Northstar

NEWS www.travelweeklyweb.com Etihad outlines changes to Australian operations THAILAND – Etihad Airways has announced a range of major changes to its Australian operations, which will see new routes, additional flights, new aircraft and airport facilities setting pace to the carrier's expansion plans down under. These include the introduction of Airbus A380 aircraft from Sydney and Melbourne to Abu Dhabi. Speaking in Sydney at the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit, the president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, James Hogan, said Australia was a key and long-term market for the airline and one for which there were exciting growth plans. Besides the inclusion of the Airbus A380 from Melbourne and Sydney, Hogan said the airline's future steps for Australia include the construction of premium lounges from both Melbourne and Sydney airports, starting next year, additional flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Abu Dhabi as well as the commencement of non-stop flights between Perth and Abu Dhabi. Hogan also highlighted that Etihad Airways was moving to increase its equity in Virgin Australia, following recent approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board to increase from a 10 per cent shareholding to 19.9 per cent. "Virgin Australia is a key member of our ever-expanding airline equity alliance, and Etihad Airways is an active and long-term investor in Virgin," said Hogan. "We have a significant presence in Australia, with 28 weekly departures, annual expenditure of over $100 million, direct employment of 106 staff and engagement of 415 local contractors," he added. James Hogan, at the CAPA Australia Pacific Aviation Summit "The Virgin Australia partnership enables us to connect with 45 destinations in Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia, while we reciprocate by providing connections via our Abu Dhabi hub to a wide range of destinations in Europe, UK, Ireland and Africa." Hogan also highlighted the contribution of codeshare partners such as Air France, KLM, Alitalia and Air Serbia to strengthening Etihad Airways' position between Australia and Europe. "Together with our partners, we have a continuous wave of flights coming down from Europe over our global hub in Abu Dhabi with connections to a significant network of destinations," said Hogan. Lifestyle hotel brand makes its foray into Hong Kong HONG KONG – Pentahotel has made its mark as the first international brand hotel in the Kai Tak area of Kowloon East, with the launch of pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon. The brand, which is known for its hassle-free services for independent-minded travellers and local guests, will also feature its iconic pentalounge at the Kowloon branch. The centrepoint for lively gathering will be anchored by eatstreet@ pentalounge, offering favourite local Hong Kong dishes, comfort foods and drinks. eatstreet@pentalounge www.travelweeklyweb.com Just like pentahotels in Europe, the neighbourhood lifestyle pentahotel is designed as a gathering spot for the local community and a home base for travellers keen to discover the colourful surrounding neighbourhoods. The 32-storey pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon, a few minutes' walk from the Diamond Hill MTR station, features 695 practical, New York loft-style inspired guestrooms. The hotel's overall design blends style with simplicity and comfort with convenience. Contemporary rustic décor, including aged brick, reclaimed oak, and painted concrete walls laced with "graffiti," is complemented by whimsical cultural references, injecting Hong Kong-style "pentafun" around every corner. Funky, iconic local design brand G.O.D. produced the playful, graphic in-room mugs for guests and Hong Kong-inspired accessories available in a "maxibar" vending machine. Pentapeople on the frontline sport uniforms designed by local sleek and chic fashion label "4A Like Black." "We're thrilled to open our doors to welcome our first guests and serve our neighbours with style and spirit," said General Manager Andy So. "It's an honour to be the first pentahotel in this extraordinary city; we look forward to taking an active role in our community and playing a part in the emergence of a dynamic new Hong Kong district." AUGUST 2013 | TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA ■ | 17

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