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If you cannot view this email properly please click here. |
07 June 2013 |
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ATLAS NEWSLETTER
Dear Atlas Subscriber,
Welcome to winter and our June newsletter.
We have lots of exciting airline news in this edition along with some fabulous airfares and packages. I'd like to highlight the absolutely amazing British Airways fare valid until the end of the year. Book in Business Class and treat yourself to a one way free upgrade to First Class. This fare is amazing and with just one stop from Sydney to London via Singapore and a total travel time of just under 23hrs, you'll arrive refreshed and ready for business or indeed that well deserved break.
Gina Robertson, Corporate Consultant located at our Crows Nest office has just returned from a trip to Vietnam and has lots of tips and advice for the perfect family break in this beautiful country. Read her "Three of the Best" and if you feel tempted to book a trip, we have included a magnificent Vietnam package to whet your appetite or just contact us for a tailor made quote.
With the End of Financial Year fast approaching, you could look no further than The Travel Authority to spend your travel fund with us before the end of June and travel later in the year.
As always I appreciate any feedback you may have.
Sincerely,
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QANTAS - EMIRATES ALLIANCE ON THE TRANS - TASMAN
New Zealand Transport Minister, Gerry Brownlee, has announced the authorisation of the Qantas/Emirates Master Coordination Agreement, opening the way to shared services between the airlines on Trans-Tasman routes.
In approving the arrangement, Minister Gerry Brownlee said the alliance would be beneficial to passengers, exporters and the New Zealand tourism sector.
"Qantas and Emirates will be able to cooperate on passenger and cargo transport operations, and other related services, for an initial period of five years," Minister Brownlee said.
"Trans-Tasman competition will be maintained through existing carriers on the route and the threat of entry by new carriers. Conditions imposed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission require the airlines to maintain at least their pre-alliance aggregate capacity, subject to a review to consider whether increases in the minimum required capacity are warranted."
Qantas and Emirates operate a combined 129 flights per week between Australia and New Zealand on a mix of 737, A380 and 777 aircraft. The two airlines say the partnership will provide New Zealand passengers with better links to Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the UK, as well as frequent flyer and lounge access benefits. |
QANTAS COMPLETES REVAMP OF BOEING 767's
Qantas has completed the $20 million interior upgrade of 15 of its Boeing 767 fleet.
The aircraft features leather seats in business class, new in-flight entertainment and contemporary interior designs.
"Passengers travelling on Qantas' fleet of Boeing 767 aircraft can enjoy updated cabin interiors and in-flight entertainment streamed direct to iPads in every seat," Qantas domestic chief executive Lyell Strambi said.
More than 200 hours of in-flight entertainment is available with plans to increase that to 350 by the end of the year.
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SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO REVEAL NEW SEATS AND CABINS NEXT MONTH
Singapore Airlines will unveil the next generation of their seats and cabin interiors in July , ahead of their inflight debut on selected Boeing 777-300ER, with first flights tipped for September.
The global launch also comes ahead of the worldwide redesign of the airline's SilverKris airport lounges.
Singapore Airlines have redesigned its ultra-
luxe first class suites as well as its business class seats.
The new business class seats retain a forward-facing design rather than adopting the angled and staggered herringbone layout being adopted by many airlines.
The new design will provide more storage for pieces of personal carry-on kits such as mobile phones, iPods and reading glasses and is also said to offer increased privacy.
The cabin upgrade also includes touchscreen displays on the inflight video system.
The new seats and refreshed cabin interior will be fitted to Singapore Airlines' new Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350 aircraft, although they can also be retrofitted to the current fleet including Singapore Airlines' flagship Airbus A380 superjumbos. |
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THREE OF THE BEST
This month Gina Robertson Corporate Consultant at our Crows Nest, NSW office presents her three of the best.
Airline Product: MALAYSIA AIRLINES
Recently flying Malaysia Airlines to Vietnam via their hub, Kuala Lumpur, in Economy Class, I found the service to be efficient with a good variety of in-flight entertainment. The Audio Video on Demand system kept the children entertained for several hours with a good selection of children's games, movies and cartoons as well as a complimentary activity pack.
Malaysia Airlines recently joined the One World Alliance and offers a generous 30kg checked baggage allowance in Economy Class (excluding flights to North and South America). Passengers in First and Business Class can use Malaysia Airlines Chef on Call service to order their gourmet meal in advance of their flight and can gain faster immigration clearance upon arrival and departure at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Business Class features angled lie flat seats or reclinable seats, allowing a good degree of privacy throughout the journey. These seats feature an entertainment controller that includes email and an air-to-ground phone. First Class cabins contain 180 degree lie-flat beds that have a pitch of 88 inches, massage elements and individual ottomans. Malaysia Airlines flies around 50,000 passengers daily to more than 100 destinations worldwide.
Destination: VIETNAM
Vietnam has for a long time been on the top of my list of places to visit, but it was also with slight trepidation that I booked the trip to Vietnam to include my 2 young daughters aged 4 and 6. Prior to the holiday we received many warnings about crossing the roads in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it was still a huge shock to witness the chaotic sea of mopeds first hand. By about the 3rd day in Hanoi we mastered the art of launching ourselves into the traffic and relying on the mopeds to weave around us. A must on any family trip to Hanoi would have to be the Water Puppet Show which is booked out daily.
A highlight of our trip was undoubtedly our overnight cruise aboard a Chinese style junk on Halong Bay. Watching the sun set behind the striking limestone karts was a truly memorable experience. I would recommend visiting the former imperial capital of Hue to visit the extravagant tombs of some of their past rulers of the Nguyen dynasty. A nice way to travel there is by catching a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. My favourite destination in Vietnam was the quaint fishing riverside town of Hoi An. There was a huge array of restaurants and cafes to dine at and we thoroughly enjoyed the shopping there; clothes, shoes, jewellery and art works all to be found at very reasonable prices. Within 48 hours my husband had 5 work shirts and trousers tailor made out of good quality fabrics for half the price found in Australia.
A good way of finding your bearings in Ho Chi Minh City is to visit the impressive Saigon Sky Deck, where from the 48th floor you can gain a 360 degree vista of the city. The War Remnants Museum here provided a good insight into the Vietnam War as well as a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, to view the intricate network of tunnels constructed during the Vietnam War.
As Vietnam is such a long country I would recommend booking a couple of very reasonably priced domestic flights with Vietnam Airlines to break down the journey times. After a full 2 week itinerary the girls were very disappointed to leave Vietnam and it was undoubtedly a destination that will remain in our thoughts for a very long time.
Hotel / Resort: HOI AN HISTORIC HOTEL, HOI AN, VIETNAM 
I found this property to be a good, colonial style, 4 star hotel within a short walking distance of the Old Town of Hoi An. It is located about 35km from Danang International Airport and situated in lush and spacious grounds with an outstanding pool and spa. I would recommend a Pool View Deluxe room category as the back of the hotel overlooks a school which can be noisy at times. A good buffet breakfast could be taken in a lovely garden setting beneath a canopy of trees complete with hanging chairs. Guests can partake in daily Vietnamese Cooking classes or a Tai chi lesson and can also access the beautiful Cua Dai Beach on one of their complimentary shuttle buses within 15 minutes. I would recommend the Hoi An Historic Hotel as a perfect location to explore the fascinating riverside town of Hoi An. |
QANTAS LINK JETS TO GET BUSINESS CLASS
QantasLink will upgrade the interiors of five Boeing 717 aircraft to include Business Class and in-flight entertainment for all customers.
The upgraded B717s will be the only QantasLink aircraft to feature a Business Class cabin, and will provide QantasLink customers with a premium experience. Customers in Business will enjoy an improved onboard product with seats offering a new level of comfort and greater inflight dining options.
All customers - in both Business and Economy - can look forward to individual in-flight entertainment, including the latest movies, TV programs and a variety of radio stations.
The five refurbished B717s will progressively enter service from late 2013. The first aircraft will be used on Sydney-Canberra, Melbourne-Canberra and Brisbane-Canberra, as the B717 size and configuration is ideally suited to these routes.
Existing B717 aircraft in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland will continue to operate with an all-Economy configuration. These aircraft are undergoing a multi-million dollar interior upgrade program with new ergonomically-designed seats providing customers with increased levels of comfort. |
NON-STOP FLIGHTS FROM AUSTRALIA TO EUROPE
From its base in Istanbul Turkish Airlines will launch its first service to Sydney in 2014, according to its current plans. But the service will initially have a stop in Asia before later becoming non-stop as the airline acquires aircraft designed to do such ultra-long-haul services.
It would be the longest commercial air service in the world - although that honour is currently held by Singapore Airlines' six-days-a-week service from Singapore to New York Newark airport 8285 nautical miles (15, 544 kilometres) away, which takes just under 19 hours.
By comparison, Istanbul-Sydney is 8076 nautical miles (14,956 kilometres). The only current-production airliner that can do the trip is the 250-300-seat Boeing 777-200LR (LR for long range). Turkish has a shorter-range, larger version of the same plane, the 777-300ER, which is expected to be used for the initial service to Sydney via a stop in Asia.
The advantage for Australians heading to Europe is that Turkish Airlines' base in Istanbul is within easy Boeing 737/Airbus A320 range of every European city. The carrier has around 50 cities in its European network, which would put even more Euro destinations within one stop of Sydney when the non-stop goes online in two or three years. |
QANTAS CHAUFFEUR DRIVE SERVICE 
Qantas will expand its new Chauffeur Drive service to include flights booked between Australia and Los Angeles, as well as to Dallas Fort Worth from 01 July 2013. First and Business Class passengers will be able to book chauffeur transfers for US flights with immediate effect, in addition to the current Dubai/London Heathrow offering. Qantas Chauffeur Drive will next year expand further to include Santiago and Johannesburg. |
FROM SYDNEY TO PERTH WITH VIRGIN AUSTRALIAS A330
Virgin Australia has just announced that with the introduction of a seventh Airbus A330 to its fleet later this year, all of its Perth-Sydney weekday flights will be operated using the wide-bodied aircraft effective from October.
That will be in addition to all Virgin Australia's Perth-Melbourne weekday services using A330s, along with two out of three Perth-Brisbane weekday services, according to VA chief commercial officer Judith Crompton.
Judith also confirmed that the carrier now offers all customers on flights between Perth and the East Coast fully inclusive hot meals and beverages, as well as in-flight entertainment.
Virgin Australia also just announced a further three weekly Embraer E190 services between Perth and Karratha, departing Perth at 6am each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. |
| NEWS FROM THE EVENTS AUTHORITY |
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DINNER AT DOCKSIDE AT DARLING HARBOUR
Wine and dine you clients with the space and style that only Dockside offers, overlooking the sparkling shores of Darling Harbour. Enjoy canapés on arrival, a three course alternate menu and other lavish inclusions to make your event a memorable one.
From only $99.00 per person
This offer includes:
˝ hour Chef's selection of canapés on arrival
Three course alternate menu
Four hour classic beverage package
Dance floor if required
Venue crockery, cutlery, glassware and white napery
Professional wait staff and function supervisor.
*Conditions apply: Valid for new enquiries only. Event to be held before 31 October 2013. Event timings 7pm-11.30pm. Subject to availability. Minimum 120 guests. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. |
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BRITISH AIRWAYS CLUB WORLD FARE WITH FREE UPGRADE TO FIRST CLASS
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
SYDNEY - SINGAPORE
CLUB WORLD
From $3787.00* per person
(Amex Points 378,700** per person)
SYDNEY - LONDON
CLUB WORLD
From $7260.00* per person
(Amex Points 726,000** per person)
Please contact us for more information.
 British Airways are launching a chauffeur service in Sydney, ensure you read our July newsletter for all the information about this exciting service on offer from British Airways for the first time.
*Conditions apply: Book by 15 June 2013. Valid for travel commencing on/after 10 June 2013 until 31 December 2013. Valid on British Airways coded longhaul services including codeshares operated by Qantas or Cathay Pacific
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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QANTAS ASIA DEAL
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
SYDNEY - SINGAPORE
ECONOMY CLASS
From $699.00* per person
(Amex Points 69,900** per person)
SYDNEY - HONG KONG
ECONOMY CLASS
From $788.00* per person
(Amex Points 78,800** per person) 
SYDNEY - SHANGHAI
ECONOMY CLASS
(Amex Points 88,800** per person)
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Return airfares to Singapore are on sale until 13 June 13. Travel dates are from 3 June 2013 till13 November 2013. Return airfare to Hong Kong are on sale till 13 June 2013. Travel dates are from 3 June 2013 till 19 June 2013, 18 July 2013 till 17 September 2013, 9 October 2013 till 21 November 2013, 21 February 2014 till 30 April 2014. Return airfare to Shanghai are on sale until 13 June 2013. Travel dates are from 15 July 2013 till 20 September 2013, 7 October 2013 till 21 November 2013, 21 February 2014 till 30 April 2014.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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SINGAPORE AIRLINES PROMOTIONAL SPECIALS
INCLUDING TAXES AND FEES
SYDNEY- BARCELONA 
ECONOMY CLASS
From $1991.06*per person
(Amex Points 199,106** per person)
SYDNEY - ZAGREB
ECONOMY CLASS
From $2336.86*per person
(Amex Points 233,686** per person)
** By popular demand Singapore Airlines have extended their S$40 complimentary Transit Changi Airport Voucher which will be provided to all Transit customers from Australia**
Please contact us for more information.
*Conditions apply: Sales and ticketing from 08 April 2013 - 30 November 2013. Departure dates from 08 April 2013 to 31 March 2014. Travels from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Singapore Airlines Economy Class passengers receive a generous 30kg baggage.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Card only. |
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SPECTACULAR NEW ZEALAND WINTER PACKAGES
KAURI CLIFFS - MATAUI BAY
From NZ $775.00* per person/ per night
This package includes:
Accommodation
Day of unlimited green fees or
50-minute massage per person per night
Pre-dinner drinks
Gourmet dinner
Full breakfast
Complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar
MATAKAURI LODGE - QUEENSTOWN 
STAY THREE NIGHTS AND PAY FOR TWO
From NZ $890.00* per person/ per night
This package includes:
Accommodation
Pre-dinner drinks
Canapes
Gourmet dinner each evening
Full breakfast each morning
Complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar
Spa treatmetents
Please contact us us for further information.
*Conditions apply: Suite package rates quoted per person per night based on double or twin occupancy. All rates are quoted in New Zealand Dollars, exclusive of the applicable 15% Govt. Goods & Services Tax. Packages are subject to change and availability. Package applies to Australian residents only. Amex points available upon request.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. |
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STAY IN SUNNY CALIFORNIA
HOTEL GRIFFON  - SAN FRANCISCO
From US$269.00* per night
(Amex Points 19,500** per person)
Hotel facilities:
Located on the Embarcadero waterfront
Complimentary wireless internet access
Complimentary Financial District town car service
(Mon-Fri: 7.00am - 11.00am)
Perry's Restaurant and Bar on-site
Complimentary morning coffee and tea service
Boardroom for up to 12 people
Complimentary lobby computer work station
Room service available for breakfast and dinner
Stash Hotel Rewards loyalty program
ELAN HOTEL - LOS ANGELES
From US$209.00* per night
(Amex Points 25,000** per person)
Hotel facilities:
Daily complimentary expanded Continental Breakfast
Daily complimentary evening wine reception
24 hours Front Desk and Concierge service
Express check-out
Complimentary Wireless Internet access
Complimentary lobby computer work stations
Goosedown comforters and pillows
Stash Hotel Rewards loyalty program
Click here for more information on Luxe properties in the USA.
*Conditions apply: Rates are per night and excluding taxes and services. VIP amenities. American buffet breakfast and free WIFI. Offer not available during fashion week and fair periods.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
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EXPLORE EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND WINTER LIGHTS
WITH BACK ROADS TOURING
HEART OF ENGLAND 
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
WINDSOR, STONEHENGE, BATH AND OXFORD
From $1563.00* per person twin share
(Amex Points 156,300** per person)
See some of the Heart of England's most iconic attractions at a time when there are fewer visitors, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere at one of the region's traditional Christmas markets. Visit Harry Potter film locations in Oxford and Lacock, explore quaint Cotswold villages, enjoy local ale by the log fire of an old English pub and dine on quality produce sourced from the best local suppliers.
AUSTRIA: A WINTER WONDERLAND 
10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
MUNICH, TYROL REGION AND CESKY KRUMLOV
From $3415.00* per person per day weekends
(Amex Points 341,500** per person)
Visiting historic Christmas markets, held in cities, towns and villages throughout Austria is becoming increasingly popular. With a stunning backdrop of the snow-covered Alps it's a magical time of the year to explore the cities of Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna. Taste local Schnapps, visit the Andechs Monastr, where local beer has been brewed since the Middle Ages, and enjoy a gala dinner and concert in Vienna.
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply: Prices and taxes are correct at 7 June 2013 and are subject to change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until 31 March 2014 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person in AUD and are subject to availability. Accommodation is based on twin share. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees and are based on low season pricing (excludes tours over Christmas day and New Year's eve). Flights not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Earlybird offer is strictly valid for new bookings only. Full payment must be made before 15 July 2013 for the 5% Earlybird saving to be applicable. Offers cannot be extended beyond the booking and payment periods.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
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WENDY WU'S VIETNAM - EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT WORLD
VIETNAM PANORAMA
18 DAYS FULLY INCLUSIVE
SAIGON, MEKONG DELTA, DALAT, NHA TRANG, HOI AN, HUE, HANOI, HALONG BAY
From $3170.00* per person/ twin share 
(Amex Points 317,000** per person)
This package includes:
Return international economy airfares with Cathay Pacific
All meals and accommodation
Transportation, entrance fees and sight seeing
National Escort and/ or English speaking local guides
Visa fees for Australian passports
Taxes, fuel surcharge and tipping
Please contact us for further information.
*Conditions apply: Prices are per person twin share ex Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth. Saving is included in the above advertised prices and applicable to fully inclusive tour option only. Airline fuel surcharge and tipping are included and subject to change.Advertised prices based on tours & departure dates as stated. Valid for sale until 25 Aug 2013 unless sold out prior. Early bird specials are valid when flying Cathay Pacific only. Vietnam Panorama: Adelaide passengers may require a stopover in Hong Kong at an additional cost. Brisbane and Perth passengers may require one night post tour accommodation in Hanoi at an additional cost.
**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
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SAIL AWAY WITH WINDSTAR CRUISES
GREEK ISLES AND TURKISH DELIGHT 
7 DAYS FROM ATHENS TO ISTANBUL OR VICE VERSA
From $2,945.00* per person/ twin share
(Amex Points 294,500** per person)
Popular Highlights:
The Parthenon and the Acropolis in Athens
Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodos
White-washed buildings and blue domes of Santorini
Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Chic boutiques and cafes of Mykonos
Yacht deck barbecue at Bodrum
FLAVOURS OF THE CARIBBEAN 
7 DAYS ST. MAARTEN ROUNDTRIP
From $1,722.00* per person/ twin share
(Amex Points 172,200** per person)
Popular Highlights:
Sail into the tiny harbour of Le Marin
Discover St. Lucia's twin Pitons
Savor the distinctive French charn of enchanting Les Saintes
Embrace the island life on St. Kitt's one-of-a-kind Shipwreck beach
Please click here for further information.
*Conditions apply: Pricing is in AUD including NCFs and taxes. New bookings only. Promotion is capacity controlled and can be pulled at anytime. All pricing and availability correct as of 30 May 2013. Prices are subject to availability, currency fluctuations and surcharges. Valid for sale immediately until sold out. Full payment including NCF and taxes must be received once booking is confirmed. Cruise taxes are subject to change at anytime up until sailing date and may be charged onboard. Windstar reserves the right to reinstate fuel supplement at anytime and can be charged after final payment. Cancellation penalties may apply. Offer is not combinable with any other promotional offer or discount. Other conditions and restrictions may apply. **Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only.
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