Category: News

  • News: Norwegian launches cargo operation

    Low-cost carrier Norwegian has established a cargo company so as to coordinate and utilise the capacity of the airline’s route network.

    In addition, the hot company aims to draw more business partners.

    Norwegian Cargo AS is a Norwegian-owned company so as to administer a few of the international markets through a large network of General Sales Agents agreements.

    The market inside the Nordic countries may be managed directly by the corporate, which also enables the likelihood for more direct agreements.

    “With Norwegian’s continual growth and the launch of flights to america and Thailand, that is the correct time to ascertain a separate entity inside the company to preserve and develop the transportation of products and to make sure optimal utilisation of the available cargo capacity,” said Bjørn Erik Barman-Jenssen, director ground operation & in-flight services.

    Today, Norwegian only transports cargo within Scandinavia.

    The establishment of Norwegian Cargo signifies that Norwegian’s entire route network with over 120 destinations can be available for purchasers who should transport goods.

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  • Marriott reports strong increase in Middle East sales

    Together with the Marriott International, 2013 first quarter results, which reported a 31 per cent increase in comparison to first quarter 2012, the corporate has announced an 11.2 per cent increase in RevPAR figures around the Middle East and Africa for first quarter when compared with an analogous period in 2012.

    Driven predominantly by a 4.1 per cent growth in first quarter occupancy for the region, the company’s quarterly results clearly demonstrate global traveller’s like to stay at Marriott International properties, comprising the various world’s strongest and most precious brands.

    Marriott International has played an important role in fuelling regional travel – the selection of visitors expected to rise from over 70 million in 2011 to 195 million by 2030.

    New figures that highlight Marriott International’s remarkable regional development with plans to double its footprint inside the Middle East and Africa by 2017, which currently has 45 announced hotels with 10,875 rooms as a result of join regional portfolio by 2018

    Commenting at the company’s positive first quarter results, Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director of Marriott International, Middle East & Africa, said: “These remarkable results clearly re-emphasise Marriott International’s commitment to the center East and Africa region, continuing to contribute to the continued growth of the region’s hospitality industry.

    “Our system continues to enhance, and with our discuss the company’s flagship brand, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, in addition to the extended stay sector and mobile technology, there’s a lot more to return in 2013.

    “Marriott International shall be perfectly placed to house the increasing variety of visitors to the region.”

    Marriott International’s portfolio inside the Middle East and Africa currently comprises 43 properties in 12 countries, offering 12,919 rooms across seven lodging brands.

    It is determined to expand by 45properties and 10,875 rooms by 2018.

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  • News: Top appointments at WAYN continues to grow

    WAYN has announced the recruitment of Kai Herzberger, previously chief marketing officer at DailyDeals, a member of the Google Family, to go up operations as chief operating officer.

    The company has also employed Ben Andrews, previously global product manager at Yahoo! Answers, as director of product management.

    WAYN has over 21 million members in 193 countries with over 50 global tourist boards, airlines, hotels and travel operators as partners.

    WAYN has become one of several world’s leading platforms for driving user engagement and influencing travel decisions.

    In December 2012 WAYN won the title of World’s Leading Travel Social Network’ on the World Travel Awards.

    Peter Ward, chief executive, WAYN said: “We’re delighted to have Kai and Ben on board.

    “Kai will head up operations through a period of great transformation following the hot re-launch of the positioning.

    “Kai brings to the table a wealth of expertise growing and managing fast growing internet start-ups and eCommerce businesses, including DailyDeals and BuyVIP, with an exceptional pedigree of strategic and operational excellence.

    “Ben is an exceptionally experienced product manager, having helped Yahoo! Answers grow to over 250 million unique visitors a month on web and mobile.

    “We now have a wonderful A-Player team and are committed to building a culture of excellence. This would help us to deliver upon our vision to assist people better discover where to move, what to do and who to fulfill.”

    WAYN has recently undergone a whole transformation of its platform, generating over 70,000 tips, reviews, trips and activities daily.

    The site partners with over 50 global tourist boards, airlines, hotels and travel operators as partners and has become probably the most world’s leading platforms for driving user engagement and influencing travel decisions.

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  • News: IAG places Airbus order to modernise long-haul fleet

    International Airlines Group has confirmed it’s ordering Airbus A350 aircraft for the group’s long-haul fleet.

    For British Airways, there are 18 A350-1000 firm orders, plus 18 options. These are along with 18 Boeing 787 options which IAG announced previously that it plans to transform into firm orders.

    The A350 and Boeing 787 firm orders may be used to exchange 30 Boeing 747-400 aircraft between 2017 and 2023 while the choices may be used to switch aircraft or provide opportunities for growth.

    For Iberia, IAG has also reached agreement with Airbus in addition to Boeing to secure commercial terms and delivery slots that may result in firm orders for A350s and/or Boeing 787s.

    Firm orders will only be made when Iberia is able to grow profitably, having restructured and reduced its cost base.

    The A350 shall be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

    The order contains a comprehensive maintenance package with total care agreement.

    Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: “The A350-1000 will bring many benefits to our fleet.

    “Its size and range shall be an even fit for our existing network and, with lower unit costs, there’s a possibility to function a brand new range of destinations profitably.

    “This shouldn’t only bring greater flexibility to our network but in addition more choice for our customers.

    “Both aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of greater than 20 per cent.

    “This order will even secure jobs in Britain and Spain.

    “The A350’s wings are made in Britain while its horizontal tail plane, horizontal tail plane boxes and lower wing covers are made in Spain. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines are assembled in Britain.”

    The fleet order is subject to approval by IAG shareholders.

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  • News: DoubleTree by Hilton expands in Australia

    Hilton Worldwide has announced it might introduce its fastest growing full-service brand, DoubleTree by Hilton, to Australia when it re-brands four Northern Territory hotels on May 1st.

    The country’s first three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs will open alongside Hilton Darwin inside the Territory.

    “We are delighted in order to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Australian market and so as to add another Hilton Hotel & Resort within the region’s most vital areas of growth,” said Ashley Spencer, vice chairman, operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide.

    “We was seeking to enter into the Northern Territory for a while and are committed to creating these properties the leading full-service hotels out there.”

    The Northern Territory hotels are each located at the doorstep of a few of one of the most incredible tourism experiences Australia has to present, in addition to being in prime locations for business travellers within the mining and resources sectors.

    Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to legendary outback destinations equivalent to the Kakadu National Park and the Katharine Gorge.

    With a multicultural population of just 129,000, Darwin is famed for its laid-back lifestyle, markets and festivals, Asian cuisine and large natural harbour – bigger than Sydney’s.

    Alice Springs is found within the ‘red centre’ of the vast Australian continent and is the departure town for visiting Australia’s famous red rock Uluru, a five-hour drive from the town centre.

    “The launch of DoubleTree by Hilton in Australia – our 30th country and sixth continent – marks the start of an exceptionally exciting expansion for our brand,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton.

    “We are thrilled to open not one, but three hotels in Australia’s extraordinary Northern Territory and sit up for introducing Australian travellers to the very best level of caring service synonymous with DoubleTree by Hilton – epitomised by our warm chocolate chip cookie welcome for each guest at check-in.”

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