Until June 21, Virgin Atlantic is offering a special Economy Class promotion for round-trip travel from Hong Kong to London for only HK$5,600 (US$718). Tickets must be issued in Hong Kong on or before 31 March. For details of terms and conditions: Tel/fax: (852) 2911-1783 and enter code 88608.
ENTER THE S-ZONE
Asia Miles has announced the introduction of a new shorter award zone - S-Zone. A number of popular regional flights now fit into the new S-Zone, meaning members can now redeem free flights for fewer Asia Miles. The new award zone covers all award types including upgrades and companion awards. For flights of 600 miles or less, the S-Zone allows Asia Miles members to redeem one-way Economy Class award flights for only 10,000 Asia Miles, and return flights for just 15,000 Asia Miles - a saving of up to 10,000 Asia Miles. Possible destinations for free award flights from Hong Kong would include Taipei, Hanoi, Xiamen, Kaohsiung and Sanya.
SQUARE EYES FOR ALL
As part of Air France's product and service upgrades, all of the airline's Boeing 777 and Airbus A340, flying to 13 out of 15 Asian destinations, will have personal TV (PTV) available in all three classes from mid-2001. The newly installed PTV offers an upgraded entertainment line-up called "Promenade", which contains 15 video channels (eight dedicated to movies), 15 audio and 10 games.
'CYBER' HOTEL OPENS IN HK
Hong Kong's first cyber boutique hotel - Best Western Rosedale on the Park Hotel & Suites, opened for business last month in the heart of Causeway Bay. Rosedale on the Park features 274 rooms and suites which are equipped with broadband Internet access, DECT Phone (digital enhanced cordless telephone) and a dual line for telephone, computer or other devices. Guests staying before March 31, can take a Superior Room for HK$649 (US$83) per night. Included in the Superior Room Package is buffet breakfast, airport shuttle service, free in-room broadband Internet access and 20% discount on 24-hour business centre services. A Suite Package is also available for HK$940 per night. For reservations, tel: (852) 2127-8606 or email: resvn@rosedale.com.hk.
BARGAIN IN BANGKOK
The Regent Bangkok now has rooms available starting from US$188/US$225 (plus tax and service charge) superior single/superior double, US$198++/US$235++ deluxe single/deluxe double room per night. Rate includes access to the Regent Club, an executive club lounge with its 24-hour services, including business centre facilities, private concierge, meeting rooms, lounge with breakfast and cocktails, all-day coffee and tea, extensive library and express check-out. For reservations contact: (66-2) 254-6930; fax: (66-2) 254- 5391.
BIG APPLE DIRECT FROM HK
United Airlines is launching daily, direct flights from Hong Kong to the Big Apple on April 2. United Airlines is adding New York to its list of major, non-stop HK-US flights that already includes San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago, using Boeing 747-400s. The airline will also begin a non-stop service to Delhi, India, on April 1. From Hong Kong, it also offers a daily non-stop service to Singapore and Tokyo.
REDEMPTION BONANZA
Cathay Pacific has announced a 30% discount on Asia Miles Economy Class redemptions to more than 20 destinations worldwide. For example, a round-trip Asia Miles Economy Class award ticket from Hong Kong to Sydney will require only 31,500 Asia Miles instead of the regular 45,000 Asia Miles. Similarly, an Economy Class award flight to Manila from Hong Kong will be available to members for just 17,500 Asia Miles. Asia Miles members can enjoy these savings when redeeming one-way and round-trip Economy Class awards on Cathay if travelling before March 31 and during May on many routes. For more information contact a travel agent or CX reservations on (852) 2747-1888.
WINGING IT IN THE UK
The Quality Hotel Harrow, London, is the first Quality Hotel in the United Kingdom to open a purpose-designed building for business executives. The £2 million (US$2.9 million) investment development opens in May 2001 and features a three-storey, state-of-the-art executive building containing 28 luxury bedrooms and suites, a dedicated executive lounge and room service. Each room is fully equipped with the latest technology, including a modem point and three telephones with voice mail enabling two voice or one voice and one email message to be taken simultaneously. Rates for the executive business rooms are from £160 per night including VAT and breakfast.
SITES ON NORTHWEST
Northwest Airline has unveiled new and improved integrated websites across the Asia/Pacific region. The upgraded websites are in English, but Asian language sites will also be unveiled in the next few months. The new sites make it simpler to access information on Northwest's services, and its frequent flyer program, WorldPerks. To locate the relevant country's website, first visit the airline's home page at www.nwa.com and search for the specific country's page you require.
IT'S A SEOUL KINDA FEELING
The Visit Korea 2001 Package at the Ritz-Carlton, Seoul is designed for business and leisure travellers alike. The package, which is valid until December 31, includes Deluxe, Club Deluxe or Premium Suite accommodation, complimentary pressing of one shirt during your stay and 10% discount in all restaurants. For reservations or more information call the Ritz-Carlton, Seoul on (82-2) 3451-8000.
THE DELHI DASH
Cathay Pacific has announced it will launch a non-stop service between Hong Kong and India's capital, New Delhi. The service will start on March 26 and operate four times a week using Airbus A330-3000 aircraft. Delhi will become Cathay's second passenger destination in India. The airline began flying to India's commercial capital, Mumbai, in 1982 and currently operates four flights a week on that route. The Delhi route should prove popular with business travellers given the increasing business ties between India, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Passengers can book through their travel agent or contact Cathay Pacific reservations on (852) 2747-1888.
SPINNING NEW WEBS
China Southern Airlines has redesigned its Chinese and English websites, which are located at www.cs-air.com and www.cs-air.com/en, respectively. The airline's new-look Chinese website has numerous new integrated features including a reservation engine and a flash "mini movie" on the home page with links to China Southern Cargo and the Sky Pearl Club, the airline's frequent flyer club.