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12 February 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
QANTAS NEWS
TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES
EVENTS NEWS
FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
QUICK LINKS
ATLAS NEWSLETTER             

            

 

Dear Atlas Subscriber,

 

Welcome to the February edition of Atlas.

 

We have lots of Qantas news in this edition including a new way to upgrade on both domestic and international Qantas flights.

 

Singapore Airlines have unveiled their newest cabin "Premium Economy". Click on the link to explore this new cabin and check out some of the great features.

 

Finnair's Valentines deals offer exceptional value for money to Europe in business class travelling throughout the year but hurry, you must book soon.

 

I do hope you find our newsletter informative and interesting and as always, I appreciate any feedback you may have.  

 
     

Sincerely,

 

Sarah Bush
Director 

 

QANTAS NEWS

QANTAS MORE TIME TO DINE 
   
Qantas is serious about food and with their cuisine inspired by Neil Perry from Sydney's award winning Rockpool restaurant, Qantas is constantly innovating to create better quality inflight menus with more choice and variety than ever before. 


Qantas customers travelling in Economy will now be offered more choice and greater value with the extension of main meal times across their short and medium domestic sectors.

  • Breakfast is served for an extra 30 minutes for departures up until 0859
  • Lunch now starts an hour earlier for departures commencing from 1100
  • Dinner now starts an hour earlier for departures commencing from 1700
That means even more of Qantas customers can now enjoy a main meal service in Economy class when travelling on Qantas within Australia.

Here are some of Qantas' other exciting new initiatives for Domestic travellers:
  • Hot and cold gourmet dinner boxes offering a selection of items and up to 50% larger portions for Economy class customers travelling on short-haul and medium-haul flights
  • Fresh fish of the day in Business class
  • Cocktail Hour in Qantas' Business lounges daily
  • Hot breakfasts available daily in Qantas Clubs
QANTAS TO FLY TO VANCOUVER FOR SUMMER AND SKI HOLIDAYS

Qantas announced the return to Vancouver with an extended seasonal schedule, providing passengers with new travel options over the northern hemisphere summer and winter holiday seasons.


Qantas have increased services from two to three per week and passengers can maximise their holiday time with night flights in both directions.

 

This is not only great news for Australian ski enthusiasts, but also for those who want to explore Canada in summer. 

 

Qantas will offer seamless connections to six destinations across Canada with their codeshare partner WestJet, including connections to Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary. 
 

The airlines 33 direct return services will operate between Sydney and Vancouver with a three-cabin, 364-seat B747 aircraft refurbished with A380 products.

 

13 out of the 33 return services will start operating from 20 June 2015 to 18 July 2015. The other 20 return services will operate from 12 December 2015 to 25 January 2016. 


Read on for fares across all cabins to Vancouver. 
QANTAS INTRODUCES A380 SERVICES TO HONG KONG

Qantas announced the introduction of daily A380 services between Hong Kong and Sydney from 25 March 2015 to 12 April 2015.

 

QF127/28 will be upgraded from a reconfigured B747 aircraft to an A380 aircraft featuring Economy Class, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class.

 

Qantas passengers travelling on International flights to Hong Kong will also enjoy Qantas enhanced International Economy Dining experience offering more choice, more generous meals and exclusive online dishes.

 

On overnight flights from Hong Kong to Australia, passengers will also be able to dine in the new Qantas Hong Kong Lounge before flying, so they can maximise their sleep on-board. This new lounge will offer a range of dining experiences from the Spice Temple BBQ Bar to Yum Cha trolleys, extensive buffet or the locally influenced plate of the day. Spice Temple inspired cocktails will be prepared alongside a world-class wine selection and barista service, to be enjoyed at the bar area with panoramic views across the airport overlooking Qantas gates.

 TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES

SINGAPORE AIRLINES NEW PREMIUM ECONOMY  

Singapore Airlines announced the commencement of its newest travel class - Premium Economy for travel from 09 August 2015. 

 

Singapore Airlines customers flying on selected flights from Singapore to Sydney will be the first to experience the new cabin class, served by the Airline's Airbus A380s and Boeing 777- 300ERs, in addition to the future fleet of Airbus A350s.

 

At the end of 2015 and early 2016, Premium Economy Class will be made progressively available to other destinations including Beijing, Delhi, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, New York, Shanghai, Tokyo and Zurich. 

 

Premium Economy Class will offer customers a seamless travel experience whether travelling for business or pleasure, enjoying more personal space, more service and more convenience. 

 

Premium Economy key features include: 

  • Seat width ranging between 18.5 and 19.5 inches offering an eight-inch recline for more ease and comfort
  • A sleek 13.3-inch full HD in-flight entertainment monitor, the largest in its class 
  • Individual in-seat power supply, two USB ports, personal in-seat reading light, cocktail table, as well as additional storage space for personal items
  • A more extensive range of food and beverage offerings, including the option to select from the Premium Economy Book the Cook service featuring popular dishes
  • A baggage allowance of 35kg, priority check-in and baggage handling
  • KrisFlyer members will receive 10% more miles when they fly in Premium Economy Class

 

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy is open for sale now. Please contact us for a quote today.
INTRODUCING QATAR AIRWAYS A350 XWB
  

Qatar Airways is the first airline in the world to take their passengers flying experience to the next level on their newest aircraft the A350 XWB.

  

The world's newest jetliner, the Airbus A350 took its maiden flight from Doha, Qatar to Frankfurt, Germany. It marks the debut of the relatively lightweight, twin-aisle, long-range plane, which promises to connect smaller cities with major aviation hubs nonstop at a cheaper cost for airlines. 

 

The airbus offers wider panoramic windows for its passengers and larger overhead storage space.

 

The plane can carry 276 to 369 passengers, depending on the variant and the airline's choice of seating configuration.

 

Qatar Airways A350 is fitted out with 36 business class seats and 247 economy class seats. The Business class seats turn into fully flat beds and have a 17-inch TV screen.

 

Airbus has 778 orders for the new A350 including airlines such as British Airways, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines.

 

A larger version of the jetliner is scheduled to start flying in 2017.

EVENTS NEWS
 CROWNE PLAZA HUNTER VALLEY CONFERENCE & EVENTS CENTRE OPENING

   

The Hunter Valley's largest and most comprehensive conference and exhibition facility, celebrated their industry launch on 30 January 2015.

 

Combining outstanding facilities, seamless service, and over 2,000sqm of meeting space, a capacity of 1,600 for a cocktail event, there is ample space for your next business conference. Surrounded by the stunning landscape of the famous wine region, gourmet cuisine and quality facilities & staff, this venue is perfect for any event.

 

Get in touch with our experienced team to assist your upcoming conference or exhibition, call us at The Events Authority on 02 8437 1155 or email us now.

FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
 QANTAS "BID NOW" UPGRADES HAS ARRIVED

 

Qantas is introducing another way for their passengers to upgrade - Bid Now Upgrade. Bid Now Upgrades will not affect Flight Upgrade Awards or the number of seats made available for them. Qantas is changing the name of Flight Upgrade Awards to Classic Upgrade Rewards, they are still the best value option and will be processed and confirmed before Bid Now Upgrades.

 

Bid Now Upgrades gives Qantas passsengers another opportunity to choose the way they fly and works as follows:

  • Bid Now Upgrades is available by invitation only for selected Qantas flights. Passengers receiving a Bid Now Upgrade invitation have the opportunity to make an offer to upgrade to Business using a combination of Qantas Points and money
  • Around seven days before departure, passengers may be emailed an invitation to make an upgrade offer. Upgrade offers will be considered after all requests for Classic Upgrade Rewards have been processed and confirmed
  • Passengers need a minimum of 3000 Qantas Points for a domestic upgrade and 5000 Qantas Points for an international upgrade. A minimum amount of money will also be required
  • Passengers can make, change or cancel their offer up to 24 hours before their scheduled departure. Qantas may accept an upgrade offer at any time between 24 hours and 12 hours prior to their scheduled flight departure time. Qantas will send their passengers an email to let them know whether their offer has been accepted to not
  
QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER - AVIS CAR HIRE
   

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now earn double points on their car hire until 31 March 2015. 

Members will earn double Qantas Points when renting any eligible car from Avis for 3 consecutive days or more. That's 6 points for every AU$1 you spend on time and kilometre charges. 

 

QANTAS LOWERS FREQUENT FLYER CHARGES AND REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL FARE STRUCTURE 

Qantas announced the reduction of charges for Frequent Flyer Classic Award redemption bookings and will move to gradually restructure international tariffs so that fuel surcharges are absorbed into base fares. 

As the fuel surcharge is gradually absorbed into base fares, Qantas will continue to price competitively with fares moving in line with the broader market. Customers will not be impacted as a consequence, as prices advertised already include taxes and surcharges.

 

While global fuel prices have fallen in recent months, international airfares are extremely competitive and are significantly lower than when surcharges were first introduced 10 years ago. 

SPECIALS
 QANTAS TO VANCOUVER
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
    
SYDNEY - VANCOUVER 
ECONOMY CLASS

From $1990.00* per person   

(Amex points 199,000** per person) 

   

SYDNEY - VANCOUVER 

PREMIUM ECONOMY 

From $4112.00* per person

(Amex points 411,200** per person) 

 

SYDNEY - VANCOUVER

BUSINESS CLASS

From $8562.00* per person 

(Amex points 856,200** per person)

 

MELBOURNE - VANCOUVER   

ECONOMY CLASS    

From $1990.00* per person
(Amex points 199,000** per person)

MELBOURNE - VANCOUVER
PREMIUM ECONOMY
From $4095.00* per person
(Amex points 409,500** per person)

 

MELBOURNE - VANCOUVER
BUSINESS CLASS
From $8545.00* per person
(Amex points 854,500** per person)
  
 

Please contact us today for further information.  

 

*Conditions apply: Qantas flights will operate from 20 June 2015 to 18 July 2015 and from 12 December 2015 to 25 January 2016.

**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.

 FINNAIR VALENTINE'S DAY OFFERS FOR TWO
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED

Are you planning a trip to Europe with a friend, or perhaps someone special? Finnair now have exclusive Valentine's Day offers for bookings of two.   

SYDNEY - COPENHAGEN 
BUSINESS CLASS 

From $9579.00* per couple   

(Amex points 957,900** per couple)

   

SYDNEY - ROME 

BUSINESS CLASS  

From $9599.00* per couple

(Amex points 959,900** per couple) 

 

SYDNEY - PARIS

BUSINESS CLASS

From $9735.00* per couple 

(Amex points 973,500** per couple)

 

SYDNEY - LONDON 

BUSINESS CLASS    

From $10179.00* per couple
(Amex points 1,017,900** per couple)

 

Please contact us today for further information.  

 

*Conditions apply: Sale ends 17 February 2015. Travel for various dates. 

**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.

 MANDARIN ORIENTAL HONG KONG FAN CLUB EASTER OFFER  
    

The Travel Authority is a member of the exclusive Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and we are delighted to be able to offer an exclusive member benefit for Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

 

MANDARIN ORIENTAL HONG KONG   

COMPLIMENTARY 3RD NIGHT 

From HKD3700.00* per night 

 
Fan Club Benefits: 
  • USD100 credit at F&B outlets or The Mandarin Spa per stay
  • Daily breakfast for two persons in the Clipper Lounge or Cafe Causette
  • Complimentary Internet access
  • Welcome amenity upon arrival
  • Complimentary room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
  • Welcome arrival card
  • Complimentary Meet & Greet Service when hotel transportation is reserved

 

Please contact us today to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

 

*Conditions apply: Fan Club Package Rate applies and this promotion is exclusive for Fan Club agents only. Subject to availability. Rates does not include taxes or service charge. This Easter offer is valid for stays between 30 March 2015 to 12 April 2015 for two consecutive nights or more.

FREE NIGHTS AT THE HOLIDAY INN RESORT KRABI 

Holiday Inn Resort Krabi is a resort with a playful sense of tropical fun, from waterslides to free-form pools and swim-up bar. Guests can treat themselves in the resorts Spa while their children can be entertained in children's playgrounds and the specially designed kids & teen zones. Everyone can stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. Enjoy a tropical cocktail at the hotel's fun pool bar, dine in their Inn Asia restaurant or just relax at the lobby library.  

   
HOLIDAY INN RESORT KRABI   
6 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION
From $1145.00* per person 
(Amex points $114,500** per person)
 
This package includes:
  • Return economy airfares flying Malaysia Airlines ex Sydney or Brisbane
  • Accommodation in a Premier Garden View Room
  • Including 2 FREE nights accommodation 
  • Breakfast daily

Please contact us for more information. 

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Book by 16 February 2015. For travel between 25 April 2015 to 26 June 2015, 25 July 2015 to 18 September 2015 and 10 October 2015 to 31 October 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.  
SKI NEW ZEALAND - 2015 EARLYBIRD PACKAGES


Cardrona is renowned for being a fun and friendly ski resort with some of the most reliable snow conditions in the region.

 

Thanks to its high elevation and south facing location, snow is dry and plentiful. Beginners will love Cardrona's famous beginners' slopes which are accessed by the Southern Hemisphere's longest magic carpet. It also boasts the southern hemisphere's most extensive terrain park facilities and is home to the NZ Olympic Park and Pipe Team.

 

Cardrona has four dedicated kids' centres and offers accommodation on the slopes and is the second largest ski area in the Queenstown - Wanaka region.


 

5 DAY CARDRONA WINTER GETAWAY
BENBRAE CARDRONA VALLEY RESORT    
From $769.00* per person

(Amex points 76,900** per person)   

 

This special includes:   
  • 4 nights' accommodation for max. of 4 guests in a studio room 
  • 3 Day Flexi Pass for the Cardrona Alpine Resort & Treble Cone ski fields
  • 4 days car hire - Toyota Corolla auto or similar

 Please contact us for more information.

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Cardrona Ski season from 19 June 2015 to 11 October 2015.

Ascent tier and David Jones Cards only. Amex points may also be used as part payment towards the above price.  

PRINCESS CRUISES 50TH ANNIVERSARY SALE

There's no better time to sail for new shores than Princess 50th Anniversary season, as the cruise line celebrates five decades of adventures exploring every corner of the earth. Join Princess Cruises in 2015 and be a part of special events, enjoy commemorative menus, and uncover other fun surprises on-board.


FIJI AND SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISE 
12-14 NIGHTS CRUISE
From $1549.00* per person 

(Amex points 154,900** per person)   

 

This special includes:    
  • Up to $200 onboard credit per stateroom
  • Sail onboard Princess Cruise's Sun Princess, Diamond Princess or Dawn Princess 
  • Accommodation in an Inside Cabin   
  • All main meals on board
  • Departure Port: Sydney
  • Arrival Port: Sydney

Please contact us for more information.

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Sale ends 28 February 2015. Fares are per person, twin share based on 20 June 2015 departure, 12 nights duration - itinerary varies. 

**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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