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Dave

Qantas First Class returns to Singapore

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Australian national carrier Qantas Airways has reintroduced its First Class offering to its customers travelling to and from Singapore with the return of its superjumbo A380 aircraft and re-opening of its First Lounge at Changi Airport.

The airline will fly its recently refurbished A380 aircraft on flights between Australia and Singapore, and Singapore and London.

The aircraft’s premium cabins include fourteen First Suites, 70 Business Suites (increased by six) and 60 Premium Economy seats (increased by 25) as well as 341 Economy seats (decreased by 30).

The on-board lounge has been redesigned by David Caon in a supper club style with seating for ten people and a bespoke snack menu.

Singapore: an important role in Qantas’s worldwide network, says Stephanie Tully

Qantas has also re-opened its First Lounge at Changi Airport, which was launched in December 2019 and quickly became one of the most popular lounges on the Qantas international network. It operated for just three months before closing due to the pandemic.

The First Lounge operates alongside the existing Qantas Business Lounge ensuring all eligible customers travelling have a fantastic pre-flight experience.

Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer Stephanie Tully said Qantas is pleased to be offering its premium passenger experience to and from Singapore after an absence of more than two years.

We’d only just opened our brand-new First lounge before the pandemic forced its closure. Many of our Frequent Flyers never had the chance to see it.

We’re delighted to once again welcome our customers back to this beautiful lounge at Changi Airport. Our lounge team is excited to be back and eager to offer the warmest hospitality to Qantas and our partner airline customers.

Ms Tully added,

Singapore plays an important role in Qantas’s worldwide network as we continue to ramp up capacity in line with strong travel demand. It’s great to have our First offering back both in the air and on the ground at Changi Airport, which is consistently recognised as one of the best airports in the world.

The Qantas First Lounge has capacity for 240 guests and offers a Neil Perry fine dining experience with a menu inspired by Singapore’s vibrant dining scene featuring dishes such as a signature Laksa with Crayfish and Rice Noodles, Barramundi with Sambal Browned Butter and Shrimp-based Chicken Wings.

The Carrara marble bar invites guests to select from an extensive beverage menu featuring Champagne, bespoke cocktails including the Merlion Blush and barista coffee.

The 1,000 square metre lounge was designed by Australian industrial designer David Caon in collaboration with architect Kelvin Ho of Akin Atelier to provide a sense of calming luxury with a Singaporean twist featuring pops of greenery.

The lounge features classic furniture which is combined with both modern designed pieces to create a unique environment for customers.

There are zones for dining, working and relaxing as well as 10 shower suites for customers to freshen up.

Qantas will operate a daily return A380 flight from Sydney to Singapore and on to London as well as twenty A330 operated flights each week from Singapore to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

Dave

Changi re-opens T2

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Changi Airport Group has announced that operations in Terminal 2 will resume on 29 May 2022, the first phase of the terminal’s reopening as the airport prepares to meet the expected increase in passenger traffic in the months ahead.

Closed for upgrading works since May 2020, T2’s phased reopening will expand Changi’s capacity. When completed by 2024, the expansion works will raise the terminal’s capacity by five million to 28 million passenger movements per year.

In this first phase of T2’s progressive reopening, key touchpoints such as arrival immigration, baggage claim belts and contact gates at the southern wing of the terminal will be ready for flight operations.

T2 will host mainly peak-hour arrival flights of airlines operating in Terminal 3.

A small number of T3 departure flights may use boarding gates at T2 although passengers on these flights will continue to check in and clear departure immigration at T3.

The expanded T2 will see a larger Arrival Immigration Hall with more automated immigration lanes and special assistance lanes.

The automated immigration lanes will serve Singaporeans and residents who have enrolled their iris and facial biometrics with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, as well as eligible foreign visitors who have done the same upon their arrival in Singapore.

The airport claims that, ‘as more passengers are enrolled, the number of automated immigration lanes will be increased. As for the special assistance lanes, these feature a wider width than conventional lanes, allowing passengers with mobility aids, as well as big family groups, to clear immigration more easily’.

In the Baggage Claim Hall, there will be three collection belts, with one that has been lengthened to handle more bags.

Mr Tan Lye Teck, CAG’s Executive Vice President of Airport Management, said

CAG is encouraged to see the strong pickup in travel demand and has worked closely with our partners to bring forward the progressive reopening of T2 ahead of the June travel peak to meet this demand.

The start of flight operations at T2 will provide more capacity to support our airline partners, who are also gearing up to serve more passengers in the months ahead. T2 will reopen in phases over the next two years to support Changi’s recovery as a regional air hub.

Dave

Changi Airport holds first in-person airline awards ceremony after two-year hiatus

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More than 120 representatives from 71 airlines spanning 36 countries converged in Singapore for the annual Changi Airlines Awards after a two-year hiatus.

The event, which celebrates the year’s achievements and recognises airline partners’ contributions to the Changi air hub, was last held in 2019 but suspended in the following years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Presentation: Minister S Iswaran presenting an award to Dharminder Hunjan from Gulf Air

A total of 34 awards across three categories were given during the three-hour evening event held at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.

The Resilience Award was presented to 25 airlines who have continued to fly to and operate from Changi Airport throughout the pandemic.

The Connectivity Award was presented to two airlines for launching new city links.

Seven airlines were also conferred the New Airline Award from Guest-of-Honour Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations S Iswaran.

Passenger traffic at Changi Airport spiked from under 15% of pre-Covid levels in February this year to close to 40%.

82 airlines operate over 3,300 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to some 125 cities in 47 countries and territories worldwide.

Dave

Marina Bay Sands unveils billion-dollar reinvestment

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Marina Bay Sands has embarked on a major reinvestment programme for its existing property, spanning hotel rooms and suites, new food and beverage offerings and other enhancements that will position the ‘Integrated Resort’ for strong growth as the recovery of global tourism continues.

Marina Bay Sands’ night-time façade

The US$1 billion reinvestment is the biggest since the opening of the Integrated Resort (IR) in 2010, demonstrating parent company Las Vegas Sands’ confidence in Singapore and ongoing commitment to Singapore’s tourism industry.

The reinvestment is in addition to the multi-billion-dollar expansion announced in April 2019, which will include the development of a state-of-the-art entertainment arena, an ultra-luxury hotel tower and additional MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions & exhibitions) space, adjacent to the current IR.

The reinvestment encompasses extensive upgrading of all rooms and suites in Towers 1 and 2 of the Hotel.

Renovation works will be completed in phases over 2022 and 2023, transforming the design and significantly elevating the hospitality experience in the luxury travel segment, which is predicted to lead the tourism recovery.

It will also see the IR introducing signature experiences across the 55th floor of all three hotel towers – including a revamped Executive Club Lounge, premium fine dining, and health and wellness offerings – to offer new luxury lifestyle amenities for high-value travellers. Marina Sands claim more details will be announced at a later date.

Robert G. Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands’ Chairman and CEO said,

We are firmly of the view that Asia will continue to lead as a primary driver of growth in travel, and Singapore will remain a top destination of choice. Our reinvestment as well as our planned multi-billion-dollar expansion that we announced in 2019 represent a further demonstration of our long-term support for Singapore. It reaffirms our confidence in the future and our commitment to offering industry-leading luxury products and hospitality experiences to our guests.

The US$1 billion reinvestment for Marina Bay Sands is part of Las Vegas Sands’ ongoing programme to elevate design and the customer experience across its properties in Singapore and Macao. In Macao, this includes investment of approximately US$2.2 billion in The Londoner Macao, Grand Suites at Four Seasons Macao and The Londoner Court.

Paul Town, Marina Bay Sands’ Chief Operating Officer, said:

Marina Bay Sands’ new room and suite offerings will bring luxury lifestyle experiences not seen in the market before, as we reimagine the future of luxury hospitality and travel. We are excited to unveil them to guests from around the world in the months ahead as international travel returns following the easing of border restrictions. Singapore has been a leader in working towards the safe return of global travel through its Vaccinated Travel Lanes, and we are grateful to the Government for its calibrated approach and unwavering support for the industry.

Marina Bay Sands also continues to introduce new dining and retail concepts, exciting entertainment programmes as well as cutting-edge exhibitions. Adding to its spectacular lineup of celebrity chef and signature restaurants, Wakuda, created by legendary Chef Tetsuya Wakuda and restaurateur John Kunkel of the 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, will be unveiled soon. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands also continues to develop and present fresh and unique shopping experiences by bringing in new-to-Singapore concepts.

Marina Bay Sands’ hybrid broadcast studio

The reinvestment announcement comes as the IR enters its second decade of operations following its 10th anniversary in 2020. Since opening in 2010 at a development cost of US$5.6 billion, Marina Bay Sands has provided significant benefits to Singapore’s tourism sector, with over 380 million visitors to the property and helping to attract more than 1,000 all-new MICE events to the country.

Marina Bay Sands has also benefited the economy of Singapore through the creation of new jobs and support for local businesses. The IR directly employs nearly 10,000 staff, of which more than two-thirds are Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, with the figure expected to rise in the coming years to support the expansion of the business.

Dave

New Coronavirus travel restrictions announced

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published updated travel restriction information for passengers travelling to a number of international destination countries.

The restrictions vary by destination country and, in some cases, by nationality. They include details of mandatory self-isolation, immediate quarantine, completion of Health Clearance Forms on-board flights, visas and e-visas being invalidated and the ending of some visa exemptions.

The countries for which travel restrictions have been updated are Antiga and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Chinese Tapei, Cook Islands, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmr, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Paraguay, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

For the updated travel restriction information on each of these countries, please visit the IATA website, here https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm

Paul

Business travel to China and South East Asia

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At Global Travel Management we are experts in all types of business travel to all parts of the world.  But one area we are finding a lot more demand for is South East Asia.  So, whether you’re making your first business trip to Shanghai or Beijing or you’re a regular traveller to Hong Kong or Singapore, we have the partnerships, relationships and experience to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.  And we can advise on everything from flight planning to hotels, from visas to passports and from lounge passes to frequent flyer rewards.

  • Flights 

It’s easy to find a flight at a good price from the UK to China or elsewhere in the region.  But finding a flight is very different from finding the right flight.  Our team works hard to ensure your itinerary works for you.  So we search every airline and every route while securing the best price in the right class of travel for your flight.  And many times we will find a route you may not have considered.

Want to save money?  We will search the lowest price on the right flight for you.  Want to save time? Let us build you the best itinerary.  Want to make sure you maximise your frequent flyer rewards on the trip?  Leave it to us.

So, if you simply need to fly from London to Beijing, don’t be surprised if we find you an exceptional fare, via the “short route”.  We might find you a great fare in a better class than you had planned for.  And we will “go the extra mile” to make sure your frequent flyer membership gets topped up with every leg of the journey.

Check out our Facebook page for some of the best news from airlines flying from Europe to China.

  • Passports and Visas

Leave us with the hassle of your visas and passports.  We keep your records so we can remind you when you need a visa for an up-coming trip to China or when your passport is due for renewal.  And we partner with suppliers that make the process as easy as possible for you.

  • Hotels 

Do you have a preferred hotel brand?  Let us know and we will book it for you.  Need advice on hotels in a city you’ve never stayed in before?  We can help.  Whatever you need from your hotel, let us know.  You’ll set off knowing your hotel booking’s been taken care of and you can spend your time preparing for meetings, not trying to find somewhere to stay.

  • Anything else? 

Do you need car hire? A train booking?  Ferries?  Let us know – we can get straight onto it.

At Global Travel Management, we have been at the forefront of business travel, worldwide, for more than two decades.  And, as more businesses are needing to travel to China and South East Asia, we are very proud of our ability to provide an excellent service for travel to the region.

If your business needs to make trips to China and South East Asia, give me a call on 01483 227 369.  I will be happy to explain how Global Travel Management will help save you money on your trips and provide a reliable, first-class service to manage all of your business travel. 

Paul Baker 

Paul

New British Airways Lounge in Singapore Now Open.

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The brand new British Airways lounge in Singapore has now opened following several months of refurbishment, during which time British Airways customers have been using the Qantas lounge.

The new lounge is a brand new lounge featuring the very latest Galleries design and an additional 42% capacity due to A380 services which increase to daily from December.

Highlights include stunning feature lighting, a dramatic feature wall and high communal dining tables. All art on display in the lounge has been chosen due its link to Singapore and includes mix of upcoming and established British and Singaporean artists.

The new lounge also features a world first – the exclusive Concorde Bar Singapore where First customers can dine, relax and work.

The Concorde Bar Singapore

The Concorde Bar Singapore is the first Concorde Bar to open anywhere in the world. An exclusive haven for First customers and their eligible guests only, the design is strikingly different in style from the main Galleries lounge with black timber, Nero marble and champagne metal finishes.

The Concorde Bar offers a variety of seating options including communal bar seating, more private sofa corners and dining booths. Customers can enjoy digital panoramic views of the Singapore skyline which will enable them to connect to the time of day outside when travelling through time zones.

Other Concorde Bar openings are planned globally, with the next opening to take place in Dubai.

Paul

Singapore – Fires Causing Smog Problems.

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Illegal forest fires in Indonesia’s Sumatra islands are causing hazardous smog problems in Singapore.

Earlier this week the pollution standard index reached a record level and local shops are reporting they have sold out of face masks. The Singaporean Prime Minister predicts the smog could last for weeks and has issued an advice to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity.

Air traffic controllers in Singapore have been told to work with extra caution given the poor visibility.

Travellers to the region are asked to take heed of the situation but there are no official warnings not to travel. Moving forward, travellers should stay close to media updates for awareness.

Paul

Upgrade To First With BA!

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Book a fully flexible Club World return flight by 22nd March 2013 and, subject to availability, upgrade either your outbound, or inbound, journey to First Class. Inbound travel must be completed by 14th April 2013.

This upgrade offer is also valid on American Airlines services to the US and Qantas flights to Singapore & Sydney. Executive Club members will also be awarded Avios & Tier points for the cabin they actually fly in.

Paul

Finnair Super Deals To The Far East.

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Fly Finnair to the Far East this winter for prices (excluding airport taxes) starting from just £49 (Delhi)! Be quick though, the selling period for this offer ends on the 11th December.

Fly from either London, or Manchester to : Hong Kong SAR, China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore or India. Flights are via Helsinki, advertised as the shortcut route between Europe and Asia, due to the Trans-Siberian route flown by Finnair. There are some blackout dates, namely the Christmas holidays, but depending upon your destination, travel to some destinations is permitted right through to 30 June 2013.

Finnair is a One World alliance carrier : http://www.oneworld.com/