Big Fat Airline Wrap
Cathay Pacific’s first A350 arrives in Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific Airways’ first Airbus A350-900XWB aircraft arrived at Hong Kong International Airport from Toulouse, France on Sunday, 29 May. It is the first of 48 A350s scheduled to be delivered to the airline. The new aircraft features Cathay Pacific’s latest inflight products in the Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class cabins, enriching the experience of passengers and helping the airline to deliver on its promise of a Life Well Travelled.
The airline held a special event in the hangars of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) at Hong Kong International Airport today (30 May) to give an exclusive preview of the new arrival to aviation and trade officials, key business partners, members of the Marco Polo Club loyalty programme and guests from the Hong Kong public.
The features of Cathay Pacific’s new A350-900 take the passenger travel experience to a new level. The design of many of the cabin features has been carefully considered to give passengers the best sleeping experience, the best entertainment, and to offer them greater control over how they want to use the space, whether for working or to relax. With its extra wide body, the aircraft offers more space and comfort. The A350 is designed for the wellbeing of passengers; the quiet cabin, panoramic windows, LED mood lighting and huge overhead lockers all contribute to a more comfortable and relaxing journey in all cabin classes.
SAA strengthens Mauritius route
South African Airways (SAA) has further strengthened its route to Mauritius to meet growing demand from international visitors.
According to SAA’s Country Manager for Australasia, Tim Clyde-Smith, the airline will add an additional flight on Wednesday, bringing the route to double dailies from Johannesburg four days of the week on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and growing the route to eleven flights in total a week.
“We have experienced significant growth in demand by people wanting to travel to Mauritius with passengers increasing by 9.5% last year to more than 100,000 passengers a year,” Clyde-Smith said.
“With Mauritius a top three destination from South Africa and for an increasing number of international tourists, the country holds strategic commercial value for the airline,” Clyde-Smith added.
“As part of supporting inbound traffic to Mauritius we are carrying passengers from North and South America, the African continent, Europe and Australasia.”
“Mauritius remains one of the fastest growing economies in Africa with consistent demand-side growth in both business and leisure travel. SAA has been flying to Mauritius for 50 years, non-stop since 1957 and the route was one of SAA’s first African destinations.”
Air New Zealand trials world-leading robotic technology
Air New Zealand is working with Christchurch-based robotics company Invert Robotics to trial wall climbing, camera mounted robots to carry out remote inspections on its aircraft.
The technology, originally designed for use in the dairy industry, uses remote-controlled inspection equipment to detect damage inside milk tanks beaming back high resolution footage in real time.
Air New Zealand Chief Operations Officer Bruce Parton says the airline first started to explore the use of robotics after recognising the shape of a milk tank closely resembles an aircraft fuselage.
“Currently to inspect the top of the fuselage, as we do following incidents such as lightning strikes, engineers need to work at heights of up to eight metres.
“Using technology that can identify defects not immediately visible to the human eye and do so from the ground has the potential to make aircraft maintenance safer and more reliable.
“Exploring the introduction of robotic technologies supports the airline’s innovation strategy and if we can help pioneer an aviation application for this technology it could create a significant new commercial opportunity for this home grown Kiwi business.”
Invert Robotics Chief Executive Officer James Robertson says it’s hugely exciting to be working collaboratively with Air New Zealand on this project.
ANA Summer Inspiration promotion
ANA has release some Summer Inspiration Fares, for flights Sydney to Japan return. Including all taxes and charges, prices starting from $836 in economy, premium economy for $1946 and business for $4146
The fares are on sale until 15 June 2016, with flights available now until 30 November.
ANA’s expansive domestic network smoothly connects you to over 40 destinations across Japan. In conjunction with this Summer Inspiration promotional fare, add-on fares for Japan domestic flights are $200AUD return (excluding taxes and fees).
Premium Economy passengers also get access to the Business Class Lounge free of charge in both Sydney and Tokyo (Haneda). Terms and Conditions apply and offer is subject to change and is subject to availability.
CEB Sale Fares
Cebu Pacific offers one-way fares between Sydney and Manila from AUD$229
The Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB), is offering Australian travellers a chance to plan a summer escape with Sydney to Manila fares on sale from AUD$229 (all-in). Travellers looking to plan a holiday can purchase these sale fares until 31 May 2016, or while seats last.
The travel period for these fares is from 1 January to 31 March, 2017. These fares are inclusive of country taxes and fees, but are exclusive of travel products such as meals or baggage allowance.
For bookings, visit www.cebupacificair.com. Travellers may also download the official Cebu Pacific mobile app on the App or Play Store. The latest seat sales are also available on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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