Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Asia travel news

Asia travel news

More than four million travelers expected in Phuket in 2011

Posted: 09 Aug 2011 01:21 AM PDT

Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin launches travel industry promotion

Posted: 09 Aug 2011 01:04 AM PDT

Changi showcases 100 years of aviation in Singapore

Posted: 09 Aug 2011 12:55 AM PDT

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SINGAPORE-Singapore’s aviation story is being showcased at the Aviation Centennial Exhibition ‘Our Journey, Our Future’ at Changi Airport. The Exhibition, which is presented as an aviation journal, is part of the year-long Singapore Aviation Centennial Celebrations to mark 100 years of aviation in Singapore.

The Exhibition, running from 8 August to 31 October 2011, traces the rich historical journey of Singapore aviation, highlighting the big and small steps that have shaped the industry today. It also provides a deeper understanding of how aviation has contributed significantly to the Singapore economy, brought the world closer to Singapore, opened up infinite business and leisure opportunities, and transformed the nation into a global city.

Visitors can learn more about the thriving Singapore aviation ecosystem, how the various parts work together and how it is connected with life in Singapore. Visitors are also offered a glimpse of the future of air travel and aviation, presented by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airbus.

High Tech

Visitors can flip through iPads to find out how Singapore became so connected to the world in “Opening Up The Skies” as well as the many historical firsts in various aspects of Singapore aviation. Through audio recordings, visitors can also listen to personal accounts of aviation professionals, some of whom have been in the business for over 40 years, on how aviation has changed through the years, and their memorable experiences.

For those curious to know what goes on round-the-clock at Changi Airport, “The Buzz Behind The Scenes” offer exclusive footages of key activities such as air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, airport emergency services, air cargo and logistics, baggage handling, and inflight catering.

At “Flights of Fun”, visitors can also try their hand at safely launching and landing a plane at the airport of one of the many cities that Changi Airport is connected to.

Exhibits of the Past and Future

On display are also artifacts, equipment and plane models. In addition to a copy of the Colonial Air Navigation Order dating back to the mid-1900s, tools used by air traffic controllers and an IATA air ticket which is no longer in use, visitors may be surprised to learn that Singapore manufactures meal carts that fit in the cabin of an aircraft. There is also a model of Airbus’ new concept plane on display, for the first time in Asia. The transparent plane presents an idea of how an aircraft of the future might look like.

Bristol Boxkite Biplane

Taking centre stage at the Exhibition is a half-scale stainless steel replica of the Bristol Boxkite biplane piloted by Mr. Joseph Christiaens that made the first flight in Singapore on 16 March 1911, heralding the start of aviation in Singapore.

Visitors have the opportunity to participate in a contest to “Guess the weight of the Bristol Boxkite Biplane”. The winning entry stands to win a pair of Singapore Airlines return economy tickets to Los Angeles.

The Singapore Aviation Centennial Exhibition is held at Changi Airport, Terminal 3 Departure Hall, Row 11, and is open daily from 7.00 am to 11.00 pm.

Korean Air expands prestige class lounge at Incheon

Posted: 09 Aug 2011 12:45 AM PDT

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KOREA-Korean Air has expanded its Prestige Class Lounge at Incheon International Airport.

The new 160 seat, 1,100-square-meter Prestige Class Lounge area is located beside the existing Prestige Class Lounge at Incheon International Airport, which currently accommodates 290 passengers in a 1,226-square-meter lounge area.

The new extension took two years to design and two months to construct. The 450 seat, 2,326-square-meter lounge is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and even an area dedicated solely to female travellers - including a sleeping room and a powder room. The lounge also features a dining room for those travelling in groups, and individual shower booths.

Furthermore, Korean Air is planning to upgrade its current First Class Lounge and a further lounge (KAL OAL Lounge) which it provides for the exclusive use of its SkyTeam partner carriers and a selection of other airlines operating from Incheon.

 Korean Air’s Prestige Class Lounge is located eastside of the fourth floor in the Passenger Departure Building at Incheon International Airport.

THAI upgrades Boeing 747-400 fleet

Posted: 08 Aug 2011 08:27 PM PDT

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THAILAND-Thai Airways International (THAI) Technical Department now has the capability to retrofit its own Boeing 747-400 aircraft and has announced plans to upgrade 12 aircraft.

The retrofit project consists of upgrading passenger cabins and products, including all seats in each class of service, complete with personal screens and a new in-flight entertainment system. Personal telephone systems will also be installed to allow customers to make phone calls to ground networks and other seats while in flight through credit card payment. The retrofit project covers 12 Boeing 747-400 aircraft and is divided into two phases. Six aircraft will be completed by the end of this year, the other six will receive upgrades at the THAI Technical Department’s Don Muang facility through 2012.

Each step of the retrofit process is inspected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of U.S.A. and the Department of Civil Aviation, Thailand. The project is part of the company’s strategy to increase competitiveness in meeting customer satisfaction and in maintaining a place in the top five airlines worldwide.
at 1:44 AM