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SPOTLIGHT ON Etihad Airways

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Our friends at Etihad Airways dropped by recently to update us on numerous developments on the ground and in the air.

Here are some of our favourites.

USA PRE-CLEARANCE

Did you know that if you fly to the US from Abu Dhabi on Etihad, you can pre-clear US immigration before you board your flight, all from the comfort of Terminal 3 in Abu Dhabi Airport?

When you arrive in the US, simply pick up your bags and go.

THE LOBBY on ETIHAD’S A380s

On Etihad’s A380, First and Business Class paseengers can relax in The Lobby, a lounge area located between the First and Business cabins.

With a leather sofa, table and a TV screen, The Lobby is designed for relaxing and socialising.

FREE STOPOVERS!

For a limited time, Etihad customers can explore Abu Dhabi on the way to their next destination with a FREE two-night stopover!

CLICK HERE to see how Etihad’s brilliant free stopovers program might work for you.

‘THE HOUSE’ LOUNGES

Etihad Airways and award-winning lounge provider No1 Lounges has introduced The House lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.

Complimentary entry is offered to Etihad Airways Business and First Class passengers, and to those travelling in The Residence. Gold and Platinum members of the airline’s Etihad Guest frequent flyer program and Business Class and First Class travellers ticketed on codeshare partner services operated by Etihad Airways will also eligible for access.

Sarah Bush, Director of The Travel Authority Group, hit the skies again recently, flying long-haul with Etihad Airways, and she visited The House in Sydney.

Here’s what she thought of it.

CHAUFFEURED TRANSFERS in the UAE

Did you know that Etihad’s First & Business Class passengers enjoy chauffeured transfer services between Abu Dhabi Airport to and from anywhere in the UAE operated by the airline’s fleet of Mercedes Benz cars.

FREE TRANSFERS for ECONOMY CLASS PASSENGERS

Etihad offers a comfortable, complimentary Etihad Coach & Airport Transfer service between Abu Dhabi Airport and Dubai or Al Ain. The service offers comfortable seating, on-board entertainment, mineral water, and refresher wipes and mints.

Passengers are required to book their transfer services online up to 24 hours before their flight.

EXTRAORDINARY Abu Dhabi Pass

Did you know that when you travel to Abu Dhabi with Etihad you can access to all kinds of attractions with The Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass?

Just keep and present your boarding pass at participating venues to gain access to discounts at a range of restaurants, spas and attractions!

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES WiFi & Wellness Enhancements

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Singapore Airlines has announced a range of in-flight enhancements designed to improve passenger experience.

Passengers travelling in Suites, First Class and Business Class, as well as PPS Club members can now enjoy unlimited and 100MB complimentary WiFi respectively on flights operated by the airline’s Airbus A350, A380, Boeing 777-300ER and B787-10 aircraft

To activate the appropriate access, passengers simply need to enter their last name and seat number via the ‘Complimentary Access’ prompt section on the on-board entertainment portal.

The airline has also collaborated with Singapore-based wellness brand COMO Shambhala, and launched a range of wellness dishes on selected flights.

The wellness dishes are aimed at enhancing passenger well-being by alleviating travel-induced stresses such as fatigue, and promoting good digestion and circulation for a more comfortable journey.

First Class and Business Class customers will be able to enjoy the wellness in-flight menu on selected flights departing Singapore to Hong Kong, Frankfurt, London, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The dishes will also be available for pre-ordering via ‘Book the Cook’ for First Class, Business Class and Premium Economy Class customers on all routes departing Singapore.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES Changi Airport Lounges Revamp

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Singapore Airlines has announced a major investment of more than SG$50 million for upgrades to its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold Lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3.

The redevelopment will see space and total guest capacity of the T3 lounges increase by 30%. The new lounges will offer even more generous open spaces, enhanced facilities and a wide array of food and beverage selections.

The airline advises that it has engaged renowned hospitality designers Hirsch Bedner Associates to “inject a fresh look and feel to each lounge that is modern yet homely, while inspiring a sense of timeless elegance”.

Suites and First Class customers can look forward to a brand new The Private Room and First Class Lounge, with luxurious and intimate seating spaces suitable for both work and rest. The First Class Lounge will continue to feature a flagship bar and The Private Room, a full-service fine dining section within the lounge.

The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge will double in capacity and include dedicated working spaces, as well as larger al fresco seating and dining areas. The lounge will also be equipped with restrooms and showers.

Renovations are expected to be completed by mid-2021.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

ANA: New Premium Cabins

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Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), has collaborated with renowned architect Kengo Kuma and leading British designers Acumen to create its new cabin products “THE Suite” and “THE Room”.

Inspired by Japanese heritage and Western design principles, and five years in the making, the new cabins will be featured in First Class and Business Class respectively for the first time on completely redesigned Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the Tokyo-London route.

The first redesigned aircraft will serve the Tokyo (Haneda)-London route (NH211/NH212) from 02 August 2019.

“The design process is just as much about what we decided to include as what we decided to omit,” said architect Kengo Kuma of his involvement in the project.

“My work is about understanding how space is used and creating the most comfortable conditions in any environment.”

New First Class Seat – “THE Suite”
Designed with impeccable attention to detail, THE Suite is inspired by luxury Japanese hotels and is the most spacious fully enclosed seating ever seen on an ANA aircraft.

New features include the addition of privacy-enhancing doors as well as a crystal-clear 43 inch monitor that is the world’s first 4K personal monitor on a commercial airliner. THE Suite also boasts a movable partition which can be adjusted upon request to pair seats as well as a universal PC and USB port.

New Business Class Seat – “THE Room”
Inspired by modern, multifunctional Japanese living spaces, THE Room offers for the first time flexible doors for personal privacy that can also be adjusted to share the space with fellow travel companions – from dining together with the family to conducting meetings with colleagues.

With its forward and rearward layout, THE Room offers one of the world’s largest Business Class seating environments. With a design focus on minimisation and de-cluttering, the Business Class seat offers a ‘place for everything’ including discreet areas for all personal belongings.

New Interior Cabin Design
Complementing these comfort-boosting upgrades to seating areas, ANA has also revamped the entrance area of the aircraft to create a hotel like reception complete with welcome monitors.

ANA has also designed a new food service area to embody the Japanese ‘Omotenashi’ philosophy of hospitality with a redesigned self-service bar area, which now boast mini-fridges stocked with beverages and snacks for customers to enjoy at any time.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

Complimentary Hotel Stay when Flying on Emirates EK415

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Some Emirates First Class and Business Class customers who book and travel on Sydney’s morning service, EK415, can enjoy a free overnight stay at the Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel before they fly.

This offer is available for any customer whose pick-up address is outside the complimentary Chauffeur-drive service radius of 80km.

Rydges Hotel Sydney Airport.

Once aboard the airline’s iconic A380, First Class and Business Class passengers will experience Emirates’ style and comfort with Shower Spas in First Class, fully flat-bed seats in Business Class, and the Onboard Lounge on the upper-deck.

Business Class cabin, upper deck, Emirates A380.

“This will be really popular with many of our clients, particularly luxury leisure travellers”, said The Travel Authority Group’s Managing Director, Peter Hosper.

“Offering the convenience of a comfortable night right beside the airport, combined with chauffeured transfers is a great move by Emirates”, added Hosper.

First Class cabin aboard an Emirates A380.

Offer details include:

  • Customers who have purchased a Mixed Class fare to Europe are also eligible to redeem this offer.
  • For customers arriving via a domestic flight, a free transfer on the Rydges Hotel shuttle from the airport to the hotel is also included.

Offer valid for all new bookings for travel up until 31 December 2019.

Scroll down for basic terms and conditions.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

Terms and conditions:
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with Emirates complimentary Chauffeur-drive service. Accommodation is subject to room availability at the time of booking and will be made available on a first come, first served bases. Incidental costs (minibar etc) are not included. This offer is only valid for Emirates bookings originating from Sydney that are ticketed on Emirates (176) documents. Codeshare flights or other airline documents are not permitted. Emirates will be partnering with Hughes Chauffeured Cars as the preferred chauffeur service provider in Sydney and Brisbane.

Emirates Chauffeur Drive update

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Emirates has advised The Travel Authority Group of a change to the airline’s preferred chauffeur service provider in Sydney and Brisbane.

Emirates will now partner with Hughes Chauffeured Cars to offer its chauffeur service. Hughes operates professional ground transport services in several cities and at airports worldwide.

Along with the change in service provider, eligible Emirates flyers will also enjoy an increase in complimentary mileage radius in the following cities:

On 01 March 2019, the airline ceased its Complimentary Chauffeur Drive Service at Origin, Destination or in Dubai on:

  • First and Business Classic Reward Tickets
  • Upgraded Economy to Business class tickets, where frequent flyer points are utilised

Please note, however, that the Complimentary Chauffeur Drive service is still provided on all Business and First revenue tickets, and for those upgrading from Business to First utilising Skywards points.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

New Enhancements to British Airways First Class

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As if things weren’t luxe enough at British Airways’ very pointy end, from 31 March British Airways First passengers will enjoy a host of new features and thoughtfully created comforts.

The new enhancements include:

  • Delicious, indulgent dining experience, with exclusively designed crockery, cutlery and glassware from the finest British designers, William Edwards, Studio William and Dartington
  • Foam and microfibre mattress topper and 400 thread count bedding
  • Exclusively-designed male and female Temperley London loungewear, amenity bag and slippers
  • A range of luxury Elemis skin care products
  • High performance Meridian headphones offering a fully immersive in-flight audio experience

The rollout of these new First products will be complete by mid-April.

“British Airways’ premium cabins are some of the finest in the sky”, says Sarah Bush, Director of The Travel Authority Group, Sydney.

“These enhancements will take BA First to another level”, adds Sarah.

From your own stylish suite, to exclusive access to spa treatments, fast-track security, and elevated service, British Airways First is one of the finest ways to travel.

The British Airways’ First in-flight experience includes:

  • Private, spacious suites
  • A fully flat bed with mattress and duvet
  • Delicious, indulgent dining
  • Access to luxurious lounges and spa treatments
  • Exclusive and dedicated service
  • Priority boarding, straight from an exclusive First lounge

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

BRITISH AIRWAYS SALE – EXTENDED!

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  • Sale EXTENDED to 13 January 2019
  • ALL Cabins to UK/Europe and Asia!

We’re thrilled that British Airways has extended its great value sale to UK/Europe and Asia.

Fares apply to specific departure dates to UK/Europe until 25 November 2019, and up to 31 March for Singapore.

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Prices shown are for midweek (Sunday to Thursday) departures.
Ask us about fares from other Australian departure points to all destinations in British Airways’ UK/Europe network.

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Ask about our great value add-on fares to Thailand and Malaysia.

Note – these levels include taxes and surcharges. Prices are correct as at 12DEC18.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

NEW QANTAS FIRST LOUNGE PLANNED FOR CHANGI

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Qantas has announced a multi-million dollar investment in a new First Lounge and an expansion of the airline’s existing Business Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport.

With development due to start in April 2019, the Singapore First Lounge will offer seating for 240 customers, a luxurious design and premium a la carte dining with Asian-inspired menus.

An impression of the new First Class lounge at Singapore Changi

Set to open towards the end of 2019, the new First Lounge will offer seating for 240 customers and be designed to suit the specific needs of transit travellers, with shower facilities, a cocktail bar, open kitchen and menu offerings reflecting the best of Singapore’s vibrant dining culture. It will join Sydney, Melbourne and Los Angeles as Qantas ports with a dedicated First Lounge.

The existing Business Lounge, which opened in 2013, will also be expanded. Combined, the First and Business Lounges will offer seating for more than 800 customers.

The existing Qantas Lounge at Singapore Changi Airport

Announcing the investment as part of the Qantas Group’s First Quarter trading update, CEO Alan Joyce said the airline’s overall lounge capacity in Singapore would increase by 60 percent.

“With the return of our A380 service to Singapore we’ve got more passengers transiting through our existing lounge and strong demand for travel in premium cabins”, said Joyce.

Singapore is Qantas’ largest hub outside of Australia, carrying more than 20 per cent of the airline’s wide body fleet. Qantas operates over 50 return services in to and out of Changi Airport each week.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES NOW OFFERING A350 FIRST CLASS

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Having shelved plans to offer its First Class Suites as a complimentary upgrade for Business Class passengers with Platinum frequent flyer status, Malaysia Airlines will now sell First Class on its daily Airbus A350 services between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

The airline’s A350 currently services flights MH122/MH123, and features a small first class cabin of just four Suites.

These suites are now available for sale on services from 01 November 2018. The first flight being MH122 from Sydney.

Fares are expected to be a reasonable premium on Business Class, and any unsold first class suites will continue to be available for business class passengers via the airline’s MH-Upgrade ‘auction’ system.

“We’re really pleased to see Malaysia Airlines’ First Class Suites available for sale. We expect them to be great value and extremely popular on the Sydney to Kuala Lumpur route”, says The Travel Authority Group’s Managing Director, Peter Hosper.

For more information, simply leave us a note in the form below, or CALL US to discuss your specific requirements.

We’d love to hear from you.