Malaysia Airlines Joins Oneworld

Volume 6, Issue 6, Feb. 7, 2013

Intelligence Malaysia Airlines Joins Oneworld   MALAYSIA AIRLINES: Oneworld alliance officially added the carrier as its newest member. © photo360 On Jan. 31, the oneworld alliance officially welcomed Malaysia Airlines as its newest member, allowing oneworld members flying Malaysia Airlines to earn and redeem miles and status points. The move makes the airline the 12th oneworld member and adds 16 destinations and one country, Brunei, to oneworld's route map. The addition of Malaysia Airlines and its Kuala Lumpur (KUL) hub, the world's 10th most visited city by international visitors according to the latest annual MasterCard survey, enhances the alliance's presence in Southeast Asia. Prior to the addition of Malaysia Airlines, oneworld's only other hub presence in the immediate region was at Hong Kong (HKG), the base for alliance member Cathay Pacific. According to Malaysia's Bernama news agency, Malaysia Airlines CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya says the carrier's new oneworld status will "strengthen the alliance's connectivity between many key business cities in Asia and other parts of the world." Oneworld alliance members include American Airlines, British Airways, airberlin, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and Russia's S7. Qatar Airways and Sri Lankan Airlines are expected to join oneworld within the next year or two. With the inclusion of Malaysia Airlines, the group now covers 842 destinations in 156 countries. Through April 15, oneworld members are celebrating the new addition with a frequent-flyer promotion. Customers flying Malaysia Airlines can earn double miles in their preferred oneworld program (registration is required in advance).

News Air China To Launch New Service   Air China plans to launch non-stop service between Chengdu (CTU) and Frankfurt (FRA) beginning May 19, offering travelers a faster and more economic option for travel between southwestern China and Europe. The airline will provide the service three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The 10-hour flight departs Chengdu at 01:30 and arrives in Frankfurt at 06:10 on the same day. The return flight leaves Frankfurt at 14:00 and arrives in Chengdu at 05:40 the next day. 2013 Shanghai International Boat Show   The largest boat show in Asia and the first and oldest in China, the 2013 China (Shanghai) International Boat Show, co-organized by Sinoexpo and the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, will run April 11-14. This year, CIBS increased total capacity to 48,000 square meters, up 37 percent from 2012, and is currently at 97 percent capacity. The show will feature national trade associations from the United States, Italy, Australia, Spain and Korea. CIBS will dedicate 13,000 square meters to "Expo Leisure," an exhibition on luxury and leisure in the yachting industry. Visit the website to register. Singapore Airlines And Porter Airlines Offer Travel Between Asia And Canada   Singapore Airlines and Porter Airlines finalized an interline agreement that provides another travel option between Asia and Canada. The agreement links Porter's main base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) with Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN) via a connection at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Travelers can now buy tickets through Singapore Airlines and check baggage through to their final destination. The Singapore-bound trip from Toronto includes a one-hour layover in Newark. Service from Singapore to Toronto includes a 90-minute layover. Japan Airlines Postpones Launch Of Narita-Helsinki Route   Due to the grounding of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Japan Airlines decided to postpone the launch of its non-stop service between Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) and Helsinki Airport (HEL) originally scheduled to start Feb. 25. The rescheduled launch of JAL's Narita-Helsinki service will be announced at a later time. Customers with confirmed reservations will be informed about alternative options. The 787 is still grounded while under investigation in the United States and Japan. Marriott To Double In Size In Thailand   On Feb. 1, Marriott International announced the signing of seven management agreements with TCC Hotels Group. The agreement will double Marriott International's presence by 2017, adding 3,000 guestrooms to the existing 12 hotels (3,110 guestrooms) across Thailand. The seven hotels include: The Imperial Queen's Park Hotel, Bangkok, to be rebranded as Bangkok Marriott Hotel Queen's Park; Imperial Adamas Phuket Beach Resort, to be rebranded as Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach; Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa; Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, Jomtien Beach; JW Marriott Pattaya Resort & Spa; Bangkok Marriott Hotel and Executive Apartments, Surawong; and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok.

Dollars & Sense

Sofitel So Bangkok Gourmet Deal   Sofitel So Bangkok offers guests a So Gourmet special, including overnight accommodations and a $60 food and beverage credit. Rates start from $197 per night. Visit the website for more information. Save In Cambodia   Le Méridien Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia, offers guests a special including overnight accommodations, 15 percent off spa treatments, 15 percent off food, free WiFi in the public area, a welcome fresh herbal drink or a glass of local beer and a complimentary one-way airport pick-up to the hotel for two. Book by Feb. 11 for travel through March 31. Visit the website. Red Hot Deal From The Westin Xiamen   Enjoy 30 percent off the best available rates at The Westin Xiamen. Book by Feb. 11 for stays through March 31. Visit the website for more information. Book Early And Save In Bali   Enjoy up to 25 percent off per night at The St. Regis Bali Resort when you book your vacation 60 days in advance. Through June 30, the deal includes overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, a return airport transfer and complimentary in-room and resort WiFi access. Rates start from $423 for The St. Regis Suite and $765 per night for The St. Regis Gardenia Villa. Book now. Welcome The New Year In Indonesia   Experience a Chinese New Year getaway special at Keraton at The Plaza in Jakarta, Indonesia. Including overnight accommodations and breakfast for two, the deal is valid Feb. 8-13. Rates start from $295 per night. Book now.

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