X-ray vision is no longer limited to superheroes, as Qantas debuts a security screening technology in Melbourne this week that can see through the clothing of passengers.
Although the ProVision Portal is not a part of the current security screening process, the technology is being introduced into the Qantas Domestic Terminal for public consideration.
“Passengers are invited to view and test the equipment on a voluntary basis in order for Qantas to gain customer feedback on this new technology,” said Qantas Group General Manager Security Geoffrey Askew.
The device utilises millimetre waves which “are not invasive or harmful,” according to Askew, which scan the body, creating an image of the outline of a person and indicating the position of any foreign objects. Concerns of privacy violations can be dispelled, as “the face is unrecognisable and sensitive areas of the body are blurred.”
“The security operative is the only person with access to the image and that person is located away from the screening location,” Askew continued. The operation appears simple and speedy, something which airports currently lack in their security processes. Passengers basically walk in and out of the unit, standing on a designated spot for only three seconds with arms raised. “This is a major advancement on current technology and will eventually deliver significant improvements for security and the efficient movement of passengers through airport terminals,” said Askew.
Mr Askew espoused the continued commitment of the Qantas Group to safety and precautions, having maintained itself as a frontrunner in aviation security for many years.
Although the technology is currently being introduced in a limited nature, Askew explained that “It is our intention to have this technology in active use at selected Qantas screening points in the not too distant future”.

One of Vietnam’s most exclusive oceanfront resorts, The Nam Hai, Hoi An has launched a series of MICE packages for 2008 with a choice of two venues and four package options available

The Vietnam Meeting Package is priced at US$40 per delegate for a half-day or US$50 per delegate for a full-day. The packages for groups of at least five include an elegant meeting room with wireless internet plus morning coffee or tea and fresh-baked pastries, set lunch and afternoon coffee break.

An alternative full-day package, The Nam Hai Meeting Package, includes hire of an executive meeting room, morning coffee break including fresh “smoothies”, juices and bakery items, lunch at a choice or venues and afternoon coffee with juices, seasonal fruit and ice cream and is priced at US$70.

An exclusive ‘Villa Escape’ meeting package is also available at the 5-star resort on China Beach in Central Vietnam for meetings of elite senior executives. For important meetings of directors and senior executives, The Nam Hai’s ‘Villa Escape’ meeting package is priced at US$145 per delegate.

The package offers the ultimate in privacy, scenery and facilities in a villa surrounded by gardens, terraces and private courtyard with unparalleled ocean views - with guests attended by highly trained butlers.

For a minimum of 12 delegates and maximum of 24, the package features all top-of-the-range meeting equipment, morning and afternoon coffee breaks, free flow of soft drinks and mineral water, business lunch at The Nam Hai restaurant and onsite secretary / press office facilities.

Private breakout areas are also available, with coffee and tea breaks served on a private terrace overlooking the ocean.

The Nam Hai is renowned for its 5-star accommodation in an atmosphere of unsurpassed opulence. Signature features include a gourmet restaurant and beachside restaurant; tropical spa beside a lagoon; three beachfront swimming pools and an 18-hole golf course opening nearby in the future.

Just 10 minutes away is picturesque Hoi An, an ancient ‘Silk Route’ trading port with a rich multi-cultural history and nostalgic streetscapes.

The Nam Hai is managed by GHM, one of the world’s leading creators and operators of award-winning, distinctive luxury hotels and resorts, throughout Asia and the USA. The Nam Hai is GHM’s new Asian flagship property.

The resort is connected to the world via Danang’s international airport, just 30 minutes from the resort, offering direct flights from Singapore and Bangkok with future plans for direct flights from Hong Kong and other major Asian cities.

The five-star resort is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has blasted as a failure the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to allow costs at London airports to rise by a massive 50% between 2008 and 2013.

Failure is the only word to describe the CAA’s decision,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

For Heathrow the CAA has allowed charges per passenger to rise by 23.5% from 1 April 2008, followed by increases of 7.5% plus inflation for each of the following four years. In the case of Gatwick, a similar 21% hike from 1 April 2008 will be followed by increases of 2% plus inflation for each of the following four years.

In 2006 BAA generated an operating profit of 35% at Heathrow, which produced a net return on capital invested of 15.3% - twice the level of the cost of capital set by the regulator. Economic regulation must produce results that are measured by improved efficiency and quality, not reward excessive monopoly profits and embarrassingly low service levels,” said Bisignani.

The regulator already allowed a 50% increase between 2003 and 2008 and now the road is being paved with gold for a further 50% increase. Only an out-of-control monopoly could think in such terms. And only a phantom regulator that is the result of a flawed structure could allow this to happen,” Bisignani added. Compare that to the 64% improvement in labour productivity and 16% reduction in non-fuel unit costs achieved by airlines since 2001.”

The bureaucrats have proved to be impotent in defending the interests of travellers against monopolies. This decision impacts London’s competitiveness as a world city. If we don’t fix London’s dysfunctional airports, the city’s regular travellers will find a more convenient home. Frankfurt, for example, would be only too happy to welcome them,” said Bisignani.

The problems of a weak regulator and an out-of-control monopoly are well-recognised. The government has seen fit to commission an independent review of the CAA by Sir Joseph Pilling. The Competition Commission is investigating breaking up the BAA monopoly. And the Parliamentary Select Committee on Transport is about to report on the future of BAA.

We all agree that there is a problem. These reviews and inquiries must recommend an ambitious agenda for change that will give London the effective air transport infrastructure it needs. The starting point is a new modus operandum for economic regulation to deliver efficient airports. It’s not rocket science. The time for excuses is over. It is now time for action. The UK authorities must act decisively and speedily to get the basics right in order to protect London’s competitiveness,” said Bisignani.

Etihad Airways is enhancing the experience it offers its customers on the ground with the introduction of a new luxury chauffeur service for its premium customers travelling to and from Toronto’s Pearson International airport.

All first and business class customers travelling within a 50 kilometres radius of Toronto are eligible for Etihad Chauffeur, the complimentary luxury car service.

Geert Boven, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president sales and services, said, “We believe that the experience our customers have on the ground is just as important as the one they experience with us in the air. Travelling to and from the airport often can sometimes leave passengers feeling pressured, something the new chauffeur service totally eliminates.”

Etihad has chosen CAREY Canada, one of the country’s prominent chauffeured transportation companies, to provide the chauffeur service within the Toronto area.

Customers flying into Toronto from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways will be met by their chauffeur in the arrivals area and escorted to their limousine, ensuring little time is wasted at the airport.

Etihad flight EY140, departs Toronto at 10.10am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.35am the following morning. The return flight, EY141 departs from Abu Dhabi International Airport on the same days at 01:55am, arriving into Toronto’s Pearsons International Airport at 08:10am. All timings are local.

Tokyo will become the fourth city in the world to receive Airbus A380 commercial flights, when Singapore Airlines starts services to the Japanese capital on 20 May 2008.

The inaugural A380 flight to Tokyo - SQ636 - will depart Singapore’s Changi Airport on Tuesday, 20 May 2008, at 0040hrs and arrive at Tokyo’s Narita Airport at 0830hrs (all times local), on a special schedule to coincide with the 30th anniversary celebrations of Narita Airport. The return flight, SQ637, will depart Narita at 1300hrs on Tuesday, 20 May 2008. The aircraft will touch down at Changi Airport on the same day at 1905hrs.

Thereafter, the Singapore Airlines A380 will commence regular scheduled services, operating SQ638 daily on the Singapore-Tokyo sector from 20 May 2008, and on SQ637 for the return leg from 21 May 2008.

Singapore Airlines is the first airline in the world to fly the A380: the world’s largest commercial aircraft. Tokyo is Singapore Airlines’ third A380 destination, following the commencement of the Singapore-Sydney service on 25 October 2007 and the Singapore-London service on 18 March 2008.

“We are proud to operate the inaugural A380 flight into Japan, the A380’s first Asian destination. The fact that Tokyo is the A380’s first Asian city highlights Singapore Airlines’ 40 years of dedicated service to the Japanese market,” said Mr. Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President, Marketing and the Regions.

“We are sure that our Japanese customers will be delighted to try our extensive range of new cabin products and the state-of-the-art entertainment system on board the A380,” Mr Huang added.

Besides operating to Tokyo 20 times weekly, Singapore Airlines also flies daily to Nagoya, five times weekly to Fukuoka and 17 times weekly to Osaka.

Customers who hold ticketed bookings on flights to be operated by the A380 will be automatically accommodated on the new aircraft without any change required to their tickets. Customers holding bookings, but not yet ticketed, may need to check if there have been changes to their fares as a result of the aircraft change.

The Singapore Airlines A380 heralds a new era in air travel, with its cabin offerings providing unprecedented comfort, space and luxury. The aircraft is the quietest large passenger aircraft ever built, and delivers substantial fuel burn reductions per seat kilometre over the next largest aircraft. This means it becomes a cleaner, greener alternative for long-haul travel, while allowing for the addition of extra capacity to congested airports, like London.

The Singapore Airlines A380 seats 471 passengers in three classes - 12 in the ultra-luxurious Singapore Airlines Suites, 60 in Business Class, configured in a spacious 1-2-1 layout on the upper deck, and 399 in Economy Class. The airline currently has three A380s in service, a further 16 on firm order and options on six more.

See other recent news regarding: Airlines, Aviation, Hotels, Singapore Airlines, Japan, Tokyo, Singapore, Airbus, A380

Silversea Cruises, with its intimate ships (never more than 382 guests on board) and new collection of 13 Elegant Explorations for 2009, aims to offer travellers the ultimate opportunity to discover the world at a slower pace, allowing more time to savour new places and personally connect with the people and cultures they meet along the way.

Created exclusively for the traveller who has the time and passion to indulge in travel on a grand scale, this special collection features extended voyages of 24 to 92 days. These unique odysseys combine the luxury of sailing aboard the line’s elite, award-winning ships with expanded journeys to diverse regions of the world, combining visits to must-see traditional ports with exotic destinations that are off the beaten path - all on one cruise.

“Our Elegant Explorations are all-inclusive extended escapes perfectly suited to those guests who have the time to indulge their wanderlust at a leisurely pace, in unabashed luxury and comfort,” said Steve Odell, Silversea’s Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific. “You can explore the most desirable ports of the Mediterranean for 24 days, sail for 46 days around South America and the Caribbean or take a diverse 53-day voyage that spans from Tokyo to Barcelona. Throughout each unforgettable journey, you’ll enjoy superb accommodations coupled with Silversea’s famous personalised service and gracious hospitality.”

Highlighting the programme are generous savings incentives and onboard spending credits of US$500 per suite (based on double occupancy) for guests sailing 40 to 57 days and US$1,000 per suite for guests sailing 58 to 91 days. For the Grand Pacific Voyage, guests who sail the full 92 days will enjoy an onboard spending credit of US$2,000 per suite. Complimentary Business Class air upgrades are also available with the purchase of the optional Silver SKY Air Program on voyages of 50 or more consecutive days.

Grand Pacific Voyage

Of special note is the company’s first-ever Grand Pacific Voyage, a 92-day extended odyssey timed to coincide with prime regional seasons of the Pacific Ocean. Departing Los Angeles on March 7, 2009, Silver Shadow will follow the mild trade winds of spring as they dry the skies south of the equator, find northern Japan’s cherry blossoms in full bloom, and arrive in Alaska as the region awakens from its winter slumber with warmer, longer days. On this epic journey, guests will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres, enjoying overnight stays in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

In addition to the US $2,000 per suite onboard spending credit, other special amenities available to guests sailing the full voyage include complimentary hotel accommodations in Los Angeles on the eve of departure, plus transfer and baggage handling between airport, hotel and ship. Fares start at US$55,170 per person, based on double occupancy.

Following below are the six themed segments of Grand Pacific Voyage 2009:

Voyage 3907: “Enchanted Polynesia,” March 7 - 23, Los Angeles to Papeete, 16 days.
Voyage 3908: “Escape to Dreamland,” March 23 - April 11, Papeete to Sydney, 16 days.
Voyage 3909: “Adventures of the Imagination,” April 11 - 29, Sydney to Singapore, 18 days.
Voyage 3910: “Oriental Mystique,” April 29 - May15, Singapore to Tokyo, 16 days.
Voyage 3911: “Bridge Across Time,” May 15 - 28, Tokyo to Seward, 14 days.
Voyage 3912: “Of Mists and Majesty,” May 28 - June 7, Seward to Vancouver, 10 days.

Elegant Explorations for 2009

Silver Cloud departs February 5 on a 46-day voyage from Santiago to San Juan with calls in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Devil’s Island, Grenada, Barbados, Bequia, St. Lucia, Antigua and Virgin Gorda. Highlights include journeying through the Chilean fjords, Cape Horn and the Amazon’s Breves Narrows. Best-available fares start at US$22,567 per person.

Silver Whisper departs April 5 on a 53-day voyage from Tokyo to Barcelona with calls in Kagoshima, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Dubai, Egypt, Jordan, Greece, Malta, Italy, Monaco and France. Highlights include overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Mumbai, Dubai, Safaga and Aqaba. Best-available fares start at US$25,792 per person.

Silver Wind departs July 28 on a 24-day voyage from Monte Carlo to Athens with calls in Italy, Spain, Corsica, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia. Highlights include a three-day, two-night stopover in Venice. Best-available fares start at US$17,985 per person.

Most Prestigious Luxury Hotel Brand? Ritz-Carlton Rated
a Strong First, Four Seasons a Strong Second
Among 15 Luxury Brands Rated

NEW YORK - March 21, 2005 — Wealthy consumers, take note as you make vacation plans for summer! Ritz-Carlton earned highest honors as the most prestigious brand in its segment, according to the new luxury hotel survey from the New York, NY-based Luxury Institute. Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons are truly in a class by themselves as the strongest luxury hotel and resorts brands in the 2005 Luxury Brand Status Index survey. The Institute only surveys wealthy consumers with household incomes above $200K and average net worth of at least $2 million.Fifteen luxury hotel and resorts brands were rated overall including:

• Fairmont
• Four Seasons
• Inter-Continental
• Le Meridien
• Leading Hotels
• Loews
• Mandarin Oriental
• Orient Express
• Park Hyatt
• Peninsula
• Ritz-Carlton
• Rockresorts
• Rosewood
• St. Regis
• W Hotels

“Prestige ratings are based on the tangible and intangible experiences that luxury brands deliver to their customers and prospects,” said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute. “Ritz-Carlton consistently outperformed the competition in all four critical attributes of a luxury brand, scoring an overall rating of 81 vs. 77 for Four Seasons and 66 for St. Regis. According to the wealthy surveyed, many other “luxury hotel brands” need to go to school on these winners and improve their performance significantly.”Ritz-Carlton rated a strong first in terms of delivering consistently superior quality, a mere cost of entry in the luxury category. Four Seasons was a strong second. The rest of the field rated well below these two top brands.

On exclusivity and uniqueness, a critical indicator that truly defines a luxury brand, Ritz-Carlton also scored highest, with Four Seasons second. Mandarin Oriental came in third.

Social status is a taboo discussion topic among the wealthy. Yet, they still crave it. With regard to being brands “that are used by people who are admired and respected”, a measure of the social status that a true luxury brand possesses, Ritz took the highest honors with Four Seasons a close second and St. Regis placed third.

The overall customer experience is one of the most critical factors in a brand’s measure as a luxury brand. Ritz took top honors, yet again, in “making the buyer feel special”. Four Seasons again came in a solid second, again followed by St. Regis.

Unlike wannabe luxury consumers, the rich are very savvy and unforgiving with respect to value for money. They are not called “the smart money” for nothing. When the Luxury Institute mapped each brand’s value index to each brand’s worthiness of a significant price premium, Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons were rated by far to be the brands most worthy of a significant price premium. Two other major price/value brand clusters emerged from the research.

The upside for Ritz-Carlton is that the brand just keeps getting stronger. Rich people rated it highest on having improved its status as a luxury brand in the past 12 months. W Hotels came is a strong second on luxury brand status improvement.

The proprietary Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) is the only measure available of the value and equity of leading luxury brands to wealthy Americans, based on statistically meaningful data collected from wealthy consumers themselves. The LBSI incorporates four main “pillars” of value: consistently superior quality, exclusivity, a measure of enhanced social status, and a measure of the ability of a brand to make a customer “feel special”. Seven point scale ratings are converted to a 0-100 scale.

The Luxury Institute is an in-depth research, subscription-based organization that focuses solely on the top 10% of America’s wealthy.

Silversea Cruises’ new expedition ship (originally acquired as World Discoverer) is to be renamed HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco.

The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to the exploration and conservation of the planet’s oceans, wildlife and indigenous cultures. The Principality of Monaco, aside from being a capital of wealth and luxury - and home to Silversea’s global headquarters - has long been recognised as a leader in marine environment research.

Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and exploration, first explored the Arctic’s Svalbard archipelago in the early part of the last century, later founding what would become the world renowned Oceanographic Institute. In 2006, Prince Albert II plotted a similar course on part of his journey to the North Pole, hoping to add to the scientific body of work started by his ancestor - and to draw attention to the effects of global warming on the Arctic regions.

“We are deeply honored to have our new expedition ship named after His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco” said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea’s chairman. “His passion for environmental conservation is well known and we are committed to supporting his mission by offering travellers the chance to discover and appreciate some of the world’s most remote and unspoiled regions.”

When Silversea’s adventure ship sets sail on June 12, following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo, it will herald the beginning of a new mode in exploration cruising - where a luxurious ambiance is just as important as the eye-opening educational experiences it will deliver.

The Lloyd’s register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is currently undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. To ensure the ship will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea’s award-winning luxury standards, the refurbishment will include exterior design modifications, state-of-the-art technological enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces.

The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-stroke engines (for lowest possible emissions) that will allow guests to enjoy up-close exploration and access to some of the world’s most remote landscapes.

“The interest in expedition travel is definitely on the rise, both among affluent baby boomers and seasoned travelers wanting to further enrich their already wide knowledge of more traditional and established destinations.

Silversea’s HSH Prince Albert II will be the perfect option for those adventure-seekers who prefer to travel adding to a genuine expedition product the comforts of a true luxury product” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president. “Adventure travel is also about having experiences that are intellectually enriching, so every voyage will feature a carefully selected expedition team of lecturers and leading experts who will share their insights on the natural, cultural and historical highlights of some of the most pristine and secluded regions on Earth.”

In a related development, the company has announced the appointment of Conrad Combrink as Silversea director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the ship’s itinerary and programs. He will also oversee the recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers.

Combrink’s career of over ten years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer.

From ASIATravelTips.com

Silversea Cruises’ expedition ship will set sail June 12 from London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 21 days focusing on polar adventures.

Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages. From mid August to November 2008, HSH Prince Albert II will journey from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to Copper Canyon), the Galapagos, Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts at US$3,867 per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as Silversea’s signature all-inclusive amenities.

After the ship’s refit, the ice-class vessel will accommodate just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view suites, many featuring private verandas. With staterooms and suites ranging from 180 to over 600 square feet, it will provide some of the largest accommodations of any expedition ship. 18 suites will each feature more than 400 square feet of luxury.

Guests will also enjoy many amenities found on larger ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining room, library (with computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness center, full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line’s other ships.

The HSH Prince Albert II will also be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, enabling guests with Wi-Fi enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas. Cellular phone service will also allow guests to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away from land. The vessel will also feature flat screen TVs in all suites and staterooms. In the ship’s lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display live lectures hosted by visiting destination experts.

Guests aboard Silversea’s HSH Prince Albert II will be inspired by the varied and constantly adapted itineraries that will make the most of the natural opportunities created by the landscapes around them. There is so much to explore that they can sail for up to 48 days on back-to-back voyages without repeating a Zodiac landing site. This is not soft adventure; this is full scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.

Reservations are set to go on sale today - Friday, February 29, 2008.

From ASIATravelTips.com

Westin Hotels & Resorts and United Airlines have entered into a partnership that will treat first and business class customers who fly United’s p.s. service to a new level of comfort with Westin’s Heavenly Bed products. Also, as part of this partnership, select United Red Carpet Clubs in New York (JFK), Los Angeles and San Francisco will debut custom-designed Westin Renewal Lounges later this year: private areas outfitted with luxurious touches from Westin to create a calming oasis where travelers can relax before or after their flight.

Inspired by the iconic all-white, ten-layer Westin Heavenly Bed, United’s first and business class p.s. service between New York and California will include a signature oversized Heavenly blanket and pillow - bringing a new level of luxury and comfort to flying. The Westin Renewal Lounge areas will provide Red Carpet Club guests with a soothing environment with many spa-like amenities for relaxing and escaping the hustle and bustle of an airport.
(more…)