An article in The Herald Sun says that Qantas is sending its entire force of 20,000 customer service staff to charm school,as the flying kangaroo invests in multi-million dollar projects. The new $10 million training academy for staff and new recruits is one of two multi-million dollar ventures the airline has planned to coincide with next October’s delivery of its first A380 super jumbo. BusinessDaily learned that Qantas will also spend more than $20 million promoting the flying kangaroo brand in its biggest advertising campaign yet on foreign television. The commercials, produced by a leading Sydney agency M and C Saatchi, are expected to go to air within weeks. The aim of both is to convey a different image to potential travellers by way of a new product range, the first of which are the wider seats and improved legroom in a new premium economy class section. Lesley Grant, general manager Qantas customer services and products, said it was hoped up to 20,000 staff who deal directly with customers could be put through the academy in the first year. The first intake will be in November. “We are designing programs that reconnect our people with what the customer experience is,” Ms Grant said. At the centre, flight attendants will study separate course modules for each aircraft cabin section. Both long haul and domestic airline staff, as well as airport workers and call centre employes, can expect to spend time there. Qantas executive general manager John Borghetti said while airline staff will get their meet-and-greet and passenger handling skills polished, would-be passengers from Europe, the United States, Japan and other major markets in Asia will experience the ‘Australianess” of Qantas via the television commercials. The ads will showcase Qantas as a company, and will be markedly different from the award winning I call Australia home commercial series. Mr Borghetti would not discuss the theme of the campaign or series format, saying only that people sitting in and watching television in Europe would come to know the Qantas brand. All we can hope is that the programme includes flight attendants! Article courtesy of the Herald Sun

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.

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.
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SWISS International Airline is to showcase the Michelin Star cuisine of Chef Renee Rischmeyer of The Park Hotel Weggis on Lake Lucerne this spring, as part of its “SWISS – Taste of Switzerland” menu series served in first and business class on long-haul flights and selected European routes.

The award-winning concept presents in-flight menus by the country’s most renowned chefs from different regions which change every three months.
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Driven by demand from rich Middle Eastern clients and high-flying businessmen, the market for luxury private jets is booming, industry leaders said at the close of the Singapore Airshow.

“We have orders that will keep us busy until 2011-2012. Never in the past did we see such demand,” says Bernd Habbel of Germany’s Lufthansa Technik.

The story is much the same at Switzerland’s Jet Aviation, where Alain Thomann notes: “We have steady work until 2012.”

When it comes to turning a commercial jet with more than 100 seats into a flying palace with all the trimmings, the two firms are the industry leaders.

It’s a relatively hush-hush business: clients usually wish to remain anonymous, according to Thomann.

“They see their plane as their home. You wouldn’t want the inside of your house to be on display for all the world to see,” he said.

One client who does not mind the publicity is Saudi prince and billionaire Al-Walid bin Talal, who has bought an Airbus A380 superjumbo jet for his own personal use.

“He still has not decided who will do the interior. For the client, the process needs to move quickly, the quality must be the best on offer and of course, the price must correspond to his requirements,” Habbel explains.

For such a huge aircraft, never before kitted out for private use, the price will likely top 100 million dollars — that is, a third of the cost of the plane itself.

Depending on what features the client is looking for, the refitting could take as long as two years.

For other long-haul aircraft like the Boeing 747 or the Airbus A340, two-thirds of the orders for private refittings come from the Middle East, industry experts say.

“Their economies are soaring, boosted by oil revenues. In that region, people are truly fascinated by planes,” Habbel says.

For medium-haul jets like the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320, new clients have emerged like expanding business jet operator NetJets, which offers fractional-share plane ownership and manages a fleet of more than 700 aircraft.

More traditional clients in the mid-range market include governments that put planes at the disposal of key ministers.

Before they approach firms like Lufthansa Technik and Jet Aviation, clients usually already have fleshed out a plan with their private decorators, which then have to get pass the firms’ engineers.

“We never do anything to alter the actual structure of the plane. For example, enlarging the windows is impossible,” Habbel says.

So what are the most outlandish wishes that have not been granted? A fireplace and a stable, Thomann notes. In-flight baths are also only a fantasy, as turbulence could send water spilling from the tub, causing short-circuits.

But decorators make many of their clients’ wildest dreams come true, installing lights to simulate the stars, carpets that look like desert sands, giant TV screens and systems that show passengers where Mecca is at all times.

Habbel recalls how one seemingly impossible request led to an innovation for all air travellers.

“One client wanted to watch the local TV channels in the country he was flying over. We managed to create the necessary technology, which later helped us figure out how to provide Internet access aboard commercial jets,” he says.

From SMH

The Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico, located along an idyllic coastline on the dramatic Yucatan peninsula has opened for business. In celebration of the destination resort’s opening, the 128-room resort is offering a Special Inaugural deal of a fourth night free when reserving three consecutive nights.

A luxurious resort set on 36 lush, secluded acres, the mile-long enclave where verdant tropical jungle meets pure white, pristine beach is a perfect sanctuary. A naturalist’s paradise, the resort features protected mangrove reserves and crystal-clear water from tranquil lagoons and streams, highlighted by a spectacular cenote, a deep, freshwater reservoir sacred to the ancient Mayan that serves as the resort’s centerpiece. Ideally situated, the resort is only 10 minutes north of Playa del Carmen in bustling Riviera Maya, with its dining, entertainment, specialty shops and boutiques, and just a 30-minute drive from Cancún International Airport.
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The Jumeirah Carlton Tower in the heart of Knightsbridge, London, has opened six brand new luxury suites. Created by world renowned interior designer Khuan Chew the suites offer guests a slick retreat with an added element of surprise.

Interior designer Khuan Chew is the creative talent behind the stunning interiors at Jumeirah’s Burj Al Arab. Each suite represents a glamorous ‘home from home’ with comfort key to the experience. All six suites mirror a similar style but with subtle changes demonstrated through individually commissioned art works by British artists. On entering, guests are welcomed via private lobbies complete with mini-bar, sweeping through to spacious lounges. Timber floors line the living spaces cocooned by rich upholstered couches, dark wood furniture and hand tufted rugs. Vivid reds, aubergines and warm natural woods emulate high glamour throughout.
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The luxury hotel and casino, the Crown Macau, has won the “Best Casino Interior Design Award” in the 1st “International Gaming Awards 2008” recently held in London, UK.

The award recognizes outstanding design in the casino sector. The winner was judged on originality, innovative style, quality of materials and customer friendly environment.
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