate and build upon the hotel’s distinctive legacy while introducing unparalleled experiences for guests, further cementing its position as world’s most iconic beachfront resort.

To commemorate the rebrand, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the hotel. H.E. Mohammed Al Junaibi, Chairman of Emirates Palace Company (‘EPCO’), H.E. Sultan Al Hemeiri, Managing Director of EPCO, and other senior EPCO officials were welcomed by James Riley, Group Chief Executive, and Joanna Flint, Chief Commercial Officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. During the ceremony, they unveiled the hotel’s signature fan, which was designed by Abu Dhabi-born multidisciplinary artist Ahmad Saeed Al Areef Al Dhaheri and inspired by the UAE’s treasured tradition of pearl diving.

Emirates Palace ribbon cutting: From left to right: Michael Koth, General Manager & Area Vice President – Operations Middle East, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group; Joanna Flint, Chief Commercial Officer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group; James Riley,
Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group; H.E. Sultan Al Hemeiri, Managing Director of
Emirates Palace Company, H.E. Sameera Al Romaithi, H.E. Salah Al Waswasi, H.E. Hamad Hareb Al
Muhairi, Mr. Rashed Al Nuaimi, Board Members of Emirates Palace Company.

Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Mohammed Al Junaibi said:

We are thrilled as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi enters a new golden era of hospitality. Guided by the legacy and expertise of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the resort is set to become an icon of
global luxury in line with our leadership’s quest to extend world-class hospitality to anyone
visiting or living in the UAE

James Riley said,

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi marks a milestone for our brand and confirms our commitment to the region. The palace is a globally recognised landmark in the UAE and we are delighted to manage a property with such rich historical and cultural relevance.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: The beachfront palace boasts renovated rooms, innovative dining experiences, and brand-new spa and sports facilities, each elevated by Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service. The reimagined accommodation will include the region’s very first vegan rooms with compassionate design, sustainable bedding, plant based in-room dining options and crueltyfree bath amenities.

The hotel’s new signature suites offer a haven of sophistication and style, complete with priority access to the resort’s facilities, whilst The EP Club comprises 660sqm of elevated living, dining, and relaxing areas exclusively for members and suite guests.

Found at Emirates Palace will introduce an exclusive range of gifts, accessories, and resort wear, whilst guests can also discover unique crafts and contemporary art from local businesses and emerging artists with The Palace Pop-Up.

Talea: Amongst the enhanced dining options, the one-Michelin-starred Talea by Antonio Guida is a celebration of authentic Cucina di Famiglia, served in a vibrant atmosphere both indoors and outdoors.

Elsewhere, the all-new culinary destination Episodes – comprising a tea apothecary, a deli, a cake shop and a gelateria – promises an exploratory journey into both contemporary and classic favourites.

In addition to the serene sanctuary offered by The Hideaway, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will pioneer self-care practices by world-renowned practitioners and launch a new range of skincare products by Tata Harper and Oto. The new spa will also be home to an exclusive Acqua di Parma Barbiere services and retail products.

Dave

KLM offers passengers more Thalys seats to and from Brussels

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KLM has purchased additional seats on four Thalys trains for transfer passengers travelling between Amsterdam and Brussels this summer. The extra seats form part of KLM’s efforts to scale down its four daily flights still operated between Amsterdam and Brussels. The extended air/rail product will be available from 26 March.

This capacity expansion follows the KLM-Thalys pilot project (July to October 2022), when the airline replaced one of its daily flights between Amsterdam and Brussels with a rail service.

Starting 26 March, passengers transferring between Amsterdam and Brussels will enjoy more opportunities to travel by rail instead of air on this route, with the integrated air/rail product being offered on five different trains.

KLM is an advocate of the Dutch Action Plan for Rail and Air Services, aimed at improving international train travel as an alternative to flying at six priority destinations (Brussels, Paris, London, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Berlin).

The Action Plan was drawn up in late 2020 by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Dutch rail network operator ProRail, KLM and NS Dutch Railways.

KLM’s approach to sustainability focuses on reducing emissions and noise impact, and the ongoing development of its air/rail product forms part of these efforts.

During the 2022 pilot, customer surveys showed that several improvements were needed such as easier transfers for air/rail passengers at Schiphol, assistance for rail customers with luggage, and communication with customers who are often unfamiliar with Thalys.

The airline claims “these obstacles must be removed before KLM can permanently replace flights to and from Brussels with rail capacity”.

Boet Kreiken, Executive Vice President Customer Experience KLM said,

We’re proud to be expanding this air/rail product.

We remain fully committed to ensuring a smooth customer journey, making the train an ever-better alternative to air on short‑haul routes in Europe.

We’re working closely with our partners to achieve the necessary improvements for our customers.

Dave

ANA to offer new sake collection

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All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest airline, will begin offering a new selection of Japanese sake for service onboard and at ANA lounges.

Beginning on 1 March, ANA will offer a total of 34 brands, adding 26 new brands while continuing to offer eight popular brands from the current selection.

The sake will be available in first and business class on ANA international flights, in premium class on domestic flights and at “ANA SUITE LOUNGE” for both international and domestic flights and at “ANA LOUNGE” for international flights.

In response to customer feedback and trends, ANA developed a broad choice of sake that includes seasonal variations similar to the airline’s in-flight meals and meals offered in ANA lounges.

The new offerings are a diverse selection of Japanese sake, including rare brands that will satisfy avid Japanese sake connoseuieres, as well as brands that offer a variety of flavours for overseas customers and first-time Japanese sake customers.

Tomoji Ishii, Executive Vice President, Customer Experience Management and Planning of ANA said,

At ANA, we take pride in providing our customers with a premium Japanese experience through excellent service and authentic offerings. With the renewal of our Japanese sake selection, we hope to offer our customers a true taste of Japan onboard and in our ANA lounges.

Yasuyuki Kitahara, ANA’s sake advisor and Assistant Food & Beverage Manager of Conrad Tokyo, evaluated and tasted 207 nominated sake brands to make final selections .

The winner of the 4th World Sake Tasting Competition, Kitahara is one of the world’s leading experts of Japanese sake and shochu. He has served as a sake advisor since December 2018 as a member of The Connoisseurs, ANA’s specially selected group of chefs and sommeliers who guide, advice and help to plan the airline’s food and beverage offering.

He said,

I have selected a lineup that emphasizes seasonal taste. Just as ANA offers seasonal dishes for in-flight meals, we also offer seasonal flavours for our sake. The dishes and drinks we serve are prepared with passion and will serve as a lasting memory of your trip to Japan.

Dave

British Airways brings romance to the skies for Valentine’s Day

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British Airways is sharing the love with its customers this Valentine’s Day with a range of special touches including seasonal desserts, a dedicated ‘Love is in the air’ in-flight entertainment channel and sweet treats in its lounges.

To celebrate the ‘month of love’, the airline’s culinary experts have created a bespoke Valentine’s Day afternoon tea for those travelling in First. The indulgent afternoon tea comprises a range of finger sandwiches, a chocolate orange Battenberg, raspberry tart and a chocolate love heart cookie. To accompany the sweet treats, customers can select from the Warre’s Colheita 2009 Tawny Port or the Sauternes, both carefully selected by the airline’s Master of Wine. 

For those travelling in Club World, the airline has lovingly created a chocolate mousse dessert and a raspberry and rosewater Valentine’s macaroon as part of the afternoon tea in Club Europe. For customers wishing to pair these sweet treats with a tipple, the airline recommends Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Ruby Port.

To help customers get in the romantic mood this February, British Airways has also launched a dedicated ‘Love is in the air’ in-flight entertainment channel available in every cabin. Customers looking to enjoy a date night for one in the air can settle in and select from a range of romantic classics and bingeworthy boxsets such as Bridget Jones’s Diary, You’ve Got Mail and The Mating Game.

Elsewhere, the airline’s customers travelling through its lounges on 14 February can also enjoy some Valentine’s Day treats and floral decor. In British Airways’ Galleries and First lounges at Heathrow Terminal 5, customers can enjoy Whispering Angel, Baileys’ popular Strawberries and Cream liqueur and a selection of luxury chocolates before they head off for their flight.

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said:

Whether our customers are heading off on a romantic break, a half-term family getaway or a solo adventure for one, we know that every journey is original and indeed special. We hope these little gestures go a long way in showing our appreciation and make our customers feel more loved than ever this Valentine’s month.

Dave

Heathrow sees huge rise in passenger numbers and record satisfaction levels

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Heathrow has provided an update on its passenger numbers and “satisfaction levels” as the airport continues its strong recovery from the pandemic.

The airport has announced that more than 5.4 million passengers travelled through Heathrow in January, the busiest start of the year since 2020.

Heathrow: named best UK airport in Travel Weekly’s Globe Travel Awards 2023

Following detailed surveying of passengers, Heathrow also pointed out that overall passenger satisfaction is now at or above pre-pandemic levels. In January, 98% of passengers waited less than 10 minutes for security.

Border Force are trialling the use of eGates for children aged 10 and 11 in Terminal 5 over half term, and the airport says it is “fully supportive of Border Force’s aspirations to expand the use of eGates to more families and visa holders, assisting with smooth and seamless journeys”.

British Airways and Virgin recently announced restarting ticket sales to China, reopening a key market for British exports once more. Following the pandemic, the airport has worked with airline partners to rebuild the world-class connectivity Heathrow offers to passengers.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: 

Heathrow is back to its best, with passenger satisfaction scores meeting or exceeding 2019 levels. We are giving a warm welcome to families over the half term getaway by delivering excellent service and bringing back the magic of travel.

Terminal passengers were 5.482 million in January 2023, up 111% on January 2022.

Dave

Virgin pulls out of Pakistan

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Virgin Atlantic have announced the suspension of services between London Heathrow and Lahore and Islamabad.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said:

As we continue to ramp up our flying programme in 2023, we’ve taken the opportunity to review our entire network and decided to make a few changes.

Following this review, it is with regret that we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our services between London Heathrow and Pakistan. Since commencing operations in December 2020, we have been proud to offer choice for customers travelling between London and Manchester in the UK, and Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan. During that time, we have also provided important cargo capacity, as well as delivering vital medical supplies.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.  We would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone in Pakistan; our customers, teams, partners and the authorities for their support over the past two years.

Virgin Atlantic will continue to operate services between London and Lahore until 1 May and between London and Islamabad until 9 July.

Following the announcement, Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management said,

It’s always sad to see a great airline dropping routes. Virgin Atlantic has served Pakistan well for a number of years. But the airline can continue to provide brilliant service to customers on other, growing routes.

For UK-based business travellers, there will continue to be a wide range of airlines serving UK-Pakistan routes, including British Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines. As always, we welcome inquiries from customers looking to travel to Pakistan from London and can advise on the best, most suitable and efficient routes.

Dave

Cathay Pacific’s The Deck is now open

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Cathay Pacific has announced the reopening of its airport lounge, “The Deck”, at Hong Kong International Airport, providing passengers with more options to relax before their flight.

The Deck: pamper yourself before your flight, people-watch from atop, enjoy cocktails and sunset views from The Terrace, or savour your favourite dishes from the signature Noodle Bar

The airline is also planning to reopen its other lounges, including “The Pier”, “First”, “Business” and “The Wing” within the next six months as it increases its flight schedule.

Cathay Pacific is also gradually reopening its lounges globally, with several lounges in different airports set to reopen in February, March, April, and the second and third quarters of 2023.

The airline’s signature lounges, including those at San Francisco International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport, are expected to reopen in 2023.

Cathay Pacific has already opened several of its lounges, including “First and Business class lounges” at London Heathrow Airport and lounges at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Tokyo (Haneda) International Airport.

The Deck, Hong Kong

To mark the reopening of The Deck, the airline has added a selection of new dishes served in The Noodle Bar, an iconic favourite among guests at its signature lounges.

As well as new food options at The Noodle Bar Cathay Pacific has continued to offer international dishes at The Food Hall.

The Deck is located near Gate 6 in Terminal 1 and features a unique open-ceiling terrace with seating options to enjoy views of the airport’s apron, taxi-ways and northern runway.

Cathay Pacific Lounge at Narita (Tokyo)

The Cathay Pacific Lounge at Narita has been relocated to a larger space near Gate 71 and offers customers a more spacious environment with excellent views of the airport apron.

The lounge features new artwork created by local Japanese studios and offers a curated food and beverage menu including traditional Japanese dishes, such as sushi, grilled fish, miso soup and curry with rice, as well as light and healthy options.

Cathay Pacific Lounge, Bangkok and Manila

Cathay Pacific has also made enhancements to its Bangkok and Manila lounges ahead of their reopening. Both lounges have received a refresh to their interior décor, fixtures and furniture, providing guests with a rejuvenated ambience. This is in addition to the equipment checks and deep cleaning that all lounges undergo before reopening to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of customers.

Dave

Lufthansa’s ramps up north American Dreamliner capacity

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Lufthansa has announced the deployment of the Boeing 787-9 on routes to the United States and Canada from this Summer.

Environmentally friendly: The Dreamliner offers 30% better fuel efficiency than the aircraft is replaces

From 26 March, Lufthansa’s newest aircraft, the Boeing 787-9, is heading to further North American destinations starting with the summer flight schedule as of 26 March.

The 787-9 is a wide-body, twin-engine aircraft manufactured by Boeing and operated by Lufthansa, the German airline. It is part of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family and usually accommodates approximately 290 passengers in a two-cabin configuration (business and economy class). The 787-9 is known for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology, including a quieter cabin, larger windows, and improved air quality systems.

The Dreamliner will fly six times a week from Frankfurt to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Lufthansa will offer four weekly flights to Montreal, Canada and ramp this up on 1 May to daily flights. Also early in May, Lufthansa will fly its Dreamliner daily to Denver, Colorado, three times weekly to Austin, Texas and on 13 February begin serving Detroit, Michigan.

Since October last year the Dreamliner has flown daily to Newark.

Currently, Lufthansa operates three Boeing 787-9s. Two additional Dreamliners will be delivered shortly.

The Boeing 787-9 offers passengers a much improved travel experience.

The cabin is very quiet and depending on the time of day, is lit by an innovative lighting system. The higher entrance area gives a pleasant feeling of more space and the large windows offer the opportunity for better viewing or can be dimmed at the touch of a button.

Business Class guests enjoy improved seating with, among other things, direct aisle access.

The state of the art long-haul Dreamliner is one of the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly long-haul Lufthansa aircraft. On average, it consumes 2.5 litres of kerosene per passenger per 100 kilometers flown or 30% less than aircraft of the preceding generation.

By 2027, Lufthansa Group will take delivery a total of 32 new Boeing 787-9s.