Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Temple Fair rises to be a top festive occasion

The report as of Wednesday by the organizers of Chengdu Temple Fair said that about 700 thousand visitors had been registered in nine days since the opening of the temple fair at the end of last month and the event was catching eyes across China for its colorful and spectacular programs.
Alongside with its original programs highlighting the Three Kingdoms culture, the Temple Fair of this year put on the stage acrobatics, kungfu, operas, equestrian stunts, animal performances and folklore singing and dancing, as well as the performances by overseas artists, such as Scottish bagpipes, Uganda drums, Russian dances and piano concerts from Australia.
The glamour of the fair thrilled the visitors and the event and caused the attention of major media in the country, including China Central Television (CCTV) and newspapers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, which ranked Chengdu Temple Fair as one of the most recommended destinations for cultural trips for
visitors, especially the younger generation, during the Spring Festival holidays, said the organizers.
The fair is scheduled to close on Feb. 20.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

EasyJet new destinations from Stansted airport

easyJet expanding at london Stansted airport with the launch of four new routes to the Turkish delights of Dalaman and Bodrum, and Croatian charm of Split and Dubrovnik.

Speaking about the launch of easyJet's new routes from Stansted, Sophie Dekkers, easyJet UK Commercial Manager, said: “Falling outside of the Eurozone, Turkey and Croatia are this year’s ‘hottest’ destinations for travellers seeking a new experience, that won’t break the bank, and with flights from £26.99* we’re making these destinations more accessible for all.

Nick Barton, Commercial and Development Director at Stansted Airport, commented: "Stansted is already at the heart of low-cost air travel in Europe, and so we're delighted to welcome these exciting new easyJet routes to Turkey and Croatia onto our network this weekend.

"Despite current economic climate, people still want to fly, and with new direct links to Spain, France and USA set to start from Stansted in the coming weeks, we're gearing up for some exciting developments to our network."

“EasyJet now offers a total of 30 routes from Stansted, and we plan to expand this further to provide even more choice to travellers. The secret to our success is offering the best value fares, to the most convenient airports.”

Stansted airport welcomes airasia X long-haul connections

AirAsia X has introduced a new premium cabin, with flatbed business class seats, on its fleet of aircraft operating between Stansted and Kuala Lumpur.

Speaking at the launch of the new premium class seating, Stansted Airport's Commercial and Development Director, Nick Barton, commented: "Stansted is at the heart of low-cost air travel in Europe and we're delighted to be part of this exciting development in long-haul, low-cost, premium flatbed seating.

"The new premium cabin is an exciting development for long-haul business class passengers, and we look forward to supporting AirAsia X as they continue to develop their services here at Stansted."

"AirAsia X routes have seen encouraging feedback on the new seats; from our Australian cousins who like a bit of lay flat luxury to our friends in India, China and further afield enjoying the low cost option of flying flat compared to the legacy carriers.”

"AirAsia X is revolutionising air travel connections between Europe, Asia and beyond. A recent survey of passengers departing Stansted showed that two thirds of travellers were connecting on flights from Kuala Lumpur, with over 90% booked on AirAsia's network to destinations including Melbourne, Perth, Singapore and Hong Kong.
AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani said: “As frequent flyers ourselves, we understand the great need for comfort especially for long-haul flights.

“AirAsia X is currently flying from Stansted to Kuala Lumpur and on to long-haul destinations in Australia, China, and India in addition to the short-haul destinations available across the Asia Pacific network and beyond. Both business and leisure travellers can now enjoy greater low-fare connectivity than ever before whilst treating themselves to the luxury and comfort of our new Premium FlatBed seats. For further information on AirAsia's new premium cabin, flight schedules and reservations, visit www.airasia.com.

airbus a380 cleared to land at Stansted airport

Stansted Airport's ambition to raise its global profile has received a major boost after gaining approval to handle the world's largest airliners.

The Civil Aviation Authority has awarded the UK's third busiest airport Code F status, which now allows aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and the new Boeing 747-8 to operate from the airport.

The official go-ahead, which follows months of work to demonstrate the airport's operational readiness to airbus a380 aircraft, now opens the door for new airline growth for both passenger and cargo operations.

"Our mission is to make sure the world's aviation decision makers know all about the excellent, modern facilities we have on offer here at Stansted Gaining Code F status gives us a competitive advantage as we focus our work and energy towards airlines from across the Middle and Far East, and the USA.

"We have the drive, ambition and desire to succeed, and we are very confident we can achieve our aim of making Stansted the London airport of choice in the years ahead."

Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air France, Lufthansa and Emirates are the five airlines currently using the Airbus superjumbo but many more airlines have them on order.

An immediate benefit has seen Stansted named as Emirates' alternative airport for their A380 aircraft, if they are forced to divert as a precaution or if the destination airport is unavailable.

Stansted's Commercial and Development Director, Nick Barton, who along with the airport's managing director, David Johnson, recently visited a number of the Middle East's largest airlines who use or plan to use the A380 , said:

"We're delighted to have won permission to handle the world's biggest Code F aircraft, an achievement that will make Stansted even more attractive to potential carriers - both passengers and cargo. It's credit to the original designers of Stansted who showed astonishing vision in the 1980s to create an airport capable of handling the superjets of the future.
Matthew Knowles, spokesman for ADS the UK's Aerospace, Defence and Security trade organisation, explained some of the environmental benefits of the new generation of aircraft.

"The Airbus A380 is more fuel efficient than a hybrid car and produces less perceived noise at take off than that experienced by a passenger inside a London Underground Train. Furthermore, half of the aircraft, when fitted with Rolls- Royce engines alongside other major contributions from British firms, is made in the UK," said Mr Knowles.

Oman Air Opens Sale Office in Thailand

Oman Air, the National Carrier of the Sultanate of Oman has recently opened their new and swanky Passenger Sale Agency in Pattaya. This is the second office of Oman Air in Thailand after Bangkok.

Oman Air new Pattaya office is centrally located at Pattaya 2nd road, soi 1. Pattaya is about 110 km away from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, and is about an hour-and-a-half drive.

Oman Air currently operates nine weekly flights in the Muscat-Bangkok-Muscat route.

A colourful event marked the opening of the new office, which was attended by Ronakit Ekasingh, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, and Mr.Rattanachai Suttidachanai, Chairman of Tourism and Sports Committee, who congratulated Ahmed Hazeem Al Balushi, District Sales Manager, Oman Air, Thailand on the occasion. Also in attendance were the representatives of the Oman Air’s GSA, TPP International Co, Ltd.


Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Hazeem Al Balushi said:

“The new Oman Air office is aimed to meet the increase demand and to facilitate the tourist passengers in Pattaya on reservation and ticketing. Oman Air’s flights to and from Bangkok have been doing extremely well ever since we commenced operations in 2008, and the tourists who visit Bangkok make it a point to visit the scenic white-sand beaches of Pattaya and the other attractions. We are sure that with this new office, we can cater even better to the demands of our valued passengers”

Oman Air Appoints airport hotels Chief Officer

Oman Air has recently appointed Richard Hodges as Chief Officer – Hotels & Catering. Richard Hodges brings with him entrenched expertise in Hotels and In-flight Catering, which meets the Company’s rapid expansion in this regard.

Expressing his contentment on his appointment, Richard Hodges said:

“I am thrilled to join Oman Air and take on this immense and rewarding challenge which lies ahead of me. Oman Air is in a phase where the leisure and hospitality sector is poised for a symbiotic growth. As the airline is expanding its wings further afield, and the awareness on Oman is reaching across to a global audience, I am sure this can be translated into fruitful business ventures, with the support and guidance from Oman Air’s management team and the board of directors.”

Hodges has over 30 years of experience in the hotel and catering industry, and has over the years held many international and corporate operating positions. Some of his former appointments include: Vice President of Business Development of Regal Hotels International, General Manager of Regal Airport Hotel in Hong Kong, and Vice President of hotel projects in San Diego, California, USA. Hodges had been the Chairman of Hong Kong Airport Managers Association, a member of the Executive Committee of Hong Kong Hotels Association, besides the Sub-committee of The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

A couple of years back, Oman Air made its initial foray into a new area of business with its acquisition of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Muscat. Situated in close proximity to the Muscat International Airport, the hotel opens up viable synergies for Oman Air not only in terms of the leisure aspect, but also through the services offered to other airlines and passengers. In order to tap the full potential of this developing business area, which is one of the six strategic business units of Oman Air, it was decided then by the management to appoint a Chief Officer for this unit reporting directly to the CEO.

Hodges’ experience in the business development of airport hotels and hospitality industry in general is sure to aid him in achieving the desired results for Oman Air in growing the Hotels & Catering Business.

Oman Air first/Business Lounges at Muscat Airport

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has unveiled spectacular new First Class and Business Class lounges at Muscat International Airport. The lounges continue the themes of luxury, comfort and outstanding hospitality found on Oman Air’s aircraft, ensuring a seamless passenger experience.
“Staff from throughout Oman Air have worked closely with JPA to create exceptional environments in which guests can relax and enjoy our excellent hospitality. Our menus have been meticulously planned to provide the perfect meal for any time of the day or night, from light bites to hearty meals, and our First Class guests can enjoy an a la carte menu, each dish of which is individually prepared to the guest’s requirements by their personal chef. The menus are perfectly complemented by the finest selection of soft drinks, wines and spirits and it is all served by staff trained to the highest standards.”
The two lounges are located on the first floor of the terminal and combine the ultimate in modern and elegant interior design, state-of-the-art materials and technology and the generous hospitality for which Oman and Oman Air are renowned. Each lounge is open 24 hours a day and offers dedicated dining facilities, quiet rooms, men’s and women’s prayer rooms, wash and shower rooms, a business centre, and a “Chedi” spa with massage rooms, offering complimentary 15 minute treatments.

For those travelling with children, a heaven of toys and computer games awaits to keep them occupied within the dedicated playroom.

Exclusive for Oman Air’s First Class passengers are dedicated lifts and staircases to the limousine pick-up point where chauffeurs will take passengers to their aircraft in complete comfort and luxury.

On the opening of the lounges, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hill, said:

“Oman Air is increasingly, and rightly, recognised as one of the world’s leading luxury airlines and we are committed to even more innovation, expansion and development, and to delivering an unmatched passenger experience for all our customers. The new lounges at Muscat International Airport reflect both that commitment and our dedication to providing our First Class and Business Class customers with unparalleled standards of luxury and service.”
“These new lounges represent the latest stage in Oman Air’s transformation into a luxury international carrier and I am sure that our First Class and Business Class customers will appreciate this new benchmark in airport hospitality.”
The new lounges are the latest demonstration of Oman Air’s commitment to becoming the first-choice airline for luxury air travel. Their unveiling follows the airline’s recent launch of a new fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft which feature spacious and luxuriously-appointed cabins. Business Class seats are presented in a 1-2-1 configuration, each of which converts into a long, fully lie-flat bed. First Class cabins offer a ‘private jet’-style experience, with just six seats, each with direct aisle access, and an exclusive lounge area. Each aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment systems that offer a large choice of the latest movies, music and games, as well as live satellite TV. Furthermore, Oman Air was the first airline in the world to offer simultaneous in-flight mobile phone and wi-fi connectivity when it launched its new service aboard the A330 fleet.

In addition, Oman Air’s network has expanded rapidly and now includes more than 40 exciting destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East, South and South East Asia, and North and East Africa.