Category: Air Travel
New private jet for Oprah
You may recall this story from earlier in the year when Oprah Winfrey had a bit of a scare with her GulfStream private jet earlier in the year. Well now apparently she is splashing out on a new jet: a Global Express XRS from Bombardier Aerospace. She’s opted for the 10-seater model with a custom-designed
Loch Lomond Seaplanes in Scotland
By Paul Johnson on Jul 05, 2006 in Air Travel, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
With just one aircraft – a five-passenger Cessna Turbo Stationair – Loch Lomond Seaplanes provides Britain’s only commercial seaplane service. In addition to lunch excursions, charter services and business trips, Loch Lomond Seaplanes can also offer the opportunity to get married by a Church of Scotland minister whilst soaring above the spectacular Highlands of Scotland. 
Diamond Seat from Etihad Airways
By Paul Johnson on Jul 04, 2006 in Air Travel, Business Travel, Leisure Travel, Middle East, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Arab Emirates
The new purpose-built Airbus 340-500 for Etihad Airways – part of an $8 billion order for the national airline of the UAE – has arrived, along with its ‘Diamond Seat’. The seat can rotate 180 degrees, ideal for business travellers who want to have meetings as they fly, or for leisure travellers who simply wish 
Gordon Ramsay restaurant at London Heathrow
By Paul Johnson on Jun 30, 2006 in Air Travel, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
In addition to the possibility of Harrods opening at London Heathrow’s terminal 5, it’s been speculated that celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, one of just three chefs in the UK to maintain 3 Michelin stars for his restaurants, might also open a restaurant there. If the enterprise is to go-ahead, the former professional footballer will be 
PlanetOut Gay and Lesbian Travel Awards
By Paul Johnson on Jun 29, 2006 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Gay & Lesbian Travel, Hotels, Massachusetts, North America, Regions, Spain, Speciality Travel, USA, Western Europe
The winners of the 13th annual PlanetOut.com gay and lesbian travel awards can be found by following this link. Amongst the numerous winners are Spain (Destination of the Year), Provincetown (Best Gay Resort Town), American Airlines (Best Airline), Hyatt Hotels & Resorts (Best Gay Hotel Collection) and Crystal Cruises (Best Cruise Company). 
Harrods to open at London Heathrow's Terminal 5?
By Paul Johnson on Jun 28, 2006 in Air Travel, Europe, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
It’s been rumoured by the press that Harrods – one of the most famous stores in the world – is the frontrunner in the race to a 12,000 sq ft centrepiece site at terminal 5 of BAA’s London Heathrow Airport, ahead of Slefridges and Harvey Nichols. Harrods stores already exist in a variety of other 
MENA Travel Awards 2006
By Paul Johnson on May 22, 2006 in Accommodation, Africa, Air Travel, Bahrain, Business Travel, Egypt, Hotels, Lebanon, Middle East, Qatar, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, United Arab Emirates
The MENA Travel Awards held earlier this month celebrate the best of the luxury travel industry in the Middle East and North Africa (hence the MENA bit). There were many nominees and awards so below I’ve given a short summation by listing only the platinum winners; the United Arab Emirates dominates the honours: Platinum winners 
New luxury terminal at Changi Airport
Changi Airport, recently voted the Best Airport in Asia for the twentieth time in a row, is to open Asia’s first luxury terminal, designed for CIPs (Commercially Important Person). The terminal will allow those who are prepared to pay to board much more quickly and cut on otherwise long immigration and security checks. The
2005/6 Airline of the Year award in Tanzania
Precision Air have been given the 2005/6 Airline of the Year award in Tanzania in Dar es Salaam after being announced as winners by the Tanzania Tourist Board at the Africa Travel Association annual general assembly. The airline has outpaced its key competitor, Air Tanzania, and now offers an extensive domestic network that covers Zanzibar
Lufthansa Private Jet heads east
By Paul Johnson on May 17, 2006 in Air Travel, Eastern Europe, Europe, Regions, Russia, Speciality Travel
Lufthansa is continuing to expand its exclusive offer Lufthansa Private Jet which is set up in March last year. In addition to over 1,000 destinations already served in Europe, Lufthansa Private Jet customers will now be able to travel between any of the international airports in the Russian Federation, or fly from there to Europe. 
Marriott and Emirates partner in World Cup promotions
By Paul Johnson on May 16, 2006 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Europe, Events, Germany, Hotels, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Marriott will partner with Emirates Airline on a number of promotions in conjunction with the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany next month. As an Official Partner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, Emirates has made 200 match tickets available to support the various promotions being planned by Marriott and the airline. Emirates also 
Boeing 787 interior pictures released
Boeing has released interior pictures of its luxury Boeing 787 aircraft. The design gives an impression of ample space, with plenty of leg room, wide aisles and large overhead storage bins. Boeing will be hoping that passengers are prepared to pay more for this space on longer haul trips.
One of Europe's largest luxury airport hotels
By Paul Johnson on May 11, 2006 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Business Travel, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
London Heathrow’s new Terminal 5 will have just one hotel. The Sofitel London Heathrow will be a £180-million, 600-bed luxury airport hotel and convention centre. It is due to open in March 2008 and will have excellent business facilities, with 30 meeting rooms, a lecture theatre for 150 people, and the ability to accommodate 1500 
New seats with American Airlines
American Airlines will install new lie-flat seats and enhanced inflight entertainment in the Business Class cabins on all Boeing 767-300s and Boeing 777 aircraft. The enhancements to the Boeing 767-300s are due to commence midway through the year, with the new seats on the Boeing 777 fleet beginning in 2007. Investment is also being made
Best airport in Asia?
By Paul Johnson on May 08, 2006 in Air Travel, Asia, Magazines, Regions, Singapore, Speciality Travel, Travel Equipment, Travel Literature
Changi Airport has been voted ‘Best Airport Asia’ for an impressive 20th time on the trot in an annual survey conducted by the Hong Kong-based publication CargoNews Asia. It’s also received awards recently from both DestinAsian magazine, a luxury travel publication, and from the the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. 
