NEWSFLASH – OCTOBER 2014

New Airport for Mozambique North Coast

Completion of an international airport at Nacala in Mozambique’s Nampula Province is expected in November. Domestic flights will start in November and regional airlines will commence services in the first quarter of 2015. The airport will provide access to the north of the country.

Namibia Airport Fixes Issues

Namibia’s Hosea Kutako International Airport’s (HKIA) Category 9 rating has been reinstated, following the restoration of the rescue and fire-fighting category. The airport was downgraded to Category 5 at the end of July following an audit by the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) on Namibia Airports Company’s facilities. Air Namibia’s flights from Frankfurt to Windhoek were affected as the airline was not authorized to operate into and out of HKIA with its A330-200, forcing the airline to divert flights. Operations are now back to normal.

Ethiopian enters codeshare with United

Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has entered into a codeshare agreement with United Airlines, effective August 30.   Operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 LR aircraft, the new codeshare agreement between the two Star Alliance-member airlines covers the Addis Ababa (ADD) – Washington DC (IAD) route.

Kenya Airways unveils new executive lounge

A new executive airport lounge is soon to be available to pass-engers flying Kenya Airways and its SkyTeam partners, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Kenya. Two new lounges have been introduced, named, the Pride Lounge and the Simba Lounge. The new lounges will feature free Wi-Fi, a sound proof transit passenger sleeping area, dining lounge, washrooms and showers, a cigar room, piped music, a kiddy zone and a Dining/Working area. The upgrades should be fully operational by early October.

British Airways extends hand-baggage-only fares

British Airways has extended its hand-baggage-only fares to include all short-haul flights from Gatwick, Heathrow and London City airports, in all classes. Passengers choosing the hand-baggage-only fare can carry on a case measuring up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, plus a handbag or laptop bag.

Gautrain introduces early morning airport service

Passenger travelling on Gautrain to OR Tambo International Airport can now make use of earlier and later trains to and from Sandton.  The Gautrain will be leaving Sandton station from 04h50 and 05h10 and run from the airport station up until 10h46 and 21h04.  The additional services do not stop at any other stations, only OR Tambo and Sandton.  Gautrain bus and shuttle services will also be available to transfer passengers to their preferred stations.

SAA Voyager partners with Total Service Stations

SAA Voyager has announced a new partnership with Total South Africa, effective August 1st. Through the partnership, SAA Voyager members can now earn Voyager Miles at Total service stations across the country. For every liter of petrol purchased, one Voyager Mile is earned. Members can take advantage of the partnership simply by swiping their loyalty card at service stations as payment is made. This can be done using credit and debit cards as well as cash.

Marriott & Etihad Airways partner

Marriott International and Etihad Airways have partnered to allow customers to redeem Marriott Rewards Points for Etihad Guest Miles, as well as earning Etihad Guest Miles for all stays at Marriott properties worldwide. The partnership offers more variety in rewards when booking a hotel stay or flight and enables customers to redeem their points for group travel.

Southern Sun Maputo Reopened

Southern Sun Maputo has reopened after completing its refurbishment.

Vic Falls Safari Lodge completes room upgrade

Africa Albida Tourism’s Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has completed upgrades to its 72 rooms, following an extensive three-month project costing US$1 million (R10,8m).

Travac revolutionizes the travel vaccination industry

No more travelling to/from clinics and waiting in waiting rooms. Travac goes to your office or home. Contact: Mike – 073 756 9509 / mike@travac.co.za

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
– Corrie Ten Boom –