Urban Commons purchases the Embassy Suites Palm Desert

20 hours ago

Urban Commons , LLC, together with Brighton Management, announces today the purchase of the upscale Embassy Suites in Palm Desert.  The Embassy Suites is an all-suite full service hotel situated over 9 acres of sprawling desert land in the Coachella Valley area of Southern California.  The Coachella Valley is a collection of upscale resort communities located to the east of the Los Angeles-Orange County-San Diego metropolitan area and include the cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert.  It is well-known as a home-away-from-home for countless celebrities due to its proximity to the vast Southern California population base.

Urban Commons and Brighton Management have already finalized their negotiations with the Hilton® corporation and have successfully secured a 15 year Franchise Agreement to continue holding the Embassy Suites by Hilton® flag on the property.  Renovation plans are now in place worth $6M to update and elevate the hotel up to the Hilton® brand standards.

This acquisition comes due to the recent foreclosure of the property completed by its lender.  This adds yet another deeply discounted bank-owned property to both Urban Commons ’ and Brighton’s growing portfolio of hotels.  The two companies together jointly pursued the opportunity to purchase this property as it comes at a significant discount to its replacement cost and at an extremely attractive discount to the current market expectations.  In addition, the property comes with an adjacent vacant development site, which could be sold as a separate parcel, used to further expand the hotel grounds and offerings, or possibly developed as future residential.

Since 2007, the Embassy Suites has undergone major renovations.  Plans are already in place to infuse another $6 million worth of improvements and upgrades to further modernize the property.  These renovations will allow the hotel to attract the upscale clientele, which traverse the area and closely compete with other local premium hotels.

Urban Commons continues to aggressively grow its portfolio particularly in the hospitality sector.  With top management in place, the Company has been able to seamlessly take over hotels and quickly generate value by adding directly to their bottom line.  Urban Commons targets distressed and/or bank-owned hotels, where they see the greatest growth potential and upside opportunity for their investors.

Brighton Management currently operates hotels located primarily in the Southern California Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura.  Recently, Brighton has re-focused on building its portfolio by expanding its reach beyond the Southern California region.  As part of its strategic growth plan, Brighton continues to strengthen its market share by channeling traffic to its surrounding hotels and by having properties available at every price point in the market, resulting in increased revenue growth and net operating income in every segment of the market.

Since 2012, Urban Commons and Brighton Management have completed 13 hotel takeovers totaling over $200 Million in asset value.  With their successes in the hospitality sector, the Companies continue an aggressive pace for 2013.

Tags: embassy suites hotels, urban commons

Vista Capital Company raises $32m of financing for portfolio of five hotels in Arizona

15 hours ago

Vista Capital Company announced that it recently arranged and closed $32,000,000 of financing for a portfolio of five hotels. Four of the hotels are located within one mile of each other, in Goodyear, Arizona, which is part of metropolitan Phoenix. The hotel portfolio consists of both limited-service and full-service assets, branded by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts, and Marriott International.

The 478-room portfolio is comprised of the following hotels:
*  Hampton Inn & Suites – Goodyear, Arizona
*  Holiday Inn Express – Goodyear, Arizona
*  Residence Inn – Goodyear, Arizona
*  Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites – Goodyear, Arizona
*  Holiday Inn Express – Washington, Utah

The deal was funded by a major American investment bank via their structured finance CMBS group. The new non-recourse financing will retire the former recourse loan while concurrently reducing debt service payments, extending the amortisation schedule, and providing ownership with a sizable equity recapitalisation. The fixed-rate financing will also be used to fund various renovation projects over its ten-year term.

Due to the significant amount of liquidity available for hospitality product, Vista Capital was able to structure highly favorable financing with pricing of approximately 4.5%. “Ownership successfully realised all of their desired objectives through the closing of this transaction,” said Zak Selbert , the founding principal at Vista Capital Company. This is Vista’s eighth hotel closing in six months, underscoring their specialty and skill in hospitality investment banking.

Tags: vista capital

Tanasijevich added to Jerusalem International Tourism Summit roster

7 hours ago

Marina Bay Sands president George Tanasijevich will address the Jerusalem International Tourism Summit

Marina Bay Sands president George Tanasijevich has been added to the roster of world-class speakers due to address the Jerusalem International Tourism Summit next week.

The event will take place at the Jerusalem International Convention Centre on May 28th-29th, welcoming industry leaders from across the region.

Tanasijevich is responsible for overall operations of Marina Bay Sands and the development activities of Las Vegas Sands in Asia.

He played an instrumental role project managing LVS’ successful bid to develop MBS, Singapore’s landmark integrated resort which combines convention and exhibition facilities, luxury hotel, world-class gaming and entertainment.

Last year the property was recognised as the World’s Leading Casino Resort by the World Travel Awards.

Other roles held by Tanasijevich include director of development for Las Vegas Sands in Macau in connection with Cotai Strip, senior vice president/equity markets at CapitaLand in Singapore and corporate vice president and senior attorney of General Growth Properties in the United States.

He has an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a law degree from Loyola University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke, left, presents Tanasijevich with the World Travel Award for Asia’s Leading Casino Resort, Marina Bay Sands

Jerusalem International Tourism Summit

The tourism industry is one of the most rapidly changing industries in the internet era.

Jerusalem International Tourism Summit 2013 will serve as a summit of innovation and showcase discussions about the latest ground breaking technologies and trends introduced by key players of the tourism world.

This year a special emphasis will be placed on ‘Urban Tourism’ as well as innovative technologies in the world of tourism and travel.

Global leaders, academics and experts in the field of hospitality will conduct panels discussing a wide range of issues affecting the tourism industry and a special panel will focus on technology in tourism, including tourism-related ‘apps’.

The event will leverage Israel as a Start-Up Nation, and Jerusalem as a leader of technology.

The target audience will include key figures in the global tourism industry, decision makers, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Take a look at the agenda for the event here.

Tags: israel ministry of tourism

Mainport Hotel opens in Rotterdam

2 days ago

Rotterdam’s modern harbor skyline became even richer by the opening of new Design Hotels™ member, Mainport. The hotel, designed by MAS architectuur is characterised by a futuristic façade of black glass and aluminum. The hotel stands proud in the central district of Leuvehaven and reflects Rotterdam’s unique architectural aesthetic. Just as Rotterdam is a symbiosis of international influences and Dutch tradition, Mainport’s overall concept entwines the best cuisine, spa traditions and design from around the world, while placing an importance on Rotterdam as the hotel’s ‘main port’. Wellness is a recurring theme throughout the hotel. This is demonstrated not only by extensive spa facilities but the hotel’s overall holistic concept.

Futuristic Architecture and Internationally Rich Interior
Architecturally speaking, Mainport’s step-like facade and huge sweeping windows blend harmoniously with the hotel’s modern surroundings. Architect At Tun’s employment of floor to ceiling glass on both sides of the building creates a feeling not only of industrial grandeur and a connection to the harbor but also a sense of transparency. In light of owner Karin Geurts’ vision for a hotel which functions as a landing place for travelers and locals alike, this light open-plan design warrants neighborhood integration through its inviting atmosphere.

Wellness and light in 215 Rooms
Mainport’s 215 rooms have been split into five categories: City XL, Corner, Waterfront Sauna, Waterfront Spa and the Spa Suite. Each room reflects the hotel’s dedication to wellness by providing an in-room spa equipped with walk-in showers, anti-fog mirrors and a whirlpool. The Waterfront Spa category and the Spa Suite even have a private Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna and a mirror integrated TV.

The interiors of the hotel, designed by Feran Thomassen have been inspired by many different continents. Luxurious marble bathrooms, impressive fireplaces and panoramic windows, offering views of Rotterdam’s highlights, exude grandeur. Light grey curtains, anthracite desks and dark timber flooring accessorise an elegant environment.

Dining in Down Under
In keeping with Mainport’s international influences, the hotel restaurant Down Under and bar on the Rocks are a homage to Australia, in particular Sydney. Located at water level, the restaurant headed up by chef Sander Jongenotter focuses on exceptional Australian-Asian cuisine.

Orient meets Occident in Spa Heaven
In-room spas may be the ultimate luxury but Mainport’s eighth floor spa takes wellness to a whole new level. Here, a Finnish panorama sauna, a Turkish steam room, hamam, two treatment rooms and an extensive relaxation room awaits.

The Neighborhood Experts
Those staying at Mainport can look forward to experiencing a side to Rotterdam usually reserved for the city’s residents. Staff members’ in-the-know knowledge and unique recommendations mean guests can explore the city as a local. Neighborhood integration is further encouraged by owner Karin Geurts who wants to establish the hotel as a meeting place for locals in the city.

The Location
Mainport is located in the area of Leuvehaven next to the historic Maritime Museum and the asymmetric Erasmus Bridge. The inner harbor of Rotterdam provides a beautiful skyline view which connects the center with the southern part of the city and the newly built, futuristic waterfront.

Tags: new hotel openings, mainport hotels

iBAHN installs guest room entertainment technology and WiFi in Roosevelt Hotel

2 days ago

iBAHN, the global leader in IP-based entertainment and information services for the hospitality, meeting, conference and retail industries, today announced that it has been selected by the famed Roosevelt Hotel in New York City to install a managed network service including pioneering Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) in the hotel’s 1,015 recently renovated guest rooms and a WiFi platform to be used throughout the hotel, including in its 30,000 square feet of meeting space. iBAHN’s installation will complement the hotel’s glamorous Jazz Age décor with the very latest modern technology that today’s discerning travelers demand.

The Roosevelt Hotel delivers a classic New York City experience. Opened in 1924, the “Grand Dame of Madison Avenue” continues to impress guests in its prime location at Madison Avenue and 45th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Spectacular interiors and grand architectural features beautifully restored to their original brilliance never fail to produce a memorable “wow” reaction.

“As guests step through the revolving doors of The Roosevelt Hotel, our magnificent ambience transports them back to the grandeur of old New York City,” said John Trovato , general manager of The Roosevelt Hotel. “And while we are a destination rich in historical importance and beauty, we are also committed to providing our guests with the modern amenities that make their experience truly superior. That is why we selected iBAHN to install IPTV that will deliver memorable guest room entertainment and an advanced WiFi system that will keep up with the bandwidth demands of our tech-savvy guests now and into the future.”

iBAHN’s proprietary ETVi with iMEDIA platform transforms the guest room experience. Upon entering their rooms, guests are greeted with personalized high-definition images showcasing the hotel property and services. With iBAHN ETVi guests can watch free, crystal-clear HD channels. They can check schedules for their conferences, book spa appointments, make restaurant reservations and order online access for the TV. Using iBAHN’s iMEDIA browser, guests can use the biggest screen in the room to check email, visit social media sites, shop, watch movies, and sports. Guests can also download the iBAHN mobile app for free and use their own smartphones or tablets as personal TV remotes.

With multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops in hand, more than half of travelers say that WiFi is their top ‘must have’ amenity. iBAHN WiFi satisfies guests’ insatiable bandwidth appetites while giving hotels the control they need to offer a high-quality experience.

“We are thrilled to help The Roosevelt Hotel’s guests experience the very best of two worlds: the historic splendor of the classic building paired with the forward-looking technology that we specialize in delivering,” said Roger Crellin , iBAHN’s President of the Americas. “People on the move – especially in the hustle and bustle of New York City—demand a lot from their technology, and our ETVi television services and industry-leading WiFi now at The Roosevelt Hotel will outperform any and all expectations.”

Tags: ibahn

Kempinski Hotels begin deployment of Nor1’s data-driven upsell solutions

2 days ago

Europe’s oldest luxury hotel brand, Kempinski Hotels, announced today that it has selected Nor1, Inc., the technology leader in upsell solutions, to provide its data-driven upsell platform for the portfolio of 80 luxury properties.

Since 1897, the pioneering Kempinski Hotels have been on the forefront of hospitality, incorporating innovation into every part of its business. Today’s vision is unchanged as this agreement with Silicon Valley-based Nor1 gives the millions of guests who stay with Kempinski Hotels each year the opportunity to enhance their stays with custom upgrade offers, but that also optimise revenue for the hotels.

“This agreement underscores Kempinski’s commitment to our guests and to innovation,” said Riko van Santen, Vice President Digital Strategy & Distribution for Kempinski Hotels. “Nor1’s dynamic, data-powered upsell offers are as unique as every Kempinski hotel, and tailor-made for each of our guests who expect excellence and value individuality.”

“Kempinski is a pioneer in hospitality and we are pleased to partner with a brand that is as committed to the guest experience as it is to the success of each property,” said Jason Bryant, Founder and co-CEO of Nor1, Inc. “Our pledge to our hotel partners is to improve guest interactions from the time a reservation is confirmed through the completion of a guest’s stay. We take a data-driven approach to engineering meaningful and targeted communications that drive long-term loyalty.”

Kempinski Hotels will immediately begin roll out of Nor1’s signature eStandby Upgrade™ at its properties including Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, The Stafford London by Kempinski, and the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains in St. Moritz. Guests will receive exclusive eStandby Upgrade offers when they book directly with www.kempinski.com for upgrade deals on suites, spa treatments, and other hotel services.
Integration of the enterprise-level FrontDesk Upsell™ will follow. FrontDesk Upsell provides a sophisticated level of PMS integration and management reporting that empowers front desk agents to better service each guest at the time of check-in. Both solutions are powered by PRiME®, Nor1’s patented decision intelligence engine, that uses buyer-behavior dynamics, predictive analytics and complex algorithms to make dynamic and personalised offers that are as individual as the guest who receives them.

Tags: kempinski hotels

Hyatt strengthens brand and marketing leadership

yesterday

Hyatt Hotels has appointed four marketing professionals to leadership positions. All four positions are designed to enhance the company’s global brand-led focus and innovative thinking process.

“We’ve put together a dynamic, balanced team of outside industry brand experts and hospitality professionals to help us reach our goal of becoming the most preferred brand,” said John Wallis, Chief Marketing Officer at Hyatt.

“These four individuals are great additions to the strong team that serves our passionate hoteliers by providing them with the consumer insights and brand frameworks that will help them deliver compelling and exciting new guest experiences.”

The appointments include:

Katherine Melchior-Ray, Vice President, Luxury Brands

In this newly created role, Katherine Melchior-Ray will lead the development of the brand experience and marketing strategy for Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt, ensuring that the culture of both brands is vibrant, alive and drives brand preference.

Melchior-Ray has 20 years of experience building luxury and fashion brands internationally. She has worked as a senior executive on three continents in four languages, setting global strategy in marketing, business and product development while developing top class local teams in their native languages.

Melchior-Ray’s most recent position was Executive Director of Strategic Planning at Gucci in Japan. She also served as Vice President of Marketing for Louis Vuitton Japan and for Tommy Hilfiger Japan. Prior to Japan, she lived in France, developing the global marketing department for the Nordstrom brand Façonnable. In the United States, Melchior-Ray led the development of Nike’s women’s footwear division from the brand’s headquarters in Oregon.

Melchior-Ray graduated from Brown University in Providence, R.I. and studied at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan.

Karen Dawson, Vice President of Digital Strategy

In her new role, Karen Dawson will lead Hyatt’s digital and social media efforts, focusing on new digital developments and creating a customized and interactive brand marketing approach. This role will aid Hyatt in redefining the customer experience and connecting with consumers through new digital and social initiatives.

Dawson has more than 20 years of creative brand strategy and marketing experience. She most recently served as the Principal/Digital Marketing and Creative Director for Two Blue Spruce in Hampton, New Hampshire, where she focused on creating timely, impactful, and brand-appropriate marketing and advertising elements for clients including Timberland, Harrods, The Limited, and Nestle.

Dawson graduated from Colgate University and holds a Master of Arts in Journalism from New York University. She has also received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, including Interactive Marketer of the Year in 2012 from MITX (Innovation and Interactive Awards) and Official Honoree, Retail in 2012 from the Webby Awards.

Chris Walker, Vice President, Brand Experience, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House

Chris Walker is responsible for the brand development and management of Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, two of the company’s fastest growing brands worldwide. Most recently, Walker served as Director of Partner Marketing, where he was responsible for the launch of Hyatt’s first ever co-branded credit card, issued by Chase Card Services.

Walker has 15 years of hospitality and marketing experience, starting his career at Hyatt in 1998 as a Corporate Management Trainee at Hyatt Regency Dubai and later working in various marketing positions for the company.

Prior to returning to Hyatt, Walker was with American Express, in their Service Delivery Network and Consumer Travel Network, most recently leading Fine Hotels & Resorts,American Express’ Luxury Hotel program for Premium Card members.

Walker graduated from the University of Calgary and holds a Master in Business Adminstration from Harvard Business School.

Heather Briggs, Vice President of Consumer Insights and Market Research

Heather Briggs has been promoted to the newly created position of Vice President of Consumer Insights and Market Research, where she manages a global team to leverage guest feedback and increase guest satisfaction scores to ultimately drive brand preference. In addition, Briggs is responsible for developing and introducing tools and resources that measure brand awareness across global markets.

Briggs joined Hyatt in 2011 as a Director of Consumer Insights and Market Research and previously held a similar role at United Airlines. She has also worked for a management consulting firm, focusing on consumer insights and started her career at Target Corporation in Minneapolis, focusing on supply chain and merchandising.

Briggs graduated from the University of Illinois and holds a Master in Business Administration from the University of Chicago.

Tags: hyatt hotels & resorts

Holiday Inn Express expands in Europe

23 hours ago

The 102-room Holiday Inn Express Manisa is scheduled to open in early 2014 in Turkey. The property will operate under a franchise agreement with Procons Turizm and be managed by T&T Consulting who currently manage the Holiday Inn Express Istanbul - Altunizade.

This is the latest development for IHG, which celebrated its highest number of openings in Europe in 2012 for four years, opening 39 hotels throughout the region. 

It also reported a successful year for hotel signings, with the company adding a further 48 hotels, 7,012 rooms, to its European pipeline. Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express accounted for over 70 per cent of 2012 signings.

Yalin Yaltirakli, IHG’s Development Director for Turkey said: “Manisa is one of Turkey’s key industrial centres and the project has the unique advantage of being very close to the industrial zone, Izmir highway and newly built tunnel entrance to Izmir, while also being surrounded by olive gardens and beautiful scenery.

“Holiday Inn Express is a great brand for Manisa as it focuses on convenience and comfort at great value. It’s ideal for business travellers who are on the go as it offers exactly what they need – a great night’s sleep in a high quality project and a free breakfast.  Every year 100 million people stay at a Holiday Inn brand family (Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express) hotel around the world. They know they can expect a consistent, refreshed experience at an affordable price wherever they are.

“IHG currently has 16* hotels in Turkey, half of which are in the Holiday Inn brand family. This is an exciting signing as we continue to strengthen our pipeline and presence in the region.”

Manisa is a key industrial area of Turkey, and the project will target business travellers who frequent the area for its manufacturing plants. It’s practically located for the industrial zone and only 35 minutes from Izmir airport

Tags: holiday inn express

Etihad Airways rolls out Amsterdam flights

2 days ago

Etihad Airways have entered the second phase of their strategic partnership following the launch of the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s flights to Amsterdam.

The daily service, operated by a two cabin Airbus A330-200 and configured to carry 262 passengers with 22 in Pearl Business Class and 240 in Coral Economy Class, was launched on Wednesday 15 May and carries KLM’s KL code.

The launch of the new flights coincides with the addition of 12 new KLM destinations out of Schiphol Airport which now carry Etihad Airways EY code. KLM has also added its KL code to a further six Etihad Airways destinations from its Abu Dhabi hub.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The launch of Etihad Airways flights to Amsterdam demonstrates the deepening of our relationship with KLM as we anticipate great demand for the KLM codeshare flights beyond Schiphol Airport.

“The partnership with KLM follows Etihad Airways strategy of working closely with partners around the world and using their existing networks to feed secondary cities, as well as other areas of benefit to customers like reciprocal lounge access and frequent flyer ‘earn and burn’.”

The 12 additional destinations that Etihad Airways customers can now access through codeshare operations with KLM are Stockholm, Aberdeen, Barcelona, Bergen, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Leeds/Bradford and Madrid.

These cities join the first phase of cities served by KLM, which carry the EY code, Billund, Cardiff, Newcastle, Oslo, and Stavanger.

KLM now has its KL code on six Etihad Airways’ flights to Abu Dhabi, Brisbane, Khartoum, Male, Muscat and Seychelles.

These join the initial group of cities served by Etihad Airways – Colombo, Islamabad, Lahore, Melbourne, and Sydney – which also carry the KL code.

Peter Hartman, KLM’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to work together with Etihad Airways. Together we are developing new forms of joint ventures as joint ventures developed in the 1980s are no longer suitable under current circumstances.

“We now offer a combined double daily service between the two cities which is fantastic for the airlines, the two hubs, and of course our customers. And this will bring a boost to our economies.”

In addition to flight operations Etihad Airways has this year wet-leased a Boeing 747-400 freighter from KLM. This aircraft, with a payload capacity of 124 tons, links the two cargo hubs of Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam, and increases our capacity to Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Dhaka.

From KLM’s partner, Air France, Etihad Airways has also wet-leased an Airbus A340-300 for use on the Paris-Abu Dhabi route from now until the end of the year.

Amsterdam joins a group of 17 leading European cities that Etihad Airways flies to including Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, London and Paris.

Tags: etihad airways

Delta opens $1.4bn Terminal 4 at JFK International Airport

2 days ago

Delta Air Lines, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and JFK International Air Terminal LLC have opened the new Terminal 4 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, part of a $1.4 billion redevelopment program at JFK.

“The state-of-the-art Terminal 4 facilities have been years in the making and Delta people, global customers and the residents of New York now have the international hub facility that they expect and deserve,” said Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer.

“It’s an exciting time at Delta and JFK Terminal 4 is emblematic of the investments we are making in New York and around the world.  We are celebrating today thanks to the hard work and dedication of our partners in this project including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFKIAT and the Schiphol Group.”

Today’s opening of the first phase of Delta’s Terminal 4 expansion includes:Nine new and seven renovated international gates; improved and renovated check-in areas, including a dedicated Sky Priority check-in; a centralized security checkpoint. and new dining and retail offerings.

With the 346,000-square-foot expansion of Concourse B, Terminal 4, which is managed by JFKIAT, now measures 2 million square feet, making it one of the largest terminals in North America. Delta partner Virgin Atlantic Airways also operates out of Terminal 4.

Earlier this year, Delta announced phase two of the Terminal 4 redevelopment plan that will include an additional 11 gates on Terminal 4’s Concourse B. Construction on phase two will commence immediately. Upon completion in summer 2015, Terminal 4’s Concourse B will house a total of 27 Delta gates and replace Delta’s current Terminal 2 regional jet facility.

“Delta’s $1.4 billion investment in this state is further proof that New York is a prime destination for businesses to grow and thrive,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

“This investment was critical in improving JFK’s infrastructure, created more than 1,000 construction jobs and demonstrated the strength of our Minority—Women-owned Business Enterprises participation. We look forward to Phase II of Delta’s JFK investment and thank them for their continued partnership and commitment to the State.”

Tags: delta air lines

EasyJet announces proposed exchange of Gatwick slots

2 days ago

easyJet has completed an agreement with Flybe Group plc to acquire 25 pairs of arrival and departure slots at Gatwick airport for a total consideration of £20 million. The acquisition is subject to the approval of Flybe’s shareholders.

The slots will transfer from summer 2014 and will allow easyJet to provide additional frequencies on popular existing routes from Gatwick as well as add new destinations across the UK and Europe.

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Tags: easyjet

Delta Air Lines to resume nonstop Prague – New York JFK

2 days ago

Delta Air Lines seasonal nonstop service between Vaclav Havel Airport Prague and New York’s John F. Kennedy airport will recommence on Saturday 25 May 2013. The flight will operate daily throughout the peak summer season using a Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 209 seats in conjunction with Czech Airlines.

“We are delighted to see the return of our summer seasonal flight between Prague and New York, offering customers more choice, nonstop convenience and onward connections to more destinations in the U.S. than any other carrier including popular destinations such as Florida and California,” said Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Demand on this route is high, particularly for our premium product, where our customers will see a number of new product and service enhancements onboard including a range of new in-flight amenities.”

In 2012, Delta carried nearly 100,000 passengers between the Czech Republic and the U.S. on its summer service, with an average load factor of 82% on the route.

BusinessElite customers will have the opportunity to experience Delta’s award-winning service, including innovative food offerings and original wine selections chosen by Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. BusinessElite also features on-demand personal in-seat entertainment boasting more than 20 first-run and popular classic movies, a variety of television programs, thousands of music titles and a suite of video games. The aircraft is also equipped with Economy Comfort, Delta’s premium economy cabin product. Customers flying in Economy Comfort benefit from up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline than Delta’s standard Economy class seat, as well as priority boarding.

Delta is making a number of significant investments in its products and services to improve its customer’s experience on the ground and in the air. These include Delta’s state-of-the-art, $1.4bn Terminal 4 at New York-JFK that will open on 24 May. Customers flying between Prague and New York-JFK this summer will benefit from a greatly enhanced airport experience on arrival and departure at the airport. One of the largest terminals in North America, Terminal 4 offers travellers a spacious environment with a wide variety of shopping and dining options. For BusinessElite customers, the Delta Sky Club at Terminal 4 features a Sky Deck – an outdoor airport terrace offering unprecedented runway views.

Tags: delta air lines

Aeromexico announces the addition of Embraer 175 planes to its fleet

2 days ago

Aeromexico, Mexico’s global airline, is announcing the addition of three Embraer 175 planes to its fleet, making it the first national airline in the country to operate this modern aircraft.

As part of the plan for the renovation of its fleet, the aircraft, with 86 seats in one single class, will gradually replace the Embraer 145 planes with 50 seats.
The Embraer 175 shares its design and cabin structure with the Embraer 190. This attribute allows customers to have the same travel experience on either one of these aircraft. Other features include more space for storing carry-on luggage in compartments that are overhead or underneath seats, more comfortable seats, a 2x2 seating configuration with space in the aisle, to name a few.  Embraer aircraft are recognised as the most comfortable family of aircraft in their category. 

Two of the three planes will start operations on June 1st and 20th, offering greater comfort along with cutting edge technology on routes from Mexico City to Acapulco, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Tampico, Zihuatanejo, Minatitlan, San Luis Potosi and Aguascalientes.

Aeromexico continues to work on staying at the head of the industry, with one of the country’s most modern fleets, making its operations more efficient to reduce environmental impact while offering passengers world class service on its extensive network of routes to more than 45 destinations in Mexico, 18 in the United States, 11 in Latin America, three in Europe, two in Asia and one in Canada.

Tags: aeromexico, embraer

Ryanair enhances website

yesterday

Ryanair has launched a new CAPTCHA security system on the Ryanair.com website, which offers speedier access to Ryanair’s lowest fares on Ryanair.com.

The CAPTCHA system has been introduced across all Ryanair markets following a successful trial on Ryanair’s Irish and UK websites, providing consumers with advanced and simplified methods of entering CAPTCHA details, including by a question and answer process and by simple word recognition and repetition.

Developed by Solve Media, Ryanair uses CAPTCHA systems to improve consumer protection against unauthorised screenscraper websites and to ensure customers can find the guaranteed lowest fares only at Ryanair.com, Europe’s largest travel website.

Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said: “Ryanair is continually striving to improve the customer experience of our 80m passengers and following a successful trial, we have introduced a new CAPTCHA system on our Ryanair.com website, which will further improve the usability of Ryanair.com for 1.2m daily users – and make booking our low-fare flights even more fun!

With helpful travel reminders, words of wisdom and some simple brain teasers, Ryanair passengers can look forward to even faster access to the lowest fares, while the CAPTCHA facility also improves consumer protection, preventing passengers being ripped-off by unauthorised screenscraper websites mis-selling Ryanair’s low fares.” Kiely added.

Tags: ryanair

IATA, Travelport reach ticketing settlement

yesterday

Travelport and IATA have, through arbitration proceedings, reached a confidential settlement agreement regarding the use by IATA of ticketing data transmitted by Travelport.

No further disclosure will be made on the matter.

Tags: travelport, iata

Emirates opens refurbished lounge in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

yesterday

Emirates has inaugurated its refurbished Paris Charles de Gaulle Lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers as well as Platinum and Gold members of Emirates Skywards - the airline’s frequent flyer programme.
 
It is the first of the airline’s existing worldwide network of lounges to be refurbished in the new interior design, originally unveiled within Emirates’ Concourse A Lounges in Dubai earlier this year.

Redesigned for a total investment of €3.8m (Dhs17.6m), the lounge has also been relocated to a more central location. The new space, between Terminal 2A and 2C, offers improved customer access and a clear view onto the tarmac, a perfect location for customers to relax and undertake some plane spotting. The overall size of the lounge has also been boosted by 67 per cent offering a spacious 926sqm that can now welcome up to 156 passengers.

The opening of the refurbished lounge was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services and Thierry Aucoc, Emirates’ Country Manager for France.

“The refurbishment of this lounge is a further marker of our commitment to offering our premium class customers the best possible passenger journey with Emirates,” said Mr Mattar.

“Selecting our lounge in Paris as the first destination to receive the new look refurbishment was an easy choice. Our capacity to Paris has increased significantly this year, with the instalment of a second daily A380 and our commitment to the city has also grown, with our recent sponsorship of the French Open Tennis and renewal of our sponsorship with Paris Saint Germain for a further five years,” added Mr Mattar.

With a design matching the environment of Emirates’ First Class and Business Class on-board suites, the new Paris Charles de Gaulle Lounge provides travellers with high quality services including; a choice of formal or relaxed seating, shower facilities, a dining area, a complimentary hot and cold gourmet buffet and an extensive beverage service, including an excellent French wine selection.

The 35 existing lounges of the Emirates network will be refurbished according to the new design in a phased plan over the next 18 to 24 months.

Emirates currently operates 32 weekly flights to France, including 20 weekly flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle, a daily flight to Nice and five times weekly service to Lyon.

Tags: emirates

United rolls out flat bed seats on New York flights

23 hours ago

United Airlines is rolling out 180-degree flat-bed seats and personal on-demand entertainment in premium cabins on every scheduled, long-haul international flight from the New York area.

“We continue to invest in every aspect of the customer experience – online, in our airports and in the air,” said Jeff Foland, United’s executive vice president – marketing, technology and strategy.

“With more robust online and mobile tools, more modern terminal facilities and lounges, on-demand entertainment and a growing number of our aircraft with global satellite Wi-Fi, we are working to ensure we remain the New York region’s best choice for air travel.” Added Foland.

United has outfitted 182 international aircraft with all-new United Global First and United BusinessFirst cabins.

With more than 450 daily departures to more than 150 cities, United offers the most nonstop flights to the most destinations around the world from New York’s three major airports – Newark Liberty, Kennedy and LaGuardia. United also offers the most flat-bed seats and the most extra-legroom economy seats from New York’s three major airports.

Tags: united airlines

Sabre inks content deal with United

20 hours ago

Global travel technology company Sabre has signed a new, long-term, full-content agreement with United Airlines.

Sabre and the airline plan to work together to make United’s material ancillary products and services, including its Economy Plus seats, available in the Sabre global distribution system (GDS).

United’s published fares and inventory, as well as its material ancillary products and services that are distributed through Sabre, will be available to travel buyers worldwide who use the Sabre travel marketplace.  Sabre and United are currently working to make United’s premium seat option, Economy Plus, available once again through Sabre. 

United joins other global airlines that sell or expect to sell their ancillary products and services in the Sabre travel marketplace. 

“Sabre will merchandise United’s complete range of fare offerings, including material ancillaries, into our marketplace in a way that will help differentiate them,” said David Gross, senior vice president, Sabre Global Supplier Distribution.

“Sabre is committed to helping United more effectively market and sell its products and services to the broadest number of travellers.” Gross added.

Sabre and United will co-develop solutions using next-generation technology that will permit United to offer more relevant personalised offers to their loyal customers. 

These advancements will also better promote and disclose the unique value of the airline’s different fare and ancillary products and services to travel agents with additional descriptive text and graphics for enhanced on-screen merchandising within the Sabre Red Workspace and through Sabre Web Services.

Vueling to fly all year round

15 hours ago

Leading Spanish airline, Vueling has today launched new winter services from Cardiff Airport which extends its flying programme to an all year round operation following a positive response from Welsh passengers.

The additional flights to Malaga and Alicante will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, extending the summer schedule. Flights are on sale from Thursday 23rd May and prices start at 39,99euros.

Following a successful 2012 and the launch of the 2013 summer season Vueling further increased services on their summer programme to and from Wales, also starting services earlier to meet the increased demand over the Easter period.

Javier Suarez, Vueling´s Routes Manager said, ““Vueling has been operating from Cardiff Airport for two years and we strongly believe that the results are very good for both parts. Our goal is to keep on working to deliver quality services to both leisure and business passengers from Wales.”

Jon Horne, Chief Executive at Cardiff Airport added, “We have been listening to what the people of Wales want and one clear message amongst others was year round services.  We have made this a priority as part of our discussions with existing and potential airlines to ensure this demand is met from Cardiff Airport.

“I am delighted to say that working with Vueling we have been able to deliver more winter flights to two of the key destinations that have been requested.  We continue to work with airlines to win more flights back to Cardiff, creating more choice for Welsh passengers from their airport.”

During summer 2013 Vueling is operating flights to Alicante, Barcelona, Malaga and Palma Majorca from Cardiff.

Flights to Alicante and Malaga operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Wednesday flights to Malaga are also available during August and September.

Flights to Barcelona will operate on Fridays and Sundays offering connections to cruises departing from Barcelona.

Direct flights from Cardiff to Palma Majorca will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays commencing 20th June 2013.

Tags: vueling

JetBlue Airways takes flight to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Vicky Karantzavelou - 27 May 2013, 12:17

JetBlue operates over 100 daily flights from Boston's Logan International Airport and Philadelphia will be the 48th destination JetBlue serves from Boston.

BOSTON - JetBlue Airways launches service to its 78th city, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. JetBlue will serve Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) with five daily nonstop flights from Boston'sLogan International Airport (BOS). JetBlue's entrance to the City of Brotherly Love reinforces its commitment to offer the business traveler options for affordable air travel.

Adding Philadelphia to their growing route map helps solidify JetBlue's already strong relevance for the business traveler, particularly at Logan International Airport. JetBlue operates over 100 daily flights from Boston's Logan International Airport and Philadelphia will be the 48th destination JetBlue serves from Boston. JetBlue's service from Boston to Philadelphia will provide more options for the traveling public, inviting customers to experience comfy leather seats with the most legroom of any other domestic airline in coach (b), free snacks and drinks, free live entertainment and very soon in-flight Wi-Fi service.

Also, in partnership with First Book, JetBlue will be donating 1,776 books to Stonehurst Hills Elementary in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and KenCrest Services, an Infant/Toddler Home Community Program with 325 pre-K students with developmental disabilities located in Philadelphia. First Book provides new reading materials to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books.

"We are thrilled to bring our enhanced product and J.D. Power & Associates award-winning service to Philadelphia and to connect two iconic cities that share such deep and meaningful history," said JetBlue's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Strategy Marty St. George. "As we continue to grow we remain focused on delivering the JetBlue experience that our customers have come to know and love. We look forward to serving the city of Philadelphia."

"The arrival of JetBlue is yet another accomplishment for Philadelphia International Airport in our quest to be the best Airport in the nation," said Philadelphia International Airport's Chief Executive OfficerMark Gale. "We continuously strive to provide the highest standards of service to our customers. I am pleased that our ongoing efforts have brought to us an airline that also highly values customer service."

"This is a great day for Philadelphia," said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "JetBlue is a fine airline that has distinguished itself in the industry, and we are thrilled that travelers in the Philadelphia region can take advantage of JetBlue service with easy access to their flights. I want to acknowledge JetBlue for recognizing the value of doing business with the greater Philadelphia region and business community."

"We are pleased that JetBlue now has nonstop service from Boston to Philadelphia," said Edward C. Freni, Massport's Director of Aviation. "Since it began service at Logan in 2004, JetBlue has shown strong commitment to Boston reflected by the steady growth of service. This new route will bring choice to the consumer which is always important to an organization like Massport that focuses on customer service."