Currency Advisory
Chile's peso fell to a six-year low, depreciating 1.2% to CLP 626.15 per U.S. dollar. The drop stems from a precipitous fall in the price of copper; Chile is the world's top copper producer.
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InselAir
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New Airline Routes and Route Changes
South America
Avianca will begin daily operations via Boeing 787-7 between Bogota and Cartagena as of February 17.
Curaçao-based InselAir has launched service between Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport and Manaus, Brazil's Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes International Airport.
InselAir will also launch a Miami International Airport - Havana, Cuba (José Martí International Airport) route later this month.
Caribbean
Delta will launch seasonal service between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport from February 14 through April 4.
International Connections
Air Canada Rouge will launch new weekly service between Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Curacao (February 28), Grenada (March 3) and Georgetown, Bahamas' Exuma International Airport (March 9).
Other Airline News
Brazilian Airlines have proposed lifting a local cap on fees for children under the age of two who fly on a parent's lap. The proposal will be decided on by the end of 2016.
Air France revealed its La Premiére cabin, a "designer" suite offering thick curtains with tiebacks, allowing passengers to decide whether they would like total or partial privacy. Guests also have access to a personal 24-inch HD touch screen with in-flight entertainment and will rest on a lie-flat seat complete with mattress, pillow and duvet. La Première suites will be available on flights to New York; Dubai; Libreville, Gabon and Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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QANTAS Airbus A330 cabin
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QANTAS introduced its first upgraded and reconfigured international Airbus A330 cabin, offering lie-flat business seats as well as upgraded economy seats, in-flight entertainment and dining.
Allegiant Air pilots authorized a strike on January 16, following two years of contract negotiations and almost one year of mediation with the U.S.-based carrier. Though it is not known if or when a strike will occur, it could result in significant flight disruptions for the airline.
Airport News
Rolling runway closures between March 2015 and June of 2018 will cause sporadic delays for passengers flying through, into or out of Los Angeles International Airport. The closures are a result of work required to meet U.S. federal buffer zone guidelines.
Loyalty Program News
Virgin Atlantic is offering coach-level award travel to and from the UK for 25% fewer Flying Club miles. Bookings must be made by January 22.
JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn double base points on all JetBlue flights through March 8.
Between January 15 and April 30, Hyatt Gold Passport members can earn bonus points for stays at more than 570 Hyatt properties. Points awarded and nightly requirements will be determined by members' history.
Hotel News
Marriott International has dropped its push to block guests' Wi-Fi hotspots within its meeting and convention spaces. The hotel company has agreed to work with the FCC to maintain cyber-security without Wi-Fi blocks.
The 120-room all-glass Grand Hotel Punta Del Este opened on Brava Beach in the Uruguayan city of Punta del Este. Rooms offer ocean views, heated pools, a spa, theater, Roman baths, salon and beachfront and concierge service. It has indoor meeting space that can accommodate up to 150 people.
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Stiles Hotel
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The 282-room beachfront Starfish Cuatro Palmas opened in Varadero, Cuba. The all-inclusive resort offers three restaurants, internet café, three onsite bars and a daily schedule of adult and family activities.
The Stiles Hotel opened in Miami Beach's South Beach Art Deco district. Formerly the Nash, the 54-room hotel recently underwent renovations of both the guest rooms and lobby and offers three dipping pools, cabana rooms, in-room and onsite dining, and close proximity to Miami's beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
Hotel Pipeline
Dreams Dominicus La Romana in the Dominican Republic will open for the summer travel season. The 478-room family-friendly resort is located in Bayahibe.
