Carry on: Air NZ boosts routes, new Iran service and more
Dreamliners are now on Honolulu route and coming soon to Buenos Aires.
Dreamliners are now on Honolulu route and coming soon to Buenos Aires.
Air New Zealand boosts four international routes
Air New Zealand is expanding capacity on four international routes to meet demand. As of this week, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners have replaced 767-300s on the four times weekly Honolulu service. Dreamliners will also replace B777-200ERs from October 30 on the three flights each weeks to Buenos Aires. This service will increase to four times weekly from December 12 to February 27, 2017.
Extra capacity is being added to the Shanghai Pu Dong and Tokyo Narita routes. The Shanghai service will increase from daily to 10 times weekly from December 17, while larger B777-200ERs will replace Dreamliners to Tokyo from October 30.
Air fares coming down in Asia
Reports indicate a fullscale are air fare war is being waged in Asia as airlines there match pricing drops from the Gulf carriers. Latest to join the fray is Cathay Pacific, which is locally offering reductions to Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Osaka and Delhi via Hong Kong. Return economy fares range from $1069 (Taipei) to $1289 (Delhi). The fares are on sale until 7 June and are available for travel between now and November 30.
AirAsia X adds Iran, cancels Goa
AirAsia X is planning to add Iran to its network and drop the Indian resort of Goa. The Kuala Lumpur-Tehran Imam Khomeini route will run three times a week from June 21, giving New Zealanders a one-stop service. The Kuala Lumpur-Goa route, which operates three times a week with Airbus A320 aircraft, will cease from June 4.
Swissôtel adds second Phuket resort hotel
Swissôtel will expand its Thai hotel portfolio from next month when it takes over the management of a Dusit property in Phuket. The dusitD2 Phuket Resort, which is located in the Patong area, will be rebranded as the Swissôtel Phuket Patong Beach Resort. This will become the company’s second property in Phuket after the Swissôtel Phuket Kamala Beach Resort. Both hotels are owned by Destination Properties.
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