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19 June 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
QANTAS NEWS
TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES
EVENTS NEWS
FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
SPECIALS
QUICK LINKS
ATLAS NEWSLETTER             

            

 

Dear Atlas Subscriber,

 

Welcome to the June edition of Atlas.

 

We have a midyear bumper edition for you this month. Firstly, I am very proud to announce we are finalists in two categories this year for the National Travel Industry Awards and we will find out if we are winners next month, wishing Uschi and our entire TTA Team lots of luck.

 

Qantas are rolling out new lounge menus, dual boarding and they also have some amazing deals to Europe which we have showcased for you this month.

 

Singapore Airlines' much anticipated Premium Economy Class cabin is arriving onto our shores soon. They have some fantastic launch fares, so why not take advantage and travel in a little bit more style and comfort with Singapore Airlines' award winning cabin crew.

 

If you are feeling the cold and looking for the ultimate all inclusive holiday, now is the time to visit Club Med, Mauritius with a 30% discount including flights and 6 nights all inclusive accommodation.

 

 

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

Sincerely,

 

Sarah Bush
Director 

 

NATIONAL TRAVEL INDUSTRY AWARDS

  WE ARE FINALISTS
  
The Travel Authority Group is pleased to announce that we are finalists in the following two categories at this year's NTIA (National Travel Industry Awards):
  
Best Travel Agency Corporate - Multi Location
The Travel Authority
  
Best Travel Agency Manager - Retail Single Location
Uschi Howard - The Travel Authority Northern Beaches
  
The Event will be held at the Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour Convention Wharf on Saturday 18 July 2015.

QANTAS NEWS

 WITH QANTAS FROM PERTH TO SINGAPORE
  
 
  

Qantas' Perth to Singapore service will commence Friday 26 June 2015, with five return Boeing 737 services operating each week.

  

The late afternoon arrival into Singapore at 1720 provides great connections to key regional destinations across Asia with Qantas' airline partners.

  

Qantas midday departure to Singapore allows all passengers to connect from regional WA locations all within three hours.

  

All flights will have Seat-back on-demand inflight entertainment and new Economy class meals.

  

To celebrate the return of Qantas Perth to Singapore Service the airline offers great sale fares which are available in our airfare section.
 QANTAS AND AMERICAN AIRLINES NEW TRANSPACIFIC ROUTES
  

Qantas and American Airlines announced a significant expansion of their longstanding relationship. For the first time, American Airlines will fly from Los Angeles to Sydney and Qantas will return to San Francisco.

  

From 20 December 2015, Qantas will service the Sydney-San Francisco route initially operating on peak days and ramp up to six services per week in January 2016. The route will be operated by the airlines Boeing 747-400 aircraft with the same style interiors as on its A380s.

  

From 19 December 2015, American Airlines will start a direct daily Sydney to Los Angeles service, replacing four Qantas' B747 Sydney to Los Angeles services per week and one Qantas B747 Melbourne to Los Angeles service per week.

  

American Airlines' Trans-Pacific flights will be operated by its new B777-300ER featuring lie-flat seats in First and Business class. Qantas will retain its daily A380 Sydney to Los Angeles and Melbourne to Los Angeles services, as well as its B747 Brisbane to Los Angeles flights, and the airlines will codeshare on each other's services.

  

The new transpacific routes are subject to approval from regulators. 
 NEW QANTAS DOMESTIC LOUNGE MENUS  

 

Qantas has introduced six new menus that will be rotated between Qantas' domestic Business Lounges and Qantas Clubs every week.

 

The menus deliver fresh and exciting new recipes, greater choice and a more personalised dining experience.

 

Qantas customers can expect market inspired dishes using seasonal ingredients, warm winter recipes, new Plates of The Day and the latest in food trends from around the world.

  

Qantas Business Lounge customers can dine on new Plates of The Day at the Grand Island, such as baked eggs with cherry tomatoes, ham and cheddar for breakfast or beef bourguignon pot pie with tomato relish for dinner.
Quick and easy options for an afternoon snack will include Tandoori chicken wraps, pulled pork buns and gourmet hot dogs.

Qantas Club customers can dine on fresh and vibrant 'market inspired' salads that combine seasonal ingredients in a new recipe every week.
New hot afternoon snacks and evening meals include traditional winter soup recipes and gourmet fillings for toasted sandwiches.

 QANTAS ROLLS OUT DUAL DOOR BOARDING 
    

Qantas Domestic has been trialling dual door boarding at a number of airports around their network.

  

Boarding and disembarking the aircraft from the front and rear door helps save time and also means that Qantas customers can get on with the rest of their journey faster.

  

Dual door boarding also helps to make sure that Qantas stay on schedule as it allows the airline to prepare the aircraft more efficiently for the next flight.

  

Qantas customers appreciate the ease and speed dual door boarding provides. Qantas won't use dual door boarding in wet conditions, elderly passengers and passengers with special needs will always be able to use the forward door and aerobridge.

 TRAVEL NEWS HEADLINES

ETIHAD AIRWAYS NEW A380 AND B787 FROM AUSTRALIA TO ABU DHABI
  

Etihad Airways launched their first A380 service flying non-stop between Sydney and Abu Dhabi.

  

The A380 will operate one of the airline's two daily services between Sydney and Abu Dhabi. Etihad's additional four weekly Airbus A340-600 flights will be upgraded to the airline's Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. 

  

Etihad's 787 Dreamliner also started flying non-stop between Brisbane and Abu Dhabi.

    

The new non-stop flight between Abu Dhabi and Brisbane will be operated by Etihad's new three class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring the airlines next generation First Suite, Business Studio and Economy Smart Seat.

  

To celebrate this, Etihad is offering Triple Miles. To find out more please scroll down to the Frequent Flyer News section. 
THREE OF THE BEST

 

Sharn Parker, Team Leader - Corporate in our Crows Nest office has recently travelled to China 

 

AIRLINE - AIR CHINA 

I was lucky enough to fly in Business Class on Air China's A330 aircraft.  Air China flies direct from Sydney to both Beijing and Shanghai.  The Business Class cabin has fully flat beds, and they are very comfortable and spacious.  The flights are overnight and take around 12 hours - so you have time for a full sleep and you arrive feeling refreshed.  The service is very good, even if the cabin crew sometimes struggle with the language barrier.  The entertainment system is a little clunky, but there is a decent selection of movies in English.  Air China is a part of Star Alliance which is always a great endorsement.

 

 

 

HOTEL - KERRY HOTEL BEIJING

I stayed in 4 different Shangri-La properties on this trip, and all were stunning.  Fantastic 5 star service, amazing rooms and every inclusion you would expect from the Shangri-La chain (free Wi-Fi!).  The highlight for me was the Kerry Hotel in Beijing.  A beautiful 5 star hotel in a fantastic location and their Kerry Sports gym is over 7,000 square metres - huge!  I stayed in a Club Premier room which was amazing.  Uninterrupted views of the city, free mini-bar, and access to The Club.  The hotel also has a 24 hour bar called Centro, which has live music and events all week and is popular with both guests and locals.

 

 

DESTINATION - CHINA

It was my first visit to mainland China and I was blown away.  Beijing and Shanghai were so much better than I expected, and such a contrast.  Beijing has the cultural heart and history of China still intact and accessible.  You can still find pockets of the "old town" in original condition throughout the city, alongside the modern buildings you expect in a big city.  I visited The Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square - awe-inspiring locations I can tick off my bucket list.  Shanghai is completely different - ultra modern and vibrant.  Most of the city's buildings have been completed in the last 20 years, and the architecture is amazing!  Such creative buildings and designs.  Both cities are clean, safe, and full of friendly people.  I definitely hope to return soon.

BRITISH AIRWAYS WINS BEST FIRST CLASS AT THE 2015 DAILY TELEGRAPH ULTRA TRAVEL AWARD

 

Readers of the Telegraph's luxury travel magazine, Ultra Travel voted for British Airways first class service putting it ahead of Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and Singapore in the first class category. 

 

British Airways First Suite is a haven of comfort and style where sophisticated and contemporary British design meets immaculate service and attention to detail.

 

Seats turn into fully flat beds with a luxurious quilted mattress, crisp white cotton duvet and cotton pyjamas. A carefully selected collection of wellbeing essentials make passengers feel relaxed, revived and refreshed during the flight. First Suite also includes a personal power supply for laptops and electronic devices as well as a 15in screen and noise-cancelling headphones.

 

British Airways worked with some of the world's best chefs to bring First class passengers the full restaurant experience at 35,000 feet.

 

The airline's breakfasts, lunches and dinners and a classic English afternoon tea featuring only the finest quality seasonal ingredients. Passengers can select between a wide range of fine Champagne, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. They can dine from the airline's a la carte menu as well as from a range of lighter options. 

 

 

SINGAPORE AIRLINES ADDS A FIFTH SERVICE FROM SYDNEY TO SINGAPORE
  

Singapore Airlines has added a fifth service from Sydney to Singapore three times a week.

 

From 30 July 2015, the additional service will commence from Singapore to Sydney on flight SQ251 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 2335 and will arrive in Sydney at 0915 the next morning.

 

The return flight SQ252 will depart Sydney every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1325 and arrive into Singapore at 1945 the same day.

 

All flight times are based on local times and the additional flights will be operated by an Airbus A330-300, featuring 30 Business and 255 Economy class seats.

 

This additional fifth service is prefect for passengers who prefer a weekend trip or prefer to take a day flight and to arrive in time for dinner. It also offers great connections for those travelling to selected destinations in Asia, SASC and Europe.

 

Flights from Sydney to Singapore as of 30 July 2015:

   

 

Flights from Singapore to Sydney as of 30 July 2015:

    

 
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA TO OPERATE SEASONAL SERVICES BETWEEN MELBOURNE AND DARWIN
  

Virgin Australia will operate additional services between Melbourne and Darwin during the Northern Hemisphere 2015 summer travel season.

 

An additional service will be added during 03 July 2015 and 15 August 2015, increasing the Melbourne to Darwin operations to eight services per week during this period.

 

Services will be operated by B738 aircraft and will include an additional evening departure from Melbourne to Darwin and  one morning arrival into Melbourne:

 

  • VA 1465 MEL/DRW 1955/2355 (day 5)
  • VA 1456 DRW/MEL 0045/0530 (day 6)

 

Virgin Australia operates daily services between Darwin and Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and three services per week between Darwin and Alice Springs/ Adelaide. Additional frequency will provide increased connectivity between Darwin and Adelaide, Canberra, Tasmania, Trans-Tasman and partner airline routes.

AIR NEW ZEALAND AND AIR INDIA ANNOUNCE CODESHARE AGREEMENT
  

Air New Zealand and Air India signed a codeshare agreement on services between the two countries providing greater access and choice to their customers in both directions.

 

This agreement will see Air New Zealand codeshare into several Indian cities over multiple gateways. Air India will be able to access the New Zealand market on Air New Zealand services, including Trans-Tasman routes, connecting its Sydney to Melbourne services.

 

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says, "The sheer size of India and its growing middle class make it an aviation force that will positively impact international traffic flows.  Close to 90,000 people currently travel between India and New Zealand every year and this number is growing. This codeshare agreement will provide greater choice and convenience for those travelling between our two countries in both directions."

 

Codeshare services are expected to go on sale in the coming months.

EVENTS NEWS
ALL IN ONE MEETING EXPERIENCE AT ISLAND SHANGRI-LA HONG KONG
  

Towering 56 floors above Victoria Harbour, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong is centrally located in the heart of the city with direct access to the subway station and Pacific Place Mall. Exquisitely appointed with Asian-accented European  furnishings, the 565 rooms and suites command magnificent views of the Peak and Victoria Harbour. Other facilities include a wide range of meeting and dining options, the highest executive lounge on Hong Kong Island, a 24-hour gym and a seasonal heated outdoor pool.

 

FULL DAY MEETING PACKAGE:

From HK$1180.00* per person

 

Full Day Meeting Package includes:

  • Complimentary day use of meeting room from 0900 to 1700
  • Themed coffee breaks in the morning and afternoon
  • Conference luncheon
  • A wide range of beverages are served throughout the meeting
  • Complimentary use of the meeting equipment including podium, microphone, flipchart and stationary

To take advantage of this great offer, please contact our experienced team at The Events Authority on 02 8437 1155 or email us now.

FREQUENT FLYER NEWS
 TRIPLE AQUIRE POINTS WITH QANTAS
 

Qantas Aquire members that book and fly before 30 June 2015 on Qantas Domestic Flex fares could earn triple Aquire Points. Qantas Aquire members need to log-in and register to earn 12 Aquire Points for every 10 Qantas Points earned.

 

As the end of the financial year approaches, Aquire is excited to announce a competition for Aquire members. From now until 31 July 2015 every Aquire Point that is credited to an Aquire Member's account gets their business an entry into the draw for a chance to win 1 of 5 prizes of 100,000 Aquire Points as well as a 12 month Qantas Club membership.

 ETIHAD AIRWAYS OFFERS TRIPLE MILES
 
To celebrate the launch of Etihad's A380 service into Sydney and the non-stop B787 Dreamliner service between Brisbane and Abu Dhabi, the airline is offering Triple Miles.
  
Etihad offers Triple Miles for their guests in First and Business Class and Double Miles for their guests in Economy class when travelling between 01 September 2015 and 10 December 2015.
  
But Hurry! This offer is only available for bookings made before 2 July 2015.
SPECIALS
QANTAS EUROPE DEALS
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
    
SYDNEY - DUBLIN 
ECONOMY CLASS

From $1501.00* per person

(Amex points 150,100** per person) 

    

SYDNEY - ROME

ECONOMY CLASS

From $1537.00* per person

(Amex points 153,700** per person)

   

SYDNEY - FRANKFURT

ECONOMY CLASS 

From $1603.00* per person

(Amex points 160,300** per person)

 

SYDNEY - LONDON  

ECONOMY CLASS

From $1738.00* per person

(Amex points 173,800** per person)

 

PERTH - DUBLIN

ECONOMY CLASS

From $1393.00* per person

(Amex points 139,300** per person)

 

PERTH - ATHENS

ECONOMY CLASS

From $1435.00* per person

(Amex points 143,500** per person)

 

PERTH - PARIS

ECONOMY CLASS

From $1452.00* per person

(Amex points 145,200** per person)

 

 

Please contact us today for more destinations.  

 

*Conditions apply: Return airfares. Subject to availability. Sale ends 30 June 2015. Travel dates from 27 September 2015 - 25 November 2015 and 16 January 2016 - 20 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 fares.

QANTAS PERTH TO SINGAPORE SPECIAL FARES
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
    
PERTH - SINGAPORE 
ECONOMY CLASS

From $575.00* per person

(Amex points 57,500** per person) 

   

PERTH - SINGAPORE

BUSINESS CLASS

From $2025.00* per person

(Amex points 202,500** per person)

 

 

 

Please contact us today for more destinations.  

 

*Conditions apply: Return airfares. Subject to availability. Sale ends 30 June 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.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES PREMIUM ECONOMY LAUNCH FARES
TAXES AND FEES INCLUDED
  
To celebrate the launch of Premium Economy, Singapore Airlines offers Introductory fares to all passengers.
  
The offer includes Premium service to more than 20 destinations including Singapore, London, Paris, Munich, Hong Kong, Beijing and Mumbai.    
  
SYDNEY - SINGAPORE
PREMIUM ECONOMY

From $1726.00* per person

(Amex points 172,600** per person) 

    

SYDNEY - BEIJING

PREMIUM ECONOMY

From $2037.00* per person

(Amex points 203,700** per person)

   

SYDNEY - MUMBAI

PREMIUM ECONOMY 

From $2543.00* per person

(Amex points 254,300** per person)

 

SYDNEY - PARIS  

PREMIUM ECONOMY

From $3188.00* per person

(Amex points 318,800** per person)

 

 

Please contact us today for more destinations.  

 

*Conditions apply: Return airfares. Subject to availability. Sale until 06 July 2015 for travel 10 August 2015 until 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.

CRUISE THE KIMBERLEY 
  
The breathtaking coastline of Australia's North is like no other place. Barley untouched for centuries, its dramatic limestone cliffs, calm turquoise waters, picturesque archipelagos and stunning waterfalls, provide a miraculous backdrop to a cruise holiday.  Only a Kimberley cruise can get you this close to untamed wildlife, remote swimming holes, secret fishing spots and indigenous rock art sites that are inaccessible by any other means.
  
SILVERSEAS CRUISES

From $11,950.00* per person   

(Amex points 1,195,000** per person) 

 

This package includes:

  • Sail on Silverseas Silver Discoverer
  • Flights from any Australian capital city
  • All meals
  • Butler service
  • Scenic flight over Bungle Bungles and Lake Argyle

 

Please click here for more information.

 

To book this special please contact us today.

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability at time of booking and subject to change. Prices are twin share per person. Valid for travel in 2016. Inclusive flights based on Qantas Q class departing from Australian capital cities.

** 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.

RADISSON BLU HOTEL SYDNEY - BLU MOON PACKAGE
  
Did you know "Once in a Blue Moon" refers to two full moons appearing in the same month?
  
"Once in a Blue Moon" only occurs every three years and to celebrate it this July, Radisson Blu Sydney offers a Bed and Breakfast package with complimentary inclusions.
  
BLU MOON PACKAGE

From $264.00* per night   

(Amex points 26,400** per night) 

 

This package includes:

  • Full, hot buffet breakfast in Lady Fairfax Room
  • Complimentary BLU moon macaroons on arrival
  • BLU moon inspired cocktails for two people
  • Complimentary late check-out of 1pm

 

Please contact us today to book the Blu Moon Package.  

 

*Conditions apply: Valid for stays in July 2015 only. Rate is per night and includes full breakfast per person. Rate will vary depending on type of guest room chosen. Offer subject to availability.

**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.

SKI THREDBO - ALPENHORN
  

Thredbo Village and Ski Resort is renowned for its unique village atmosphere, family friendly facilities, apr�s ambience and its host of activities off the slopes. Combine this with superb on mountain facilities, long runs, a well-established snowmaking system and a variety of terrain parks you have the ingredients for a perfect ski getaway.

  
ALPENHORN
From $911.00* per person
(Amex points 91,100** per person)

 

This package includes:

  • 5 nights twin share in a Small Double Room at Alpenhorn
  • Daily breakfasts
  • 4 days Thredbo Ski Pass

 

Please contact us today to book your ski holiday.

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Valid for travel 30 August 2015 - 5 October 2015. Prices are subject to change and availability. Based on a 5 night midweek package checking in on a Sunday.

**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.

LA PLANTATION D'ALBION CLUB MED - MAURITIUS
  

Beautifully located in one of the last remote creeks on the island, La Plantation d'Albion Club Med welcomes the most demanding of guests into a world of supreme refinement.

  
LA PLANTATION D'ALBION CLUB MED
SUN EARLY BOOKING BONUS - SAVE UP TO 30%
From $3055.00* per person
(Amex points 305,500** per person)

 

This package includes: 

  • 6 nights' accommodation in a Club Room
  • Return flights and transfers ex Sydney
  • Premium All Inclusive holidays by Club Med Meals, Drinks, Snacks
    Entertainment
    Sports
    Activities
    Child
    ren's club facilities 

 

Please contact us today to book your Club Med holiday.

 

*Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Price based on departure 21 August 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.

CALL US TODAY ON 1300 WE KNOW (935 669)



    
  
  
  
   
               
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