British Airways is adding an additional flight to its existing South African schedule, but is reducing some of its Johannesburg capacity and increasing services to the Mother City. The new schedule, which will see the total number of South African services increase from 26 to 27 a week, starts from the end of October.The airline will keep operating its double daily services between London and Johannesburg, but will suspend the BA34, which operated as a third daily flight on the route five days a week.
At the same time it will introduce an additional six services to Cape Town to offer 13 weekly flights from London over the South African summer. Sue Botes, British Airways’ commercial manager in South Africa, explains that some capacity had been withdrawn from the global network during the recession, but that South Africa had been protected because of the World Cup. “Now that the tournament is over, we’re adjusting our capacity to better match demand. That’s why we’ve increased services to Cape Town where we’re expecting bumper demand this summer.” She says that a third Johannesburg service will certainly be reintroduced as demand grows and more aircraft become available.
In addition to the schedule change there have been some of tactical cancellations to the BA34/33 between 7 and 19 September. The full list of affected flights is on speedbirdclub.com
Club World pre-seating extended to upper deck
British Airways has extended its pre-seating option to Club World passengers wanting to secure seats in the cabin on the upper deck. Prior to this only Gold and Silver Executive Club card holders, oneworld customers with Emerald or Sapphire cards or clients with corporate agreements were able to pre book seats on the upper deck. Now any customer can reserve a seat in the upper deck Club World cabin for $120 (£80, €120) per seat using the Manage my Booking facility on ba.com up to 24 hours before departure. These seats will not be blocked and may be reserved by any eligible customers.
Within 24 hours of departure customers can reserve seats free of charge, using the online check-in facility on ba.com or the self-service kiosks at the airport. British Airways contact centres are unable to pre-book upper deck seats.
From Luxembourg to Munich
Lufthansa will start daily flights from Luxembourg to the Bavarian capital of Munich from October 31 this year. A modern Bombardier Regional Jet CRJ-700 of Lufthansa CityLine will be operating the new route, offering up to 70 seats in Economy and Business Class, giving passengers the choice between 31 weekly flights between the two cities.
British Airways supports victims of Pakistan Floods
British Airways have supported victims of the Pakistan Floods by donating £200,000. The money will support relief efforts. The money was raised through the airlines Change For Good Programme and donated through UNICEF.Mary Barry, British Airways Community Relations Manager said: “The scale of the destruction in Pakistan is immense and British Airways is proud to be able to help.
It is crucial that we continue to work with aid agencies such as UNICEF to relieve the suffering of the people affected by these devastating floods." Donations can be made to the Pakistan Floods appeal through the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) by visiting www.dec.org.uk.
Wi-Fi for EK
Emirates has confirmed that it will offer broadband internet access on one of its A380 aircraft in the first half of 2011. The plan is to then roll out the capability on subsequent new aircraft deliveries, and also to retro fit it for long haul routes where there would be a demand for such a product. Due to the size of the Emirates fleet, it will however take time to fit. Emirates currently has mobile phone capability on over 80 of its long haul aircraft using technology firm AeroMobile.
The new internet capability will involve a switch to competitor OnAir, an Airbus / SITA-owned company which already proved the technology on Gulf Carrier Oman Air. The system allows internet access via laptops, as well as the ability via mobile phones and smart phones to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages and emails, and access the internet. A pricing model has not yet been released. Meanwhile, Emirates will introduce Blackberry and smart phone capability on a new B777-300ER entering service next month.
The end of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe.
Transnet Limited has announced that the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train service operating between George and Mossel Bay will be terminated. In its announcement Transnet said that it identified the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe service as one of its non-core assets in 2007.
Following extensive studies and stakeholder consultation, the company decided to follow an open tender process to find a new operator for the service.”Unfortunately, this process could not identify a new operator and as a result, Transnet was left with no option other than to terminate the service subject to the required approval by the Minister of Public Enterprises in terms on the Public Finance Management Act – this has since been finalised.” the statement said.
The Outeniqua Transport Museum in George will remain open to the public.
V Australia axes Johannesburg route
THE Virgin Blue Group has announced that V Australia will exit the Johannesburg and Phuket routes in February 2011.From February 2011, Virgin Blue will consolidate its international network to two strategic hubs in Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi providing a gateway to a truly international network through partnerships. This is part of the strategic partnership with Etihad also announced today which provides the Virgin Blue Group seamless access to the Middle East; United Kingdom; Europe; Africa and Asia.
Air Canada increases flights to Tokyo
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Air Canada has announced it will be boosting its flight schedule to Tokyo by adding a flight from Vancouver to Haneda Airport , a daily non-stop flight. The new route begins on 29 January 2011.
Watch out for the iceberg this time !
A cruise to mark the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic in April 2012 has almost sold out already. Hundreds of people from 24 different countries have booked to travel on the Balmoral, due to set sail from Southampton, England on 8 April 2012 and retrace the liner’s original route.
Relatives of those who lost their lives on the great ship, authors, historians and people who are just fascinated by the Titanic story have already booked their place in history.Many stories from people affected by the Titanic have been flooding in. (no pun intended). Jane Allen, from Devon, said: “We’ve booked this once in a lifetime event as we wish to commemorate our relative, Mr Thomas Pears, who died on the Titanic and his story has been a big part of our lives. His widow Edith survived in Lifeboat 8.
”The Balmoral Cruise Liner is operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, whose parent company Harland and Wolff built the Titanic in Belfast. (They shouldn’t use that as a selling point if you ask me). It has been chartered for the event by ABTA-bonded Miles Morgan Travel, which specialises in cruise and luxury holidays. A line up of ten specialist lectures are now booked for the voyage including author Arthur Cropley, the great-nephew of Charles Herber Lightoller, the 2nd Officer of the Titanic and Senan Molony, political editor of the Irish Daily Mail and author of several respected books about the disaster.
The ship will sail with 1,309 paying passengers, exactly the same number that sailed on the Titanic.
For more information about the cruise visit www.titanicmemorialcruise.co.uk
Federal Air introduces new fare class
FEDERAL Air has introduced its new ‘Bronze fare class’ from Johannesburg to Vilanculos. The fare is available at R1 200 to stimulate the destination and open up package options to the broader market.
The company has also announced the launch of Federal Air Traveller, a new travel service which opens up the South African Air Shuttle market to agents and operators for the first time.
Amtrak Virginia
A major investment by Amtrak Virginia, has completed improvements to the service on two routes to the historic visitor regions of Lynchburg and Richmond in the heartland of Virginia to make it’s iconic tourist destinations more easily accessible. During the first six months since its launch in October last year, the Amtrak Virginia service on the Lynchburg route, stopping at Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Burke Centre (Fairfax) and Alexandria, achieved annual passenger targets in the first six months of operation, proving train travel is a popular alternative to driving and an easy way to enjoy the passing rural scenery and pretty towns with colonial homes and rocking chairs on porches, as the train travels through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Last month the second improved Amtrak Virginia service was launched on the route to the state capitol, Richmond, with stops at Staples Mill, Ashland, Fredericksburg, Quantico, Woodbridge, and Alexandria. The new enhanced Lynchburg and Richmond routes make it more convenient for visitors to travel to and from central Virginia, while helping to promote the local economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.In total Amtrak Virginia offers rail services to more than 21 stations throughout the state and seamless routes to the Northeast Corridor including Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York and as far north as Boston. The on-board experience provides comfortable seating, ample storage for luggage and café cars providing refreshments.
Go to www.AmtrakVirginia.com for the latest information on all Virginia routes and tourist destinations.
Jet Airways no longer flies on a Tuesday
JET Airways has reduced the number of weekly flights between Johannesburg and Mumbai to six, Customer booked on a Tuesday flight can be rebooked on the next available service at no charge. Alternatively they will receive a full discount.
THE GSA & FOOTPRINTS IN S/CAPE SPONSOR CHILDRENS HOME
Ki-Deo Children’s Home Tour This June/July, a very excited Ki-Deo group arrived in Oudtshoorn. They were welcomed on arrival by Lynette, the owner of Footprints in the Southern Cape. Everything was well organized and wherever they went, the children had 4-star treatment. They would like to thank Lynette, JJ, and Pierre, for their wonderful hospitality and outreach to their children.
Ki-Deo is a children’s home located in Centurion, Gauteng. They are a registered project with the Apostolic Faith Mission Executive Welfare Board. The children are from different ethnical backgrounds and come from broken families. Once a year they take the children on a vacation which is the only vacation for most of them.
Their itinerary included a concert about the history of Oudtshoorn (one of the many highlights of the tour).
The children were taught how to survive in the field and to build shelters, and also enjoyed a treasure hunt, rock climbing and paintball!
Other highlights were the Sea God on their way to Groot Brak; the Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm , Cango Wildlife Ranch, etc.
This was an amazing tour, where the children learned and experienced so much – a unique experience!
Tube cools off
hgcjhgdThe London Underground rolled out its first air-conditioned train recently, over 40 years after its New York rival. "The Tube" — launched its first air-conditioned train on the Metropolitan line, albeit on a stretch of track which is almost entirely open-air. Air conditioning is seen as the holy grail for London's sprawling subway network, which becomes unbearably hot during the summer months thanks to the deep lines and lack of ventilation — during 2006, temperatures inside the trains reached as high as
47°C.
However, because of the cramped tunnels and the age of some of the infrastructure (London's subway is the oldest in the world), there simply isn't enough space to install units on trains or to displace the heat that would be extracted from them, which has resulted in London's system facing some very unfavorable comparisons with New York's Subway system or the brilliantly-cooled networks in Asian cities such as Hong Kong.
The new trains will eventually cover some 40 percent of the network, but for the deep-running Northern, Bakerloo and Piccadilly line trains, there is still no solution in sight."Air-conditioning for the deep-lying lines is a long-term project," a Transport for London spokeswoman told the UK Press Association."We are improving conditions on Victoria line trains but there is a lack of space for air-conditioning units on these deep-lying lines. We are looking at various solutions but you have to remember we are dealing with infrastructure which is very old."
KQ PREPARES FOR 50th DESTINATION
Today marks the launch of Kenya Airways’ 50th destination, when it commences its twice-weekly flights to Luanda, Angola.The service will operate as a codeshare with TAAG Angolan Airlines between Luanda and Nairobi.
This route is the airline’s 50th destination worldwide and its 41st in Africa. KQ is looking at a number of new destinations in the near future including Nampula in Mozambique, Jeddah and Rome.
NEW PACIFIC COAST VOYAGES ADDED TO CRYSTAL SPRING CALENDAR
Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises announces two brand new seven-day getaways exploring the Pacific Coast for April 2011. Sailing between Los Angeles and Vancouver aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony, the northbound and southbound "Pacific Escape" and "Coastal Exploration" itineraries visit Santa Barbara and San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Astoria,Oregon; and Victoria, British Columbia.
"Crystal’s Pacific Coast cruises showcase a stunning and remarkably diverse blend of iconic West Coast highlights, from the California beaches and the Golden Gate Bridge to the plush forests of Oregon and British Columbia," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales & marketing. "The itineraries offer our guests new destinations, the opportunity to sail with the World’s Best at an incredible value and great convenience for North American travelers. Even international guests can enjoy this sampler of some of the
most beautiful places in the western U.S. and Canada."Departing on April 10 and 17, the new voyages replace two Mexican Riviera itineraries. "The beauty of a floating resort is that you can move your hotel to other destinations when there is demand. We are keeping several fall 2010 itineraries through the Mexican Riviera, in addition to others in spring and fall 2011; the West Coast and Northwest itineraries add dimension and scope to the worldwide destinations we’re offering in 2011," says Smith.
Promotional Two-for-One cruise fares start at $2,695 per person, and include $500 per person, ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard spending credits. For bookings by September 30, 2010.Also new in 2011 is Open Dining by Reservation evening dining that adds more choices, convenience and flexibility – or Perfect Choice – to the line’s acclaimed classic main and late dinner seatings.
The Crystal Experience is distinguished by unparalleled service, abundant space, extensive choices and
superior quality – at an exceptional value. Celebrating 15 and 16 years as "World’s Best" in its category by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, respectively, among many other coveted hospitality awards,Crystal has been recognized as #1 more than another cruise line, hotel or resort in history.
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, or call Cruises International on
011 327 0327 or visit www.crystalcruises.com
BA TO INTRODUCE SECOND DAILY FLIGHT TO CPT
BRITISH Airways will launch a second daily flight between Heathrow and Cape Town from November to capitalize on rising demand. Cape Town's popularity as a holiday destination, particularly among Britons, has grown steadily during the year, in addition to the World Cup business.
The worlds most trendiest and well travelled luggage brand .....
Samsonite, is celebrating 100 years with the launch of B-Lite, the lightest ever soft suitcase.Samsonite gave us the first polypropylene case with injected moulded shells and the first suitcase on wheels. It turned baggage into a fashion accessory and made luxury and quality synonymous with packing.It’s own journey has been a rags to riches one, starting with American trunk maker and entrepreneur Jesse Shwayder at the turn of the last century and ending with a multi-million dollar globe trotting corporation today. For a stockist near you, log onto www.samsonite.com or call (031) 266 0620.
AIR SEYCHELLES BOOST DECEMBER FLIGHTS
AIR Seychelles has scheduled two extra flights on its Johannesburg-Mahe route over the festive season.
Flights will leave Johannesburg on December 22, 2010 and again on January 5, 2011, departing at 23h55.
Etihad introduces first all economy class flight
Etihad Airways will introduce its first ‘all economy’ class aircraft into its fleet in October 2010. The two Airbus A320s will be configured to carry 162 economy class passengers, an increase of 42 from the current economy capacity.The all economy cabin aircraft will operate to short haul Etihad destinations, which have high demand for economy traffic and low demand for premium traffic.
Initially these will be Alexandria, Calicut, Colombo, Damascus, Doha and Thiruvananthapuram.Plans are in place to expand the all economy fleet to 10 A320 aircraft which will enable the airline to launch new short haul destinations which have low demand for premium travel and also to existing Etihad destinations.Customers travelling on the new ‘all economy’ aircraft will receive the same world class service and product that is featured on their current narrow body fleet, such as seat back in-flight entertainment screens and hot and cold meals and beverages.
Etihad currently has 15 A320 aircraft within its fleet and 35 aircraft are on order from Airbus.