The post A-ROSA SENA has the best crew area appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

A-ROSA SENA from A-ROSA River Cruises was awarded as winner of Best Crew Area at the Cruise Ship Interior (CSI) Awards in London on 30 November 2023. The modern and functional spaces that offer crew members places to relax and feel at ease received much praise.

“We are delighted to have won this award,” comments Jörg Eichler, CEO of A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH. “Together with the team from Hamburg’s JOI-Design, we have brought the design of boutique city hotels to the river and set a new standard in the industry. Crew and guest areas were all designed by the same team. We wanted to create a home away from home on board for our employees so that they feel comfortable and can always give their best while working.” The crew area of A-ROSA SENA features elegant double cabins with plenty of room for individuality as well as modern officers’ cabins. For the first time on a river cruise ship, there is a recreation room for the crew where they can meet, socialise and play games. They also have a beautiful crew deck at the stern of the ship and a stylish crew mess with its own buffet area.

“We designed the crew area with the wishes and needs of the crew members in mind,” explains Markus Zoepke, CEO of A-ROSA Reederei GmbH. “Our aim was to create a place where crew members can relax and unwind after a long day at work. We are all the more pleased that we have now not only received confirmation from our crew that we have successfully achieved this on A-ROSA SENA, but also from the prestigious CSI Awards.”

A-ROSA would like to maintain the standard of the crew areas on future newbuilds. The company is therefore reliant on feedback from the crew. “We welcome any feedback that helps us to further improve the crew area,” concludes Zoepke.

 

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The post Find Your Shangri-La in Muscat this Festive Season appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Is the idea of spending this holiday season at an exotic destination with unique experiences on your mind? A short-haul flight from India followed by a scenic 45-minute drive can bring you to Shangri-La Muscat, where dream vacations turn into reality. Nestled at the confluence of rich Omani heritage and world-class hospitality, the dual resort complex has two properties – Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and Shangri-La Al Husn. While Barr Al Jissah is perfect for family vacations, the adult-only Al Husn perched on a clifftop is for couples seeking elevated luxury and discretion.

Come December, both properties will gear up for Christmas and New Year celebrations. The balmy weather is just the cherry on the cake.

Families Day Out at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
Travelling with kids or teenagers? Look no further than Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Muscat. Snuggled between the majestic Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, it blends culture with family-friendly fun. Its two wings – Al Waha (the oasis) and Al Bandar (the town) – are troves of cherished moments. Al Waha has six temperature-controlled swimming pools, including a mushroom baby pool, a toddler’s pool and recreational amenities.

Al Bandar, drawing inspiration from the old Muscat, weaves a tapestry of excitement with restaurants, bars, and shopping outlets. Little adventurers aged up to 10 can enjoy the Cool Zone, a kids club designed to spark their creativity or the aquatic play zone under mists, touch sprays, and projection jets. Teens can engage in Turtle Talks at the Eco Centre, loom band making and henna painting. Adventure Zone beats with excitement, from a 6.5-metre demon drop slide to over/under hurdles, swing-over nets, a climbing wall, and gaming consoles. Aspiring golfers find their playground in a nine-hole course. A 500-metre lazy river enables you to float between the two wings on inflatable tubes. With sunset cruise, water sports facilities, kayaking and snorkelling sessions, there is never a dull moment.

Parents can unwind at Chi, The Spa at Barr Al Jissah or experience the Frankincense-inspired treatments at Luban Spa at Shangri-La Al Husn.

An Unmatched Gastronomic Journey
Innovative menus and impeccable service ensure that good times are always on the menu this festive season. The resort’s offerings span 11 restaurants, featuring local, contemporary Indian, and international cuisines crafted by a diverse team hailing from 21 countries.

Al Tanoor offers classic Arabian, Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, and Mediterranean dishes. Chow Mee features Southeast Asian delights, while Capri Court fulfils Italian food dreams. Bait Al Bahr invites you to savour fresh seafood with unique flavours, and Samba serves Latin American, Asian, and Mediterranean dishes. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the magic of the evening with cocktails and live music at the Piano Lounge, bars, and beachside.

The Dine by Design invites guests to dine on the clifftop against the backdrop of the Gulf, on a beach with a candle-lit pathway, or in the privacy of their own pavilion.

Opulence Meets Romance at Shangri-La Al Husn
Al Husn is a castle designed for guests seeking elevated luxury and intimacy. Every detail handcrafted by experts offers a fusion of culinary artistry and entertainment. The infinity pool overlooking the private beach cove is a perfect romantic setting.

The exclusivity is matched with afternoon tea and pre-dinner cocktails, served daily at sophisticated spaces like the courtyard. Aangan, curated by Michelin Star Chef Rohit Ghai, presents a special five-course menu that features signature dishes and those inspired by his childhood memories in a fine-dining setting. Sultanah is a chic venue with a nautical theme that offers a creative menu inspired by Mediterranean flavours. You can enjoy barbecue evenings on the cliffs at Sultanah every second Thursday of this festive month.

A Fairytale Like Christmas
Amid gently echoing carols and light-strung palm trees, Santa Claus will appear, accompanied by the resort’s mascot, Habibi the Turtle, to delight the children and give them gifts on December 25th. Kids Creative Atelier will invite them for pizza, pasta and gingerbread making, concluding with a special lunch.

The kitchen teams will prepare a festive 3- or 5-course set menu. Capri Court features a 4-course set menu with homemade pasta, lobster, French seabass, and panettone desserts. Chow Mee’s set menu includes Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian, and Thai delicacies, while Bait Al Bahr offers a symphony of flavours with caviar and black truffle. Samba presents Christmas buffets with turkey, barbecue, seafood, sushi, sashimi, and classic desserts. Al Tandoor’s live station features black truffle pasta. Kids (6-12 years old) enjoy discounts at the Whimsical Festive Brunch on December 22nd.

Welcome 2024 in Grand Style
As the clock counts to midnight, the excitement will peak as Al Bandar’s lawn area will light up. Under a canopy of stars, a UK-based four-piece band, Dynamic, will set the mood with their electrifying music. For those seeking intimacy, the Piano Lounge awaits with a selection of signature mocktails infused with Oman’s rich flavours and cocktails inspired by iconic personalities like British perfumer Jo Malone. Special New Year feasts will be served at Capri Court, Bait Al Bahr, Chow Mee, Al Tanoor and Samba.

Short Haul Flights & Easy Visa for Indians
Shangri-La Muscat is connected with direct flights from major Indian cities. The visa application process is straightforward, requiring minimal documentation and usually taking three business days for approval. Visitors holding a US or UK visa can also obtain an e-visa.

 

 

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The post Stefan Schaffner and Sergiy Nevstruyev appointed to lead SITA’s airports and customer experience teams appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

SITA today announced the appointments of Stefan Schaffner as Senior Vice President of SITA AT AIRPORTS and Sergiy Nevstruyev as Senior Vice President of SITA Global Services (SGS). The two bring a wealth of management experience in the travel, transport, and mobility technologies sectors to SITA.

With SITA’s presence in more than 1,000 airports globally, Stefan is responsible for transforming SITA’s Airport portfolio to meet a growing demand for digitalization and automation. Prior to joining SITA, he was responsible for preparing Touchless Biometric Systems AG (TBS) for global rollout as its CEO, driving geographical expansion and building international partnerships and investor relations.

Sergiy will oversee the daily management of SITA’s critical infrastructure for around 2,500 airline, airport, ground handler and related customers. He will also play a key role in SITA’s transformation, responsible for optimizing SITA’s IT landscape. He steps into his new role after an extensive tenure working with the aviation industry within Accenture’s global industry group, focusing on strategy, transformation, customer experience and delivery.

David Lavorel, CEO SITA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Stefan and Sergiy to the executive management team. They each bring abundant experience in diverse facets of the global travel, transport, and IT industry. I look forward to the valuable new perspectives they will provide to shape our growth strategy in two of the most vital pillars of our business: our airport offerings and our approach to the customer experience.”

Stefan Schaffner said: “I am excited to be joining SITA, an established partner innovating within the air transport industry. We see airports are increasingly investing in technology to improve the passenger experience and streamline operations. Supporting this demand with robust solutions will be a key focus in 2024 and beyond.”

Sergiy Nevstruyev said: “Ensuring a high-quality customer experience is the cornerstone of the value we bring to our customers. Around the world, airports and airlines depend on us to ensure their infrastructure is robust and reliable, day in and day out. At this time of transformation, I look forward to applying my knowledge of the complexities of delivery and IT strategy to help reshape SITA’s service management and optimize the tools supporting this.”

 

 

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The post With Austrian Airlines to the Northern Lights appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Austrian Airlines took off to Rovaniemi for the first time. After the first flight to the Andalusian capital took off in October, the winter flight schedule in the north is now being expanded. From December, Austrian Airlines will fly once a week to the seat of Santa Claus, the Finnish town of Rovaniemi. In cooperation with a tour operator, Austrian Airlines will also fly to the small town of Kittilä, known for its winter sports.

“We are seeing increasing demand and a high level of travel interest in winter. We have therefore expanded our winter flight schedule and are now flying to two further destinations in the north in addition to tourist destinations in the south. The capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, will now be served weekly from Vienna from December. This will enable our passengers to fly directly from Vienna to the dreamlike landscape of northern Finland to see the Northern Lights, go on a husky tour or explore the unique winter sports landscape,” emphasizes CCO Michael Trestl.

“We are really excited to welcome Austrian Airlines’ connections to Finavia Lapland Airports! The new route to Rovaniemi enables passengers to experience the wonders of Finnish Lapland with just one flight. Santa himself was there to greet the lucky passengers arriving on the first flight to Rovaniemi Airport. After all, it’s the official airport of Santa Claus. The world-famous Levi ski resort is also just one flight away from Vienna – the slopes are located only 13-kilometers from Kittilä Airport, says Jonna Pietilä, Finavia’s VP Lapland Airports and Kittilä Airport director.

Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and is located right next to the Arctic Circle. This makes it an ideal destination not only for marveling at the Northern Lights, but also for its unique winter landscape, guaranteed snow and extensive range of winter sports. But that’s not all: according to legend, the so-called “Gateway to the North” is also the home of Santa Claus. The first flight to Rovaniemi takes off from Vienna Airport just in time for Advent. Passengers will be treated to a Christmas surprise or two. Among other things, there will be a flying Christmas market with cookies and punch on board. Even after this special event, Christmas will continue to arrive at Vienna Airport. Among other things, on December 5, three days after the first flight to Rovaniemi, an Austrian Airlines Santa Claus will present passengers with “Servus” chocolate coins.

Flight details at a glance:

 

Route	Flight number	Flight days	Departure – Arrival
Vienna – Rovaniemi	OS 331	Saturday	10:30-14:45
Rovaniemi – Vienna	OS 332	Saturday	15:45-17:55

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post Jazeera Airways announces new social media platforms for India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait based low-cost carrier recently hosted an event in Mumbai for social media influencers and travel agents to officially announce its new social media platforms for India. 

In his speech at the event, Andrew Ward, Vice President, Marketing and Customer Experience, Jazeera Airways, highlighted that “Social media and the partnership with influencers is at the heart of our marketing programs at Jazeera. We have recently run two very successful influencer trips to Turkey & Kuwait, as well as working with individual influencers on other destinations.” He went on to announce the launch of Jazeera India Facebook and Jazeera India Instagram. He added: “We want to involve and engage with our influencers, customers and trade partners via our new India platforms with locally relevant content.”

Romana Parvi, Regional Manager- South Asia, Jazeera Airways, echoed these sentiments, conveying gratitude to the loyal travel trade agents who have played an integral role in Jazeera’s journey. “We are extremely grateful to all our loyal travel trade agents who have been an integral part of our journey. We look forward to their continued support in the years ahead,” said Romana. She went on to share the airline’s vision of expanding to newer destinations and initiating operations from additional Indian gateways in the future.

Highlighting Jazeera Airways’ commitment to providing an affordable and convenient travel experience, without compromising on safety and comfort, Romana stated, “Through the years, Jazeera Airways has remained an affordable way to travel, and we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety and comfort for our passengers. We hope 2024 will be a magnificent year for all of you.”

Currently, Jazeera Airways connects India to a comprehensive global network, serving 64 popular destinations across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa, and Europe. The destinations cater to high-demand sectors, including business, leisure, religious, and weekend travel.

In a nod to planned expansion, the airline welcomed two additional aircraft in the last quarter, operating a fleet of 22 across its network. Jazeera also embraced sustainability, becoming the first Middle East low-cost carrier to switch to eco-friendly in-flight food service ware, reducing 300 kilograms of plastic monthly and aligning with a net-zero emissions goal by 2050. The airline has also partnered with Expliseat to install 2,000 ultra-lightweight seating options across its Airbus fleet. These seats will deliver a substantial weight saving of 1.2 metric tons per aircraft.

The outlook for 2023 remains positive, with steady travel demand, stringent cost control, and a solid balance sheet. However, overcapacity poses challenges, impacting yields and margins. Jazeera eyes growth in new destinations and initiatives in countries like Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Eastern Europe.

The airline’s recent accolades include a listing in Fortune 500 Arabia, a Best Workplaces in Asia 2023 recognition by Great Place to Work, and an ICT Leadership Award for digital transformation.

 

 

 

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The post AirAsia launches special tribute livery for Sabah tourism icon Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

AirAsia  launched a special tribute livery dedicated to the late Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks. She was a Sabah tourism icon and the former General Manager of the Sabah Tourism Board.

Datuk Irene was a key figure in shaping and promoting Sabah’s tourism sector and has been supporting AirAsia as a key tourism player in the state since its inception 22 years ago. The special tribute livery is a reflection of the airline’s appreciation for her impactful support and a symbol of the close ties between AirAsia and Sabah.

Capital A Executive Chairman, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said: “After over two decades of unyielding support from Datuk Irene, we are humbled and honoured to unveil a special livery dedicated to her. Her instrumental role in shaping and promoting Sabah’s tourism and collaborative spirit was pivotal in establishing our Kota Kinabalu hub, and we owe a debt of gratitude for her steadfast support. We salute you, Datuk Irene, and thank you for being a true partner and an integral part of the AirAsia journey.”

Capital A CEO, Tony Fernandes added: “Sabah is such a special place for AirAsia, where we have grown exponentially flying more than 80 million passengers to/from Sabah since 2002 until November 2023. However, no matter how successful we are, we will never forget those people who helped us along the way, and Datuk Irene was one of those who truly believed in us. Back in 2001, when the news about Din and I decided to acquire an airline was out, there was only one person who took it really seriously and that person was Datuk Irene. With her continued support, we established Sabah as a hub and the rest is history. So Irene this special livery is for you, it will be the first plane we ever named and we dedicated it to you. Look out for it when it is flying in the skies especially over Sabah when you look down on us. Rest in peace and lots of love from all of us at AirAsia.”

After establishing Kota Kinabalu as a hub in 2002 with the support of Datuk Irene and the Sabah Tourism Board, Kota Kinabalu became AirAsia’s second biggest hub after Kuala Lumpur. As the biggest airline with the widest connectivity in the state, AirAsia now flies 21 routes including domestic and international destinations with 331 flights weekly from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau.

In 2014, AirAsia launched the ‘Thank You Sabah’ livery dedicated to the Land Below the Wind and the people of Sabah for their undivided support for the airline’s significant presence in the state. Today, the airline is taking one step further to honour Sabah and the late Datuk Irene by naming one of its planes after her.

AirAsia operates flights from three destinations in Sabah: Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau, to various destinations, including Singapore, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Philippines and more. The airline is also planning to introduce new routes, such as Seoul to Kota Kinabalu, among other exciting destinations in the upcoming year and beyond.

 

 

 

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The post APT appoints Darren Birch as Marketing & CRM Manager appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

APT & Travelmarvel has announced the appointment of acclaimed travel industry marketeer, Darren Birch, to the role of Marketing & CRM Manager, UK & Ireland. Birch joined APT at the start of December, and his hire marks the latest investment in a strategic recruitment campaign that has seen the river cruise, yachting and touring specialist grow its UK headcount by 30% in recent months.

Reporting to Katie Elson, Head of Marketing, Birch will oversee APT & Travelmarvel’s marketing and CRM team day-to-day, bringing the operator’s dynamic B2B and B2C campaigns and a suite of exciting new product to market in 2024, and designing activations to build brand recognition and equity.

With him, Birch brings a wealth of travel, cruise and agent-facing industry experience. His impressive CV includes Sales Manager positions with Virgin Holidays, an eight-year tenure at Emerald Cruises as UK Brand Manager and Global Brand Manager, and, most recently, an interim position with Travel Counsellors as Customer Marketing Manager.

With this combination of experience, Birch has a keen understanding of the travel trade’s unique marketing needs. Joining as APT prepares to launch its key Peaks activity, Birch has hit the ground running. His initial priorities are to ensure that APT & Travelmarvel’s valued partners gain maximum benefit from the most effective campaigns, incentives, tactical offers, assets, and training; helping agents to optimise their sales, improve customer targeting and retention, and grow the volume and profitability of their river cruise and touring business.

Birch and his team will populate the APT Agent Club (www.APTAgentClub.co.uk) with supportive sales, marketing, digital and training materials, as well as keeping the Club’s community of agents informed about fam trips, incentives, and special offers. Agents that haven’t already done so should sign up to the APT Agent Club in December to avoid missing sales-critical Peaks campaign information and assets.

Darren Birch said: “Having watched APT evolve from a newly launched brand in the UK into a major player in the cruise and touring arena, I am excited to have joined such an ambitious and dynamic company. The Marketing & CRM team has done a stellar job, and we have another exciting year ahead of us, thanks to the significant investment that APT & Travelmarvel is making into the diversity of its product, the elevation of its fleet, and the quality of support for the trade. I can’t wait to play my part in APT’s impressive trajectory towards becoming a household name.”

 

 

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The post Top 6 Hidden Gems You Must Explore in Dublin appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Dublin is the vibrant capital of Ireland and is famous for its rich history, lively culture, and friendly residents. Dublin is home to many lesser-known wonders and iconic landmarks such as the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College. Here are the top 6 hidden gems worth visiting that will make your journey a never-forgotten one. Just book your air tickets from Chicago to Dublin as soon as possible and discover these exciting destinations.

Little Museum of Dublin

This museum, located in the heart of Dublin, serves as a reminder of the vibrant history and culture of the city. A fascinating journey through Dublin’s history is offered by the museum’s collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. This exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s evolution through iconic moments in Irish history and everyday life snapshots. Little Museum is distinguished from traditional institutions by its intimate setting and community-focused approach. That Museum creates an immersive experience that resonates with visitors on a deeper level and thrives on personal stories and connections.

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Goal is an important site in Irish history as it serves as a symbol of resistance against British rule. Its walls bear witness to the stories of political prisoners who fought for the independence of Ireland. Beyond its historical significance, the architecture of the building tells a story in and of itself. This building is designed in a Victorian style, with its imposing stone facade and panopticon layout representing the harsh conditions of the time. There is a story behind every cell and corridor.

Killiney Dublin’s coastal delight

Among Killiney’s many attractions, Killiney Hill Park is a generous green space providing panoramic views of Dublin Bay. Nature lovers will enjoy the park’s walking trails, scenic spots, and peaceful retreats. Killiney’s natural splendor is further enhanced by its rich historical heritage. Learn about Killiney’s evolution over the years by visiting the historic sites and landmarks. The pristine beaches of Killiney invite visitors to discover the beauty of the Irish coastline. Here you can enjoy a wide range of seaside activities, from leisurely beach strolls to water-based adventures reminiscent of a coastal lifestyle.

The Temple Bar

The Temple Bar is located on the south bank of the Liffey River and serves as the cultural center of Dublin. Its history dates back to the 17th century, and its cobblestone streets have seen centuries of change. Dublin’s evolving narrative can be seen in the Temple Bar, which originated as a medieval quarter and would eventually evolve into a cultural hub today. From the moment you enter The Temple Bar, a lively atmosphere reverberates through its narrow streets. The sounds of music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses define the essence of this cultural district. It is just a matter of booking an air ticket that you will be able to experience the warmth of this place. 

Grafton Street 

There is no better place to experience shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences than on Grafton Street. Grafton Street is regarded as a shopping paradise. The street is lined with boutiques, flagship stores, and international brands that offer a diverse range of merchandise for avid shoppers. Take a stroll along Grafton Street and be captivated by the talented street performers. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by musicians, artists, and entertainers, which provide shoppers and passers-by with an engaging and dynamic experience.

Cafe En Seine

When you enter Cafe En Seine, you will be transported to a world of timeless elegance. Designed following the Art Deco movement, the ambiance and decor create an atmosphere that combines sophistication with warmth. With a fusion of international flavors and locally sourced ingredients, Cafe En Seine’s menu offers a gastronomic delight for every palate. With a varied schedule of live music performances and themed parties, Cafe En Seine is more than just a dining destination; it’s a hub for vibrant events and entertainment.

Conclusion

Finally, Dublin’s hidden gems add an element of mystery and charm to an already captivating city. Explore beyond the familiar to discover what makes Dublin such an outstanding destination. It is recommended that when you visit from Chicago to Dublin explore these mentioned spots, as well as some lesser-known places, and you will be able to gain a greater understanding of them by visiting them. 

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The post Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to merge in US$1.9 Billion deal appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian have announced that they have reached a final agreement. As a result, Alaska Airlines will acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $18.00 per share in cash. The total transaction value is around $1.9 billion, which includes $0.9 billion of net debt from Hawaiian Airlines.

With the merger, customers will have access to more destinations and a more comprehensive range of essential air service options across the Pacific, the continental US, and the world. Environmental responsibility, long-term employment prospects for employees, sustained investment in local communities, and a better foundation for development and competitiveness in the United States are all anticipated outcomes of the transaction.

If given the go-ahead by regulators, the combination of the two companies is expected to increase the competitiveness of both brands in the highly competitive US airline market, particularly in areas that depend significantly on air travel, such as the 49th and 50th states in the US, Alaska, and Hawai’i.

In making the announcement, Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings empathised that both brands’ unique cultures would be preserved and built upon.

As members of the same airline alliance, oneworld, the two airlines could streamline their operations and provide customers with more worldwide connections if they merged.

Currently, 54.7 million passengers are served annually by the two airlines combined.

“This combination is an exciting next step in our collective journey to provide a better travel experience for our guests and expand options for West Coast and Hawai’i travellers,” Minicucci said.

“We have a longstanding and deep respect for Hawaiian Airlines, their role as a top employer in Hawai’i, and how their brand and people carry the warm culture of aloha around the globe.

“Our two airlines are powered by incredible employees, with 90+ year legacies and values grounded in caring for the special places and people we serve.

“I am grateful to the more than 23,000 Alaska Airlines employees who are proud to have served Hawai’i for over 16 years, and we are fully committed to investing in the communities of Hawai’i and maintaining robust neighbour Island service that Hawaiian Airlines travellers have come to expect.

“We look forward to deepening this stewardship as our airlines come together while providing unmatched value to customers, employees, communities and owners.”

“Since 1929, Hawaiian Airlines has been an integral part of life in Hawai ‘i, and together with Alaska Airlines, we will be able to deliver more for our guests, employees and the communities we serve,” said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines President, and CEO.

“In Alaska Airlines, we are joining an airline that has long served Hawai‘i and has a complementary network and a shared culture of service. With the additional scale and resources that this transaction with Alaska Airlines brings, we will be able to accelerate investments in our guest experience and technology while maintaining the Hawaiian Airlines brand.

“We are also pleased to deliver significant, immediate, and compelling value to our shareholders through this all-cash transaction. Together, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines can bring our authentic brands of hospitality to more of the world while continuing to serve our valued local communities.”

• The combination of complementing domestic, international, and freight networks is positioned to increase competition and improve choice for West Coast and Hawaiian Islands customers through:
• Preserving outstanding brands: The combined airline will maintain both the industry-leading Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brands while integrating into a single operating platform, enabling customers to enjoy the exceptional service and hospitality of each while upholding the operational reliability, trust, and guest satisfaction for which both companies have been consistently recognised.
• An improved product offering for a wide range of consumers: The merger preserves and expands high-quality, best-in-class product offerings with price points to make air travel more accessible to a wide range of consumers across a range of cabin classes, including more choice between Alaska Airlines’ high-value, low-fare options and Hawaiian Airlines’ international and long-haul product on par with network carriers.
• Complementary networks expand travel options: Passengers travelling throughout the Continental United States, the West Coast of the United States, and across the Pacific will benefit from more choice and increased connectivity across both airlines’ networks, with service to 138 destinations, including nonstop service to 29 top international destinations in the Americas, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific, and combined access to over 1,200 destinations through the oneworld Alliance.
• Expanded service for Hawai’i residents: The combination will increase service and convenience by tripling the number of destinations in North America that can be reached nonstop or with one stop from the Islands while maintaining robust Neighbour Island service and increasing air cargo capacity.
• Strategic Honolulu hub: With one-stop service through Hawai’i, Honolulu will become a key Alaska Airlines hub, offering greater international connectivity for West Coast passengers across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Expanded loyalty programme benefits: The transaction will provide Hawaiian Airlines’ loyalty members with enhanced benefits through the combined airline’s industry-leading loyalty programme, such as the ability to earn and redeem miles on 29 global partners and receive elite benefits on the full complement of oneworld Alliance airlines, expanded global lounge access, and benefits of the combined program’s co-brand credit card.

Both airline boards have approved the transaction agreement. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, shareholder approval from Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (expected in the first quarter of 2024), and other usual closing conditions.

It is expected to be completed within 12-18 months. Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci will run the merged organisation from its Seattle headquarters. To focus on integration planning, a dedicated leadership team will be formed.

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The post Kris+ by Singapore Airlines selects Airwallex to extend lifestyle rewards app in Australia  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Kris+ by Singapore Airlines selects Airwallex,  a leading global fintech platform, to power the expansion of its lifestyle reward app for its over  1.3 million KrisFlyer members in Australia. 

The Kris+ app combines dining, retail and entertainment discounts, allowing Kris+ users to  earn miles from everyday spend or to pay for purchases and experiences. Kris+ will use  Airwallex’s Payment for Platforms in Australia to facilitate payments from its customers and  payouts to partner merchants.  

Arnold Chan, Airwallex’s General Manager of Asia said, “Kris+ by Singapore Airlines  sought a partner that could provide a suite of payment processing and financial solutions that  could modernise their payments infrastructure and better serve their customers.  

“Our global financial infrastructure is ideally positioned to meet Kris+’s needs. By integrating  Airwallex’s end-to-end turnkey solutions into its app, Kris+ users can enjoy a frictionless  payments and rewards experience. 

“We are proud to be working with Kris+ to support their growth internationally and are  committed to help other Singapore-based businesses who have the ambition to scale.” 

Luke Latham, Managing Director of Airwallex Australia and New Zealand said, “Australia  is a special place for Airwallex as our birthplace, and we’re committed to supporting local  businesses to grow globally while also opening doors for international brands to do business  in Australia.  

“Partnering with Kris+ by Singapore Airlines to expand their KrisFlyer programme in Australia  is a great example of this, and we’re so excited to be helping them reach their customers here. 

“With international travel to Australia increasing significantly in the past year, the growing influx  of visitors highlights the potential of Kris+ to offer added value to both tourists and businesses  in Australia.”  

The number of international visitors to Australia reached close to 1.75 million¹in October 2023,  the highest number of monthly visitors recorded so far this year. That number is set to continue  to rise ahead of the holiday season. By 2025, international visitors are expected to surpass  pre-pandemic levels and reach a total of 11 million².  

In Australia, Kris+ users will be able to earn a rate of up to three miles for every dollar spent  at selected partners in Melbourne and Sydney. Between now and 31 December 2023, new  Kris+ users can earn up to 2,000 bonus miles upon making payments of at least AU$15 on  the app. Around 100 partner merchants are expected to join the programme within the first  month of launch, building upon an initial roster of popular brands including Benjamin Barker,  The Ugg Shop, D1 Store and 124 Shoes.  

 

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Source: traveldailymedia