turbulencet ravel news that wi l l excite you

MAY 2014

BUSINESSCLASS SALEMEL – LAX – NYCSALE ENDS 27 MAY!

Business Class Flying: $United Airways $5,565.52Virgin $5,631.07

Terms and conditions: Sale ends 27 May 2014. Valid for travel 9 May to 30 November 2014, Monday – Thursday only. Virgin fares require advance purchase of at least three days prior to travel. All prices correct as at 9 May 2014, are subject to availability and can change without notice. Credit card and booking fees apply.

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is delighted to advise of a special Summer Vacation offer, valid from 1 June until 7 September 2014.

For stays of three consecutive nights or more, reserve any room type at the best available rate and receive a third night free.

Stays must include a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night.

turbulencet ravel news that wi l l excite you

MAY 2014

CONTACT The SeAN SimmONS TrAvel CONSUlTiNG TeAm ON:Phone: +61 3 9429 3294 (local) Toll Free: 1300 391 590 (interstate) Fax: +61 3 9429 3293 Email: enquiries@seanstravel.com.au Suite 6, 53 Coppin Street, Richmond VIC 3121 seansimmonstravel.com.auABN 48153795129 TCF 10343 TrAvel AGeNT liCeNSe viC 33025 iATA 02-3 6275 4

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ENJOY INDONESIAN LUXURYFROM $500 PER NIGHT PER PERSON

THE ULTIMATE IN MICRO-CRUISINg7 night cruise from Bali to Komodo through the beautiful islands of Lombok and Sumbawa: 21 to 28 July

5 nights cruises within the Komodo National Park: 28 July to 02 August and 03 August to 08 August

5 nights cruise in the very heart of the ring of fire, with spectacular views of an active volcano: 21 to 26 August

5 night cruise to the Asmat tribes in West Papua: 16 to 21 September

CONTACT SeAN SimmONS TrAvel TOdAY FOr mOre iNFOrmATiON!Terms and conditions: Subject to availability. Prices correct as at 9 May and can change without notice. Subject to credit card and booking fees.

WELCOME TO THE SEAN SIMMONS TRAVEL NEWSLETTERWelcome to the May edition of Turbulence, and we are welcoming in May with some great deals and news!

We are INCREDIBLY proud to announce our status as FINALISTS in the 2014 NTIA Awards. THAT’S TOp 5 FOLKS! Winners will be announced at a gALA celebration in Sydney on 19 July. We will keep you posted!

For our Victoria based readers, and for those visiting between now and 20 July 2014, check out the great competition we are supporting with Apples & pears group, operators of 3 sensational restaurants across the CBD:-Red Spice Road on McKillop St, Red Spice Road at QV, and Burma Lane on Little Collins Street (up the paris end) gOOD LUCK

We are also showcasing the new developments in luxury air travel, CLASS WARS is a sneak peak at what is coming!!

So ENJOY Turbulence, WE DO!!

FEATURED HOTEL

THIRD NIgHT FREE

CONTACT The SeAN SimmONS TrAvel CONSUlTiNG TeAm ON:Phone: +61 3 9429 3294 (local) Toll Free: 1300 391 590 (interstate) Fax: +61 3 9429 3293 Email: enquiries@seanstravel.com.au Suite 6, 53 Coppin Street, Richmond VIC 3121 seansimmonstravel.com.auABN 48153795129 TCF 10343 TrAvel AGeNT liCeNSe viC 33025 iATA 02-3 6275 4

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Join us on a delicious culinary journey

along the Red Spice Road and down

Burma Lane at any of our restaurants

and you could be on your way to one

of 6 exciting holiday destinations in

Asia Pacific vALued At $4999 thanks

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and Sean Simmons travel.

Simply dine at any of our venues

and start collecting your passport

stamps today for your chance to win

this fantastic holiday or a set of Antler

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Our talented chefs at each restaurant

have created fantastic menus for you

to taste your way though Cambodia,

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More ways to Win great prizes!

Simply tag and share a photo of you

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prizes including restaurant and travel

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See www.apeg.co/passport for more

information on this great promotion.

terms and Conditions: PRIZE: Total holiday prize value is $4999. This includes land arrangements and return airfares for 2 people on Virgin Australia to Auckland, Samoa, Tonga, Phuket, Bali or Vanuatu. Holiday prize is non-transferable, no cash alternative, valid for travel before June 2015. entRY COnditiOnS: Dine 4 times at any Apples + Pears restaurant between 22nd April and 20th July to qualify for entry to the prize draw. After your first 4 passport stamps, receive an extra entry every time you dine with us at Burma Lane, Red Spice Red, Red Spice QV or attend an event at The Orchid Room. visit the website at www.apeg.co/passport for more details. Sean Simmons Travel License No. VIC – 33025seansimmonstravel.com.au - 1300 391 590

SpeCiAl ThANkS TO:

Since graduating from The Endeavour College of Natural Health’s Certificate IV in Massage Therapy and diploma of remedial massage in early 2012, Tom has quickly established a successful massage business operating out of The melbourne physical and Natural Studio in Fitzroy. A focus on building open and honest client relationships, he believes, leads to more positive treatment outcomes.

An interest in health and movement has always been present, and the practice of various styles of yoga, tai chi or pilates has been a constant for many years, along with tennis, swimming and weight training.

Specialising in the treatment of low Back pain and Neck/Shoulder tension, Tom employs a variety of Neuromuscular, deep Tissue and relaxation techniques to assist the body to return to a state of health by reducing pain whilst increasing ease of movement.

if you have any questions or would like to book a session. Contact Tom on 0422 373 556

SEAN SIMMONS RECOMMENDS

A380 SUpERJUMBOS TO TAKE OVER QANTAS DALLAS ROUTE

Qantas has just announced a network revamp which will see an A380 replace the current Boeing 747 operations between Australia and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Effective from September the new A380 operations will also see the return service, which is currently constrained by the 747’s range, operate directly to Sydney rather than the current triangular arrangement via Brisbane.

QF CEO Alan Joyce said the A380 deployment was enabled by the retiming of the QF Melbourne-Dubai services flagged earlier this year, which has unlocked more flying time for the A380.

“As part of our strategy to build a stronger Qantas, we’re reducing the amount of time our domestic and international fleet spend on the ground,” said ceo Alan Joyce.

He said the Melbourne-Dubai schedule change also creates more opportunity for onward connections to Europe. The use of the larger aircraft on Sydney-Dallas Fort Worth will see QF reduce frequencies on the route from the current daily operation to six times per week, with the carrier dropping the Tuesday service. Qantas says the net capacity increase on the route is over 10% per week.

Qantas will also adjust the mix of A380s and B747s flying on the Sydney-Hong Kong route to facilitate the upgrade to Dallas services.

The first A380 flight on QF7/8 will operate on 29 Sep 2014 - and will also see the introduction of a First Class cabin on the route. Qantas’ existing flights between Melbourne, Dubai and London will be retimed to make room for these extra A380 services.

Starting July 20 2014, QF9 will leave Melbourne at 10:55pm, stopping over in Dubai at 7:05am before landing in London at 1:40pm the next day.

On the return journey, QF10 is wheels-up from London at 1:30pm, landing in Dubai at 11:25pm. From there, it’s touchdown in Melbourne at 8:55pm, one calendar day after take-off in London.

“This schedule change unlocks more A380 flying time that we can use on the Dallas route, and now offers four times the number of onward connections to Europe because of the new arrival time of the Melbourne flight into Dubai” said Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.

Qantas says the current mix of Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 flights from Sydney to Hong Kong will also face “adjustments”, although the airline hasn’t yet revealed whether the A380 will disappear from Asia entirely.

The changes come as Qantas looks to cut $2 billion from its cost base over the next three years – with fleet and network adjustments accounting for up to $600 million in savings.

INDUSTRY NEWS

DUBAI AIMS TO STEAL LONDON’S CROWN

Dubai is aiming to become the world’s most visited city, snatching the title from London, which last year attracted 16 million tourists.

In 2013, the United Arab Emirate attracted 11 million hotel guests, but it said it was looking to attract 20 million annual visitors by 2020.

Dubai’s tourism department admitted that it had set itself an ambition target, but said it was realistic if it could maintain the 10% growth rate achieved in 2013.

Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre this week, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general of Dubai’s Department of Tourism, said the city was already a “must-see destination”.

He added: “Since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai announced the Tourism Vision for 2020 at last year’s ATM, the UAE has won the right to host Expo 2020 in Dubai; the first phase of our second international airport has opened at Dubai World Central and a substantial number of new hotels, attractions and events have opened, taken place or been announced.

“Further, in addition to UAE federal pre-entry visa regulations on European Union member states being lifted, major legislative changes have been made which will directly and positively impact the tourism sector and enable us to attract more business and leisure travellers. “

Advantage will hold its annual conference in Dubai from May 14.

SINgApORE AIRLINES JOINS THE pREMIUM ECONOMY SET

Singapore Airlines has confirmed the introduction of premium economy on the bulk of its fleet from the second half of 2015.

In a long-awaited move, the airline will launch the new cabin on Boeing 777-300ERs, followed soon after by Airbus A380s and then the forthcoming Airbus A350s.

The airline has only dabbled with a premium economy offering before, putting it on a small fleet of Airbus

A340-500s formerly used for ultra long-haul flights to Los Angeles and New York and labelling it Executive Economy.

A Singapore Airlines spokeswoman said Executive Economy had offered a 37-inch seat pitch, an inch less than the traditional premium economy seat space.

“The new cabin will be different from that in that it will offer more legroom, “ she said, adding that no more details would be disclosed at present.

The decision brings Singapore Airlines into line with key rivals Cathay Pacific, Qantas and British Airways.

Fitting the cabin first to Singapore’s 777-300ER fleet will mean it should appear first on routes to London and Manchester. Two of the airline’s Heathrow flights are on the 777 and the other two on the A380.

It is unlikely that premium economy will be fitted to the Airbus A330s that Singapore Airlines uses on its intra-Asia routes.

It is thought Singapore Airlines will retain its nine-abreast economy seating on the 777s, unlike other carriers which have fitted premium economy and offset this by making economy ten-abreast on this aircraft.

The carrier has also confirmed the retrofitting of its latest first, business and economy seating to its 777-300ER fleet. Nineteen of these are being refitted, but will need another modification once premium economy is unveiled.

STAR ALLIANCE ADDS RTW FARE LEVELS

The Star Alliance network has expanded its offer to customers by introducing four additional Round the World (RTW) fare levels, offering them a choice from 14 RTW fares, including three for First Class, four for Business Class and seven for Economy Class.

The biggest change is that the applicable fare for Economy Class is now determined through a combination of the total number of stops and total mileage used, where the best price option is the one which allows customers to travel for a maximum of 26,000 miles and make anywhere between three and five stops.

The new fare levels offer customers the option to select less stops in return for a lower price, whereas before, the higher mileage levels in Economy Class allowed a maximum of 15 stops.

Business Class travel is even more lucrative, with passengers now able to choose a lower fare covering up to 26,000 miles and the number of stops allowed also remains unchanged for all Business Class RTW fare levels, with three to 15 stops.

First Class travellers can choose between 29,000, 34,000 and 39,000 fare levels.

The new fare levels offered allow the customer to select the mileage requirement which best suits their travel needs, offering better value for money than purchasing individual one-way tickets on separate airlines to cover the same itinerary.

QANTAS-EMIRATES INTRODUCE WEEKEND SURCHARgE

From the end of this week, travellers can expect to pay an AUD $25 international surcharge for outbound travel on Fridays and Saturdays on all routes across the Emirates-Qantas network, except Singapore, Thailand and Kuala Lumpur.

The weekend surcharge will come into effect this Friday 16 May and is in addition to Qantas’ peak period surcharges of up to $200 on some international routes on certain days, in order to allow

CONTACT The SeAN SimmONS TrAvel CONSUlTiNG TeAm ON:Phone: +61 3 9429 3294 (local) Toll Free: 1300 391 590 (interstate) Fax: +61 3 9429 3293 Email: enquiries@seanstravel.com.au Suite 6, 53 Coppin Street, Richmond VIC 3121 seansimmonstravel.com.auABN 48153795129 TCF 10343 TrAvel AGeNT liCeNSe viC 33025 iATA 02-3 6275 4

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Continued next page

the airline to charge more without having to change seasonal fare structure, The Australian reported.

Passengers flying economy to the Middle East, North Africa, Britain and Europe from 19 June to 28 June, 21 August to 6 September and 12 December to 23 December, will be charged the “Q surcharge”.

Furthermore, passengers flying economy and business on Sydney to Honolulu flights on specific dates will be required to pay an AUD $50 surcharge while passengers on flights between Australia and Hong Kong, Sydney and Shanghai and Sydney and Manila will incur an AUD $25 surcharge.

This latest introduction of applying a surcharge to peak periods is among a number of changes Qantas has been making as it faces challenges from increasing competition, having recently cancelled senior and child concessions.

VIRgIN AUSTRALIA CONTINUES TO TRANSFORM THE LOUNgE EXpERIENCE IN BRISBANE AND MELBOURNE

Virgin Australia today announced major enhancements to its domestic lounge network including new industry-leading priority services and a significant expansion to the Brisbane lounge.

The Brisbane lounge expansion will see the space double in size and feature ‘Premium Entry’, allowing guests to enter the lounge straight from the kerbside valet.

In July this year, the airline will launch its first ‘Premium Exit’ in Melbourne, providing easy and seamless access to the departure pier from the lounge.

Virgin Australia Chief Customer Officer Mark Hassell said: “Over the last three years we have completely transformed the Virgin Australia domestic lounge experience, setting a new standard with bold, architectural designs, all-day dining, complemented by the very best service.

“Since then, we have doubled the size of both the Melbourne and Sydney lounge and we are now doubling the size of Brisbane, further demonstrating that our strategy to attract business and corporate travellers is working.

“We broke new ground in the industry when we launched kerbside Premium Entry at our Sydney lounge, which remains hugely popular. We are looking forward to introducing new priority services in Brisbane and Melbourne so our guests in these key ports can enjoy more time in the lounge prior to their flight”, Mr Hassell said.

The Brisbane lounge expansion is scheduled to be completed by mid-2015.

gARUDA INDONESIA INTRODUCES NEW SERVICE CONCEpT TO WOW pASSENgERS

Garuda Indonesia, the airline of Indonesia, has launched a new global service concept in its First and Business Class cabins, with an updated philosophy focused on improving the passenger experience at all touch points.

Part of the airline’s ongoing, multifaceted Quantum Leap program to become a five star airline by 2015, the new concept incorporates aspects across pre-journey, pre-flight and post-flight to extend Garuda Indonesia’s already award-winning service.

Business Class passengers on selected flights from Australia can now also enjoy a personalised fine-dining concept, offering a choice of three different menus; Indonesian regional festival degustation, Japanese kaiseki and modern European, Middle Eastern a la carte. The menus involve a pre-dining set plus full meal comprising a minimum of two courses, pre-dessert and dessert. First Class and Business Class passengers flying on Garuda Indonesia’s B777-300ER routes will also enjoy a Chef-on-Board Service.

On top of the new in-flight service, First and Business Class passengers also enjoy complimentary chauffeur services, premium check-in, lounge access, immigration in-lounge as well as priority transfer and transit facilities. Having entered into SkyTeam in March, passengers will also gain access to SkyTeam lounges and rewards globally. SkyTeam’s Sydney airport lounge is set to open mid-2014.

Commenting on the introduction, Garuda Indonesia’s Vice President for Australia/SWP, Uun Setiawan, says: “First and Business Class passengers pay a premium for their seats, so we want to ensure we deliver a premium, world-class offering. From start to finish, the new Garuda Indonesia service concept aims to wow passengers, and cater to their every in-flight need – sometimes even before they are aware they need it!”

Garuda Indonesia’s new Jakarta – Amsterdam route, scheduled to launch this May will be serviced by the airline’s Boeing 777 aircraft which features a full 3-class cabin configuration with its globally-praised First Class, brand new business class service concept, and the world’s best economy class.

Garuda Indonesia’s service has received multiple awards, most recently wining “Best Unisex First Class Bag” and “Best Unisex Business Class Bag (Asia-Oceania) at the Airline Amenity Bag Awards in April 2014. Garuda Indonesia has also won awards across all cabins, including “The World’s Best Economy Class” award from Skytrax and the “Best in Region: Asia and Australasia”, by the “Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)”.

With the introduction of the Boeing 777-300ER’s First Class offering, Garuda Indonesia has also already received critical acclaim, with skift.com naming it the fourth best international first class experience.

UNITED AIRLINES TO INTRODUCE DAILY MELBOURNE TO LA SERVICE

United Airlines’ will increase the frequency of its upcoming Melbourne – Los Angeles non-stop service, due to commence 28 October 2014, from six times weekly to daily, as of 12 Mar 2015.

The new service increase has been timed carefully to allow passengers to connect conveniently at Los Angeles with an extensive network of service throughout the USA, Canada and Latin America.

With United and United Express jointly operating nearly 200 flights per day from Los Angeles to more than 65 destinations, the new flights will provide a convenient one-stop service between Melbourne and more than 37 cities in USA.

“The decision to increase the frequency on our Melbourne – Los Angeles route, further demonstrates United’s strong commitment to the Australian market and we are proud to offer our customers a competitive product, enhance their flying experience through improved inflight comfort and provide them with even greater connectivity to the US,” United Airlines managing director, Japan and Pacific sales, Matt Miller said.

The service, which will be operate on the Boeing 797-9 Dreamliner, will feature 252 seats, with 48 in United BusinessFirst, 204 in United Economy and 63 in Economy Plus which will have added legroom and offer more personal space.

In related news, United Airlines has today also expanded its Mercedes-Benz tarmac transportation service to LAX, offering the airline’s top frequent flyers increased comfort and efficiency when connecting through the airline’s hub.

Selected Global Services members and United Global First customers will be chauffeured to their connections with United Airlines’ fleet of Mercedes-Benz GL350 Blue TEC SUVs.

INDUSTRY NEWS (CONTINUED)

CONTACT The SeAN SimmONS TrAvel CONSUlTiNG TeAm ON:Phone: +61 3 9429 3294 (local) Toll Free: 1300 391 590 (interstate) Fax: +61 3 9429 3293 Email: enquiries@seanstravel.com.au Suite 6, 53 Coppin Street, Richmond VIC 3121 seansimmonstravel.com.auABN 48153795129 TCF 10343 TrAvel AGeNT liCeNSe viC 33025 iATA 02-3 6275 4

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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the new product and service offering on its Airbus A380 and Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft, including The Residence by Etihad™, the world’s most luxurious living space in the air, available only on the airline’s A380 aircraft.

The Residence will be the breath-taking and completely new forward upper-deck cabin on the A380. Accommodating single or double occupancy, it features a living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room. Guests in The Residence will also have a personal Butler.

With the launch of these new fleets, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will also redefine and rename its cabin classes.

The A380 will feature the revolutionary First Apartments, which are fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed, as well as a chilled mini-bar, personal vanity unit and wardrobe.

Etihad Airways has allocated the upper deck of the A380 to its premium cabins.

On the B787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite, adding many new features including a chilled mini-bar.

The Business Studio and Economy Smart Seat will feature on both the A380 and the B787.

Etihad Airways is introducing the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system across both fleets, providing more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, improved gaming and high definition screens across all cabins.

The system has video touchscreen handsets, offering an additional screen for guests to maximize their entertainment, so they can play games or view the moving map while watching a movie.

Noise cancelling headsets are provided across all cabins, with built-in magnetic audio jacks to ensure the best sound quality.

The A380 aircraft will have full mobile and Wi-Fi service while the B787 will be equipped with Wi-Fi.

Unveiled at a global media launch in Abu Dhabi today, Sunday 4 May, the new cabins and service offering follow the airline’s pledge to transform air travel and make every guest journey a remarkable one.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “These new living spaces will raise inflight product and service standards to their highest level yet in commercial aviation and alter air travellers’ expectations of inflight comfort and luxury forever.

“Etihad Airways’ A380 and B787 will deliver the most advanced airline cabins in the industry, while meeting all weight, range and cost targets at our desired seat count. This will allow us to offer products unparalleled in quality and style, yet at competitive prices across all three cabins.”

In 2008, recognising that no single design agency could

CLASS WARSdeliver its vision for the new cabins, Etihad Airways established the Etihad Design Consortium (EDC) which brought together three leading design companies, Acumen, Factorydesign and Honour Branding to develop innovative cabin and seat designs for the new fleets.

The EDC collaborated with Promise Communispace, a leading co-creation agency, to launch comprehensive consumer research and workshops in Abu Dhabi, Sydney, London and New York, with the goal of understanding what makes a ‘perfect flight’ and asking consumers to help design the perfect airline.

Eighty per cent of the new product offering is a direct result of the feedback and information garnered from these workshops.

Etihad Airways’ design vision was to bring the individuality and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel experience to the sky in a way that embraced Arabian Modernism, an aesthetic that combines the traditions of the region with contemporary design.

The Residence by Etihad™The Residence, which is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for single or double occupancy, offers levels of luxury and total privacy normally found only on private jets.

Each Etihad Airways A380 will offer a boutique version of The Residence with different color palettes, table marquetry and custom carpets.

Guests in The Residence will have the services of a personal Butler throughout their flight. These fully trained service professionals will receive specialist training at the Savoy Butler Academy in London.

Guests in The Residence will also have a dedicated VIP Travel Concierge team who will ensure every detail of their travel experience, including ground transport, cuisine, and amenities, are tailored to their requirements.

First ApartmentsEtihad Airways will redefine First Class and set a remarkable new industry standard with the launch of the First Apartment on the A380.

Nine First Apartments will be installed on the upper deck in a 1-1 configuration creating the only single aisle First Class cabin in the industry.

Each First Apartment, which has a 64 inch high sliding door, includes a reclining armchair and a full-length ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau. The ottoman transforms into a separate 80 inch long fully flatbed.

The First Apartment, which also includes unique features such as a chilled mini-bar, a personal vanity unit and a swiveling TV monitor for viewing from either the seat or the bed, has a 74 per cent larger footprint than the airline’s current award-winning First Class Suites.

A fully equipped shower room is available on the A380 for exclusive use by First Class guests.

First SuitesOn the B787, Etihad Airways has designed an enhanced First Suite with many new features. The eight First Suites in a 1-2-1 configuration along a unique curved aisle, another first in commercial aviation.

Each completely private First Suite has a large seat and ottoman, both upholstered by Poltrona Frau, which converts into an 80.5 inch long full-flat bed.

On the centre seats, the armrests retract and the suites can be joined to create a ‘double’ bed. Other features include a chilled mini-bar and a 24 inch TV monitor.

Business StudiosOn both the A380 and the B787, Etihad Airways will launch its new Business Studios which provide 20 per cent more personal space than the airline’s current business class seat.

Configured 1-2-1 in a forward and aft ‘dovetail’, the Business Studios all have aisle access and the seat converts into a fully flat bed of up to 80.5 inches long.

With its privacy, ample storage and surface space, the Business Studio has been designed with the diverse needs of the premium business or leisure traveller firmly in mind.

The LobbyOn the Airbus A380, First and Business Class guests will be able to relax in The Lobby which is a serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins.

CONTACT The SeAN SimmONS TrAvel CONSUlTiNG TeAm ON:Phone: +61 3 9429 3294 (local) Toll Free: 1300 391 590 (interstate) Fax: +61 3 9429 3293 Email: enquiries@seanstravel.com.au Suite 6, 53 Coppin Street, Richmond VIC 3121 seansimmonstravel.com.auABN 48153795129 TCF 10343 TrAvel AGeNT liCeNSe viC 33025 iATA 02-3 6275 4

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ETIHAD AIRWAYS - THE RESIDENCE

Singapore Airlines will upgrade its entire Boeing 777-300ER fleet with the airline’s latest first class, business class and economy seats beginning next year.

The US$325 million (A$346 million) refit will encompass all 19 of the long-range jets in SQ’s current Boeing 777-300ER fleet in an attempt to deliver a consistent travel experience alongside the airline’s new Boeing 777-300ERs.

The project will also see the in-flight entertainment system upgraded.

Singapore Airlines says the refurb is expected to begin early in 2015, “with all aircraft completed by September 2016.”

“Feedback about our next generation cabin products has been extremely positive and our customers have been asking for them to be fitted on more aircraft. We have listened,” said SIA Executive Vice President Commercial, Mr Mak Swee Wah.

“This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to constantly enhancing our products and services, and further demonstrates our confidence in the future for premium full-service air travel.”

In related news, the airline also revealed it would finally launch a premium economy cabin in the second half of 2015.

Read: Singapore Airlines to launch premium economy

Singapore Airlines’ new Boeing 777 first class seats are ‘mini-suites’ are built around a fixed-back shell with curved side panels.

The seats are 35 inches wide and extend to a 82 inch

Providing a semi-circular leather sofa, a marquetry table and a large TV screen, The Lobby is designed for relaxing and socialising.

The TV has a USB connection so it can be used for sharing content or it can also be set to the airline’s Live TV channels for sporting and other events.

Economy Smart SeatNew Economy Smart Seat will offer a unique ergonomic fixed-wing headrest, giving guests a place to rest their head for added comfort and relaxation.

The seat also has a lumbar support feature, allowing guests to adjust their seat comfort, and an 11 inch personal monitor screen, with all the IFE peripherals conveniently set into the seatback in front.

The latest Panasonic eX3 personal entertainment system, of which Etihad Airways is a launch customer, is installed across all cabins

Cabin EntrancesA key design objective for Etihad Airways was to transform the boarding experience making it more akin to stepping into the lobby of a boutique hotel.

In all entry-ways in both aircraft and in all cabins, the galley equipment is concealed behind custom Arabic fretwork screens and blinds, while the trolleys are covered by elegant wood-finish doors, setting a stylish and welcoming environment for all guests.

Importantly for the airline’s Muslim guests, Etihad Airways has developed prayer areas which can be curtained off for privacy and are equipped with a real-time electronic Qibla-finder showing the exact direction of Mecca based on the aircraft’s geographical position.

In the premium class boarding areas, Etihad Airways will collaborate with cultural institutions in the UAE to exhibit artwork and artefacts in display cabinets installed throughout. Items from the Etihad Airways Boutique Duty Free catalogue will also be displayed.

With the launch of these new aircraft, Etihad Airways will update its dining equipment, amenities and soft furnishings across its entire fleet.

Qantas partner Emirates is working on a “new bedroom concept” which will shift first class travel beyond the realm of its current Airbus A380 private suites

“It’s all about privacy,” Emirates President Tim Clark said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “Our new bedroom concept will take it to the next level.”

Emirates won’t be drawn on details such as the number of bedrooms per superjumbo, the timetable for their debut nor their roll call of exclusive features.

CONTACT The SeAN SimmONS TrAvel CONSUlTiNG TeAm ON:Phone: +61 3 9429 3294 (local) Toll Free: 1300 391 590 (interstate) Fax: +61 3 9429 3293 Email: enquiries@seanstravel.com.au Suite 6, 53 Coppin Street, Richmond VIC 3121 seansimmonstravel.com.auABN 48153795129 TCF 10343 TrAvel AGeNT liCeNSe viC 33025 iATA 02-3 6275 4

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SINgApORE AIRLINES TO REFIT BOEINg 777S WITH NEW FIRST, BUSINESS CLASS

long bed, up from the current 80 inches of the current first class seat.

Boosts to personal space include a space underneath the ottoman which can fit a standard cabin bag, while a ‘vanity area’ with its own mirror lets travellers do a quick pre-landing freshen up without leaving their seats.

Another stowage pocket contains laptop power and USB ports along with an HDMI socket to pipe content from your laptop or other device onto the 24 inch screen.

Read: Singapore Airlines’ new first class seats

Singapore Airlines’ new Boeing 777 business class seats share similar design DNA as first class and retain the current forward-facing layout and 1-2-1 configuration as its current business class cabin, with a similar degree of ‘private space’.

There are now two positions between the standard upright seating and lie-flat bed, which SQ terms Lazy Z and Sundeck mode.

The 28 inch wide seat converts to a 78 inch long flat bed, using the same flip-over design as SQ’s current business class product, with an increased recline from 128 degrees to 132 degrees.

There’s a new amenity storage area on the side console and a separate laptop stowage area.

An ‘all in one business panel’ sports the laptop power supply, USB port plus eXport and HDMI ports. As with the new first class there’s a floodlight reading lamp and on/off switch for the 18 inch LDC monitor (up from today’s 15.4 inches).

There’s also a height-adjustable table of 20.5 inches x 14.5 inches which deploys from the side console, a personal vanity mirror and cocktail trays.

EMIRATES TO LAUNCH AIRBUS A380 ‘pRIVATE BEDROOM’

But nobody would be surprised if the fully-enclosed private bedroom boasted a personal shower and ‘room service’ from a concierge dedicated to satisfying your every inflight whim.

After all, that’s the recipe behind The Residence private suite revealed this week by Emirates’ Gulf competitor Etihad Airways, which appears to have reignited competition for the super-luxury traveller by cocooning them in a private jet environment.