SIA is favorite among travelers
JEDDAH: Singapore Airlines (SIA) again emerged on top in 2009 as favorite airline among business and leisure travelers in numerous international rankings, highlighting its continued focus on product innovation and service excellence. The repeat awards that SIA has been winning over the years encompass categories such as in-flight entertainment, food and beverages, ground services, safety and company management. The awards reflect the airline’s philosophy to constantly innovate and keep pace with the changing tastes and preferences of consumers. The airline was recently named favorite for frequent business travelers in the annual global poll conducted by London-based Official Airline Guide organization. In the OAG Airline Industry Awards 2009, SIA was voted “OAG Airline of the Year” for the seventh time. In addition, it earned top placing in the categories: Best Airline based in Asia, Best Europe to Asia/Australasia Airline and Best Transpacific Airline. Conde Nast Traveler (US), a travel publication, named the carrier “Best Global Airline” for the 21st consecutive year in its 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards. The carrier also secured the “Best International Airline Award” in the World’s Best Awards survey conducted by US-based Travel & Leisure magazine for the 14th consecutive year.
QA unveils launch dates for new routes
DOHA: Qatar Airways has unveiled the launch dates of four recently announced new routes for 2010 as part of the airline’s continued aggressive expansion strategy. The launch of flights to Copenhagen, Ankara, Tokyo and Barcelona comes during a busy five-month period for the award-winning airline. The announcement comes a month after the airline revealed its new routes for 2010 and just days after the airline confirmed it will begin daily non-stop services between Doha and Bangalore from Feb. 22 to mark the airline’s 11th Indian destination. Beginning March 30, the carrier adds Copenhagen to its European network with four flights a week, non-stop from Doha, the airline’s operational hub. After Stockholm, the Danish capital becomes the second Scandinavian destination served by the airline, claimed to be the only Gulf carrier serving the region. A week later, starting April 5, it spreads its wings further into Turkey with the addition of four non-stop services a week from Doha to Ankara, supporting its existing scheduled services to Istanbul. And from April 26, it expands its operations with daily flights to Tokyo. The flights will be operated from Doha via Osaka, representing a significant increase in capacity for the Japanese market. Seoul, which is currently served via Osaka, will be de-linked from the Japanese city to become a daily non-stop service from Doha, beginning March 28. Starting June 7, its European network receives another boost with non-stop flights between Doha and Barcelona - after Madrid, the airline’s second Spanish destination.
BA’s Club World offers business class fares
DUBAI: After unprecedented success in November, British Airways (BA), which operates five weekly flights from both Jeddah and Riyadh to London Heathrow, has launched a Club World (business class) sale on fares from the Middle East to Europe and North America. Part of the airline’s strategy to increase competitiveness, the discount fares - implemented to attract Middle East customers looking to take a business trip or premium holiday abroad - are available till Feb. 14 and valid for travel up until June 15. With return trips to Europe - including all taxes, fees and surcharges - available for as little as SAR 8,933, the USA for SAR 10,940 and Canada for SAR 10,889, British Airways is confident the discount fares will prove popular with business and leisure customers around the region. Paolo De Renzis, BA’s area commercial manager, Middle East, said: “These highly competitive fares allow our regional customers to enjoy real comfort and luxury for a fraction of the normal price. A similar sale last year proved to be extremely popular and we expect this promotional offer to further boost load factors during the travel period.” British Airways’ new Club World, which offers customers a fully flat business class bed, 25 per cent wider seat as well as greater comfort, privacy and storage space, is available on all aircraft servicing the Middle East region.
Jeddah Hilton announces plans for 2010
JEDDAH: Jeddah Hilton & Qasr Al Sharq on Sunday night announced plans for 2010 with incentives for business and leisure guests. Wolfgang Mier, general manager, of Jeddah Hilton & Qasr Al Sharq, said at the hotel’s annual reception on Sunday night that aside from various theme nights at the hotel’s Al Safina restaurant, it plans to host a festive meal of ‘Pollo Gharch Ba Morgh’ to coincide with Iranian New Year at its Al Khayam restaurant. Its other restaurant, Amwaj, is featuring Friday brunch with live cooking stations and a wide selection of fresh seafood, succulent roasts and a dessert center with a chocolate fountain corner. The Bice restaurant at Qasr Al Sharq offers La Serenissima, the taste of Venice. Chef Mohamed Al-Haj offers his latest culinary treats of a mix of the finest Mediterranean cuisines at the other restaurant, Mataam Al Sharq. Mier also announced incentive plans for the corporate sector and special offers for guestrooms, weddings and business meetings. He gave the details of the latest facilities at its fitness and leisure center and loyalty reward scheme for regular guests as well. Manhattan Sports diner, which has a selection of burgers, Café Vienna that offers cake of the month selection, and Al Shurfa & Cigar lounge are among the hotel’s other attractions.
(Compiled by K.S. Ramkumar)
