On 1 November, The Langham Auckland, one of New Zealand’s leading hotels will be rebranded as Cordis, Auckland. Cordis Hotels and Resorts is a new generation of selected upper upscale modern hotels by Langham Hospitality Group that is devoted to the guests’ needs and well-being, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

“Our hotel in Auckland fits the Cordis brand perfectly,” says Robert Warman, chief executive officer of Langham Hospitality Group. “It is well located in the vibrant part of the city, a top-of-mind venue for meetings and events, a favourite for special occasions amongst the locals, and we have experienced colleagues who provide warm and friendly service from the heart.”

“The addition of Cordis, Auckland to our portfolio is a significant milestone for the group as it will be the first Cordis hotel in the Pacific. Our plan is to introduce and grow the Cordis brand in this region, which is seeing increasing numbers of leisure and corporate travellers year on year. Each Cordis is individual in style, architecture and design, all of which will be reflective of its location, local culture and is tailored to the requirements of our guests, from corporate travelers, honeymooners and families,” adds Warman.

Franz Mascarenhas, managing director of The Langham, Auckland says “I am confident Cordis, Auckland will succeed and continue to be the social centre of Auckland, hosting major events, conferences, international delegations and the city’s most glamourous weddings. We look forward to the continued support of the local community.

” Cordis derives its name from the Latin term meaning “heart”. The brand’s concept focuses on the core pillars of innovation in hospitality, genuine service, elegance in design and captivation of the senses.

Following the recent renovation of the banquet venues and the hotel’s Eight restaurant, The Langham Auckland will undergo refurbishment from 11 July for all 411 rooms and suites, lobby lounge and the exclusive Club Lounge. The refurbishment will ensure the hotel continues to provide the best facilities for guests in the market. The facelift is scheduled to be completed by Feb 2018.

To ensure there will be minimal disruption, the room renovations will be carried out in phases where guest floors will be closed off entirely and refurbishment works will be isolated to the designated areas only. Guests staying in the rooms or attending events at The Langham, Auckland will not be inconvenienced at any time during the refurbishment period.

In terms of design, guests may expect contemporary rooms and spaces that are reflective of the Cordis brand and local culture. The award-winning New Zealand based design firm, Space Studio, is the appointed interior designer for this refurbishment project.

In addition, to Cordis, Auckland, other Cordis properties in the brand’s portfolio are in Hong Kong, Shanghai (Hongqiao), Ningbo, Dongqian Lake (2018), Shanghai, East Bund (2019), Hangzhou (2019) and Bali (2018). Read more at http://www.etbtravelnews.global

| An ETB Travel Update  ||  May 17,, 2017   |||

Air New Zealand is giving travellers a sneak peek into what the future of inflight service could look like.

The airline has been working with information technology service provider Dimension Data on unique software for Microsoft’s augmented reality (AR) viewer HoloLens that could support cabin crew as they carry out their inflight duties by aggregating and displaying key customer information directly in front of them.

Data such as a customer’s preferred meal and drinks choice, onward travel and loyalty membership details could be displayed. The programme is even sophisticated enough to detect the emotion of the customer by picking up on visual and audio cues.

Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Avi Golan says the airline has fostered a strong culture of experimentation with new and emerging technologies such as the HoloLens.

“This software is a great example of us collaborating with other partners and exploring how technology could enhance the way our people work as well as the experience they deliver to our customers through greater personalisation,” says Mr Golan.

The technology could also allow the airline’s cabin crew to move to a paperless inflight system presenting added environmental benefits.

Air New Zealand has developed a global reputation for innovation having worked with a range of technology partners and introduced a number of customer innovations to enhance the customer experience in recent times. These include auto bag drops to speed up the check-in process with face-to-passport recognition and Airband™, a wristband for children travelling unaccompanied embedded with technology that allows parents and guardians to track each step of their young ones’ journey. Airband™ was named Innovation of the Year at the 2016 CAPA Asia Pacific Aviation Awards.

Click here or on the image below to download video of Air New Zealand trialling the Microsoft HoloLens.

Air New Zealand will welcome customers into its significantly larger new-look lounge at Melbourne International Airport from tomorrow.

Located on the ground floor of the airport terminal, the lounge carries an ultra-modern design created in conjunction with award-winning global architectural firm Gensler and Australian based design firm Marsden Collective. The modern design follows what was first seen in the Air New Zealand Sydney International lounge.

The lounge offers five different spaces for close to 250 guests, allowing customers to relax and refresh or get some work done. A self-service food buffet, two self-service drink stations and a barista station are also available.

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Anita Hawthorne says the airline is committed to improving the customer experience and is proud to be able to offer customers flying out of Melbourne a new lounge space with 50 percent more seating than the previous lounge.

“The airline has been investing heavily in the Australian market and promoting its services through its ‘Better Way to Fly’ campaign starring Dave the goose which encourages Australians to travel Air New Zealand to North and South America.

“It’s also clear Australians love the Air New Zealand products and services after recently taking out the number one spot in AMR’s 2017 Australia Corporate Reputation Index so we look forward to welcoming customers to our new lounge.”

The Air New Zealand Melbourne International Lounge forms part of the airline’s four year $100 million programme to develop its network of lounges and follows the opening of new lounges in Sydney and Brisbane as well as in Auckland, Nadi, Wellington, Queenstown, Hamilton and Invercargill.

|  An Air New Zealand release  |  May 08, 2017   |||

Emirates will provide an all-A380 service from Melbourne when it upgrades its third daily flight from the Australian city from a Boeing 777-300ER to an A380 operation.

The move will add 945 seats per week to the Australian city from 25 March 2018, representing a 10% increase in capacity. This means Emirates customers can enjoy even more seamless “A380 to A380” connections via its hub in Dubai to 18 points in the UK and Europe.

New Zealand already has an all-A380 service to Dubai and beyond, with four of the Emirates double-deckers flying daily from Auckland and another from Christchurch. One of the Auckland services flies to Dubai via Melbourne, providing a stopover option en route.

The additional weekly seats on the Melbourne-Dubai route will support more business and leisure travel between the cities and together with Qantas’ new Melbourne, via Perth, London Boeing 789 Dreamliner service beginning on 24 March 2018, offers Melbourne customers more options to London and Europe under the joint partnership.

The popular Emirates A380 has 489 seats in a three-class cabin configuration, with 14 private suites in First Class, 76 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 399 spacious seats in Economy.

Passengers in all classes can enjoy over 2,500 channels of the latest films, TV shows, music, and games on Emirates’ ice Digital Widescreen, which has been named World’s Best Inflight Entertainment at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards for a record 12 years running.

|  An emirates release  ||  April 27, 2017   |||

Air New Zealand has taken out the number one spot in AMR’s 2017 Corporate Reputation Index in both Australia and New Zealand. This is the first time in the airline’s history the airline has been named as the most reputable company in Australia and the second year in a row the company has taken out the top position in New Zealand.

In Australia, Air New Zealand has moved from sixth place in 2016 to take the number one spot ahead of Australia’s own national carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia which indexed in fifth and 16th place respectively and other big corporates such as Toyota, Apple Australia, Myer and Woolworths. In New Zealand, Air New Zealand topped companies such as Toyota, ASB and The Warehouse.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says it’s fantastic Air New Zealand not only has the number one reputation in New Zealand but has taken out the top spot in Australia for the first time.

“The results are testament to all the hard work of Air New Zealand staff who over the past decade have helped build an enviable reputation for the airline globally by delivering our uniquely Kiwi award-winning experience.

“Despite being a relatively small airline in global terms, Air New Zealand continues to punch above its weight by taking great ideas and turning these into world leading product and service offerings that enhance the customer experience.

“In Australia this includes the likes of our ‘Better Way to Fly’ campaign featuring well known Australian actor Bryan Brown as the voice of Dave the Goose encouraging Australians to choose Air New Zealand for travel to North and South America and our 2015 safety video ‘Surfing Safari’ which starred the Australian surfing legend Mick Fanning.

“It’s clear Australians love the Air New Zealand products and services and we’re thrilled to be held in such high regard on both sides of the Tasman.”

| An Air New Zealand release  \\  April 26, 2017   |||

Reinforces New Zealand connections with doomed Atlantic Liner

 New Zealand’s connection to the world’s most famous shipwreck the Titanic has become reinforced with the entry by Ocean Gate into the passenger tour business starting next year with scheduled dive tours to the wreck.

Ocean Gate is organised by Stockton Rush (pictured above) who is part of the family of the late Stockton Rush 11 who invented the high end terrestrial tourist business in New Zealand.

United States oilman Stockton Rush 11 developed Takaro Lodge in the South Island southern lakes district as a conservation and tourist centre for the rich.

The problem for the Lodge was that Mr Rush’s development coincided with the Labour government of Prime Ministers Norman Kirk and Wallace Rowling.

At this time the Labour government was anxious to be seen to be returning to its working class roots.

The publicity surrounding Takaro Lodge and especially its bathroom fittings which were said to be gold plated, along with the moneyed celebrities who stayed there meant that the Lodge became a target for government-inspired obstacles.

The current Stockton Rush is similarly in the premium tourist business, though this time of an undersea nature, and based in the United States.

Round dive costs have been calculated on an inflation adjusted formula relating to a first class trans-Atlantic berth on the Titanic itself (pictured below), this being in the region of NZ$150,000.

A qualified aerospace engineer and commercial pilot, Mr Rush is supervising the construction of his passenger dive craft known as Cyclops 2.

The Rush family’s tourist-based connection with New Zealand and the Titanic supplements the better known one of film magnate James Cameron and New Zealand.

It was Mr Cameron’s film, coincidentally financed by Rupert Murdoch, a continuing New Zealand omnipresence, that re-ignited the curiosity about the disaster and its causes and effects.

Subsequently New Zealand relatives have been discovered of Frederick Fleet the crows nest look out who first sounded the alarm about the imminence of the iceberg.

Mr Fleet later testified at the court of inquiry that the absence of any binoculars at his post meant that his warning came too late.

Meanwhile the Stockton Rush of Takaro Lodge fame an imposing-looking man who resembled the actor James Garner died at the age of 69 in 2000.

Mr Cameron with his numerous projects with New Zealander Peter Jackson resides in the Wairarapa Valley in which he has established a health foods grocery.

Lookout Frederick Fleet died in 1965.

|  From the MSCNewsWire reporters' desk  ||  Tuesday 18 April 2017   |||

Emirates has today introduced a range of sizzling fares for travel from New Zealand in time to enjoy the Europe summer across a range of 39 destinations.

The latest offers include flights directly into and out of favourite sea and river cruise connection points as well as rail links. And New Zealand travellers can also choose to enter Europe or the UK through one gateway and return from another point on the extensive Emirates network.

“We recognise that many travellers, especially those visiting friends and relatives, are not always in a position to make their bookings early, and these fares for travel into the peak northern summer months will be good news for a wide range of people,” said Emirates’ New Zealand regional manager, Chris Lethbridge.

“They will also very much suit the premium leisure market, which commonly books later.”

Emirates has five daily A380 double-decker services out of New Zealand to Dubai and beyond - one from Christchurch and four from Auckland, including a non-stop service to Dubai.

“The Dubai hub provides great connections onwards to Europe, with Emirates’ flights reaching most destinations only six or seven hours later.”

From Auckland, Economy Class return fares include Paris from $1,729, Rome from $1,759, Frankfurt from $1,779, London and Manchester from $1,809, Birmingham from $1,909; Dublin from $1,869. Business Class return fares start at just $6,919 to Rome, $6,949 to London, and $6,999 to Paris, among others.

From Christchurch, Economy Class return fares include Amsterdam and Bologna from $1,929; Paris and Frankfurt from $1,979; London from $2,049, and Copenhagen from $1,989, among others. Business Class return fares start at $7,409 to Amsterdam, $7,509 to Frankfurt and $7,529 to London.

All fares are inclusive of taxes. Terms and conditions and various travel dates apply. For bookings or more details visit emirates.com/nz, your local travel agent, or contact Emirates on 0508 EMIRATES (0508 364 728).

|  An Emirates release  ||  April 17, 2017   |||

Emirates has introduced another service to mitigate the inconvenience of the recent ban on electronic devices on board US-bound flights. First and Business Class passengers will now be able to borrow tablets on board Emirates’ US-bound flights from Dubai allowing them to continue working during their flight.

The new service is in response to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) directive which requires all passengers travelling on non-stop flights to the US from Dubai to check-in their laptops, tablets, and other personal electronic devices larger than a smart phone.

As part of this latest service, Emirates’ premium customers will have Microsoft Surface tablets equipped with Microsoft Office 2016 available for loan on board. Customers can download their work on to a USB which can be brought on board and plugged into the devices to continue working seamlessly.

The service is complimentary and will be available on all non-stop flights from Dubai to Emirates’ US destinations. Emirates provides connections at Dubai from its five daily A380 services from New Zealand to the US.

For customers who prefer to stow away their personal devices and simply enjoy the award winning inflight entertainment and service on board, Emirates had introduced a laptop and tablet handling service for US-bound customers. This complimentary service has been made available to passengers in all cabin classes since 25 March 2017, which was when the new TSA rules took effect.

This service allows customers to retain and utilise their personal devices until just before they board their US-bound flights. Passengers must then declare and hand over their laptops, tablets, and other banned electronic devices to security staff at the boarding gate, who will pack and tag each device to be stored in the aircraft hold and returned to the customer at their US destination.

Watch a video on how Emirates’ handling service works here.

To date, nearly 8,000 passengers have utilised Emirates’ laptop and tablet handling service on the airline’s 112 weekly non-stop flights departing Dubai International airport to cities in the USA. Emirates has received positive feedback from appreciative customers, and reports an even mix of Economy, Business and First class passengers utilising its laptop and tablet handling service.

These two new services by Emirates gives customers travelling to the US several options, such as: packing their electronic devices into their check-in baggage at their point of departure; the opportunity to use their laptops and tablet on their first leg of their journeys and during transit in Dubai, up to the moment they board their US-bound flight; and for premium customers the choice to continue working on loaned devices on board. Customers can stay connected in the air with mobile phone connectivity, in-seat telephones with SMS and email and live TV on most flights. Currently, over 85% of Emirates’ fleet of passenger aircraft is equipped with Wi-Fi on board.

The TSA directive does not apply to Emirates’ US-bound flights via Milan (EK205) and Athens (EK209). It also does not impact flights departing from the US, or Emirates’ flights to any other destination.

Emirates customers flying to the US can find out more about how the new TSA rules impact them at www.emirates.com/electronicsban.

Emirates serves 12 US airports with passenger flights - Newark (EWR), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Washington (IAD) and New York (JFK).

|  An Emirates release  |  April 06, 2017   |||

A renamed and extended Emperor’s Lounge, plus upgraded wifi are among the changes complementing Auckland Airport’s launch of its new Strata Club.

The club is a new app-based loyalty type programme designed to recognise travellers’ choices with personalised services and benefits. Strata Club benefits are offered in tiers based on a customer’s purchases over a year and are available to all international and domestic travellers, regardless of their airline and class of travel, as well as to everyone visiting Auckland Airport’s international and domestic terminals.

The Emperor Lounge, the international premium lounge owned and operated by Auckland Airport, is being renamed Strata Lounge. It is being expanded and refurbished and will open in a new location by August 2017. Strata Club Members will collect Strata Points and accrue tier spend when they book their lounge visit online and 24 hours in advance.

The first stage of wifi infrastructure and services for customers is also complete and complements the launch of the club. Improvements include offering customers a choice of time allowances and data volumes according to their needs and Strata Club tier.

Jason Delamore, Auckland Airport’s general manager – marketing and technology, says Strata Club is one of the ways the airport is investing in getting to know its customers better so they can be provided with more personalised services and benefits.

Examples of benefits include longer access to free wifi, parking upgrades and discounts, and special offers from participating retailers (such as duty free and food and beverage outlets).

|  A Travelinc release  ||  April 06, 2017   |||

Air New Zealand has today revealed a new Economy seat design at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg to be introduced on the airline’s Airbus A320/A321neo (new engine option) fleet.

The airline has worked with UK aerospace seating company Acro Aircraft Seating on the slim-line design, a key feature of which is wider seats. The window and aisle seats will be one centimetre wider than those on the airline’s current international Airbus fleet, with the middle seat three centimetres wider ensuring a better sense of personal space across the row.

The design also features a new seat cover developed in conjunction with New Zealand company Flight Interiors which customer testing has demonstrated delivers superior comfort levels for longer.

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Anita Hawthorne says the design of the new seat was customer-led with the airline and Acro keen to address key areas of customer feedback and further improve the inflight experience.

“The slightly wider middle seat helps balance out the fact that window and aisle seat customers enjoy a greater sense of space. We currently have many customers who state a preference for window or aisle seats and it’s possible the new design may see the middle seat get a boost in popularity.

“We have a long history of innovating and of thinking outside the box for solutions so we were fortunate to work alongside a like-minded partner such as Acro. We believe what we’ve co-designed is not only practical from an operational perspective but importantly a more comfortable and spacious experience for our customers,” says Ms Hawthorne.

Acro Chief Executive Officer Chris Brady says the seat attracted plenty of attention at the Aircraft Interiors Expo when it was unveiled today.

“To reveal the new seat at this event, which showcases all the very latest innovations, technologies and products for cabin interiors was hugely exciting and piqued a lot of interest in the new product from other airlines and the wider industry alike,” Mr Brady says.

Air New Zealand has 13 Airbus A320neo aircraft on order to replace its current A320 fleet. The airline will receive a combination of A320neo and A321neo.

|  An Air New Zealand release  ||  April 05, 2017   |||