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  • News: It’s a jumbo job at British Airways

    Ever wondered what it takes to get a jumbo jet off the ground  British Airways has created an image of the enduring aircraft, using a jumbo variety of items from the aircraft to indicate the size of its operation.

    From toilet rolls to teaspoons, British Airways loads thousands of individual items directly to each jumbo jet before it takes to the skies. With a combined weight of 6,120 kg, the items must be unloaded and re-loaded before every take-off.

    On a common jumbo jet, right here items are loaded:

              1,263 items of metal cutlery
              1,291 items of china crockery
              538 meal trays
              735 glasses
              650 paper cups
              34 metal teapots
              220 drinks stirrers
              500 coasters
              233 toothpicks
              2,000 ice cubes
              99 full bottles and 326 quarter bottles of wine
              700 small cans of fizzy drinks
              164 bags of nuts in Club World
              337 cushions and pillows
              337 sets of headphones
              337 headrest covers
              435 air sickness bags
              58 toilet rolls
              40 extension seatbelts for children
              340 safety cards
              337 copies of High Life magazine
              40 skyflyer packs for children
              5 first aid kits

    Employees from around the airline came together to create the picture, which

    was drawn directly to the ground of an aircraft hangar. Aspects of the photograph

    include:

    *  Clouds – created using pillowcases, toilet roll, hand towels and napkins.
    *  Sky – created using Club World blankets and blue roll (kitchen roll.)
    *  Aircraft – created using pillowcases, cabin crew sleeping bags, First blankets, china, headrest covers, Skyflyer bags for youngsters and headrest covers.
    *  Aircraft windows – created using bags of nuts.
    *  Aircraft tailfin – the red parts are created using headset bags and extension seatbelts for kids.
    *  London Eye (London skyline) – created using a teapot, metal cutlery, china and socks.
    *  The Shard (London skyline) – created using tea and low bags.
    *  The Gherkin (London skyline) – created using First cushion covers and socks.
    *  Tower Bridge (London skyline) – created using First slippers and Club World washbags
    *  Big Ben’s Tower (London skyline) – created using air sickness bags, a plate and metal cutlery (clock face)
    *  Buildings (London skyline) – created using oven trays, glasses, safety cards, tongs and copies of High Life magazine.

    Rod Green, British Airways’ head global supply chain said: “It’s an enormous job getting a jumbo in to the air, not to mention a fleet of 52 daily. There are teams around the airline working together one year a year with the intention that all 27,260 items are delivered on time and to the suitable place to make certain our customers benefit from the preferrred travel experience. Once we receive our new aircraft, the challenge would be even greater.”

    It’s been 42 years for the reason that first British Airways (formerly BOAC) jumbo jet took to the skies and in July 2013 when it takes delivery of its first A380, the variety of items loaded directly to a plane increases by approximately 10,000 to cater for 2 full decks of consumers.

    British Airways has 52 jumbo jet aircraft in its fleet.

    A time-lapse video of the art coming together are available at: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=PTU_sOWgKho

  • Abu Dhabi boosts social media presence

    Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has added two new social media initiatives to its VisitAbuDhabi.ae online destination resource.

    A new Instagram account invites the emirate’s visitors and residents to share their best Abu Dhabi photos, while a Facebook ‘Discover Abu Dhabi’ App gives users in-depth content at the destination’s happenings.

    The Visit Abu Dhabi Instagram account is the destination’s first official digital channel with 100 per cent user-generated content.

    Visitors and residents can capture the perfect of Abu Dhabi on their mobile devices and share them with the area using the hashtag #snapabudhabi.

    The ‘Discover Abu Dhabi’ App gives Facebook followers expanded, blog-style content, in English and Arabic, at the destination’s top events and initiatives, in addition to an extra digital platform to aggregate Twitter and multimedia content on specific topics. Launched with three components – SummerFest Abu Dhabi, Golf in Abu Dhabi and F1 in Abu Dhabi – the app should be expanded to mirror further compelling happenings – including Gourmet Abu Dhabi and National Day celebrations.

    The App categorises users in line with their specific preferences and posts they read, directing targeted messages that allows you to receive relevant information at the emirate’s future events and initiatives.

  • Free trial offer as Ecompter announces compatibility with HCMI

    Ecompter’s Sustainability Service for hotels, that features continuous CO2 management reporting and an internet CO2 calculator for the hotel guests, is the primary service to be in response to the brand new hotel industry agreed common method for measuring and communicating carbon emissions – the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI 1.0).

    The HCMI 1.0 methodology was developed by the area Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the International Tourism Partnership (ITP), in consultation with 23 leading hotel groups and KPMG.  Ecompter was one of many companies consulted at the methodology during its second phase of development.

    To support the adoption of the HCMI standard and to enable the hotel community to start with a uniform way of CO2 reporting, Ecompter is offering a brand new free 6 month trial of the service.

    Ecompter’s sustainability service also features an effortless-to-digest summary of the hotel’s environmental initiatives and results, plus an interactive image of the hotel room to teach guests how they could cut their energy use during their stay (eg by utilizing the room’s shower rather than bath).

    Mr. Ville Valorinta, Managing Director of Ecompter says; ”Through Ecompter we wish to help raise awareness and understanding of ways unbiased and standardized CO2 reporting and inter-active communication can be utilized to regulate and monitor the environmental initiatives and have interaction both staff and guests to be aware of the consumption.”

    Fran Hughes, Head of Programmes at ITP say; “We are working hard to embed the methodology and accomplish maximum take in. We are hoping to extend the ‘supply’ of knowledge by reaching out to other hotel groups about HCMI, in addition to to travel management companies and global distribution systems to make sure they’re aware that carbon footprint information is offered and ensuring it could be provided to the buyer within the simplest format.”

  • News: Hertz partners with China Auto Rental

    The Hertz Corporation and China Auto Rental (CAR) announced today that Hertz, the worldwide car rental leader, has agreed to speculate in CAR, China’s domestic market leader in brief and long-term car rentals. Hertz will acquire a stake of approximately 20%, on a fully diluted basis, in CAR and hold a seat on CAR’s Board of Directors.  Hertz and CAR will be co-branded at the latter’s full service rental locations countrywide, and Hertz’s car rental locations and operations in China, which will provide premium rental services in key cities, will be contributed to CAR. Hertz will continue to manage its outbound sales team in China, and its equipment rental business in the country is unaffected by this announcement.

    The partnership fulfills Hertz’s objective to significantly increase its presence in the rapidly expanding car rental market in China.  Additionally, Hertz and CAR will be exclusive car rental partners for inbound and outbound business, offering international corporate and leisure travelers unparalleled short and long time rental services.  In 2012, China’s international travel expenditures exceeded $100 billion, #1 worldwide, and its domestic rental business is expected to grow more than 15% annually through 2016.

    “As the leading global car rental brand, it’s a perfect fit for Hertz to partner with the largest and most recognized car rental company in China. China Auto Rental has the largest domestic rental footprint, with 700 locations in 66 cities, and a 50,000-vehicle fleet which is more than four times the size of its nearest competitor. Also, CAR is growing rapidly, having doubled its revenues in 2012 to $250 million, 2.5 times larger than any other domestic company,” commented Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Hertz Corporation.

    “CAR’s 200% annual growth rate from 2009-2012 is 6 times higher than the market over the same period, and their 50%+ annual forecasted growth rate through 2016 is more than 3 times higher than the overall market projection.  As a result, Hertz is now uniquely positioned among American and European car rental brands to support the rapidly expanding Chinese rental market, as well as CAR’s growth. Not only will CAR and Hertz be able to fulfill business and leisure rentals throughout the country, we will also provide the best rental solutions for international travelers to and from China, two markets with strong growth projections,” added Frissora.

    Under the agreement, which is subject to normal closing conditions, CAR would be granted a license for an initial 5 year term to operate on behalf of Hertz in China. CAR will develop a network of full-service Hertz premium locations in key cities to complement CAR’s expanding location footprint. Taken together, the Hertz/CAR services will encompass self-drive and chauffeur-driven rentals, as well as short, medium and long-term vehicle rentals and leases. Hertz will provide CAR with access to a full array of services to support their rapidly expanding market presence, services which meet Hertz’s industry-leading standards. These include access to Hertz’s operational expertise, reservation capabilities, and fleet management efficiencies.

    “Hertz has extensive industry experience, advanced technology, strong brand influence and abundant customer resources. We are very pleased to enter into a comprehensive and in-depth strategic cooperation with Hertz. I believe this alliance will further intensify CAR’s shareholder strength and reinforce CAR’s leading position in China’s car rental industry.  It will to a great extent enhance CAR’s scale, branding, as well as products and services, with a purpose to bring customers at home and abroad a car rental experience of top of the range and convenience,” commented China Auto Rental Chairman and Chief Executive officer, Charles Lu.

  • News: The Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown completes $5.8m revitalisation

    The Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown hotel, located within the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, recently completed a $5.8 million renovation of all public spaces, meeting rooms and guest rooms.  As portion of this comprehensive revitalization, the hotel is unveiling THE LOBBY, a colourful and refreshing new space for dining, working and relaxing.  The hotel is owned by affiliates of Wheelock Street Capital, LLC, and managed by Sage Hospitality.

    Located in downtown San Diego, the hotel is within walking distance of the central business district and plenty of the city’s premier leisure attractions.  Housed within the historic San Diego Trust and Savings Bank building, this boutique hotel is an iconic San Diego landmark.  The changes to the lobby and public spaces incorporate unique, locally relevant design components which respect the heritage of the building while remaining in keeping with Courtyard by Marriott’s brand wide design standards. These changes, inclusive of a brand new business center, media pods, a GoBoard and an expanded “The Market”, meet modern travelers’ needs while making a relaxing urban ambience.

    The new theme of the boutique Courtyard hotel is “What You will want, Where You Want”. “We call our team ‘cultural instigators’,” said Jody Blackinton , General Manager of the Courtyard San Diego Downtown.  “They are ready and excited to give guests an authentic San Diego experience while responding promptly to guest needs. This revitalization has underscored the hotel’s local energy and allowed us to further elevate the guest experience.  We’re excited to determine more San Diego locals within the LOBBY alongside our hotel guests. It’s the suitable place for a lager before a Padres game or a delicious dinner date.”
    THE LOBBY adds a brand new flair to the hotel restaurant, taking color hints from the historic hand-painted ceiling and the California sunset.  Separated from the lobby by decorative wood screens, the restaurant has an area of its own while seamlessly connecting to the remainder of the hotels public space.  THE LOBBY serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and the redesigned bar features local draft and bottled beers. Dishes offer classic American flavors with a splash of southern California flair.  Coffee service has also been upgraded to a Starbucks Espresso Bar.

    Guest rooms have a colourful color scheme incorporated during the new bedding, furniture, carpeting and wall vinyl. Green upgrades include environmentally friendly lights and air-con.  Executive king rooms feature a wet bar and sofa bed, while every room now includes refrigerators, microwaves and safes.

    Meeting space features new wall vinyl, carpeting, furniture and technology, and in addition includes the hotel’s new art program.  Following an initiative driven by the Sage Hospitality, greater than 300 pieces of local San Diego artwork are featured through the hotel.  These include two special commissions—an eight foot by eight foot oil painting of a pool scene by emerging San Diego artist Sarah Stieber , and a recent, colorful portrait of San Diego Trust and Savings Bank founder J.W. Sefton, Sr. by L. a. artist Leia Steingart .

    Key historical elements of the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank, inbuilt 1928, were preserved through the renovation. “We desired to create an interior that celebrates the nostalgia yet has a fresh and contemporary overlay of design elements that honor the historical details,” said Brandon Asbury of SERA Architects, who oversaw the renovation design.  “The overall goal was to create an area that welcomes both hotel guests and locals alike, allowing everyone to experience the architectural heritage of the building.”