Turkish Airlines

TURKISH AIRLINES NEW BUSINESS CLASS UNVEILED

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, has revealed the details of its brand-new state-of-the-art Business Class suite at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 in Hampshire, UK.

The new Crystal Business Class suite marks a new era for luxury air travel for business passengers and is the first from Turkish Airlines to feature an adjustable suite door and privacy panel for enhanced in-flight privacy. New seats feature a generous 23-inch seat width boasting increased footwell space with direct aisle access for all guests with every window suite possessing full visibility. In line with the company’s “Flow” brand identity, new suites feature lighter and warmer colours, marble-style table and rose gold finishes.

The suite continues to provide the very best amenities Turkish Airlines is known for to elevate guest experience, including adjustable ambient and reading lights, universal and Type C power outlets, wireless charger, noise cancelling audio jack, adjustable mirror, closed stowage ergonomic seat cushion and a 22-inch IFE screen.

The airline’s new seats have been developed by its subsidiary, TCI Aircraft Interiors, to create a bespoke product unique to the airline and features elements with plush leathers and fabrics all sourced from Türkiye to emphasize flag carrier’s roots.

On the new Business class offerings of the company, Turkish Airlines Chairman of The Board and Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “Our new Crystal Business Class suite will add a new chapter for our long-haul luxury travel and will carry the airline into the future with a new level of comfort and privacy across our extensive global network. The specially created design will complement our award-winning in-flight dining options for us to keep providing an unparalleled experience above the clouds for our guests.”

The new seats, set to be featured on the carrier’s transcontinental flights, will be gradually installed on airline’s Airbus A350s on order, as well as planned to be retrofitted on its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft.

Outrigger Kona

OUTRIGGER KONA RESORT AND SPA HAWAII’S $60M RENOVATION COMPLETE

The $60 million renovation of OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa is now complete and the 22-acre resort stands ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies a “New Era.”

Perched on the cliffs of Keauhou Bay with spectacular ocean views across the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, the history of Keauhou resonates throughout the transformed property.

 The revitalized 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces artfully blend the property’s profound heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. Inspired by the concept of “kōī au,” symbolizing a flowing current and eloquence, the resort’s design by Looney & Associates seamlessly incorporates oceanic currents and wave motifs into its interiors, offering a genuine reflection of the spirit of Keauhou Bay.

 The expansive Kaleiopapa Convention Center also underwent enhancements, solidifying its status as a premier event venue with more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

 “Through meticulous design and a deep-rooted cultural narrative, we aspired to etch an enduring impression on our guests’ hearts and minds, fostering a profound connection with Hawai‘i’s rich tapestry of history and traditions,” stated Geoff Pearson, general manager of OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa. “With enhanced amenities including Piko Coffee & Wine Bar, we look forward to a new era of Keauhou and perpetuating the legacy of this sacred place.”

 Located in the center of the property, the new Piko Coffee & Wine Bar features a variety of white and red wines, rosés and champagnes, sourced from California, France, Italy and New Zealand. Partnering with Big Island Coffee Roasters, a custom blend of Kona and Kaʻu coffee allows for a unique experience that evokes a sense of place through locally sourced ingredients.

Guests can now unwind in style amidst the upgraded lounge chairs and cabanas gracing the adults-only and oceanfront pools, while the young and young-at-heart delight in the 200-foot waterslide. Club-level room guests gain exclusive access to the new Voyager 47 Club Lounge, adding a touch of indulgence to their stay.

 The adventurous traveler can take part in nightly manta ray tours via the Kini Kini, a 40ft Hawaiian sailing canoe to learn the myths, legends and facts of the Hahalua (manta ray) before getting in the water and snorkeling alongside these magnificent creatures. Kona is the premiere destination for manta ray sightings, and the property embraces conservation and education for these animals through the Manta Center and annual Manta Day festivities in September.

 Visitors can also immerse themselves in daily cultural activities, including a captivating 90-minute guided tour of the historic villages of Kaukulaelae and Keauhou Bay, the birthplace of King Kamehameha III.

 As the sun sets, the Feast & Fire Lū‘au pays tribute to the first Polynesians to land in Hawai‘i on the oceanfront of Keauhou Bay, just south of Kamakahonu, the residence of ali‘i (royalty). Developed by Traditions Hawaiʻi, a local production company backed by the iconic Lim and Yap family, guests are treated to a mesmerizing performance that transports them through Hawaiian history. Newly announced for the summer, the Feast & Fire Lūʻau package includes accommodation and two complimentary general admission seats, inviting guests to take part in the vibrant cultural celebration.

 The evening also includes an Artisan Village where guests can make lei, watch a poi pounding demonstration, create an art piece by traditional bamboo stamping (ʻOhe Kāpala), or shop a selection of curated treasures from local artisans. For those who enjoy games, traditional Hawaiian games can be found on the Makahiki gaming grounds, featuring native stone bowling, Hawaiian checkers and more.

Chicago Qantas

QANTAS LOOKS AT ATHENS, SEATTLE, CHICAGO AND VEGAS FOR NEW ROUTES

Qantas is gearing up to welcome Boeing 787s, A380 superjumbos, and Airbus A350-1000s in the next 5 years. So, they have new destinations on the horizon.

4 locations are being analysed, including Seattle, Chicago and Las Vegas.

Here’s what we know:

  • A direct flight from Brisbane (which was halted in April 2020) to Chicago remains a possibility
  • Qantas are also looking at Vegas – offering business conferencing and leisure opportunities
  • The team are looking at Greece as a potential seasonal destination from Perth, joining Rome in European summer, and year-round flights to London and Paris
Boeing 777 First Class

EXPLORE THE EMIRATES BOEING 777 FIRST CLASS CABIN

Raise your expectations when you step into First Class with Emirates – experience superior comfort.

The more you look around your Private Suite, the more little comforts you can find. Explore our comfort items, including luxury Bulgari fragrances and amenity kits, sleep sets of loungewear and slippers, and exclusive skincare and spa products, only in First Class.

The following features are available on selected routes depending on aircraft type, model and configuration.

Your hotel room in the sky: Close the floor to ceiling doors, set the mood with your personal lighting and temperature controller, and enjoy the freedom to dine, sleep and be entertained on your terms.

Experience a personal dining service: From sumptuous à la carte cuisine to a tasty midnight snack, our cabin crew will prepare your meals whenever the mood takes you.

Pamper yourself: Spritz on Bulgari’s floral woody fragrance – Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc (white tea fragrance).

Your window into new worlds: Sit back to your personal widescreen and thousands of channels of entertainment in your private cinema.

Defy gravity: Recline your seat to the zero gravity setting and find your body’s natural resting position.

 

Hobart Qantaslink

FIRST QANTASLINK A220 TOUCHES DOWN IN TASMANIA

The Qantas Group’s next-generation Airbus A220 aircraft landed in Tasmania for the first time today, bringing a new level of passenger comfort and sustainability to the Apple Isle.

The inaugural A220-operated Melbourne to Hobart service landed at 11:20am with the Flying Kangaroo today also announcing plans for an all-new Qantas Club at Hobart Airport.

The flight was operated by the QantasLink A220 aircraft named Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa that features the artwork of senior Pitjantjatjara artist Maringka Baker and depicts the Dreaming story of two sisters who traverse remote Australia together, covering vast distances to find their way home.

The Qantas Group’s A220s will steadily replace QantasLink’s long-serving fleet of Boeing 717s as part of the Qantas Group’s domestic fleet renewal program and will operate up to 26 flights per week between Melbourne and Hobart.

The A220 will also begin operating on the Melbourne-Launceston route from 12 November 2024.

The new aircraft is significantly more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft, with ultra-modern light and bright cabin design with large windows and overhead lockers. With fast free Wi-Fi, specially designed seats and greater sense of space, the A220 offers customers a more comfortable travel experience.

Qantas and Jetstar have also reached a new long-term commercial agreement with Hobart Airport, which will see Qantas invest in a new lounge. Expected to open in 2027, the new Qantas Club will have almost double the current capacity and showcase Tasmanian produce.

Speaking from Hobart Airport, Qantas Group Executive Andrew Parker said the new aircraft and a new lounge would significantly improve the travel experience for tens-of-thousands of tourists and locals each year.

“Feedback from customers about the A220 has been fantastic and we’re really excited to be bringing it to Tasmania for the first time,” Mr Parker said.

“Tasmania is the home of eco-tourism and there’s no better place to operate our A220 aircraft which generate 25 per cent fewer emissions per seat and 50 per cent less noise than the aircraft that they replace.

“Their size and economics make them a great fit for many of our Tasmanian routes and this is just the start. We’ll continue to add A220 services as we receive additional new aircraft in the coming months and years.

“We’re also working closely with Hobart Airport on the plans for a new Qantas Club lounge to upgrade the pre-flight travel experience for customers. Once complete, our customers will be able to enjoy almost double the space and a wider range of local produce.”

Key features of the A220 experience include:

  • Space for 137 passengers across two cabins, with 10 Business seats in a 2-2 configuration and 127 seats in Economy in a 2-3 configuration.
  • The largest windows of any single aisle aircraft and a cabin with a greater sense of space.
  • Fast, free Wi-Fi, allowing customers to stay connected, as well as the improved Qantas Entertainment App for streaming content to their own device.
  • An integrated personal device holder and USB A and C charging in both Economy and Business; additional wireless charging pad in Business.
  • More comfortable Economy seat with extra padding compared with the 717.
  • Around 20 per cent more overhead locker space for all customers.
  • Reduction in noise footprint of up to 50 per cent and reduction in carbon emissions of 25 per cent per seat compared with the aircraft its replacing.

GRAND HYATT SINGAPORE HAS REOPENED AFTER RENOVATIONS

Nestled in the Orchard Road area, Singapore’s renowned shopping and entertainment district, Grand Hyatt Singapore is a one-stop destination hosted by a trusted team of associates over five decades. After a monumental transformation, the reimagined luxury hotel offers 699 guest rooms and suites featuring vibrant designs inspired by nature and Singapore’s multicultural heritage. The urban sanctuary comprises two distinctive ambiences: Grand Wing – A Grand Living Room, where guests convene and celebrate at seven dining outlets and 16 versatile event spaces spanning three floors – and Terrace Wing, a garden oasis and Wellness Haven comprising a spa, outdoor pools, and a fitness centre.

The progressive reopening started with the nature-inspired Terrace Wing alongside an enhanced Fitness Centre and a 25-metre lap pool, StraitsKitchen for local ethnic cuisine, and BRIX, the vibrant nightlife hotspot. 10|Scotts will operate as Grand Club Lounge until early 2025 while all 16 event spaces will also be available to host magnificent celebrations and memorable events.

The latter part of 2024 will see the highly anticipated Southeast Asian debut of Le Pristine Singapore, in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, taking over the space formerly occupied by the celebrated mezza9. The popular Martini Bar will be making a return along with classic Italian favourites at Pete’s Place and poolside dining at Oasis. Damai, the hotel’s wellness hub with enhanced holistic well-being experiences, will be ready to welcome guests too.

When the Grand Wing reopens in early 2025, the hotel will complete its evolution into a Grand Living Room and Wellness Haven with 699 guestrooms and suites, providing diverse spaces for guests to gather, celebrate as well as be rejuvenated.

Qantas Business Lounge Sydney

QANTAS LAUNCHES PAY-BY-THE-MONTH LOUNGE ACCESS

The airline giant has newly launched the ‘Qantas Club Flexible’ which costs $99 for 28-day access, and will get you access to Qantas’ domestic and international lounges. Joining also attracts a $129 fee.

Qantas Club Memberships are currently sold in 1, 2 and 4 year memberships ranging from $699 to $2,399, so it’s an accessible option for those who want to access the lounge, but don’t need ongoing or consistent access.

It’s important to note that the flexible membership is limited to Qantas lounges and do not include partner or codeshare airline lounges.

Like a subscription model for entertainment and streaming services, the monthly membership will autorenew every month unless you cancel it.

Air NZ Economy Stretch

AIR NEW ZEALAND ECONOMY STRETCH

Need a little extra space for your legs? With Economy Stretch on some Air New Zealand routes, you can stretch out, relax and make your journey even more comfortable.

Economy Stretch is an Economy comfort option offered on flights operating between Auckland and Los Angeles, San Francisco, Taipei* and select services to Houston, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver*. You get up to 39% more legroom than our standard Economy seats, so you can stretch out in even more comfort. You’ll arrive more refreshed and ready to make the most of your time away.

Stretch out and relax to make your journey even more comfortable.

  • More legroom means you have extra space to stretch your legs.
  • The seats are in the first four rows of Economy, so you disembark sooner.
  • The seats are further apart for you to enjoy a full recline during the flight.
  • The extra space makes it easier for you to access the aisle from the window or middle seat.

Enjoy two more complimentary extras:

  • Comfortable over-ear headphones, perfect for longer trips and for shutting out everything except your in-flight entertainment.
  • A more generous plush pillow, so you can stretch out and relax in even more comfort.

The seat is the same as Economy and all other Economy services remain the same. You’ll still enjoy Air New Zealand’s world-class inflight dining, a great selection of entertainment and their award-winning service.

Riyadh Air

RIYADH AIR, SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINE SET TO TAKE FLIGHT

Riyadh Air is a planned second flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh. The airline’s main hub will be at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and will operate domestic and international scheduled flights to over 100 different destinations in the Middle East and six continents.

Tony Douglas, CEO says “Riyadh Air will be a digitally native airline driven by a pioneering spirit with an obsessive focus on attention to detail and innovation at its heart. We aim to permanently transcend our guests’ perceptions and experiences of flying in the modern world.”

Riyadh Air’s maiden voyage will take place in 2025, and is set to service 100+ destinations by 2030.

ESCAPE Lounges Set to Debut at Brisbane Airport

ESCAPE LOUNGES SET TO DEBUT AT BRISBANE AIRPORT

ESCAPE Lounges, a prominent UK-based airport lounge operator, is reportedly set to make its debut in Australia, with Brisbane Airport as its first destination. The Plaza Premium Lounge at the airport ceased operations on 31 May, clearing the way for a new entrant.

Despite rumours of its imminent arrival, both ESCAPE Lounges and Brisbane Airport have remained tight-lipped when approached by Travel Daily, neither confirming nor denying the speculation.

Should the launch proceed, guests can look forward to a range of top-tier amenities and services, including diverse food and beverage options, dedicated areas for work and relaxation, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and flight information display panels.

ESCAPE Lounges currently operates six lounges in the UK, one in each terminal at Manchester Airport, and 12 lounges across the US following its expansion in 2015. Two additional lounges are in the pipeline in Portland and Tulsa.