New Premium Lounge at LHR

Qatar Airways to Open New Premium Lounge at London Heathrow

Qatar Airways is set to open its new Premium Lounge at London Heathrow this week, reinforcing the importance of one of the airline’s busiest routes.

The Premium Lounge at Terminal 4 will be the airline’s first dedicated facility for First and Business Class passengers outside its Doha hub. The carrier currently operates the award-winning Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport, exclusively for use by passengers travelling in First or Business Class.
The opening marks the start of another busy year for the carrier, with the launch of new routes, as well as additional capacity on the London Heathrow – Doha route, being stepped up from four to five flights a day, effective March 25.
Following a landmark year in 2011, which saw Qatar Airways introduce 15 new destinations to its network and win the coveted Skytrax Airline of the Year Award, the airline’s new Heathrow lounge is set to become the benchmark for international airport lounges.

Designed to resemble a boutique hotel or private member’s club rather than a conventional airport lounge, the new Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Heathrow has been created to provide the ultimate in luxury and Five-Star service.

Qatar Airways recruited lounge staff from Five Star hotels and restaurants to work in the theatre-style Global Brasserie kitchen and innovative Delicatessen.
The lounge also includes private shower facilities, with heated floors and mirrors, hotel-style towels and luxury brand toiletries and amenities.
Business and leisure travellers can stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the lounge, discreet power sockets at every seat and a business centre that includes PCs and printers.

During 2012, Qatar Airways will launch flights to nine new destinations: Baku (Azerbaijan), Tbilisi (Georgia), Kigali (Rwanda), Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Helsinki (Finland), Zagreb (Croatia), Mombasa (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Perth (Australia).

Cracks found on the A380 Aircrafts

Cracks found on the A380 Aircrafts

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published Friday 20 January 2012 an Airworthiness Directive to mandate a prompt detailed visual inspection of the wings of 20 Airbus A380.
This inspection, which applies to aircraft that have already completed more than 1300 flights, will have to be performed within six weeks of 24 January 2012. Aircraft that have completed more than 1800 flights will have to be inspected within four days of this date.
EASA and Airbus are working closely together to ensure the continuing safe operations of the A380 aircraft type. In accordance with EASA, Airbus has established a repair scheme if cracks are found during the inspection.
EASA confirmed that the new round of cracks is more to worry about than the ones found previously.
In a statement EASA said, “The new form of cracking is more significant than the original cracking. It has been determined that the type 2 cracks may develop on other airplanes after a period of time in service.”

The inspections are expected to affect almost one third of the A380 fleet.

Abu Dhabi Festival 2012

Abu Dhabi Festival announces top Global Talent

Celebrating its ninth edition in 2012, the Abu Dhabi Festival has confirmed its place amongst the UAE’s cultural calendar highlights by announcing a stellar programme of world-leading artistic talent. The Abu Dhabi Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the ninth edition of Abu Dhabi Festival will run from March 11 to April 6 at schools and colleges in the UAE capital. Speaking at the launch of the Festival’s latest edition, Her Excellency Mrs. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “The Abu Dhabi Festival 2012, under the theme of ‘Connecting Cultures’ marks the ninth edition. With more than 18 participating countries represented in the programme, the Festival this year consolidates its determination to realise the vision of the UAE; that being bilateral relations and cultural understanding that embraces the world.”
Through the theme ‘Connecting Cultures’ the Abu Dhabi Festival acknowledges the important role artistic expression plays in building partnerships of mutual understanding between people from diverse cultures and traditions. Central to the theme is cultural partnerships. Over the last nine years, the Festival has built partnerships across the seven Emirates and globally distinguished arts and cultural organisations in order to achieve today’s position of strength.
The Country of Honour this year will be the United Kingdom, a country with whom the Festival has established a number of notable strategic partnerships, including the Royal Opera House, Manchester International Festival and Edinburgh International Festival. Three outstanding collaborations and seven events making their Arab world debut will represent the country during the Festival.  Creations, concerts and compositions reflect the Festival’s never-ending thirst for knowledge, so eloquently reflected in the region’s poetry and literature.

And the Award goes to....

And the Award goes to Makkah Clock Royal Tower Fairmont

Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, has been recognised as the World’s Leading Landmark Hotel by the prestigious World Travel Awards.
Representatives from the world-class property were in attendance at a ceremony held at Katara Cultural Village, Doha.
More than 213,000 travel professionals, including travel agencies, tour and tourism organisations from 160 countries, voted during the annual search for the best in the industry.
Commenting on this distinctive win Mohammed Arkobi, vice president and managing director of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International – Makkah – said: “With humbleness and pride we dedicate this outstanding win to our beloved Kingdom and to the entire Islamic World; and we are also conceited of creating a new trend in the world of hospitality industry on both local and global levels from the very heart of Islam’s Holy Capital.
“We truly feel honoured to receive this Award yet again from the World’s Travel Awards. Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel within a span of eight months has won an Award for the second time in a row, which indeed is a brilliant achievement.
“The recognition belongs to our team at Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel.”
In the centre of Makkah amid the divine tranquillity standing stately only a few steps away from the Masjid Al Haraam and the Holy Ka’aba, is Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, a beacon for pilgrims in the Holy city.
This Fairmont Hotel with its prime location offers guests magnificent views of the Holy Kabaa from the comfort of their room with the finest hospitality where guests experience an oasis of serenity.
Distinguished as one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, this 76-story hotel is the focal point of the Abraj Al Bait Complex.
One of its incredible features is a 40-meter (130-foot) Royal Clock, visible from 17 kilometres (ten miles) away, which announces daily prayers to the Muslim world.
The Hotel appeals to visitors with 858 rooms and suites are thoughtfully and elegantly appointed, with five- star amenities and services on 29 floors.
To relish dining experience, ten internationally inspired cuisine indulgences are present that will suit every palate where guests can enjoy ten exceptional selections of worldwide gastronomy, and even experience local flavour at Al-Dira restaurant, which introduces diners to oriental Saudi cuisine.
Makkah Clock Royal Tower - A Fairmont Hotel draws attention of pilgrims and business visitors alike with large prayer facilities for both males and females.
Along with its exceptional facilities, Makkah Clock Royal Tower is an ideal venue for any event with its more than 3,200 square meters (34,000 square feet) of ornate function space - replete with a full-service business centre and professional staff - comprise exceptional banquet rooms, the biggest ballroom in Makkah Al Jewar with a VIP seating section, and eight state-of-the-art meeting rooms, along with pre-function areas.

Sofitel’s first incursion into India

Sofitel’s first incursion into India

The new Sofitel Mumbai BKC fits perfectly into the city’s financial hub in the Bandra Kurla Complex, in Sofitel’s first incursion into India.
This five-star luxury hotel offers 302 rooms and suites, nine function spaces, five of Mumbai’s most innovative dining outlets and the sanctuary of a Sofitel So SPA. A heaven for business and leisure travellers, Sofitel Mumbai BKC exudes the seductive charm and vital energy of this dynamic Indian city, graced with French flair and elegance.  Sofitel Mumbai BKC is an ideal blend of French design and Indian culture, reinventing ancient heritage with a modern twist. Drawing its inspiration from Indian temples, carvings, iconic monuments and art, and infiltrated by famed French design, rich history and culinary savours. Re-interpretation of these two complementary worlds creates a whole new experience in a hotel that is one of a kind.  

Bahrain Air to take part in Air Show

Bahrain Air will participate at Bahrain International Air show 2012
Bahrain Air, the kingdom’s second national carrier, will participate at the 2012 Bahrain International Air Show 2012, set to be held from January 19 to 21 at the Sakhir Air Base in Manama.
Captain Ibrahim Al Hamer, managing director, said: “Bahrain Air today operates to 18 destinations and plays a major role in linking Bahrain, the financial center of the Middle East, to major cities in the GCC, Levant, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Europe through Istanbul, with a fleet of modern Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.”

Richard Nuttall, CEO, Bahrain Air, said: “Whilst 2011 was a difficult year for all in the industry, we are expecting traffic to improve in 2012. Bahrain Air plans to launch six more destinations this year. We have successfully migrated to a new flight booking reservations system, giving our customers more flexibility and additional options for services when they book with us. A passenger can choose from different fares depending on whether price, flexible travel dates or class of service is most important.”
“We are also gradually introducing services such as the ability to select seats, blankets, insurance or even a celebratory cake. We encourage our customers to book early to avail the early bird incentive, where a portion of our tickets are sold at up to 35 percent less than usual market rates,” he added.

Bahrain Air has also enhanced the information and usability of its website based on customer feedback including dedicated sections for both passengers and corporate clients.
Naeem Mahamoor, marketing manager, Bahrain Air, said: “The website is available in both English and Arabic with future regional customisation in the pipeline. Our prime focus for 2012 will be increasing value-added services that offer flexibility and consistency for the various market segments that we serve including business travel, leisure, pilgrim, charters and Mice.”
“Aircraft will soon be refitted with a new business class seat configuration and introduce state-of-the-art on-board entertainment systems for premium class passengers. Such services will be implemented to tailor to the business community’s needs and naturally provided through attractive and competitive fares. We are also revisiting our menu on the different sectors to providing the best localized options to our passengers, Bahrain Air being a hybrid airline, will add value to our premium  class customers in providing a product tailored to the business community’s needs at an attractive fare as we continue to make Bahrain Air the country’s favourite airline”.

Emirates launches New services

Emirates launches Dublin services

Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, launched its new Dublin route today. It is the third new route to be added to Emirates’ route network in the opening days of 2012 as the airline forges forward with its global expansion.

After the launch of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Buenos Aires in Argentina on 3rd January 2012, the Irish capital took its position as Emirates’ 118th destination, opening up a new efficient channel via Dubai to key markets such as Australia, India, Thailand, China and the Philippines.

Emirates will serve Dublin daily with an A330-200, providing First Class, Business Class and Economy Class travel.  EK 0161 leaves Dubai at 0700hrs daily and arrives at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 at 1130hrs. EK 0162 departs Dublin at 1255hrs and lands in Dubai at 0025hrs the next day.

On inaugural flight from Dubai were Tim Clark, President, Emirates airline; Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation; Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President-Cargo; Ciaran Madden, Ireland’s Ambassador to the UAE; Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport; Colm McLoughlin, Vice Chairman, Dubai Duty Free and Niall Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland.

“The launch is a tremendous development for both Irish business and Irish tourism,"said Tim Clark, President, Emirates. “We are now connecting Ireland not only to Dubai, but also to over 100 destinations throughout the world. Solid early bookings have demonstrated that the demand is there, opening up new markets for passengers and cargo to and from the Republic.”

Ireland has a population of around 4.5 million. Around 5,000 Irish nationals live in the UAE and approximately 80,000 in Australia, which is a key market. More than 70 passengers on the 237-seat inaugural flight came from bookings in Australia.

Emirates has 70 flights per week to Australia, including an A380 service to Sydney, offering the popular Onboard Lounge, where passengers can meet and chat over a drink at 43,000 feet.

Emirates has received an enthusiastic response to its Ireland launch after announcing the new service in September 2011. Last month, the airline hosted more than 800 guests at a high profile gala event to promote the new service at the Convention Centre Dublin, throwing in a surprise performance from musical legend Lionel Richie.

Emirates Holidays, Emirates’ tour operating arm, will feature Dublin in its 2012 A World of Choice brochure. The annual brochure features over 100 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Indian Ocean, Asia, Australasia, Europe and the Americas, around the airline's network.  Nine hotels and resorts – including six Dublin City hotels and three resorts outside Dublin – will be included in the brochure, as well as additional properties available on request.

Along with the new routes to Dublin, Rio and Buenos Aires, Emirates will start flights to Lusake and Harare on 1st February, Dallas from 2nd February, Seattle effective 1st March, and Ho Chi Minh from 4th  June.

Bishkek a new route by flydubai

Bishkek a new route by flydubai
Flydubai, a fast growing low-cost carrier, will fly twice weekly to Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Republic, making the city its 50th destination.
This will also expand the airline’s global network to 28 countries across the GCC, Middle East, Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and Central and Eastern Europe in two and half years of operations.
The new service, which is due to begin on February 7, makes flydubai the first UAE airline to offer direct flights between the Emirates and Kyrgyz Republic.
Flights will depart Dubai on Tuesdays and Fridays, with flights from Bishkek to Dubai leaving on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Kyrgyz Republic has opened its economy to foreign investment in key industries including metallurgy and is developing its tourism potential. Beauty spots such as Issyk Kul Lake are growing into popular tourist destinations while trekking and camping trails as well as skiing bases are developing all over the country, drawing in travellers locally, regionally and internationally.

Budget Hotels Eyeing Qatar

Mid-Market & Budget Hotels Eyeing Qatar

International hotel chains compete for space in Qatar, a growing number of mid-market and budget hotels have also been eyeing the landscape, hoping to get a piece of the FIFA 2022 action.
More than US $100 billion worth of infrastructure is expected to be developed by 2022 including the construction of 77 new hotels and 42 hotel apartments in Qatar bringing a total of 21,107 new rooms into the Qatari hospitality market.
The growth of mid-range hotels in Qatar (and the greater Middle Eastern region) looks set to mirror Europe’s budget hotel growth twenty years ago, according to a recent report by consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle.
The country has already been tapping into the MICE market with two new conference centres that have been developed and a host of events taking place in 2012, from the World Travel Awards 'Grand Final Gala Ceremony' at Katara Cultural Village on January 11, 2012, to the UN environmental summit in December.