Download Newsflash – June
New Routes for Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines has launched flights to Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Astrakhan, Russia, from March 4th. The airline plans to operate four flights a week from Istanbul to each of the two cities.
Mango to increase Jnb – PE fre- quency – Mango will increase its services between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth from October
SAA Strategy for Africa
The SAA Group – which includes SAA, SA Express, and Mango – plans to con- tinue strengthening its African net- work, with more frequencies in the SADC region and West Africa. SAA will continue to focus on West Afri- ca, where it can build a competitive advantage. The group is looking into establishing a West African hub, with the help of the right air- line partner and adding capacity to Ghana will continue to be a focus for SAA.
Qatar introduces a direct flight to Bali
The airline has announced a new daily direct flight from Doha to Bali from July 1st. Initially the Bali route will be operated with an Air- bus A330, but from October the Boe- ing 787 Dreamliner will operate the 10-hour flight.
Double the miles with Etiad Air- ways and SAA
Members of Etihad Airways’ Etihad Guest and South African Airways’ Voyager loyalty programs can earn double mile – age points when they fly with the partner airline before June 30TH. Etihad Guest and Voyager members will receive miles based on the class of travel flown. The promotion marks the start of a partnership be- tween SAA and ET’s frequent flyer programs. To redeem miles for re- ward flights on SAA, Etihad Guest members must contact the Etihad Guest Service Centre 14 days prior to the date of travel.
Standard Bank U-Count Travel
Standard Bank has announced that its U-Count Rewards program now offers travelers greater flexibility through its U-Count Travel Mall. Members can pay for accommoda- tion or car hire with participating service providers, pay for part of a travel ticket and then pay for the balance with a cheque or credit card, convert U-Count points to SAA Voyager Miles and pay for ac- cess to Bidvest Premier Airport lounges.
Sun International sell off Dreams
Sun International has sold its travel and tours division, Dreams, to Son- ghai Capital, a majority black- owned investment company. Change of ownership will be effec- tive July 1. Dreams will continue to be headed up by Erica Barrett and staff will be retained. The operator will continue its existing business relations with Sun International but will operate as a separate entity.
Upgrade planned for Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Cape Town
The hotel is scheduled for a refur- bishment commencing on June 1st and will be completed in September. The hotel will remain open for busi- ness during this time and the noise from the construction will be lim- ited to weekday working hours.
R560-million upgrade for Silverstar Casino – The upgrade and expan- sion is expected to be completed in September. The upgrade includes the addition of a 3D cinema, six res- taurants and a domed events arena for concerts, festivals and expos. Four of the new restaurants will surround a large outdoor square offering regular entertainment, fea- turing a 62sqm high-definition screen that will be used for major sport events. The children’s enter- tainment area will also be extended with the addition of arcade games, a bowling alley and laser-tag games. Silverstar’s existing entertainment areas include a spa, a concert and events area as well as several res- taurants.
Avis appointed service provider at Skukuza
The Skukuza Airport Management Company has ap- pointed Avis car-hire service pro- vider at the newly refurbished Skukuza Airport in the Kruger Na- tional Park. Avis will provide pre- booked vehicles for collection at the airport and also offer a shuttle ser- vice to the main Skukuza camp.
“Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow –
