Qatar Airways has resumed Boeing 787 Dreamliner services between Doha and London Heathrow after a worldwide grounding of the aircraft in January.

The Doha-based carrier was the first to launch Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights to the UK in December, and the return to service means it remains the only airline in the world to operate scheduled 787 flights to and from the United Kingdom.

Landing at London Heathrow at 11.19am local time May 15, QR075 was the airline’s first Boeing 787 to resume flights to the capital. The aircraft returned to Doha a few hours later as flight QR076, one of the airline’s five daily services between the UK and the State of Qatar.

The first of the airline’s five Boeing 787 Dreamliners returned to service on the Doha – Dubai route on May 1. The airline will be gradually phasing in Boeing 787 flights over the next few weeks on long-haul routes such as Munich, Frankfurt and Zurich.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “The Doha – Heathrow route is one of our most popular international services, and so I’m thrilled that our Dreamliners are back in the skies, providing our passengers with an unparalleled level of service and comfort to and from the UK.

“I have always hailed the Dreamliner as the state-of-the-art aircraft destined to change the way people travel. After a setback that not only affected our own worldwide operations, but those of many carriers worldwide, we look forward to now deploying the Dreamliner on other key routes over the coming weeks.”

Qatar Airways UK Country Manager Richard Oliver said: “We are absolutely delighted to be back in the air with the Boeing 787s in the UK providing our passengers with a unique travel experience.

“With our Heathrow operations going back up to five flights a day following the re-introduction of the Dreamliner on the London route, we fly to our Doha hub and offer passengers a raft of excellent connections to cities across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.”

Made up of composite materials, the 787 Dreamliner is lighter and more fuel efficient than any comparable aircraft of its size and range.

Qatar Airways has 254 custom-made seats across its 787 Business and Economy Class cabins with specially designed interiors. Business Class is configured 1–2–1 with 22 seats, while Economy has 232 seats in a 3–3–3 layout.

The airline’s 787s are the world’s first fully connected Dreamliners with wireless facilities for passengers to remain in touch with friends and colleagues on the ground through the internet and SMS mobile texting across both the Business and Economy cabins.

Unique features of the 787 Dreamliners include larger windows, reduced cabin noise and cleaner cabin air.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 124 aircraft to 126 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas.

Qatar Airways has so far launched four destinations this year – Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Najaf (Iraq), Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Chicago (USA).

Over the next few weeks and months, the network will grow further with Salalah, Oman (May 22), Basra and Sulaymaniyah (Iraq on June 3 and August 20 respectively), Chengdu, China (September 3) and recently-announced new routes of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (September 18), Clark International Airport, Philippines (October 28) and Philadelphia, USA (2 April 2014).

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Due to the airport staff strike flights delays or cancellations can be expected at Milan Linate and Malpensa airports.

We advise all travellers to contact their airlines for their flight status before going to the airport. Please also allow extra time to check-in and make your way to the airport.

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Tiger Airways will launch seven weekly services to Yogyakarta and Bandung from July 1st and August 1st 2013 respectively.

Ho Yuen Sang, managing director, Tiger Airways Singapore, said: “Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, and is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

“Jakarta airport is currently experiencing some air traffic congestion, with more than 40 airlines operating out of its grounds, ferrying over 57 million passengers in 2012 alone.

“To better facilitate air travel between the two countries, Tiger Airways has decided to bring its services to more second-tier cities.

“With the addition of these new destinations, we are certainly looking forward to serving the Indonesian market in a bigger way by offering value-for-money fares across our group network of over 50 cities in 13 countries.”

Tourist attractions such as the SEA Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa and the River Safari, coupled with the growing demand of medical tourism have made Singapore a top destination for Indonesians.

Bandung and Yogyakarta have also emerged as popular tourist destinations for Singaporean travellers as a shopping hotspot boasting scenic nature spots, as well as World Heritage Sites such as the Borobudur and Prambana temples.

The new flights will boost the Tiger Group’s existing network, outbound from Singapore to Indonesia from five Indonesian destinations (Denpasar, Medan, Jakarta, Pekanbaru and Surabaya), to seven, including those operated by partner airline Mandala Air.

Source : www.breakingtravelnews.com

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We would like to inform you Virgin Atlantic will resume their Vancouver service this summer.

From 14 May 2012 Virgin Atlantic will once again operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver International Airport.

The service will operate four days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and will run through the summer until 12 October 2013.

• The VS095 departs London Heathrow at 15:45 and arrives into Vancouver at 17:40
• The VS096 departs at 19:50 and arrives into London Heathrow the following day at 13:25.

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Qatar Airways has resumed its Boeing 787 services May 1st after a worldwide grounding of the aircraft in January.

The airline’s fleet of five Dreamliners was grounded earlier this year following a directive from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was the first passenger to board the airline’s reinstated Dreamliner 787, joined by President Boeing Middle East Jeffrey Johnson, Boeing’s Deputy Fleet Chief David Silver and a delegation of regional and international media.

Al Baker said he was delighted to be back on board the Dreamliner. “I always said I would be the first to fly on Qatar Airways’ 787 once it returned to service, and I’m thrilled that our Dreamliner fleet is back in the skies, providing our passengers with an unparalleled level of service and comfort,” he said.
“After a setback that not only affected our own worldwide operations, but those of many carriers worldwide, we look forward to now deploying the Dreamliner on other key routes over the coming weeks.
“I have always hailed the Dreamliner as the state-of-the-art aircraft destined to change the way people travel and I was delighted to be on board our first 787 to take to the air again.
“Throughout the grounding of our fleet we have worked closely with Boeing to monitor the situation and work towards getting our fleet up and running again.
“Safety has always been the number one priority for Qatar Airways and I have full confidence in the safety and security of this aircraft.”

President Boeing Middle East, Jeffrey Johnson said: “Today’s flight is a tribute to the spirit of partnership, which led to the solution that made it possible. “It is also testament to Qatar Airways’ continued support for the 787 Dreamliner program and to the strength of its relationship with Boeing.”

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 123 aircraft to 126 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas.

Over the next few weeks and months, Qatar Airways will launch scheduled flights to a diverse portfolio of new routes, including Salalah, Oman (May 22); Basra, Iraq (June 3); Sulaymaniyah, Iraq (August 20); and Chengdu, China (September 3), with many more start-ups to be announced.

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To the dismay of many travellers, on Wednesday, Frontier Airlines announced it will start to charge passengers a fee of anywhere from $25 to $100 for using the overhead bin. This would occur if they book their tickets from anywhere other than the airline’s website.

“Frontier’s most loyal customers have made it very clear that finding overhead bin space for carry-on bags has become unacceptably difficult,” said the airline in a statement. “In response, Frontier will be introducing a charge for carry-on bags for customers buying Basic fares through third party sites.”

Passengers who book at the airline’s website, FlyFrontier.com, will continue to be able to use the overhead bins at no charge. Luggage that fits under the seat will remain at no additional charge, whether tickets are booked through the airline’s website or not.

This process is following suit with other low-cost carriers, such as Spirit and Allegiant, both of which already charge for bin-bound carry-on bags regardless of where passengers buy their tickets.

Whether other airlines will continue with this trend is unknown.

In the meantime, the battle over the overhead bins will continue for at least a while longer. Frontier doesn’t expect to implement this new charge until this summer with an official date expected to be announced later this spring.

Source: Rob Lovitt, NBC News

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About  Tuscany

Tuscany is known for its landscapes, traditions, history and artistic legacy. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and has been home to many figures influential in the history of art and science. The Val D’Orcia is a stunning area, home to the villages of Montalcino, Pienza & San Quirico d’Orcia . Such medieval hill-top villages perch above rolling fields that change colour with the seasons.  Additionally, the food and wine is a revelation!

Where to stay in Tuscany…

Castiglion del Bosco

Castiglion del Bosco is a Medieval Tuscan estate. Its vineyards, woods, farmhouse villas and ancient church bear witness to the care and attention of generations of farmers, landowners, artists and architects. At the heart of the 4,500 acres estate, Il Borgo was where the estate’s business was managed, and was the focus of the farm community’s village life. Today its historic buildings have been transformed into 23 luxurious Suites that exude Tuscan class and culture.

LBA Recommends…

Campo del Drago

Named after Castiglion del Bosco’s top-of-the range Brunello di Montalcino cru, the evening-only Ristorante Campo del Drago offers a deliciously creative take on traditional Tuscan dishes, based on fresh seasonal ingredients, in a setting that combines warmth and elegance with a  special touch of Chef Elio Sironi.

Private Dining experience

Immersed by nature and surrounded by stunning views; enjoy a private fine dining experience in a romantic setting overlooking the Tuscan Countryside.

Don’t leave Tuscany without…

The Castiglion Del Bosco  Wine Experience

Exploring the process “From Grape to Wine”, is a very special opportunity as you will have the chance to follow every step of the wine-making art. You will be exploring the whole process visiting the vineyards, the cellar and the ageing room, ending the tour with a tasting of six local wines accompanied by professional guidance through every step of the tour.

Hot Air Balloon

Hot air ballooning offers the chance to explore the breath-taking landscapes from a totally unique perspective. After at least an hour’s flight in the soft wind, a traditional balloon toast will take place.

Suggested Itinerary…

Friday :
Upon arrival at Pisa enjoy a private transfer to Castiglion del Bosco
Dinner at fine dining restaurant: Campo del Drago

Saturday:
A morning private Castiglion Del Bosco Wine Experience
Afternoon at the Daniela Steiner Care Suite Spa. (or enjoy treatments in-suite)
Private dining experience set in the beautiful surroundings of the Tuscan countryside.

Sunday:
Morning : Hot Air balloon ride, fly over the mesmerising Tuscan hills.
Private transfer to the airport for flight home

For further information and prices, please contact:

Helen Adamou or Luca Fella
020 8962 6741
lba@appointmentgroup.com

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Nestled on approximately 600 oceanfront acres on the south-western end of New Providence in The Bahamas, Albany is becoming recognized as one of the most desirable resort communities in the world.

Jointly owned by Tavistock Group, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, Albany has been designed for superb experiences for all ages and pursuits. A modern mega-yacht marina, Ernie Els designed championship golf course, a luxury boutique hotel, a full-service spa and fitness centre, an adult pool and bar, a kids’ clubhouse, a family water park, equestrian programs, water sports activities, and an array of casual and fine dining restaurants are among the exceptional amenities families can enjoy at Albany.

The Albany collection of Resort Villas are beautifully executed inside and out with uniquely furnished and decorated living spaces, tropical courtyard gardens, sparkling pools and rooftop terraces with ocean views.

Albany is within a short distance of casinos, shopping and entertainment, and some of the finest fishing, snorkeling and dive sites in the world. Located just five miles from Nassau’s international airport and two private airfields, Albany is easily accessible with direct flights from major cities in the USA, Canada and United Kingdom.

For further information and prices, please contact:

Helen Adamou or Luca Fella
020 8962 6741 –  lba@appointmentgroup.com

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Vienna’s renown as a hub of classical music, theater, and opera draws international visitors to the capital city. Hotel Bristol’s more than 100-year history and city center location next to the Vienna State Opera, meanwhile, ensure an authentic stay.Experience the ultimate in old-world service at Hotel Bristol. In addition to an around-the-clock concierge, Fitness Center, and nightly turndown service, we offer two restaurants, which attract worldly gourmands with classic Austrian cuisine.

Hotel Services
Rooms / 150 spacious guest rooms, including 23 suites
24 hour front desk
Multilingual staff
High Speed Internet Access in all the rooms
International direct dial
Voicemail
Desk
Television with remote control
Cable Television
Satellite Channels
DVD Player, available on request
Mini bar
In-room safe
Air conditioning
Bathrobe with slippers
Hairdryer
Room service 24 hours
Safety deposit boxes
Laundry service
Luggage Store
Business Center/ services

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