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5 April 2012 |
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas subscriber,
Welcome to the April edition of Atlas. We have a bumper newsletter giving you plenty of reading over the Easter weekend break. I am extremely happy to announce the introduction of "TTA Assist", please ensure you take note of our special numbers and the key locations below.
There is lots of exciting news from Qantas to ensure you are up to date with the latest developments as well as some offers and packages to suit all budgets. We have also teamed up with our friends at Morgan's Hotels to bring you some fantastic rates in London, New York & Los Angeles which include early check in, late check out, breakfast, complimentary WiFi plus more - ticking all the boxes for the business & leisure traveller alike.
May we wish you all a safe and happy Easter break. As always I appreciate any feedback you may have.
Sincerely,
Sarah Bush
Director
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INTRODUCING TTA ASSIST
 The Travel Authority is pleased to announce a new service available to all clients travelling internationally - TTA ASSIST.
Effective 9 April 2012, The Travel Authority have established local phone numbers in key destinations around the world to enable our valued clients to reach us for the cost of a local call - 24/7. For our travellers this new service will mean a faster, more efficient way of getting in touch with our office by simply dialling one of the local numbers listed below.
London: 020 8133 5548
Hong Kong: 8197 5035
New York: 646 652 8721
Sydney: 02 8006 2547
Los Angeles: 323 284 6758 |
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NEW VIRGIN BAGGAGE RULES
 Virgin Australia will introduce a new baggage policy from 16 May, with allowances to be based on the number of pieces checked in rather than the total weight. The new arrangements only apply to domestic and short-haul international flights, and travellers will also have the option to purchase allowances for extra bags at "significantly discounted fees".
Silver, Gold and Platinum Velocity members also have an expanded allowance depending on their membership level. Travellers can purchase a maximum of three pieces online
Overweight baggage fees of $40 per piece will be also charged for each piece over 23kg up to 32kg. |
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QANTAS UPGRADES BOEING 747-400 EXPERIENCE
 Qantas will introduce its fourth newly-fitted Boeing 747-400 to its international network later this month, offering more customers a new in-flight experience.
Progressively, from June onwards, QF107 and QF108 services between Sydney, Los Angeles and New York will operate newly-fitted Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. For First customers travelling between Australia and the US, the A380 First suite will continue to be available on QF11 and QF12 (Sydney/Los Angeles) and QF93 and QF94 (Melbourne/Los Angeles).
By the end of June, Qantas will have six newly-fitted B747-400 aircraft operating on long haul Pacific routes including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Santiago. |
CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES AND QANTAS ANNOUNCE
JETSTAR HONG KONG
 China Eastern Airlines and the Qantas Group (which owns the Jetstar Group) have entered a new strategic alliance to bring Asia's leading low fares airline model to China with the creation of Jetstar Hong Kong.
Jetstar Hong Kong will combine the partners' local knowledge, networks and successful low cost carrier model to service short haul routes in Asia, including Greater China, Japan, South Korea and South East Asia. It will be the first low fares airline based in Hong Kong.
Subject to regulatory approval Jetstar Hong Kong services will start in 2013 with a fleet of three Airbus A320s, growing to 18 A320s by 2015. |
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MAYLAYSIA AIRLINES ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF ITS A380
 Malaysia Airlines has revealed the design and specifications of its first new flagship aircraft, the Airbus A380-800, that is on track for entry into service from 1 July 2012.
The first Malaysian A380 aircraft's exterior was showcased in a new livery that retained the national airline's rich 'wau' heritage together with modern fonts in contemporary colours, demonstrating the national carrier's commitment towards using new avenues to deliver its renowned Malaysian Hospitality brand experience in fresh and exciting ways.
The A380 has a capacity of 494 seats in a three-class configuration comprising 8 First Class seats and 350 Economy Class seats on the main deck, together with 66 Business Class seats and 70 economy Class seats on the upper deck. |
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QANTAS TO OPERATE BIOFUEL FLIGHT
 Qantas today announced it will operate Australia's first commercial flights powered by sustainable aviation fuel on 13 April 2012.
The flights, a Sydney-Adelaide return service operated by an Airbus A330, will be powered by a biofuel derived from used cooking oil (split 50:50 with conventional jet fuel). Produced by SkyNRG, the fuel has been fully certified for use in commercial aviation and endorsed by the World Wildlife Fund. Its 'life cycle' carbon footprint is around 60 per cent smaller than that of conventional jet fuel.
With high fuel costs and carbon pricing affecting airlines around the world, the Qantas Group is taking the lead in advocating the development of a sustainable aviation fuel industry in Australia. |
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QANTAS LAUNCHES SANTIAGO FLIGHTS
 The inaugural Qantas flight from Sydney to Santiago departed on the 26th March 2012, opening up new travel opportunities between Australia and South America.
QF27 left Sydney Airport at 11:00am and arrived in Santiago at 09:55am local time. Flying time to Santiago is 13 hours and 10 minutes.
Qantas will offer three return services a week on the Sydney-Santiago route (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday), operated by a Boeing 747. |
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QANTAS MAKE CHANGES TO INTERNATIONAL CHECKED BAGGAGE POLICY
 Qantas will introduce changes to its international checked baggage policy next month, moving from a weight system to
a piece and weight system.
The changes provide customers with a simplified policy and better alignment with the Qantas domestic checked baggage policy, which changed in June 2011 to a piece and weight based system.
The piece and weight baggage system is also used by a number of Oneworld carriers including British Airways and American Airlines.
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VIRGIN AUSTRALA LAUNCHES PREMIUM VALET AT BRISBANE AIRPORT
 Virgin Australia has this afternoon announced the launch of its Premium Valet parking at Brisbane Domestic Terminal. Located adjacent to the terminal, the latest DJ Premium Valet offers a valet car park (rates from $55/ hr) and a dedicated check-in desk for guests travelling with carry-on baggage only, and joins similar facilities in Sydney & Melbourne.
It's open daily, from an hour before the first flight of the day & 30mins after the last service, and is positioned off Chloris & Hibiscus Streets at Brisbane Airport. |
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EXCEEDING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS
How about this for service? Tour guide Linda Monmouth from Sydney-based GuidesBiz has related a story which sounds too good to be true - but she assures us that it is.
On a recent trip Linda had a client who left her Kindle on a Qantas flight from Christchurch to Sydney. After many emails the device was tracked down in Sydney through the assistance of
Qantas - but by then the tour group was sitting in Cairns airport en route to Melbourne. Various options were canvassed to get the gadget to the passenger, but all involved expensive courier options. "Enter - Prince Charming! This rather delicious, delightful male was sitting next to her (also
waiting at Cairns airport for a flight) and he said 'well I'm flying to Sydney now and then I'll be flying to Melbourne on Sunday night. If you like I can pick it up for you and you can collect from my hotel'", Linda writes, saying they were stunned at the generous gesture. Quickly exchanging details, the man asked when the American passenger was leaving Melbourne and on what flight. "QF 93 to LAX on Monday morning," she replied. "Oh good," said he, "I'm the pilot on that flight so I will bring it with me and give it to you on the plane," he said. The unnamed QF pilot should be heartily commended as an example of "above and beyond" customer service.
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THREE OF THE BEST
This month Nivalda Taylor, Corporate Consultant, The Travel Authority W.A presents her three of the best.
AIRLINE PRODUCT:
 Qantas:
I have only travelled on a couple of airlines recently, and I only like to comment on experiences fresh in my mind. On my recent trip to Europe I experienced A380 economy class which was quite amazing. The seats are spacious and comfortable and the in-flight entertainment is great with latest movies, music and TV shows. They have a self-serve snack bar where you can go up and help yourself to snacks and drinks at any time during the flight. The staff and service were great and I had a really comfortable journey.
DESTINATION:
 Madeira:
Madeira was once my home, and it truly is the island for everyone. It is not very well-known and that's what makes it precious. There is so much to see and do, from Levada walks to the crazy nightlife, and the amazing diving. For those who appreciate their food and wine, you cannot go past a traditional Espetada (meat on a spit) or the lovely fresh seafood with a beautiful Madeira wine or Poncha. The journey around the island is like a dream and the scenery changes all the way around. From being on top of the volcanic island looking down all you see are clouds, beautiful cliffs and ocean views. Madeira is great to visit year-round, but I would recommend August as it is peak summer and there are many Festas (village religious festivals) as well as in December for the New Year celebrations.
HOTEL/RESORT:
 The Kingdom Hotel Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe):
Victoria Falls is one of my favourite destinations. The Kingdom Hotel is built around a man-made water feature which makes it feel like you are in the middle of a lake. The buffet breakfast in the morning is magnificent and they will cook whatever you want upon demand. This hotel includes a main restaurant where they have traditional African singers/dancers serenading you during dinner (In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight!). As well as a Casino, this hotel offers great service and I must mention the cocktails by the pool - Amazing!
Stay tuned for next month's Three of The Best!
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| NEWS AND SPECIALS FROM THE EVENTS AUTHORITY |
GRAND HYATT OFFERS AN AMAZING SPECIAL DEAL FROM APRIL - JULY 2012
 From April - July 2012, Grand Hyatt Melbourne is offering day delegate packages from $85pp and 3 course dinner menu with
5 hour beverage packages from $115pp.*
Be rewarded when you book an event before 31 July 2012 and select one of the following complimentary offers:**
- 10% discount off your next event booking in 2012
- Collins Kitchen Dinner for four people valued at $400
- Sanctuary Spa Deluxe Treatment for one person (massage + facial) valued at $295
*Terms and conditions apply. Offer is valid on bookings for new meetings and events held before 31 July 2012, with a minimum of 30 delegates and subject to availability. **All rewards valid for 2012 |
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ENHANCED GROUP CHECK-IN AT SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
 Qantas is committed to providing the highest level of service to our Group customers. Effective immediately, customers travelling as a group will have check-in available at Counter D. On arrival, group passengers will be met by airport staff and directed to the check-in area that will provide the quickest and most seamless check-in possible.
This improved check-in process will reduce queue wait times enabling customers more time to enjoy the airport, retail and lounge experience. |
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INTRODUCING - QANTAS SANTIAGO FARE
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
EX SYDNEY
From AUD$2339.00*
(Amex Points 233,900 per person)
Travel Dates - 4 April 2012 to 6 May 2012
7 May - 30 November 2012
*Conditions apply.
Please contact us for further information |
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EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE HOTEL OFFERS FOR AUSTRALIAN GUESTS
 Exclusive rates available at the following hotels:
SANDERSON (LONDON)
From GBP235.00 + V.A.T
ST MARTINS LANE (LONDON)
From GBP215.00 + V.A.T
 THE ROYALTON (NYC)
From USD309.00 + TAX
MORGANS (NYC)
From USD279.00 + TAX
MONDRIAN (LA)
From USD295.00 + TAX
Includes guaranteed early check-in from 10AM, Late check-out to 2PM, Complimentary Continental Breakfast, WiFi, Gym Access, Daily Newspaper & 2 Laundry Items per day (VAT not Included).
Please contact us for further information.
* Valid through December 30 2012 |
COMBINE LUXURY CRUSING WITH GOLFING - THE PERFECT LUXURY ESCAPE
 Seadream Yacht Club:
From USD$2999*
Departure 2 December ex St. John's, Antigua
Only 112 guests, 95 Award winning crew, 5 Star Cuisine
Click here for Dates and Destinations.
Please contact us for further information.
* Conditions apply. All Fares are in US Dollars. Government, Port, Document Issuance, Handling & Service charges per person per day for all guests are additional. *Golf Land Adventures are additional and not included in fare. Fares shown are per person based double in Yacht Club Accommodations on Deck 2 |
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KIDS SKI FREE IN NEW ZEALAND
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
Australian Exclusive From AUD $385 per person*
This offer includes the following:
- Free ski pass
- Free transfers
- Free meals
Mt. Hutt family package for 2 Adults & 2 children includes:
- 7 nights pay 6 special offer at the Mt Hutt Motel in a 1 bedroom unit
- 7 days Britz car hire including 1 FREE day, ski chains and Tourism Radio
- 3 day NZ Superpass for 2 adults and Kids under 11 ski free at Mt. Hutt
* Conditions Apply - Click here to see Mt Hutt
For more Amazing Family Ski deals Click Here.
Please contact us for further information |
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THE PERFECT WINTER ESCAPE - CLOSE TO HOME!
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
 Enjoy a winter escape to the luxurious 5* Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa near Lithgow in NSW.
From $1420.00* - p/person (2 night all inclusive package)
(Amex Points 142000 p/person)
Includes: 2 Nights Accommodation, Gourmet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily, Non Alcoholic Beverages, Selected range of Local Wines and Beer with Meals, a Wine and Cheese Tasting on one afternoon of your stay, Two onsite Nature Based Activities per day and Port Wine (or hot chocolate/marshmallows) on turndown each evening.
Please contact us for further information.
* Conditions apply Valid for stays from 1 July to 15 September 2012 inclusive
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CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669) | |
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