We’ve done all the hard work, so you don’t have to! Read on for our top ten travel news stories we think you need to know today.
1. Could robots replace immigration officers?
Boeing is hoping to introduce smaller aircraft lavatories, a Spanish carrier is aiming for personalised airfares and now a technology company wants to replace humans with robots at airport immigration.
Seems like flying in the future will have us early 21st century folk wishing for the ‘good ol’ days’.
A French electrical systems company called Thales unveiled new airport technology at the Paris Air Show this week, which basically removes the need for human employees.
2. Virgin has major plans for its 777 Premium Economy
Premium Economy passengers will feel more like privileged Business flyers once Virgin Australia completes a major redesign of the class onboard its entire Boeing 777 fleet.
Well, that’s the hope.
The airline unveiled a major upgrade to the class, which is expected to kick off from late 2015.
3. Air Mauritius boss moves over to Fiji Airways
Andre Viljoen [left] signing a deal with Emirates during his time at Air Mauritius.
New aircraft, major profits and now a new boss – Fiji Airways is building its business and it’s doing it with Andre Viljoen at the helm.
The airline announced today the appointment of Viljoen to the role of Chief Executive and Managing Director, replacing current head Stefan Pichler.
Commencing in the new role from 1 October this year, the Attorney General and Minister for Public Enterprises, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Viljoen has ‘big shoes to fill’.
4. Who won KarryOn’s ‘selfie’ competition?
Some were hilarious and others were taken in some of the world’s most incredible locations, but the competition is closed and the winners are here.
KarryOn has closed off its SNAP & WIN competition, which involved you guys – our readers – tagging yourselves in your favourite travel selfies on social media using the hashtag #KarryOnSelfies.
We received an overwhelming number of entries, making the decision process even harder!
But we did our duty and would like to congratulate these guys who will receive a Griffin Technology Wearables pack worth $100 each.
Click here to find out who won.
5. Cathay’s First Class pax spoiled with foot massages & food
First Class travellers will receive nothing but the finest foods, service and technology at Cathay Pacific’s recently renovated The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
The doors to the 2,061 square metres space reopened this week following an extensive renovation.
Located at Gate 63 in the North West concourse of HKIA, the lounge now seats a maximum of 231 travellers and offers what Cathay describes as ‘heartfelt warmth, considered simplicity and contemporary Asian values’.
6. 15 new techies join Excite Holidays
Excite Holidays has announced a big expansion to its global technology team to build on its existing booking platform.
Revealed at the company’s annual sales and marketing conference in Sydney this week, the move sees a 50 percent increase in techies.
An additional 15 developers were hired, adding to the current 30-strong team across its global network of offices.
7. Last days to book your place at Luxperience
There’s less than seven days before registrations close for this year’s luxury and experiential travel trade exhibition, Luxperience.
Luxperience 2015, which takes place in Sydney on 6-9 September, has already received record attendance accreditation requests.
Exhibitor numbers are up 31 percent on last year, with 30 percent being new exhibitors. These new exhibitors will help give a fresh feel to the strongly patronised business event.
8. IHG to bring Holiday Inn to Cairns
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) signed a management agreement with Taisei Kanko Australia Pty Limited for the 173-room Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside.
The hotel, currently operating as the Mercure Cairns Harbourside will undergo refurbishment before opening as a Holiday Inn later this year. It will be the eleventh Holiday Inn hotel in the country.
Located at the northern end of The Esplanade in Cairns – a key access point for the Great Barrier Reef – Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside will particularly appeal to guests on holiday looking to experience the World Heritage Site. The hotel also enjoys close proximity to Cairns Airport and is a short distance from the scenic Cairns waterfront and harbour.
Available at the property is an all-day dining restaurant, pool, spa and bar where they can choose from an exciting new menu of signature cocktails and bar snacks as part of IHG’s BAR150 programme.
9. Flight Centre agents get to work in Cambodia
Flight Centre agents rolled up their sleeves and contributed to the development of a Cambodian community during a recent famil with G Adventures and Malaysia Airlines.
The famil, made up of agents from Flight Centre South Australia, saw consultants spend a day at Planterra’s project partner, New Hope Cambodia, where they helped the local school rebuild a road.
According to G Adventures, the road, which is used by students to get to school, was badly damaged by bad weather.
10. Marvel superheroes take safety to the skies
Black Widow, Captain America, Hawkeye, Hulk, Iron Man and Thor are using their superpowers to keep travellers safe in the sky.
The six superheroes along with Odin and Loki feature in Pegasus Airlines’ newest inflight safety video.
The crew of heroes were selected to keep passengers attentive during the briefing.
The overriding message of the safety demo video is: ‘Even if you’re a superhero, flight safety rules are important for you’.
Pegasus’ new safety video is conveyed through the eyes of a child who sees a number of other guests on board as Marvel characters as the rules of flight safety are explained through his imagined interactions with them.
“Our aim is to put flight safety rules across to our guests in a striking way.”
Guliz Ozturk, Pegasus Airlines CCO
What do you think of the safety video?