SA could be next travel hub

Cape Town - South Africa is perfectly situated to become a major travel hub for the southern hemisphere, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Thursday.

"There is a major opportunity to establish ourselves as a hub for south, south travel... we are perfectly situated to be that hub... we're in the middle of the corridor," he told the Cape Town Press Club.

The minister used a map of global flight traffic to prove his point, which showed moving planes as bright yellow dots.

Huge yellow clusters could be seen spraying over North America and spreading out from Europe. Smaller clusters could be seen over India and China.

The southern hemisphere had less air space presence, with smaller yellow clumps concentrated over parts of South America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Australia.

The minister said the United Kingdom continued to be the country's largest tourism market, with over 215,000 people visiting our shores in the first six months of this year.

The United States and Germany were the next biggest markets.

In emerging tourism markets, there was an 88.4 percent jump in visitors from China in the first half of this year. In the same period, 68.3 percent more Brazilians visited the country.

Despite increased spending on these emerging markets, the spending on traditional markets was bigger and would remain so for many years still, the minister said.
Van Schalkwyk was questioned whether there was still a need for national carrier SA Airways (SAA) from a tourism perspective.

"The answer to that, probably, is many countries don't need a national carrier but in my view, South Africa as a long-haul destination needs a national carrier."

He emphasised the need was for a well-capitalised and well-managed SAA.

The carrier had, earlier this year, requested a cash injection of R4 billion to R6 billion for recapitalisation.

"We gave, as Cabinet, a very clear mandate to SAA and that is they must start cutting their losses, that they must manage themselves better and make sure that it's not a drag on the taxpayer."

The minister welcomed healthy competition in the sector. The number of airlines flying in and out of the country had increased from around 26 to over 50 since the implementation of the airlift strategy in 2006. This strategy sought to increase flight growth and capacity over five years.

"Better competition, more competition, driving down prices, more choice, that's what we want."

3 African Countries Ranked Among Top Tourist Destinations In The World

Courtesy -VENTURES AFRICA

Mozambique, Malawi and Rwanda have been named among the top 10 world adventurous places for 2013 by Globe Spots, an international travel guide for tourists.

Mozambique placed second, Rwanda ranked sixth while Malawi was rated as the ninth top destination to travel globally. Portugal was ranked number one while others on the list are Kyrgyzstan, Panama, Armenia, Cuba, Ukraine, and Canada.

For the fifth year, the travel guide magazine has captured what’s happening on the travel scene. They focused on destinations they think will be hot – or at least should be – with some of it based on travel experience.

The travel guide categorized the destinations into three spheres: Classic travel for great sights and convenient travel, adventurous places for those who are going above and beyond, seeking out the best travel and  Hardcore places for those who are willing to travel anywhere just for the buzz.

“Mozambique is a great spot for a change of scenery if you’re experiencing safari fatigue from your excursions in the neighbouring countries,” Globe spot says categorising it as a hardcore place.

Of Malawi, a place it positioned for those who are seeking out the best travel, Global spot says: “Having earned their country the nickname of the Warm Heart of Africa, the seemingly always smiling Malawians are without a doubt one of Malawi’s main attractions.”

Some of the tourist attraction mentioned in the country include the Lake Malawi, which provides ample beaches for sunbathing, islands for kayaking, fish for snorkelling and diving, parks boasting the Big Five, the chance to walk and cycle with zebras and antelopes, mountains providing days upon days of spectacular hiking, an ancient steamboat and sunset cruises along the hippo-filled Shire River to the mix.

Meanwhile he travel guide adjudged that there is more to visit in Rwanda than gorillas and Genocide sites, such as stunning ubiquitous mountains, national parks, excellent lake beaches, great culture, and a dynamic capital city.

“The country has a lot to offer its visitors and is working really hard to convince them to forget about its dreadful past. And with its incredibly well-paved roads, clean and safe streets, and friendly helpful people, Rwanda makes a perfectly smooth introduction to Africa,” it says.

Head of tourism and conservation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rica Rwigamba, said that the ranking provides confidence to tourists.

“In Rwanda we have much more to offer to tourists beyond the mountain gorillas. And we are proud of that. We are committed to showcase Rwanda’s beauty to the world,” she told Rwanda local newspaper, The New Times.

Rwanda has hosted about 493,744 visitors in 2012, representing an increase of 22 per cent compared to the same period in 2011. It recorded a remarkable 16 per cent increase in leisure visitors as well as an eight per cent increase in business visitors.

Tourist sites in Rwanda include mountain gorillas, canopy walk, national museums, lake Kivu, bird watching, Congo Nile trail, Akagera and Nyungwe National parks, culture, among others.

Africa’s fastest growing online travel agency tackles Turkey

South African online travel agency Travelstart has broadened its operations to include Turkey. With its head office in Cape Town, the business has rapidly grown to include operations in Tanzania, Namibia, Kenya, Nigeria and most recently Turkey.

Travelstart will be launching in Egypt in January with plans to add more African countries in early 2013. With planned expansion throughout Africa, Travelstart is the largest and fastest growing travel group on the continent.

Travelstart was launched in South Africa in 2006 by online travel entrepreneur Stephan Ekbergh, who says “Launching in Turkey has been a huge initiative for us and one that we are very excited about. It’s our newest baby and will strengthen our position as a global travel brand!”

Ekbergh continues: “While other emerging markets have provided their own challenges for us, we look forward to being in Turkey - a country which is already rich with strong local online travel competition. However, we are confident that our own flair will differentiate us by bringing consumers simplicity and low prices with a strong focus on customer service.”

The company will trade as Geziko in Turkey – Geziko comes from the word Gezi meaning Travel/Trip/Journey – creating a local brand specifically for Turkey.

World's Best Airline

Singapore Airlines is No.1 for the 17th straight year. (Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines)

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Buckling your airplane seat belt and weight-loss personality Richard Simmons aren't things you'd necessarily think go together. But if you flew on Air New Zealand in the recent past, that's who may have video-instructed you how to buckle up.

Great companies always think outside the box, and Air New Zealand is no exception. In the most recent Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards survey, the Kiwi airline came in No. 2. And while readers didn't specifically rank in-flight entertainment, ANZ's fresh, amusing spin on the standard safety video surely gave passengers a memorable impression of the airline. 

The factors our readers did vote on, across 76 global airlines: cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, value, and food. No one was surprised to see Singapore Airlines topping the list; they've been the No. 1 airline for the past 17 years. And they must be doing something right—they didn't even have Richard Simmons entertaining their passengers.


No. 1 Singapore Airlines

For the 17th year in a row—ever since T+L inaugurated the World’s Best Awards—Singapore Airlines has been readers’ overall favorite. This year, the airline came out on top in every category: cabin comfort, food, in-flight service, customer service, and value. The 32-inch seat pitch in economy class helps, as do the flight attendants, famous for their above-and-beyond service and sarong and kebaya uniforms. Bedtime turndown service is even part of the flying experience for those with pockets deep enough to book the A380 first-class suites that feature sliding doors, 23-inch TVs, and stand-alone beds hand-stitched by master Italian craftsmen Poltrona Frau.


(Photo: Courtesy of Air New Zealand)


No. 2 Air New Zealand

The Kiwi carrier has been steadily climbing up the ranks of the world’s best airlines. Two years ago, Air New Zealand ranked seventh, and last year, it was fourth. Cabin comfort, food, and especially improved in-flight service vaulted it into the No. 2 position this year. T+L readers felt that the airline’s value had improved during the past year, and its innovative OneUp program, which allows you to bid for an upgrade seven days before you fly internationally, beats paying through the nose for business or first. Another popular innovation: cuddle class, an economy row of three seats that can convert to a bed.

(Photo: Courtesy of Emirates)

No. 3 Emirates

Emirates has slipped slightly from No. 2, a spot it held for the past two years. While the airline maintained steady scores for cabin comfort, in-flight service, and food, readers demoted both the airline’s customer service and value scores this year. Still, there’s nothing wrong about coming in third. And forward-thinking innovations like the airline’s signature Shower Spa in first class should keep the airline up to speed with the very best.







(Photo: Courtesy of Korean Air)
No. 4 Korean Air

Korean Air vaulted up the list from last year’s ninth place, thanks to major improvements in readers’ perceptions of in-flight service and food, as well as cabin comfort and value. Tastier Western, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes have certainly helped. But, taking a page out of Singapore Airlines’ book, it’s the improved level of service that has brought this airline into the rarefied ranking of our top five carriers.




(Photo: Courtesy of Cathay Pacific Airways)
No. 5 Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Pacific went up the list from seventh place last year. The airline worked hard and offered improvements in every area, according to our readers, but especially in the areas of value and food. Leave it to Hong Kong–based Cathay to be among the first to have rice cookers on board. Each seat is outfitted with power outlets and iPod and USB ports—not to mention a 32-inch seat pitch in economy class—and these special touches keep the airline highly ranked for cabin comfort. 


(Photo: Courtesy of Asiana Airlines/Star Alliance)
No. 6 Asiana Airlines

Asiana is the comeback kid this year. The carrier fell to No. 13 in our 2011 rankings, but in 2010, it was No. 6. What’s the story? According to T+L readers, Asiana has upgraded its cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, and value. It fell a little short in its food ranking, but it was so much better in the other critical areas that it’s firmly back in our top 10. Now that Asiana, like its formidable Asian peers, offers suites, it’s clearly a contender.


(Photo: Courtesy of Virgin America)
No. 7 Virgin America

Virgin America remains the highest-ranking U.S. airline in our survey, despite slipping two slots in the overall rankings from last year. (It holds up even better among the survey’s domestic rankings with a No. 1 rank in every category.) The Red touch-screen system that allows you to order snacks and drinks, shop, and give back to fight cancer or to offset your carbon footprint is a prime example of how Virgin America is truly in step with the expectations of 21st-century travelers.


(Photo: Courtesy of Qatar Airways)
No. 8 Qatar Airways

Ranked No. 11 in 2011, Qatar has made a move into the top 10, although not yet back to the No. 3 ranking it earned from readers in 2010 or 2009’s No. 2 spot. Readers did give kudos to improvements in the airline’s in-flight service and to welcome changes in cabin comfort, namely the 32-inch seat pitch. Hiring celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa to oversee the in-flight menu is another crowd-pleaser. 




(Photo: Courtesy of Virgin Atlantic)
No. 9 Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin Atlantic ranked eighth last year and could use a little maintenance in the eyes of T+L readers. The airline fell a bit short in every category this year, but most especially when it came to food, in-flight service, and value. Even cabin comfort was found to be less comforting this year compared to last. That said, the airline still made it into the survey’s top 10—and continues to make headlines for its cheeky spirit. Earlier this year, for instance, Upper Class passengers had the distinct pleasure of drinks served with ice cubes crafted to resemble Sir Richard Branson’s head. 

(Photo: Courtesy of Thai Airways International)No. 10 Thai International Airways

Ensconced at No. 10, as it was in 2011, Thai Airways pretty much maintained the status quo, according to our survey, although readers did feel that the airline offered more value than it had in the past. Thai has certainly been keeping up with other quality carriers, installing niceties like Audio Visual on Demand (AVOD). But since most of its flights are within Asia or to Europe (with North American service only to Los Angeles), it lacks the visibility of the top-dog Asian airlines. Regardless, our readers think it deserves top 10 status.

Why Lufthansa, Aviation Ministry MoU was revoked – FG

The Federal Government has given reasons why it revoked the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with German national carrier, Lufthansa, saying the deal was scorching the nation’s aviation sector but soothing the airline and the German economy.

In the MoU, the airline was to provide platform for the training of pilots, engineers and ground handling personnel, while the carrier enjoys increased frequency on the Lagos-Frankfurt route. But the government said the airline hurriedly swung into action to enjoy increased frquencies, while abandoning the other side of the deal.

This forced the government to terminate the MoU on November 7, 2012, after the government discovered that Lufthansa did not adhere to the terms of the agreement. A source at the Aviation Ministry, who disclosed the development to Daily Sun, said the MoU between the Nigerian government and Lufthansa dates back to May 31, 2002, when a Commercial Agreement between Nigeria Airways Ltd and Lufthansa was signed; whereby the airline would pay 11% per passenger ticket fee as no Nigerian airline was reciprocating.

“On the 10th November, 2008 during the visit of the President of Germany to Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Aviation (FMA) signed an MoU with Lufthansa with the strategic aim of one, increasing Lofthansa frequencies to daily flight from Frankfurt to Abuja. Two, the airline and other identified Nigerian carriers (where Arik Air was picked) were to use of Abuja as a hub in West Africa with cautious and mutually agreeable cabotage and fifth freedom rights,” the source said. Part of the agreement was for Lufthansa to provide training and employment of Nigerian at management levels, as well as flight attendants on respective flights to and from Nigeria.

Another thing the MoU sought to achieve was to carry out a comprehensive study, by both parties at a mutually acceptable date, on pilot training, aircraft maintenance, ground handling, operations, security, safety and quality management and other fields of cooperation. Daily Sun further gathered that there were two visits to Germany by the Aviation Minister, Fidelia Njeze, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation, Capt Usman Shehu Iyal SSA and other top government officials to work out modalities for the implementation of the MoU using the above stated as guidelines.

The source at the ministry further said that “the report of the 17th May, 2009 meeting with Aviation Minister of Aviation, Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Capt. S.U. Iyal, with Lufthansa clearly stated that Lufthansa would not pay cash for Commercial Agreement but would rather offer other services (training etc) which Mr. President noted and also Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry directed further action. More so, a training Committee headed by Capt. Adebayo Araba, then Rector of NCAT was given the task to coordinate the training requirements of the Ministry and its Agencies for onward to Lufthansa. Lufthansa was also to work in collaboration with Arik Air to development the Nigerian airline”, he explained.

In all, Lufthansa reportedly took advantage of the extra frequencies granted it without working on the training and maintenance part of the MoU. Following the lopsided implementation of the agreement, the incumbent Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah of requested Mr. President’s approval to revoke the MoU with Lufthansa as the benefits of training, employment, etc have not been done. “ Eventually the MoU was revoked on 7th November, 2012 as the Ministry has not seen any appreciable benefit of the MoU with Lufthansa, the source said.

Fastjet unveils new aircraft ahead of launch

fastjet has unveiled its first fully branded aircraft ahead of commencing flight operations in Tanzania in two days’ time.

At an industry event in Dar es Salaam, government officials, fastjet executives and aviation experts watched the Fastjet Airbus A319 take to the skies for the first time.

From Thursday fastjet will operate twice daily flights on its first two routes, Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam to Mwanza, both popular domestic destinations.

Tickets went on sale two weeks ago and fastjet has recorded strong demand; outstripping its initial expectations.

Average fares are expected to be $80 but now start from as low as US$20 one-way (excluding taxes and charges) for customers who book early.

Representing the Tanzanian ministry of transport, deputy minister Charles Tizeba was present at the launch and welcomed fastjet’s entry to Tanzania; demonstrating the government’s support for the new airline.

Speaking today in Dar es Salaam, fastjet chief executive Ed Winter said: “Today is an incredibly exciting day not just for fastjet, but for Tanzania and Africa as a whole.

“For years, the African aviation-market has been significantly underserved, lagging a very long way behind the rest of the world.

“GDP growth is fuelling a real increase in disposable incomes and consumer spending and although this is accompanied with a growing demand for travel, the African people just haven’t had a reliable and affordable air travel option available to them.

“fastjet will now serve to fill that gap and we look forward to bringing the people of Tanzania and indeed the whole continent the first pan African low cost, point-to-point, all jet airline, operating to international standards of safety and quality.”

Iberia staff consider strike action against job cuts

Union officials at Spanish flag-carrier Iberia have warned they may call workers out on strike over Christmas in protest against job cuts at the airline.

Members of the UGT union, the second biggest in the country, are considering strike action between December 14th and 21st.

“All of the unions are in intense talks to fix dates for action against the plan to dismantle Iberia,” a spokesman for the group said.

Iberia is part of the International Airlines Group.

As part of an overhaul designed to return the airline to profitability, IAG said last month it would cut about a quarter of the Spanish airline’s workforce.

Cuts are also set to be made to capacity as part of a restructuring plan to make it more competitive.

Etihad Airways named best long-haul airline

Etihad Airways has won Best Long-haul Airline at Belgium’s 15th annual Travel Magazine Awards, held in Antwerp.

This is the first time Etihad Airways has won the prestigious Belgian travel industry award, beating five other long-haul carriers operating to and from Brussels International Airport.

The judging panel consisted of almost 400 Belgian travel industry professionals, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, and cruise lines.

Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, Peter Baumgartner, said the airline was delighted to win the coveted title.

“This award cements us as the airline of choice for long-haul guests travelling to and from Brussels, a strategically important market for Etihad Airways.

“It is testament to the strength and success of our whole product experience, whether it be Diamond First, Pearl Business, or Coral Economy. The award also recognises our success in inspiring our guests from the moment their journey begins, right through to journey’s end — in the air and on the ground.”
Etihad Airways operates eight times a week between Brussels and Abu Dhabi, offering onward connections to more than 80 destinations.

Emirates declared Top Airline at Middle East Business Awards

DUBAI – Emirates has been named Airline of the Year at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards 2012.

The airline, flying positively on the back of half year profits of AED 2.1 billion (US$ 575 million), picked up the award at a ceremony last night at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai. Emirates was represented at the event by Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Engineering and Operations.

A specially selected panel of jurors, led by Arabtec founder Riad Kamal, shortlisted nominations to whittle down the list of winners.

Each year, the awards celebrate the very best in Arab business achievements, both on a corporate and individual level. Honouring the biggest names in the Gulf business community, previous winners have included HRH Prince Alwaleed, King Mohammed VI of Morocco and King Abdullah of Jordan.

In 2008, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline & Group, won a special Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to global business over the past two decades.

Emirates operates flights to 126 destinations in 74 countries and has won more than 500 awards for its products and service.

Great opportunities and challenges for African airlines

By: Keith Campbell
Aviation is a key enabler for the development of international trade and tourism for and within Africa, highlighted South African Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba in his keynote address to the forty-fourth annual general assembly of the African Airlines Association (Afraa) in Sandton, north of Johannesburg, on Monday.

Air transport was especially important because of the "vast lack" of road and rail infrastructure on the continent, he pointed out. There was "great potential" for intra-African trade.

"It has been said that the global economy has been going through extraordinarily difficult challenges," Gigaba stated. "The challenge to Africa is to seize the opportunities, as we are one of the growing regions in the world, with seven out of the ten fastest-growing economies in the world in Africa."

It was necessary, he affirmed, to strengthen intra-African trade, so as to benefit the continent and ensure collective and inclusive growth and development. "We, therefore, need to focus to ensure we use African aviation, African airlines more, to connect our countries and cities. We need to deal with the challenges of liberalisation of African skies in a manner, however, that benefits African airlines."

African countries should invest more in aviation, and the integration of the continent should be encouraged. The growing African middle-class presented opportunities for the continent's airlines.

Also speaking at the Afraa assembly, International Air Transport Association (IATA) senior VP Tom Windmuller reported that, if aviation-related tourism was included, aviation contributed $67.8-billion to Africa's gross domestic product. The African market was growing strongly with passenger traffic growth in economy class up 18% in comparison to the previous year, while business class traffic had increased 21%.

However, while some African airlines were doing well, others were not, and, on average, African airlines had made zero profits over the past four years. The problems facing the continent's airlines were safety, security, infrastructure and the regulatory and fiscal environment.

"Safety is our number one priority," asserted Windmuller. The situation in Africa was "a tale of two faces" with, on the one side, "tremendous progress in many African countries" with some countries now achieving almost world average safety rates, while, on the other, a "considerable safety gap" remained in parts of the continent. "Significant improvement is indeed possible."

Security is a global problem and, worldwide, "we need a new paradigm", he affirmed. IATA has been refining the concept of the 'checkpoint of the future' for passengers. For airfreight, "the answer is a secure supply chain. Our pilot [project] in Kenya has been a great success."

Regarding the regulatory and fiscal environment, he complained that across the continent "we see a patchwork of taxes and charges on fuel and passengers", which are often not transparent or levied in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation recommendations. These were damaging the African aviation industry.

Even so, prospects for African aviation remained "very bright", he assured. "If we can resolve the safety issues – and I am convinced we can – aviation will contribute to even greater growth."

Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter

Africa needs MORE new airlines

Africa will need 900 new airliners by 2031, vice-president of sales at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Van Rex Gallard, said on Monday.

He said he saw growth in four areas -- northern Africa, East Africa, South Africa and West Africa.

"In North Africa, they have had some issues because of the Arab Spring and so forth. But it [growth] is coming up, it is going to continue in countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Morocco," Gallard said in Johannesburg.

"There is a solid infrastructure in those countries. They actually have access to financing and they are technologically prepared to be competitive, with mainly Europe."

Growth in East Africa was also booming, with major industry players coming from Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda.

"Ethiopia is the second country in the world which has taken delivery of the [Boeing] 787, after the Japanese."

He said Ethiopia had committed itself to growing the aviation sector, and it viewed the industry as a tool to boost its economy.

"They have the full support of the government. Their goal is to have a very strong hub in that part of the world. The same could be said about Kenya."

Gallard said he was impressed with the growth of South African Airways (SAA), Comair and Kulula.com.

"SAA historically has survived and I think it's going to do well... since they have the full support of the government," he said.

South Africa has seen more than 10 airline companies go under in the past 21 years, the latest being 1Time, which was granted provisional liquidation earlier this month.

Gallard described Nigeria as a "jewel" in West Africa.

"It is because of the sheer size of that country, the wealth [it] has... I can see Nigeria being the anchor of West Africa."

Other nations whose aviation industries were on the rise were Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

"Competition is the key factor why many airlines are not making profits in the region [Africa].

"Also, the price of fuel is quite high. In some of the cases, it is up to 40 percent of the operating costs of the airlines," he said.

Africa had enjoyed growth of five percent over the past few years, and Boeing Commercial Airplanes forecast annual growth of 5.6 percent for the next 20 years.

Gallard said a total of 850 Boeing 787 Dreamliners had been sold since the aircraft was first launched. About 50 had been bought or leased by African carriers.

The growth of the aviation industry in Africa was the result of intra-continental trade, which was on the rise, Gallard said.

Bombardier to Open First Authorized Service Facility in Africa

Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace has appointed South African Express Airways as the first authorized service facility for the company's commercial aircraft on the African continent.

Bombardier made the announcement on Sunday to coincide with the opening of the 44th annual general assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in Johannesburg.

"Our entire customer services team is firmly committed to expanding our presence in Africa at an accelerated pace to support operators of Bombardier commercial and business aircraft," Bombardier Aerospace customer services president Eric Martel said in a statement.

Johannesburg-based South African Express is a domestic and regional passenger and cargo carrier which, since its establishment in 1994, has become one of the fastest-growing regional airlines in Africa.

The airline employs a full-time staff of approximately 300 maintenance technicians performing both light and heavy maintenance work, and has repeatedly earned Bombardier's "airline reliability performance" award for the Middle East and Africa.

Bombardier already has a strong presence on the continent, with more than 160 of its Dash 8/Q-Series and CRJ aircraft either currently in service with, or on order by, 40 operators and leasing companies in over 20 African countries.

Raphael Haddad, Bombardier's vice-president for sales in the Middle East and Africa, who is leading the company's delegation at the AFRAA annual general assembly, said the continent was poised for growth, "and over the next 20 years, it is predicted that Africa will be one of the leaders in annual economic growth, second only to China.

"Our market forecast for the 2012-2031 timeframe predicts that African airlines will take delivery of 550 aircraft in the 20- to 149-seat segment industry-wide," Haddad said.

"We are excited by the potential opportunities for expanding commercial aviation in Africa and our role in that development."

Ramon Vahed, South African Express's general manager for aircraft maintenance and engineering and fleet development, said that achieving authorized service facility status with Bombardier "will prove to be a significant milestone for the airline and our shareholders and will provide operators in the region with improved access to a sustainable, cost-effective and high-quality local maintenance support service."

Etihad Airways eyes USA for expansion

James Hogan, president and chief executive officer, Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is keen to expand its network in the US, chief executive James Hogan has said.

Hogan disclosed that the US specifically is among the highest performing regions across the airline’s global network, with an average 81 per cent load factor in 2012.

On existing routes – to New York and Chicago – a significant portion of premium bookings are for travel to/from Abu Dhabi, with 72 per cent of First Class passengers and 53 per cent of Business Class passengers starting or ending their journey in Abu Dhabi.

To date, Etihad Airways has flown nearly 1.5 million passengers to and from the US since commencing services to New York in 2006 and Chicago in 2009.

The airline will launch its third US route in on March 31st, 2013, with daily non-stop flights between Washington, D.C. and its home base of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The route will be operated by a three-class Airbus A340-500 aircraft.

Hogan is in Washington, D.C. to meet prominent local diplomats, travel industry executives, media and corporate representatives.

He hosted an intimate cocktail party for a delegation of VIPs and will deliver the keynote address at a US-UAE Business Council luncheon, where he will discuss the airline’s strategy for growth and the necessity of partnerships within the air travel industry.

The UAE is the single largest export market for US goods in the Middle East and the US is the fifth largest trade partner worldwide for the UAE, representing a total trade volume of US $18.3 billion in 2011.

Hogan said: “Particularly with increasing ties between the UAE and US, both government and private sector, we see a demand for premium services between the Washington, D.C. and Abu Dhabi.

“I am delighted to bring our award-winning Diamond First Class Suites and Pearl Business Class to the route.

“As we build our operations at Washington, D.C., we are also keen to expand further in the US and are examining a number of other destinations, particularly on the West Coast.

“The point-to-point market will be supplemented by strong traffic flows over Abu Dhabi onwards to destinations across Asia, particularly the Indian Subcontinent.

“With the addition of services to Ahmedabad this month, we now serve nine destinations across India.

“Building complementary networks to support business and passenger flows across the globe is a key part of Etihad Airways’ hub strategy – the growing number of connections between the US and India is a perfect example of this.”

Through its agreement with American Airlines, in place since September 2009, Etihad Airways will also codeshare on connecting flights between Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles and Dallas-Fort Worth.

Etihad Airways currently has 41 codeshare partnerships with airlines around the globe, resulting in a combined network of 327 destinations, more than any other Middle Eastern airline.

Etihad is considered the World’s Leading Airline by the World Travel Awards.

Virgin Atlantic moves into short-haul with Heathrow slots

Virgin Atlantic has announced it has been offered all of the Heathrow short-haul remedy slots available following International Airline Group’s acquisition of bmi.

Sir Richard Branson’s airline stated that its business case was based on one airline operating a package of remedy slots so it could mount a credible challenge to BA’s short-haul flying to Heathrow.
Without the remedy slots, BA would continue to fly from Scotland to Heathrow uncontested but Virgin Atlantic said today that domestic flyers would now have a compelling alternative.
Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive, Steve Ridgway said: “We have fought hard for the right to fly short haul and take a strong challenge to British Airways within these shores.
“For 28 years both airlines have battled for customers all over the world and it has meant that British consumers have ultimately had some of the world’s best flying and lowest fares.
“This is the beginning of an exciting new era in Virgin Atlantic history and we now feel a responsibility to everyone that has supported us in this challenge.
”Passengers can look forward to a great short-haul service with us but most importantly reap the benefits from the re-injection of vital competition we can provide on these routes.”
Over the next two weeks, Virgin Atlantic will work to finalise its plans for utilisation of the available remedy slots and to confirm a flying timetable.
The airline will primarily focus on its flying between Scotland and Heathrow running multiple daily flights from Edinburgh and Aberdeen to London Heathrow.
Flights will commence around March 31st 2013 and complement the new Heathrow to Manchester route the airline is also introducing next year.
Virgin Atlantic will be working with a wet lease partner to provide narrow body Airbus A320 aircraft to operate these short haul flights.

Emirates adds Windows 8 Business App to boost inflight experience

Emirates, one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, has announced the development of a line-of-business application for Window 8 called Knowledge Driven Inflight Service (KIS).
An in-flight communication and customer relationship management device first introduced by Emirates for its pursers in 2004, the KIS application will now run on the soon-to-be-launched HP ElitePad 900 business tablets and will enable Emirates to continue to deliver extraordinary customer service and experiences.


“At Emirates, we strive to deliver the world’s best in-flight experience,” said Khalid Bel Jaflah, Vice President for East Africa Region. “We constantly invest in the best aircraft, products and service. To support our crew, we have created an application on Windows 8 that delivers a unique, personalised experience with the necessary information for our cabin crew to better serve the needs of customers. The Windows 8 platform running on HP ElitePad 900 devices gave us this option, allowing us to create the KIS app that enables our crew to offer an experience not available on other airlines.”
Pursers on the flight use the KIS application to brief the cabin crew before every flight and understand how to best meet the personal preferences and needs of passengers. The crew can also use the application to easily conduct in-flight upgrades to business class or first class for Emirates Skywards members, as well as customer feedback that is immediately routed to headquarters upon landing.
As the first global customer of the HP ElitePad 900, Emirates is creating a new KIS tablet that is light, attractive and has a long battery life, ideal for nonstop flights. The device, announced by HP in October and available to customers in January 2013, is built specifically for business users, offering Windows 8 optimization and a beautiful lightweight design. Combined with Windows 8’s touch-optimized user interface, which quickly shows the most important information via Live Tiles, the crew can spend more time interacting with customers in a unique and efficient way.
When deployment across its fleet is complete, Emirates will have 1,000 HP ElitePad 900 devices running the KIS application on Windows 8. More information on the KIS application running on Windows 8 is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qghgj2mNXN8&feature=youtu.be

Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY Airlines To Take Delivery Of New Q400 Aircraft

First NexGen Q440s On The Bombardier Assembly Line To Offer New Dual-Class Seating Configuration

Bombardier announced today that Addis Ababa-based Ethiopian Airlines is the first airline to take delivery of Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners outfitted with a dual-class configuration on the production line. The two airliners delivered so far, have already entered service with Ethiopian Airlines and its affiliate ASKY Airlines of Togo. The new configuration – featuring seven business class and 60 economy seats; fore and aft lavatories; and a galley outfitted to provide cold and hot meals – demonstrates the flexibility of the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s passenger cabin. The new configuration has also provided the airlines with increased cargo capacity. ASKY Airlines will operate three of the five dual-class Q400 NextGen aircraft ordered by Ethiopian Airlines in February 2012.

“We are very happy with this unique turboprop configuration. In addition to the enhanced, comfortable interiors that the Q400 NextGen turboprop are known for, adding the dual-class seating enables us to provide the best possible service on domestic and regional routes,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines. “Now our Cloud Nine customers can enjoy a full business class service and our connecting passengers from Ethiopian and the Star Alliance network will benefit from a greatly improved product in line with our continuous effort to provide a seamless travel experience.” Mr. Gebremariam also said that the airline’s original Q400 NextGen aircraft will be retrofitted with the new interiors.

“On the performance side, the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s ability in hot weather and high altitude conditions is extremely important to our operations,” said Mr. Gebremariam. “Overall, our experience with this excellent aircraft in a wide range of weather and other conditions proves that it is ideally suited for operations in Africa.”

 

“As a repeat Q400 aircraft customer, Ethiopian Airlines has grown to become one of Africa’s leading airlines and together with ASKY, they are taking full advantage of the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s cabin and operational flexibility,” said Raphael Haddad, Vice-president, Sales, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Add in the aircraft’s high speed and low operating costs – and you have a new-generation turboprop that can’t be beat.”

(Pictured: Bombardier Q400 business class seats)

Lufthansa sells stake in Amadeus

Lufthansa Group has revealed that it has sold 16.2 million shares of Amadeus, reducing its stake in Amadeus from 7.61 per cent to four per cent.
With the sale of the shares, which represents 3.61 per cent of the shares in Amadeus, Lufthansa Group raised gross proceeds of EUR 307m.
Lufthansa Group said in a statement that it is ‘further pursuing its active portfolio management’. Through the sale Lufthansa Group is further ‘strengthening its liquidity position’.
Lufthansa, Iberia and Air France-KLM, all of which are major shareholders of Amadeus IT Holding, S.A., have each agreed to a lock-up period of 90 days for their respective remaining holdings.

Malaysia Airlines welcomes new Airbus A380s to fleet

Malaysia Airlines will add two new A380 aircraft to its fleet by the in the coming days as the carrier prepares to launch a new double daily A380 services between London Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The service will take off from on November 24th 2012.

Malaysia Airlines’ third Airbus A380 arrived at KLIA yesterday from Toulouse and the fourth new aircraft will join the fleet on November 23rd 2012.

Malaysia Airlines will use these two 494-seater aircraft to commence daytime A380 flights from KLIA to London Heathrow starting from 24 November 2012.

Flight MH4 will depart KLIA at 1045 daily to arrive London Heathrow the same day at 16:15.

The return flight MH1 departs London daily at 22:00 and arrives KLIA the next day at 18:20.

This day service will complement Malaysia Airlines’ current daily A380 night service to the UK capital, where MH2 departs KLIA at 11:45 and arrives in London at 05:25 the following day with the return flight MH3 departing London at 10:50am and arriving KLIA at 7:10 the next day.

Malaysia Airlines is the only carrier to offer direct non-stop services between UK and Malaysia.

With the introduction of the double daily A380 services, Malaysia Airlines will cease the 359-seater B747-400 flight operations between London and KLIA while improving weekly seat capacity by 37 per cent in both directions of the route.

The A380 services will offer 6916 seats weekly compared to 5,026 seats offered through the earlier double daily B747-400 operations, allowing more passengers to travel on the latest super jumbo aircraft.

Malaysia Airlines is the eighth operator of this new aircraft and will receive its remaining two A380 is by the first quarter of 2013.

The View from The Shard prepares for London opening

The Shard is the tallest building in western Europe

With building work nearly complete, excitement is building around The View from The Shard, the new premium visitor experience in London.

From February 1st 2013, guests will be welcomed to a viewing platform some 244 metres above the capital, allowing them to see the entire city from a single location for the first time.

Standing at the pinnacle of the tallest building in western Europe, guests will be able to see up to 64 kilometres into the distance.

On the Ground

Upon arrival, a series of colourful tongue-in-cheek illustrations of famous Londoners in playful juxtapositions will greet visitors at the entrance to The View from The Shard.

Here Margaret Thatcher and Karl Max are pictured out for a ride together on a tandem bicycle; Vidal Sassoon and Vivienne Westwood are giving King Charles I a makeover; Alfred Hitchcock flees the pigeons in Trafalgar Square, George Orwell is installing CCTV cameras whilst Benjamin Franklin is shown at a cash machine.

The ground floor draws guests into the rich tapestry of London, its diverse communities and colourful characters.

Along the walls, video screens and display panels also show digital maps of London and film footage of city life – preparing guests for the breathtaking views that await them.

Guests depart the ground floor in two high-speed lifts that take just 30 seconds each to reach the viewing platforms.

On their journey skywards they will be accompanied by a soaring anthem from the London Symphony Orchestra, building anticipation of seeing London like never before.

The specially composed music is part of the wider musical score that will accompany guests through The View from The Shard, also featuring acclaimed London-based chamber choir, the Joyful Company of Singers.


In the viewing galleries above London the remarkable 360 degree view over the city is revealed.

Guests are able to explore the view through 12 digital ‘Tell:scopes’ that are being made available in Europe for the first time.

The Tell:scopes -  digital telescopes with large touchscreens - enable guests to explore the city around them in real-time, as well as offering alternative (pre-recorded) day and night-time views.

Fully interactive, they are able to identify famous landmarks and places of significant interest in the user’s sight line and provide information about them in ten languages.

Guests are drawn deeper into the story of London as bitesize elements of history, and images, appear on screen.

The View from The Shard is the only place to view the whole of London

In total, 200 landmarks and places of interest across London will be highlighted on the Tell:scopes.

Anders Nyberg, chief executive, The View from The Shard, said: “The View from The Shard is the only place you can experience all of London all at once and the attraction will draw people into the story of London, its history, people and places like never before.

“The unrivalled panoramic views of London will be brought to life through cutting edge technology to provide a truly unique experience of one of the world’s greatest cities.

Tickets are now on sale priced a 24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children.

Head over to the official website for more information.

787 Dreamliner arrives in Doha



Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, pictured centre, addressing
media at a press conference held in a Boeing hangar in Seattle
shortly before taking delivery of the airline's first 787 Dreamliner.
 

A Boeing hangar was the fitting venue for the official handing over of the aircraft to Qatar Airways,  a ceremony watched by scores of airline management, Boeing executives and both local and international media. Guest of honour was Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al-Rumaihi.

Last night’s event was followed by a celebratory dinner where employees from both Boeing and Qatar Airways were honoured for their dedication and commitment, working together on the 787 project. The airline’s first Dreamliner is scheduled to take off from Seattle for Doha later today, arriving into Qatar tomorrow (Wednesday 14 November).

The delivery marks a milestone in Middle East aviation with Qatar Airways becoming the first airline from the region to take delivery of the 787. The Doha-based carrier has 60 Dreamliners on order with deliveries planned over the next few weeks, months and years.
Space, comfort and luxury are key features of the aircraft with Qatar Airways having pushed the boundaries in air travel to create a unique onboard 787 travel experience. The seat design is revolutionary and proprietary to Qatar Airways, which worked closely with the manufacturer to have custom-made seats fitted on the aircraft.
The aircraft is also the world’s first 787 to be fully connected with wireless facilities enabling all passengers in both business and economy cabins to remain connected with the ground through Wi-Fi and GSM telephony options. The fully interactive inflight entertainment system offers more than 1,000 video and audio options to every passenger.

 

Addressing guests at the Seattle ceremony, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the newest aircraft type to join the airline’s fleet since 2007 represented a momentous occasion as the company entered a new chapter in its remarkable history.
“Five years ago, Boeing delivered its first ever aircraft to us, a triple seven. In 2007, we celebrated another milestone as Qatar Airways entered the American market with the launch of scheduled flights to New York and Washington DC,” he said.
“Today, we are witness to stronger ties with the United States and Boeing as we become the first Middle East customer to take delivery of the 787 Dreamliner.
“Boeing has crafted a state-of-the-art aeroplane, designed to be yet another asset to excel our signature Five Star service in the sky to all our passengers across the Middle East and around the world.”
He added: “Qatar Airways set about a dream to fly our nation’s flag to all corners of the world when we launched operations 15 years ago. We have been the World’s Best Airline for two consecutive years and today we are spreading our wings further with the delivery of one of the most advanced aircraft in the world.
“Our decision to invest in the 787 that is at the forefront of new aerospace technology represents the future of air travel and reflects our firm belief in its unrivalled capabilities and the value it will add to our fleet and network expansion plans.

 

“Our new 787s provide a game-changing experience with specially designed interiors, spacious cabins and custom-made seats in both Business and Economy Class.
“Space, comfort and ensuring our passengers have the best onboard entertainment options are some of the key elements of our new Boeing 787s. Qatar Airways has taken a lot of time and effort in ensuring we are true leaders in the field rather than followers, meticulously working with manufacturers on specific seat design and features.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner said: “There is no doubt in my mind that Qatar Airways is one of the most remarkable airline success stories of our time and it is only fitting that it has taken delivery of the most technologically advanced jetliner of our time.
“The 787, with its unmatched fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, is certain to enable Qatar Airways’ plans to continue to deliver on its promise of quality and profitability. Today’s delivery marks the beginning of a new chapter in Boeing’s partnership with Qatar Airways, which is based on a mutual commitment to excellence.”
Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes.
Qatar Airways’ customers will experience cabin environment improvements such as improved lighting, bigger windows, larger overhead bins, lower cabin altitude and enhanced ventilation systems, among other features. 
Qatar Airways’ new 787s feature a total of 254 seats in a two-class configuration of 22 in Business Class and 232 in Economy.

 

With a 1–2–1 configuration in Business Class, the layout features two less seats than competitors on conventional wide body aircraft, more typical of a First Class cabin where each passenger is assured of direct aisle access. The seats have been designed exclusively for Qatar Airways.
The seat offers considerable personal space – almost double than existing business cabins – allowing passengers to sit back and relax in a 22-inch wide armchair that converts at a touch of a button into different cradle positions before reaching an extremely generous 80-inch long, 30-inch wide flat bed offering exceptional legroom.
Armrests can be fully adjusted to different heights to complement different body positions while dining, reading, working or resting. Passengers will also be able to dine and work comfortably with an elegant wood trimmed large sliding table. When dining begins, passengers can easily rest their laptops on the side table. There is ample storage space such as a drawer and side compartment for personal belongings. The seats, produced by B/E Aerospace, also feature generous 17-inch personal touch screen TV monitors.
In Economy Class, configured 3–3–3, the Recaro-produced seats embody the very latest in design technology and materials assuring all passengers have a high degree comfort and personal space. Featuring one less seat per row than competitors on other wide body aircraft, the Economy seats promise to offer a totally different travel experience.
With 7 inches of recline, both the seat cushion and backrest adjust to ‘cradle’ the passenger into greater comfort. The slim-line seat design set at a pitch of 32 inches, together with a 16.9-inch width, offers more personal space than ever before. The adjustable hammock-style headrest allows passengers to comfortably support their head while resting.
Each Economy Class seat is fitted with 10.6-inch seat back TV monitors offering passengers optimum viewing of a wide array of in-flight entertainment options.
A striking feature of every seat throughout the aircraft is the award-winning touch screen Android technology control units, where passengers are able to navigate through a truly interactive system, offering more than 1,000 movie, TV programmes, music and gaming entertainment options in a sophisticated and user friendly way, just like the latest smart phones.
The touch-screen control unit has a unique dual screen interface allowing passengers to play games on their handheld device while enjoying a movie on their personal screen.
Passengers can be fully connected through WIFI and GSM telephony, sending both text and MMS messages. Voice calls, although possible, will be disabled to minimise passenger disruption. Personal power ports are available in every seat, equipped with USB, MP3 and other charger ports, including laptop power outlets. USB ports enable holiday pictures from digital cameras to be viewed on the personal screens, while iPort connectors enable iPod and iPhone content to be displayed on passengers’ mini TVs ensuring they are fully connected to work and play.
The 787 is quieter than other aircraft allowing passengers to work, sleep or relax in peace. With the largest windows in the industry and first-of-its-kind electronic touch pad controls to adjust the amount of light entering the cabin, passengers are able to look outside without glare, replacing conventional blinds.
Dynamic mood lighting throughout the aircraft helps passengers adjust their body clocks according to the change in time zones as lighting is automatically altered during the flight.
The design of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner ensures that customers arrive at their destination feeling less fatigued and more refreshed as the cabin pressure is 2,000 feet closer to ground level and the air purification system is cleaner and healthier than many other aircraft.
Passengers on Qatar Airways’ new Boeing 787 Dreamliner will also have a great new inflight dining experience. An all-star team of culinary ambassadors, including the award-winning Chef Ramzi Choueiri, Chef Vineet Bhatia, Chef Tom Aikens and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa have collaborated exclusively with Qatar Airways to create the ‘Qatar Airways Culinary World Menu’ – a new range of tempting signature dishes to satisfy the tastes of the airline’s discerning passengers.     
Upon entering service, Qatar Airways’ first 787 will initially operate with commercial passengers on flights to Dubai to familiarise crew of the aircraft before making its maiden long-haul commercial flight between Doha and London Heathrow next month. As more Dreamliners join the fleet, they will be deployed on other key routes, including Zurich, Delhi and Frankfurt.
Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 15 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 112 aircraft to 120 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.
Since the beginning of 2012, Qatar Airways has launched flights to Baku (Azerbaijan); Tbilisi (Georgia); Kigali (Rwanda); Zagreb (Croatia), Erbil (Iraq), Baghdad (Iraq), Perth (Australia), Kilimanjaro (Tanzania); Yangon (Myanmar); and Maputo (Mozambique).
Over the next few weeks and months, Qatar Airways will launch services to a diverse portfolio of new routes, including Belgrade, Serbia (November 20); Warsaw, Poland (December 5), Gassim, Saudi Arabia (7 January 2013); Najaf, Iraq (January 23); Phnom Penh, Cambodia (February 20); Chicago, USA (April 10); and Salalah, Oman (May 22).

New Bangkok hotel for Hyatt

Hyatt Hotels has announced a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Grande Asset Hotels and Property Public Company, a Bangkok-based real estate development company, for Hyatt Regency Bangkok, Sukhumvit.
Expected to open in 2017, the hotel will be the first Hyatt Regency-branded hotel in Bangkok, and will join the already open Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok.
The plans for Hyatt Regency Bangkok, Sukhumvit represent an integral step towards the brand’s distribution in one of Asia’s key markets.
Located in the heart of the rapidly expanding commercial city centre, the hotel will be part of a mixed-use development that includes a boutique shopping experience and an upscale residential tower.
“Bangkok is a key gateway city in Asia and we are delighted at the opportunity to have a Hyatt Regency in this market.
“The hotel perfectly complements the currently operating Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok and the under-construction Park Hyatt Bangkok and will offer Hyatt guests a choice of high quality hotels,” said Ratnesh Verma, senior vice president, real estate and development, Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.
“The addition of the hotel reflects Hyatt’s commitment to the region and to expanding its distribution in markets where guests are increasingly travelling,” added Verma.
Hyatt Regency Bangkok, Sukhumvit will feature 300 guestrooms, including 26 suites. Designed by renowned Thai architecture firm Bangkok Architects, the hotel will feature a three meal multi-cuisine restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a bar.
Designed to offer a full range of services and facilities tailored to serve the needs of meeting planners, the hotel will have more than 10,700 sq ft (1,000 sq m) of contemporary meeting space, including a ballroom.
Additional hotel amenities will include a six treatment- room spa, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and a club lounge.
Centrally situated at Sukhumvit Road Soi 13 in close proximity to the Asoke station of the Bangkok Transit System, the hotel will offer efficient access and visibility, connecting guests with ease to key points of interest in the city and the airport.
Given its central business district location, Hyatt Regency Bangkok, Sukhumvit will be surrounded by premium residences, the offices of major international companies and high-end retail stores.

New beach front villas set for Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa

Offering the height of sophistication in Mauritius, Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa has unveiled two brand new beachfront villas, opening this week.
Bordered by pure white sands and occupying the most spectacular location on the Le Morne peninsula, the new private four-bedroom retreats are without doubt among the most stylish villas now available on the island.
Guests are immediately greeted by breath-taking views of the seemingly endless, pristine beach beyond when entering their exclusive villa, which offers 400m² of refined island living.
Sleek wooden furniture, pure lines and soft colours characterise the interiors including the expansive modern living area set at the heart of the villa, with large double doors opening onto an extensive terrace.
With views onto the villa’s lush private gardens and Indian Ocean beyond, the Master Suite features a lavish en-suite bathroom with separate bathtub, shower and walk-in wardrobe.

Designed to promote outdoor living and shaded by a rustic thatched roof, the terrace offers a dining and relaxation area complete with chic outdoor furniture and leads to the inviting private pool, surrounded by smooth wooden decking.
To complete the picture, each villa also features a barbecue and outdoor bar with an elegant gazebo, bordered by palm trees, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy al fresco dining at any time of day or night.
Complementing the luxurious yet understated surroundings, villa guests will have access to a dedicated valet service throughout their stay, answering to their every beck and call and a private chef to prepare local Mauritian delicacies available upon request.
Guests also have exclusive access to The Club at Dinarobin, the hotel’s dedicated private members concierge and lounge, Le Martello.

Starwood To Increase Africa Portfolio With 10 New Hotels

VENTURES AFRICA – World leading hotelier and owner of Sheraton and Le Méridien Hotels -Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., has announced plans to strengthen its position in Africa by adding 10 new hotels in the next three years.

The company already has an existing portfolio of 38 hotels, representing more than 10,000 rooms under its Sheraton and Le Méridien® brands but it is aiming to increase its African portfolio by nearly 30 percent while adding more than 4,200 guest rooms to the continent and creating thousands of local employment opportunities.

“From a vastly improving infrastructure, major investments from China, rapid economic growth, rising personal incomes and a growing middle class – we are seeing exciting changes that are driving the African future and we intend to be a part of it,” Starwood said.

With the assertion that the region is one of the world’s fastest-growing hotel and travel markets; Starwood President cum CEO Frits van Paasschen and members of Starwood’s senior executive team are visiting Africa this week by travelling to key growth markets including Nigeria, Angola and Gabon.

“Home to seven of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies, there could not be a better time to expand our footprint in Africa. From a vastly improving infrastructure, major investments from China, rapid economic growth, rising personal incomes and a growing middle class – we are seeing exciting changes that are driving the African future and we intend to be a part of it,” van Paasschen said.

At a press conference in Lagos yesterday, van Paasschen revealed that Starwood will open three additional hotels in Nigeria, one property in Benin City and two in Lagos.

Nigeria represents the company’s largest growth market on the African continent. Starwood presently operates five hotels in Nigeria -one in Abuja, Ibom, Port Harcourt and two hotels in Lagos, under its Sheraton, Le Méridien and Four Points by Sheraton brands.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and boasts the second-largest economy on the continent, presenting tremendous opportunities for the country to play a key role in our African expansion. With investor-friendly policies in place and on-going economic growth, Nigeria epitomizes the economic ascent of Africa as a development destination,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development & Acquisition, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Other countries it plans to expand to include Algeria, Egypt and South Africa where it is already established. It will also look into entering key emerging countries like Angola, the Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Starwood currently operates 38 hotels in 15 African countries, including: Algeria, Cameroon, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda. By 2015, Starwood plans to have nearly 50 hotels in Africa with new hotels confirmed to open in Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Senegal and Mauritius.

Key highlights of its expansion includes a debut of Starwood’s ultra-luxury St. Regis Hotels & Resorts brand in the Africa/Indian Ocean region which opened earlier this month. This will be followed by the debut of the St. Regis brand in Cairo, Egypt scheduled to open in 2014.

Also, a new hotel under The Luxury Collection brand will be open in Lagos – marking the introduction of the brand into Nigeria while three new Four Points by Sheraton  will be added – two in Nigeria and one hotel in Oran, Algeria.

Three new Sheraton hotels will also be open in Dakar (Senegal), Annaba (Algeria) and Tripoli (Libya) while a new Le Méridien hotel will be established in Cairo.

In addition to the new hotels in the pipeline, Starwood will re-open three of its African hotels in the next 12 months: The Grand Mauritian, which will re-open next year after a major renovation; the Sheraton Cairo following a major renovation as part of Sheraton’s global brand enhancement strategy; and the Four Points by Sheraton Tripoli, which closed last year due to political conflict in Libya.

Eithad to relaunch Abu Dhabi to Lagos cargo route

Etihad Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, has concluded plans to re-introduce a weekly freighter service from Abu Dhabi to Lagos, Nigeria from November 15th, a statement from the airline said on Monday.
According to the statement, the service will be complemented by the addition of 16 new interline destinations across West Africa.
These additional interline connections will link Lagos with the cities of Libreville (Gabon), Pointe-Noire (Congo-Brazzaville), Malabo (Equatorial Guinea), Douala (Cameroon), Accra (Ghana), Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire), Nouakchott (Mauritania), Conakry (Guinea), Bamako (Mali), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Cotonou (Benin), Monrovia (Liberia), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Port Harcourt (Nigeria) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo).
The Abu Dhabi-Lagos freighter service will operate every Thursday using a Boeing 747-400F freighter, with a capacity of 124 tonnes, the statement added.
Etihad Airways already operates six weekly Airbus A330 passenger services between the two cities.
"West Africa is a hugely important market for us, and we are delighted to offer freighter services to and beyond one of its gateway cities – Lagos,” Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways' chief strategy and planning officer, said. "The 16 new interline destinations, with connections over Lagos, will ensure Etihad Cargo has leading logistics solutions for cargo customers into and out of the region.
"Via Lagos, these new destinations will also help cement the ever expanding trade ties between West Africa and the UAE.”
Last week, Etihad Cargo said it carried a record 32,500 tonnes of freight in October, a 15 percent increase on the same month last year.
The figure is 2.2 percent higher than September when the airline carried 31,800 tonnes.
Etihad Cargo's existing African freighter destinations include Johannesburg, Nairobi, Khartoum, Benghazi, Tripoli, Cairo, Casablanca, Addis Ababa and Eldoret.
Etihad Cargo flies to a total of 86 destinations internationally, operating a fleet of six freighters.

FAAN moves to expand Lagos airport cargo terminal as activities increase

Following the increase in the volume of cargo activities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s (MMIA) Cargo Terminal, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it has concluded plans to expand the apron by next year.
George Uriesi, the agency’s managing director, said the government was currently seeking funds to actualise the project.
Uriesi, who made the disclosure at the first FAAN Stakeholders’ Forum held in Lagos, said the agency had since realised the need to expand the apron following the increase in the volume of activities at the cargo terminal of the MMIA.
The managing director spoke of the expansion plan after one of the participants at the forum asked what the government was doing to address some of the challenges facing operators at the cargo section of the airport.
Participants at the forum included representatives of foreign and local airlines, security agencies and other players in the aviation sector.
There have been complaints about the inadequacy and obsolete nature of infrastructure at the cargo terminal.
Uriesi said: “We are currently looking for funds to expand the apron of the cargo terminal in 2013. This is a big challenge we are facing now.
“We are working on this and we believe it will be achieved in 2013. But in the interim, we are building a new fence and gate somewhere around the cargo area.”
The FAAN boss said the government was committed to the ongoing airport remodelling project, adding that the second phase of the project would commence very soon.
He gave an assurance to the participants that government would not fail in its promise to deliver new airport facilities to Nigerians and the travelling public.
On the abandoned underground car park at MMIA, Uriesi said discussion had reached an advanced stage with a prospective concessionaire, who would manage the facility.
“We prefer that the place (underground car park) is occupied than left empty. We are talking with investors and discussions have reached advanced stage. Very soon, you will hear about it,” he added.
The managing director also said the government would soon begin the construction of five brand new terminals.