The airline wrap returns to give you all the latest from the aviation world, enjoy looking like the better employee 😉

Etihad Airways connects Australia to Europe through new winter offer 

Etihad Airways, is offering winter escapes to summer in Abu Dhabi and Europe as part of its Winter Offer, with fares starting from AUD1,200. Available for travel out of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, there is no better time for guests of the award-winning Abu Dhabi-based airline to take advantage of the special offer.

With connections over Abu Dhabi, passengers have a host of European cities to choose from, including Dublin, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome and Athens.

The promotion is available for booking from 17 – 21 July for Economy Class travel from 10 September, and Business Class travel from 5 August, with the Winter Offer travel dates running until 31 May 2018.

Etihad Airways guests also have the opportunity to enjoy a “holiday within a holiday” and explore its home city of Abu Dhabi through the airline’s popular Stopover programme. These options include 2-for-1 deals on hotels and various activities.

Guests travelling in Economy Class from Australia can take advantage of return fare prices starting at AUD 1,290 to London, AUD 1,202 to Paris and AUD 1,141 to Dublin. Those keen on an unsurpassed flight experience can experience Etihad Airways’ award-winning Business Class from only AUD 5,777 to London, AUD 5,592 to Paris and AUD 5,470 to Dublin.

Batik Air to drive new growth with Sabre as its first-ever GDS partner

Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR) announced the first-ever global distribution system (GDS) partnership with the Lion Group full service Indonesia-based airline subsidiary, Batik Air. As Batik Air’s first GDS partner, Sabre’s global network aims to boost the airline’s growth by expanding their reach and providing new distribution channels.

With this new partnership, travel agents globally now have the means to sell tickets on Batik Air’s inventory via Sabre’s GDS platform for the first time. Travellers will get to enjoy greater convenience and end-to-end services now that travel agents are equipped to book tickets on their behalf.

“Through this partnership, we can help Batik Air strengthen their competitive advantage by bringing their offerings to a global audience with our extensive network of travel agents worldwide,”  vice president of Supplier Commerce, Sabre Travel Network Asia Pacific, Rakesh Narayanan said.

“We hope that our industry-leading technologies and solutions can further improve the commercial performance of the airline and fuel their expansion plans domestically and across the region.”

Flights up for grabs at NTIA in Star Alliance 20th Anniversary draw

Star Alliance is celebrating its 20th anniversary at this year’s AFTA National Travel Industry Awards by giving six lucky guests the chance to win return tickets for two to Asia, Canada, America, Europe, Japan or South Africa.

Guests at the travel industry’s most prestigious awards evening – held this year on Saturday 22 July at Sydney’s International Convention Centre – will simply need to peel open their Star Alliance-branded napkin holder to reveal a number, automatically putting them in the running for the Star Alliance 20th Anniversary Draw.

During the evening, six numbers will be randomly selected, with prizes including return tickets to:
– Toronto with Air Canada
– Tokyo and Nagoya, Osaka or Fukuhara flying ANA
– Asia on EVA Air
– South Africa courtesy of South African Airways
– Europe via Bangkok with Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines
– New York flying United.

For the third consecutive year, Star Alliance will also sponsor the Best Non-Branded Travel Agency Group category at this year’s NTIA. The judged category recognises those groups that offer independent travel agents the chance to be part of a strong and supportive network while still operating under their own individual business name.

Air Vanuatu Offers Travel Agents Fares from AUD$99

Vanuatu’s national carrier, Air Vanuatu is giving Australian travel agents the chance to experience the magic of Vanuatu firsthand. Air Vanuatu has introduced a special agent fare of AUD$99 and AUD$199 for one travelling companion, for services between Brisbane and Sydney to Port Vila or Espiritu Santo.

Agents can continue to ‘discover what matters’ by adding on a trip to Espiritu Santo or Tanna for an extra AUD$60 return from Port Vila, and a companion fare of AUD$120 return (taxes not included).
Air Vanuatu’s agent fare is effective for sale from today until 31 August, 2017. Terms, conditions and blackout periods apply.

Cathay Pacific launch ‘Get Packing Sale’

Cathay Pacific has launched its ‘Get Packing Sale’ which sees huge savings on flights to select destinations in Asia, China, Europe, North America and Israel.

The sale is available for bookings on Cathay Pacific’s Economy Class, which enables passengers to travel well with a flight experience that is comfortable, warm, and stylish, with delicious food and drink that all come part of the service (or Premium Economy Class on flights to the USA) made between 14 July 2017 to 8 August 2017, for travel today until 31 March 2018.

Whether it’s exploring the busy vibrant streets of Shanghai from just $649* or enjoying a magical white Christmas in New York from just $1,559*, Cathay Pacific’s latest promotion allows travellers to book a trip to remember.

Emirates Extends its Global Network of Dedicated Airport Lounges with New Lounge at Boston Logan International Airport

Emirates announced the grand opening of its 41st dedicated lounge located at Boston Logan International Airport. The lounge, which marked a soft opening in April 2017, is now open to Emirates First Class and Business Class customers as well as Platinum and Gold members of Skywards, the airline’s frequent flyer program.

The Emirates Lounge is a dedicated space for passengers to relax, unwind, catch up on work and enjoy award-winning service and cuisine. From the moment they step out the door, passengers in Boston will enjoy a premium offering at every point in their journey beginning and ending with Emirates’ complimentary Chauffeur-drive, a comfortable lounge experience and award-winning in-flight products and services.

The new Emirates Lounge will provide premium passengers with a relaxing ambiance, luxurious facilities and amenities that include an exciting view of airport activity, LED TVs, comfortable leather armchairs, a choice of formal and relaxed seating, bespoke artwork, and a prayer room. To complete the relaxing travel experience, a new range of luxury spa products will also be available in the lounge from award-winning Irish brand VOYA. What’s more, the lounge will feature a dedicated dining area with a choice of bar seating, an extensive menu of complimentary hot and cold gourmet buffet, including local and international dishes, and an extensive beverage service. While in the lounge, customers will enjoy shower facilities, a fully equipped business centre with state of the art touch screen workstations along with complimentary Wi-Fi service within the lounge.

South Africa Airways launch special fares to Livingstone

South African Airways has released a special airfare to Livingstone, gateway to the popular Victoria Falls and southern Zambezi regions.

The return all-inclusive airfare of $2195 is ex-Perth with add-on fares from the rest of Australia available through the airline’s codeshare partner Virgin Australia. These fares offer great value and include two pieces of checked luggage at 23kg each which is standard with all SAA fares originating from Australia.

Sales are from now until the end of August 2017 for travel departures in August. Passengers flying from Australia land in South Africa early in the morning, enabling them to travel through to Livingstone on the same day.

Etihad Airways increase Frequency to Egypt and Nigeria

Etihad Airways is adding year-round flights between its Abu Dhabi hub and both Cairo and Lagos later this year to cater to growing demand to and from the United Arab Emirates.

A fifth daily scheduled service will be introduced on the Cairo route, effective 1 October 2017, taking frequency to the Egyptian capital up from 28 to 35 flights a week. The new mid-morning departure from Abu Dhabi and return afternoon service out of Cairo will offer local guests in each market additional choice travelling between the two capital cities.

During the upcoming peak travel months, Etihad Airways will cater to demand with additional frequency on the Cairo route before making the fifth daily service permanent in October. The new service will also provide convenient connections in Abu Dhabi to and from key cities in North and South Asia, including Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.

A new Saturday flight to Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos, beginning 2 December 2017, adds to the weekend travel option, increasing frequency from four to five services each week, and offering greater flexibility and convenience to local travellers. The early morning service from Abu Dhabi and return mid-morning flight departing Lagos will also ensure convenient connections to and from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. Popular feeder cities include Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kuala Lumpur.

Virgin Australia increases flights between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin

Virgin Australia is adding flights between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin as well as an update to the current flight schedule to better suit business travellers and expand the airline’s presence in the region.

From 5 September 2017, Virgin Australia will add the following services:

• 1 extra service from Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin on Tuesday and Friday afternoons
• 1 extra service from Darwin to Alice Springs to Adelaide on Friday and Saturday mornings

In addition, from 5 September, Virgin Australia’s Wednesday and Thursday flights from Alice Springs to Darwin will now depart at 5.00pm. Virgin Australia’s new Friday afternoon service from Alice Springs to Darwin will depart at 5.00pm.

All of Virgin Australia’s Darwin to Alice Springs services depart Darwin at 7.00am and arrive in Alice Springs at 9.00am.