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13 January 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
QANTAS NEWS
TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES
EVENTS NEWS
FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
QUICK LINKS
 
 

ATLAS NEWSLETTER             

            

 

Dear Atlas Subscriber,

 

Welcome to the first edition of Atlas for 2015 and a very Happy New Year to you all.

 

I'm pleased to bring to you some really interesting news this month including the return of All Nippon Airways to Australian shores, Etihad's new venture into Argentina by way of a codeshare agreement with Aerolineas Argentinas and some very important news regarding Garuda's "visa on-board" program.

 

Qantas have some great limited edition offers for frequent flyers along with some New Year airfare discounts. If your seasonal break is already a long distant memory, then why not plan your next holiday and get some inspiration from our special deals in this edition. We can look after all your holiday requests from flights to packages to cruising and much more.

 

May I wish you all a safe, happy and prosperous 2015.

 
     

Best Wishes,

 

Sarah Bush
Director 

 

QANTAS NEWS

QANTAS OPENS NEW FIRST LOUNGE IN LOS ANGELES 
  
Qantas have opened their new First Lounge in Los Angeles, offering Qantas customers a spacious and luxurious space to dine, relax, work and socialise.
  
This lounge is Qantas' first overseas "Qantas First Lounge" and the design is based on the flagship multi-award winning Qantas First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.
  
The new Qantas First Lounge in Los Angeles features:
  • Seating for more than 200 customers including a 74 seat a la carte restaurant
  • A 14.6m long Carrara marble bar and open kitchen
  • Los Angeles' first Neil Perry restaurant
  • Premium Australian and Californian wines, signature cocktails, champagne, iced teas and a full barista service
  • An atrium area providing natural light with lounge seating for relaxing
  • Private work suites, TVs, faster Wi-Fi, wireless printing capabilities and shower suites with Aurora Spa ASPAR products
  • Signature Sofitel service offered to customers travelling in First Class, including dedicated check-in, fast track immigration and dedicated boarding.
QANTAS VALET - STAY UP TO 10 DAYS AND PAY FOR 3 DAYS  

Qantas Valet has a special offer for all Qantas customers travelling during January.
  
Effective immediately, Qantas customers can park at Qantas Valet for up to 10 days and only pay for 3 days.  
  
Qantas Valet special offer is valid in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth until 26 January 2015.

 TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES

INDONESIAN VISA REQUIREMENTS
 
Effective immediately, the visa onboard facility has been withdrawn on all Garuda flights from Australia to Indonesia.
  
Visas will still be issued upon arrival into Denpasar or Jakarta at a fee of US$35 per person.
 
For more information, please contact us today.
JAPAN'S ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS PLANNING TO RETURN TO SYDNEY
 
Speculation mounts that All Nippon Airways will resume flying on the Sydney-Tokyo route after a long absence.
 
ANA last operated flights to Sydney in July 1999. According reports by Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, the flights would operate from Haneda Airport.  
 
ANA is a member of Star Alliance and its fleet includes the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft which is rumoured to fly the Sydney-Tokyo route.
ETIHAD NEW CODESHARE WITH AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS
  

Etihad Airways has announced a codeshare partnership with Aerolineas Argentinas. 

  

Effective from 01 February 2015, the Etihad Code will be placed on Aerolineas Argentinas domestic and regional flights over the airlines Buenos Aires hub. At this stage, Etihad does not offer flights to Buenos Aires. The airline's only port in South America is Brazil's Sao Paulo.

 

Etihad passengers will be able to travel on Etihad Airways marketed flights to Buenos Aires and from there to 20 destinations within South America including: Asuncion, Bariloche, Bahia Blanca, Comodoro Rivadavia, Cordoba, El Calafate, Iguazú, Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Montevideo, Neuquén, Rio Gallegos, Rio Grande, Rosario, Salta, San Juan, Santiago de Chile, Trelew, Tucuman and Ushuaia.

 

Flights under this new codeshare agreement can be booked from mid-January 2015.

SKYTRANS CEASES OPERATION

Skytrans, Queensland regional carrier, ended operations on Friday 02 January 2015 after 25 years of operation in North Queensland. This decision was due to tough market conditions and an "inevitable price war" with New South Wales based carrier Regional Express.
  
Skytrans managing director Simon Wild said that decision, coupled with a falling Australian dollar meant the airline was no longer viable.

Furthermore Mr Wild said that other airlines entering its long-standing monopol market, a contraction of the charter market, an increase in airport and landing fees as well as the fall of the  Australian dollar all contributed to the decision to cease operation.
  
Skytrans passengers, who have flights booked with the airline are advised to contact their travel insurance providers or seek a chargeback through their credit card company.  
EVENTS NEWS
 FLASHBACK - NEWLY REFURBISHED LANGHAM, SYDNEY OPENS 

  

 


 

The Travel Authority Group held the first major event at the newly refurbished Langham, Sydney last month. The night was filled with 'Glitz & Glamour' of what topped off a fantastic year celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the business.

 

Sydney's hidden gem has a capacity of 270 guests for a cocktail reception. Langham Hotels also boasts the sophisticated Langham, Melbourne with a range of meeting spaces, which pose stunning views of the Yarra River and a capacity of 400 guests in the ballroom. Are you after an elegant and stylish venue for your next event?

 

Why not have our experienced team assist with your upcoming event, call our team at The Events Authority on 02 8437 1155 or email us now.

 

Give your attendees the 'WOW' factor you've always dreamed!

FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
 QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER - MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY TWICE AS NICE
   

Right now, Qantas Frequent Flyer members could earn double Qantas Points on eligible foreign currency spend with Qantas Cash.

 

Whether you are heading overseas or shopping online using foreign currency you could earn 2 Qantas Points per AU$1 equivalent in foreign currency spend on eligible purchases.

 

It's the perfect way to make any holiday more rewarding. Offer now extended until 31 January 2015, register today and enjoy these great benefits:

  • Load up to 10 foreign currencies including US Dollars, British Pounds and Euros
  • Pay no load fees
  • Load via Bank Transfer and lock in exchange rates before you travel
  • Use Qantas Cash anywhere MasterCard is accepted electronically

 

EARN DOUBLE QANTAS POINTS ON CASUAL AND EARLY BIRD PARKING THIS JANUARY

 

Earn 4 Qantas Points per AU$1 spent on casual hourly or early bird parking with Secure-a-Spot during January.
  
Secure-a-Spot is Secure Parking's online booking service that guarantees you a parking spot whilst saving you money on the normal parking rate.
  
All you have to do is select a Casual Hourly or Early Bird product when making a Secure-a-Spot booking and you will earn 4 Qantas Points per $1 spent. Keep a look out for the Casual Hourly and Early Bird Product Icons when you make your Secure-a-Spot booking.
  
There are over 90 Secure-a-Spot sites across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane that offer Casual Hourly and Early Bird Parking, so if you're heading into the CBD, there's sure to be a Secure-a-Spot Car Park close to your destination.
  
To book a parking spot, please click here.

 

 

DELTA - INTRODUCING THE 2015 SKYMILES PROGRAM
  
As part of Delta's ongoing efforts to improve their passengers travel experience, the airline will make updates to their SkyMiles program.
  
Effective immediately, Miles for Delta flights will be earned based on ticket price instead of distance travelled. So when passengers pay a higher price, they will be rewarded with more miles-up to 75,000 per ticket. The airline has also created more redemption options and increasing Award Seat availability at the lowest price points.   
SPECIALS
 QANTAS NEW YEAR DEALS
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
    
SYDNEY - BARCELONA   
ECONOMY CLASS

From $1657.00* per person   

(Amex points 165,700** per person) 

   

SYDNEY - LONDON

ECONOMY CLASS  

From $1777.00* per person

(Amex points 177,700** per person) 

 

MELBOURNE - PARIS

ECONOMY CLASS

From $1689.00* per person 

(Amex points 168,900** per person)

 

PERTH - LONDON

BUSINESS CLASS    

From $7414.00* per person
(Amex points 741,400** per person)

MELBOURNE - LONDON
BUSINESS CLASS
From $7971.00* per person
(Amex points 797,100** per person)

 

SYDNEY - LONDON
BUSINESS CLASS
From $7987.00* per person
(Amex points 798,700** per person)
  
 

Please contact us today for further information.  

 

*Conditions apply: Sale ends 21 January 2015. Economy Class travel from Sydneyto Barcelona 16 January - 26 November 2015 and Sydney to London from 01 October 2015 - 26 November 2015 and Melbourne to Paris 16 January 2015 - 26 May 2015 and 01 October 2015 - 26 November 2015. Business Class travel from Perth, Melbourne and Sydney to London 16 January 2015 - 30 November 2015.

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above fares.

BALI SPECIAL OFFER - GRAND MIRAGE RESORT
  
Set on the southern part of Bali, Tanjung Benoa - Nusa Dua Resort area, Grand Mirage Resort and Thalasso Bali is blessed with a hypnotizing view of the Indian Ocean. This hotel resort is 25 minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport. With its pristine private beach, this 5 star beachfront Bali resort offers a wonderful experience of spending leisure time in a natural luxury hotel.
  
GRAND MIRAGE RESORT 
STAY FOR 6 NIGHTS PAY FOR 5 NIGHTS

From $1279.00* per person 

(Amex points 127,900** per person)  

 

This special includes: 
  • 6 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Garden view room
  • Breakfast daily
  • Return airport transfers
  • Return Economy airfares flying Garuda Indonesia ex Sydney

Please contact us for more information.   

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Book by 28 February 2015. Valid for travel 15 January 2015 - 31 March 2015.

 **Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above price.  

FLY TO EUROPE FROM $799 WHEN BOOKING A CRUISE WITH AVALON WATERWAYS  
  

One of Europe's most legendary rivers awaits on this fascinating journey. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Strasbourg, Koblenz, and Cologne, as well as an excursion to majestic Heidelberg and a canal cruise in picturesque Amsterdam. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, take pictures of the famous Lorelei rock, and sample the area's famous Riesling wines in the quaint wine village of Rudesheim.

  

ROMANTIC RHINE

8 DAYS - AMSTERDAM TO BASEL 

From $3144.00* per person 

(Amex points 314,400** per person)  

 

This special includes: 
  • Fly from Australia to Europe from $799 with Cathay Pacific, Emirates or Singapore Airlines
  • Accommodation in a Deluxe Stateroom
  • Captain's welcome and farewell reception with sparkling wine and canape's
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast
  • Complimentary soft drinks with lunch
  • Complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day
  • Departure Port: Amsterdam
  • Arrival Port: Basel
  • Ports of call:
    Cologne, Germany
    Koblenz-Rhine Gorge Rudesheim, Germany
    Mainz, Germany
    Strasbourg, France
    Breisach, Germany 

Please contact us for more information.   

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Book by 26 March 2015. Departure 05 April 2015.

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above price.  

2 FOR 1 ASIAN RIVER CRUISING
  
Perhaps the most pleasurable way to see Myanmar is to cruise along the fascinating Irrawaddy River. While enjoying the river's tranquillity, life on the riverbank offers all the "must see" highlights of the Golden Land: from the city of Pyay (Prome), where the roots of the Bamar civilization can be found, to the Royal Capitals of Mandalay, Amarapura and Ava and passing through the glorious city of Bagan with its 3,000 temples and pagodas.
 
GOLDEN MANDALAY  
10 DAY ASIAN RIVER CRUISE
From $2643.00* per person 
(Amex points $264,300** per person)
 
This package includes:
  • 9 nights accommodation in an outside stateroom onboard Irrawaddy Explorer
  • 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches & 9 dinners
  • Services of an experienced cruise director Comprehensive sightseeing program
  • Port taxes

Please contact us for more information.    

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Book by 20 January 2015 to take advantage of this great offer. Departure 02 March 2015..
MALDIVES - INCREDIBLE EARLY BIRD SPECIALS
  

Greeted by the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean, your relaxation begins as soon as you arrive at Jumeirah Vittaveli. Lie on white sandy beaches, re-energise in the hotels signature spa, feast on decadent dishes or simply relax in the intimate space of your lush Maldivian hideaway.  

 

JUMEIRAH VITTAVELI    
From $5090.00* per person

(Amex points 509,000** per person)   

 

This special includes:    
  • 7 Nights half board accommodation
  • Return economy-class airfares
  • Return airport transfers
  • Breakfast & Dinner at selected restaurants

Please click here for more information.   

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Book before 28 February 2015. Valid for travel 10 May 2015 - 22 September 2015.

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above price.  

VALENTINE'S DAY CRUISE
  
TASMANIA SYDNEY ROUNDTRIP 
7 NIGHTS CRUISE
From $599.00* per person

(Amex points 59,900** per person)   

 

This special includes:    
  • Sail onboard Carnival Cruise's Carnival Legend 
  • Accommodation in an Inside Cabin   
  • All main meals on board
  • Departure Port: Sydney
  • Arrival Port: Sydney
  • Ports of call:
    Port Arthur
    Hobart
    Melbourne

Please contact us for more information.

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Departure 13 February 2015.

**Higher Amex Membership Reward points apply to Business Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above price.  

CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669)


    
   
               
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