APAC Travel Headlines - June 7, 2024

American Airlines to Further Preferred Agency Program Without Loyalty Restrictions American may have nixed its plans to limit how AAdvantage loyalty program members can earn miles or points based on booking channels. However, the carrier still intends to move forward with its plans to reward agencies it designates as "preferred," according to copies of emails the carrier sent to corporate clients and travel agencies.
Rex Airlines to Launch Melbourne-Perth Route Beginning 28 June, Rex will fly five days a week between the two cities, offering fares from A$299 each way in economy class, and A$999 for business class. Rex's 737-800s feature eight 2-2 business class recliners and 168 3-3 economy class seats. Rex Airlines' General Manager, Network Strategy Warrick Lodge said the new service, which is the airline's 11th domestic service with its 737 fleet, will add close to 90,000 seats to one of the nation's busiest routes.
Air France to Unveil New La Premiére Check-In Lobby at Paris CDG Air France is set to unveil a new dedicated check-in area for its La Premiére customers at Paris CDG, as part of an enhanced experience for its first class passengers at the airport. The new check-in lobby will be open in July, just in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will feature a dedicated concierge to attend to luggage.
China Southern Airlines to Resume Perth Route From 28 November, China Southern Airlines will reconnect Western Australia and mainland China with the return of its service to Guangzhou. The flights will operate Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, arriving in Perth at 2210 and departing at 2355 on the airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Dubai International Welcomes Record 23 Million Passengers in Q1 Dubai International Airport has published its latest passenger numbers, recording its busiest quarter in history. The hub airport welcomed 23 million passengers in Q1, up 8.3% in the same period last year. India was the top destination for flights from Dubai International over the quarter with 3.1 million customers, followed by Saudi Arabia and the UK.
Heathrow Relaunches Paid-For Fast Track Service After Four-Year Hiatus The service is now available to pre-book for departures from 1 June and costs £12.50 per person. Fast track is open daily between 0600 and 2200 across all of the airport's terminals, with customers able to select a one-hour window to pass through security. Pre-bookings can be made up until midday the day before travel.
Virgin Atlantic to Resume Flights to Tel Aviv in September Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to return to Tel Aviv, alongside several new codeshare partnerships. A daily service will resume 5 September. The airline also announced a new codeshare agreement with Israeli carrier, EL AL, with Virgin placing its code on EL AL's flights between Tel Aviv and Heathrow from 10 June, and EL AL doing likewise on Virgin's flights when they resume later this year.
Fiji Airways to Become Oneworld Member Fiji Airways joined as a oneworld connect partner in late 2018, and will now transition to full member status within the next 12 months. The alliance said that the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific had been "a valuable presence" for the past five years, during which it had developed cooperative links with all member airlines, "paving its way to a more seamless integration as a full oneworld member."

GREEN NEWS

QT Hotels & Resorts Set to Revolutionise Singapore's Hospitality Scene With Sustainable Luxury in 2024

Excelling in the art of hospitality, QT Hotels & Resorts is a trendsetter in boutique hotel accommodation across Australia and New Zealand. This beloved brand is set to expand its horizons with its first venue in Asia, as it plans to step foot in Singapore. Not just a usual feat, the arrival of QT Hotels in Singapore's hospitality industry is a significant milestone in its history.

New MoU Between Cathay & Singapore Airlines Sets Sights on Decarbonizing Asia-Pacific Skies

Cathay and Singapore Airlines signed an MoU to boost sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The airlines have entered into a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various sustainability efforts. This partnership is particularly focused on promoting the use and development of SAF within the Asia-Pacific region, recognising it as a pivotal step towards decarbonising aviation.

FEATURED PARTNERS

Mövenpick Hotel

Hobart, Australia

Located in the heart of Tasmania's picturesque capital city of Hobart, the 4.5-star Mövenpick Hotel Hobart is a place to savour and create unforgettable moments. Don't miss the hotel's famous free daily 'Chocolate Hour,' plus free Mövenpick ice cream for children 12 years and under. As the third tallest building in Hobart, you can soak up the best views in town. The elegant rooms and suites offer unique Tasmanian-inspired design and spectacular harbour or city views.

Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort

New South Wales, Australia

Whether you live locally or wanting a resort escape, Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort features a blend of contemporary and traditional Balinese design, giving a haven of space and comfort. Located on the Tweed Coast, you can relax under a leafy cabana by the grand pool and spa, pamper yourself at the in-house spa, or dine at the onsite restaurant, The Spice Den. The resort features one and two-bedroom self-contained apartments, complete with inclusive Wi-Fi and Foxtel.

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