Accor is expanding its network of Sofitel So hotels with the signing of the Sofitel So Singapore, the world?s third Sofitel So label hotel.
The new hotel is located at 35 Robinson Road, an heritage building within walking distance from the Marina Bay area and close to premier shopping belt, Orchard Road.
Sofitel So Singapore will have 134 guestrooms including 23 suites and is owned by Royal Group Holdings, a Singapore-based organisation that focuses on the development of hospitality projects at unique locations with historical relevance.
The development at 35 Robinson Road will commence next month, while Sofitel So Singapore is schedule to open in the first quarter of 2013.
?We are proud and excited to have our first Sofitel Luxury Hotels footprint in Singapore with Royal Group? stated Markland Blaiklock, Senior Vice President of Sofitel Asia Pacific. ?The 35 Robinson Road building with its iconic fa?ade is an ideal place to showcase Sofitel So, the label that brings together the essence of design and city soul.?
With the addition of Sofitel So Singapore, the group currently has a network of four hotels under its Sofitel So label. The first was the Sofitel So Mauritius, which opened in December 2010. Sofitel So Bangkok, the first urban Sofitel So, is expected to open in the first quarter of 2012 and the fourth Sofitel So hotel in the pipeline, Sofitel So Mumbai, is set to open in 2015.
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Sunday 6 November 2011
Saturday 5 November 2011
Air Arabia Selects SITA Horizon Passenger Management System
Sharjah-based Air Arabia has selected the SITA Horizon passenger management system to provide a seamless transit service at Air Arabia?s 70 departure points across 32 countries as the airline expands its network.
This multi-million dollar, seven-year deal includes departure control services and self-service check-in along with SITA?s new generation weight and balance system, and the connectivity and messaging associated with the operations including IP VPN, and SITA?s shared telecommunications infrastructure solution AirportHub.
SITA will connect Air Arabia?s multi-hub destinations and provide seamless passenger services across its growing network while using Air Arabia?s own service agents and ground handling partners.
Hani El Assaad, SITA Regional Vice President Middle East and North Africa said, ?SITA?s comprehensive managed solution allows Air Arabia to control costs effectively as our departure control, network and messaging solutions are charged per passenger checked-in, mirroring the airline?s business activity and requiring minimal capital investment. We also provide a single help desk for integrated and responsive customer support ... Having an innovative airline like Air Arabia chose SITA Horizon is a clear endorsement of our investment strategy in the platform and confirms SITA as a major player in this exciting market.?
Air Arabia, which has been profitable since its first year of operation, flies to 70 destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia and Europe from three hubs in UAE, Morocco and Egypt.
Since its first flight in 2003 the Air Arabia fleet has expanded to 28 Airbus A320-200 aircraft and the airline has an order for 44 aircraft of this type to support its future growth.
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This multi-million dollar, seven-year deal includes departure control services and self-service check-in along with SITA?s new generation weight and balance system, and the connectivity and messaging associated with the operations including IP VPN, and SITA?s shared telecommunications infrastructure solution AirportHub.
SITA will connect Air Arabia?s multi-hub destinations and provide seamless passenger services across its growing network while using Air Arabia?s own service agents and ground handling partners.
Hani El Assaad, SITA Regional Vice President Middle East and North Africa said, ?SITA?s comprehensive managed solution allows Air Arabia to control costs effectively as our departure control, network and messaging solutions are charged per passenger checked-in, mirroring the airline?s business activity and requiring minimal capital investment. We also provide a single help desk for integrated and responsive customer support ... Having an innovative airline like Air Arabia chose SITA Horizon is a clear endorsement of our investment strategy in the platform and confirms SITA as a major player in this exciting market.?
Air Arabia, which has been profitable since its first year of operation, flies to 70 destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia and Europe from three hubs in UAE, Morocco and Egypt.
Since its first flight in 2003 the Air Arabia fleet has expanded to 28 Airbus A320-200 aircraft and the airline has an order for 44 aircraft of this type to support its future growth.
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, SITA, Air Arabia, Sharjah
Air Canada Disappointed with U.S. Government Fee on Travelers
Air Canada has said it is disappointed about the U.S. Government's decision to apply an additional $5.50 customs fee on travelers arriving in the United States by air from Canada.
A statement from the airline reads, "Air Canada is disappointed to see an additional government fee levied on air travelers. This decision by the U.S. government comes at a time when initiatives should be undertaken to encourage economic growth, not burden consumers with additional costs. Moreover, there is no indication that the monies raised from these additional fees will be used where they are sorely needed - to make the necessary investments in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-clearance resources at Canadian airports in order to better meet demand for U.S.-bound travelers. Air Canada urges the U.S. government to address staffing shortages at these U.S. pre-clearance facilities, consistent with the objective of improving the flow of passengers and goods between Canada and the United States as both governments have committed to do."
Air Canada is one of the largest commercial airlines in the world and serves over 32 million customers annually. It provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 57 destinations in the United States and 60 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America.
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A statement from the airline reads, "Air Canada is disappointed to see an additional government fee levied on air travelers. This decision by the U.S. government comes at a time when initiatives should be undertaken to encourage economic growth, not burden consumers with additional costs. Moreover, there is no indication that the monies raised from these additional fees will be used where they are sorely needed - to make the necessary investments in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-clearance resources at Canadian airports in order to better meet demand for U.S.-bound travelers. Air Canada urges the U.S. government to address staffing shortages at these U.S. pre-clearance facilities, consistent with the objective of improving the flow of passengers and goods between Canada and the United States as both governments have committed to do."
Air Canada is one of the largest commercial airlines in the world and serves over 32 million customers annually. It provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 57 destinations in the United States and 60 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America.
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, Air Canada, Canada
Accor Expands ibis Brand to Japan
Accor has expanded its portfolio of ibis hotels in Asia with the ibis Tokyo Shinjuku, the first ibis hotel in Japan.
The rebranded hotel is located right in the heart of Tokyo?s Shinjuku centre and only three minutes away from the world?s busiest train station.
?Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku will bring in a fresh sensation to the economy hotel industry in the country?s capital. As Accor?s leading economy hotel brand, ibis has earned a worldwide reputation for excellent services at very competitive prices,? said Patrick Basset, Accor?s Vice President for Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan. ?This hotel is the first ibis hotel brand to set foot in Japan, but it will be the 10th hotel in Accor?s Japan network.?
The 206-room ibis Tokyo Shinjuku will begin an extensive refurbishment over the following months. Once complete, the hotel will become a key addition to the Ibis network, accumulating the numbers to almost 100 hotels and over 17,340 rooms in Asia Pacific region.
Shinjuku is a major commercial and administrative centre of Tokyo and one of the 23 special wards in the Capital. Shinjuku train station is the busiest train station in the world, with over 3.5 million passengers passing through each day. The hotel is 1.5 hour away by train from Tokyo Narita International Airport and 45 minutes away by train from Tokyo Haneda International Airport.
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The rebranded hotel is located right in the heart of Tokyo?s Shinjuku centre and only three minutes away from the world?s busiest train station.
?Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku will bring in a fresh sensation to the economy hotel industry in the country?s capital. As Accor?s leading economy hotel brand, ibis has earned a worldwide reputation for excellent services at very competitive prices,? said Patrick Basset, Accor?s Vice President for Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan. ?This hotel is the first ibis hotel brand to set foot in Japan, but it will be the 10th hotel in Accor?s Japan network.?
The 206-room ibis Tokyo Shinjuku will begin an extensive refurbishment over the following months. Once complete, the hotel will become a key addition to the Ibis network, accumulating the numbers to almost 100 hotels and over 17,340 rooms in Asia Pacific region.
Shinjuku is a major commercial and administrative centre of Tokyo and one of the 23 special wards in the Capital. Shinjuku train station is the busiest train station in the world, with over 3.5 million passengers passing through each day. The hotel is 1.5 hour away by train from Tokyo Narita International Airport and 45 minutes away by train from Tokyo Haneda International Airport.
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, Accor, Japan, ibis, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Abu Dhabi Airport Reports Q3 2011 Traffic
During the third quarter of 2011 Abu Dhabi Airport recorded a 15% increase in passenger traffic compared with the same period in 2010.
Some 3.3 million passengers passed through the capital?s airport during the period July to September 2011 surpassing for the first time the 1 million milestone for three consecutive months.
A total of 1,086,348 passengers passing through the airport in September, a double digit increase of 17.1% compared to the same month last year.
The increase in last quarter?s passenger traffic was mainly driven by Eid and summer holidays, Omra, the inauguration of new airlines and the frequency increases and new destinations introduced by most of the carriers at Abu Dhabi International Airport, mainly Etihad Airways.
Cargo volumes presented a parallel growth to that of passenger traffic with a recorded 10.8% increase in the month of September alone, and a further 7% increase over the July- September 2011 period, compared with same periods last year. The recorded increases are a result of the healthy economic growth witnessed in Abu Dhabi along with the increased cargo activity by Etihad Airways.
Commenting on this, Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operating Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), said, ?The passenger activity increases at Abu Dhabi international Airport are certainly a positive economic indicator for the UAE and the region. It is especially encouraging that we are seeing sustained growth throughout the year. We are thrilled with the positive passenger activity results of the third quarter of this year and it is clear that both business and leisure travelers are choosing Abu Dhabi International more and more as their portal to the world.?
The top five routes in the third quarter of 2011 include London, Bangkok, Doha, Jeddah, and Manila.
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Some 3.3 million passengers passed through the capital?s airport during the period July to September 2011 surpassing for the first time the 1 million milestone for three consecutive months.
A total of 1,086,348 passengers passing through the airport in September, a double digit increase of 17.1% compared to the same month last year.
The increase in last quarter?s passenger traffic was mainly driven by Eid and summer holidays, Omra, the inauguration of new airlines and the frequency increases and new destinations introduced by most of the carriers at Abu Dhabi International Airport, mainly Etihad Airways.
Cargo volumes presented a parallel growth to that of passenger traffic with a recorded 10.8% increase in the month of September alone, and a further 7% increase over the July- September 2011 period, compared with same periods last year. The recorded increases are a result of the healthy economic growth witnessed in Abu Dhabi along with the increased cargo activity by Etihad Airways.
Commenting on this, Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operating Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), said, ?The passenger activity increases at Abu Dhabi international Airport are certainly a positive economic indicator for the UAE and the region. It is especially encouraging that we are seeing sustained growth throughout the year. We are thrilled with the positive passenger activity results of the third quarter of this year and it is clear that both business and leisure travelers are choosing Abu Dhabi International more and more as their portal to the world.?
The top five routes in the third quarter of 2011 include London, Bangkok, Doha, Jeddah, and Manila.
See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Airports, Awards, Flights, Codeshare, FFP, Inflight, Lounges, First Class, Business Class, MICE, GDS, Rewards, Miles, Hotels, Apartments, Promotions, Spas, Yoga, Retreat, New Hotels, Traffic, Visitor Arrivals, Cruises, Free Deals, Interviews, Videos, Abu Dhabi Airport, Abu Dhabi
Qatar Airways to Increase Flights to Iran; Launch Isfahan Service
Qatar Airways is to increase capacity across its network in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and will launch daily scheduled flights to a fourth city ? the central Iranian city of Isfahan.
An additional 31 flights each week will be operated by the Doha-based airline between the State of Qatar and Iran, representing an 150% increase in overall frequency.
The capacity rise to 52 services a week, up from the current 21, will be phased in over a four-month period, starting 1 December 2011.
The capital Tehran will be served with an additional daily flight; Iran?s second largest city of Mashhad is to get nine extra flights; Shiraz, the economic centre of southern Iran, will be given eight new flights; and, starting 11 January 2012, services will begin to Isfahan in central Iran.
Shiraz: 8 new flights ? currently twice-weekly, rising to daily, effective December 1, and a further three flights introduced each week from March 2012.
Isfahan: new route ? daily flights from 11 January 2012.
Mashhad: 9 new flights ? from the current five flights-a-week to 14 services (double daily), beginning March 2012.
Tehran: 7 new flights ?.from the current 14 flights each week (double daily) to 21 services (thrice-daily), beginning March 2012.
All flights will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy.
Qatar Airways began flying to Iran in 2004 with the launch of services to Tehran. Flights to Mashhad started the following year, with Shiraz introduced to the network almost five months ago.
Isfahan, home to textile and steel mills and located on the country?s main north-south and east-west crossroads, is the heartbeat of central Iran?s economy. With fine historic Islamic architecture, palaces and tree-lined wide boulevards, the city is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Middle East.
?Almost five months ago, Qatar Airways introduced the Iranian city of Shiraz to our network. We have been working with the authorities in Iran for increased capacity across the country and delighted to have reached agreement to make this announcement,? said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. ?Additional flights will ultimately benefit passengers travelling to and from Iran and with our large international network of destinations, we facilitate travel with more ease, more flexibility and more choice, particularly for the large Iranian expatriate community around the world.?
So far this year, Qatar Airways has launched flights to 12 cities worldwide ? Bucharest (Romania), Budapest (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Stuttgart (Germany), Aleppo (Syria), Shiraz (Iran), Venice (Italy), Montreal (Canada), Medina (Saudi Arabia), Kolkata (India), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Oslo (Norway).
Three further routes are planned during November alone ? to the Libyan port city of Benghazi from 1 November 2011; Ugandan city of Entebbe effective 2 November 2011; and the central Chinese city of Chongqing on 28 November 2011.
An additional 31 flights each week will be operated by the Doha-based airline between the State of Qatar and Iran, representing an 150% increase in overall frequency.
The capacity rise to 52 services a week, up from the current 21, will be phased in over a four-month period, starting 1 December 2011.
The capital Tehran will be served with an additional daily flight; Iran?s second largest city of Mashhad is to get nine extra flights; Shiraz, the economic centre of southern Iran, will be given eight new flights; and, starting 11 January 2012, services will begin to Isfahan in central Iran.
Shiraz: 8 new flights ? currently twice-weekly, rising to daily, effective December 1, and a further three flights introduced each week from March 2012.
Isfahan: new route ? daily flights from 11 January 2012.
Mashhad: 9 new flights ? from the current five flights-a-week to 14 services (double daily), beginning March 2012.
Tehran: 7 new flights ?.from the current 14 flights each week (double daily) to 21 services (thrice-daily), beginning March 2012.
All flights will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy.
Qatar Airways began flying to Iran in 2004 with the launch of services to Tehran. Flights to Mashhad started the following year, with Shiraz introduced to the network almost five months ago.
Isfahan, home to textile and steel mills and located on the country?s main north-south and east-west crossroads, is the heartbeat of central Iran?s economy. With fine historic Islamic architecture, palaces and tree-lined wide boulevards, the city is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Middle East.
?Almost five months ago, Qatar Airways introduced the Iranian city of Shiraz to our network. We have been working with the authorities in Iran for increased capacity across the country and delighted to have reached agreement to make this announcement,? said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. ?Additional flights will ultimately benefit passengers travelling to and from Iran and with our large international network of destinations, we facilitate travel with more ease, more flexibility and more choice, particularly for the large Iranian expatriate community around the world.?
So far this year, Qatar Airways has launched flights to 12 cities worldwide ? Bucharest (Romania), Budapest (Hungary), Brussels (Belgium), Stuttgart (Germany), Aleppo (Syria), Shiraz (Iran), Venice (Italy), Montreal (Canada), Medina (Saudi Arabia), Kolkata (India), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Oslo (Norway).
Three further routes are planned during November alone ? to the Libyan port city of Benghazi from 1 November 2011; Ugandan city of Entebbe effective 2 November 2011; and the central Chinese city of Chongqing on 28 November 2011.
Friday 4 November 2011
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