Download Newsflash – May
Qatar Airways launches new all-business-class service
The airline has launched its new daily all-business-class service between Doha and London Heathrow’s Terminal 4. A first for the Middle East, the new service will be operated by an Airbus A319 with single-aisle and 2-2 seating. The aircraft is configured with 40 seats and the service will commence from May 15th.
EK and JQ sign codeshare
Emirates and Jetstar have signed a codeshare agreement on routes operated by Jetstar in Australia and New Zealand, as well as those operated by Jetstar Asia. As a result, Emirates clients can now access 27 new routes and six new destinations. Emirates Skywards members can also earn miles on Jetstar routes that fall under the agreement.
New route for Kenya Airways
The airline now operates a daily flight between Nairobi and Kili-manjaro.
Air France and Air Malta sign codeshare
Air France and Air Malta have signed a codeshare agreement. Air France passengers will now have access to a total of 18 weekly services between the two French cities and Malta. The flights will be operated on Airbus A319/A320 aircraft by the Maltese airline and will connect to Air France’s extensive interna-tional network. Passengers will benefit from through check-in for connecting flights. Flying Blue loyalty programme members will be able to earn miles on KM flights.
Loyal TAM Airlines customers to retain gold status
TAM Airlines’ Red and Black frequent flyer cardholders who have Star Alliance Gold status are being offered the opportunity to retain the status by switching points to another Star Alliance FFP. This is despite TAM’s withdrawal from the alliance. To retain their gold status, cardholders need to select one of the following frequent flyer programmers by May 30:
Aeroplan- (Air Canada), Airpoints – (Air New Zealand), EuroBonus -(Scandinavian Airlines), MileagePlus – (United, Copa Airlines), Miles & Smiles – (Turkish Airlines), PhoenixMiles – (Air China), SAA Voyager – (South African Airways), ShebaMiles – (Ethiopian Airlines) or Victoria – (TAP Portugal).
Qatar Airways overhauls fre-quent flyer programme
The airline will be implementing a complete overhaul of its frequent flyer programme from July 1st. A new points earning table will be available on Quantas.com/frequentflyer for both Quantas and Jetstar.
Lufthansa to restructure frequent flyer programme, Miles & More
This follows Turkish Airlines, whose Miles & Smiles members will now receive miles based on the price of their ticket instead of the class they travel in. Information on the rewards will be released in November.
New United Airlines lounges unveiled at Heathrow
Two new lounges at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 have been unveiled – the United Global First Lounge for first-class passengers and the United Club for business-class passengers
Virgin to buy Franschhoek property
Virgin Limited Edition has signed a contract to purchase Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard in Franschhoek, Western Cape. Following final purchase proceedings, the hotel is expected to close for refurbishment, with a view to Mont Rochelle reopening in August.
“Believe in yourself and what you feel. Your power will come from that” – Melissa Etheridge
