A number of airlines in the Asia-Pacific region are expanding their networks. New figures show a definite rise in air traffic and a number of hotels are in the pipeline.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO ABU DHABI

Singapore Airlines will on March the 2nd commence flights between Singapore and Abu Dhabi, and between Singapore and Moscow, via Dubai.

The carrier will operate three services per week on both routes. The airline is offering AED536 (US$146) for an economy-return from Dubai to Moscow, while Abu Dhabi travellers seeking to explore Singapore can avail themselves of a Dhs1899 (US$517) package including three days/two nights in a hotel, breakfast and transfers and a sightseeing trip around the city.

To take advantage of these deals, tickets must be bought before the end of this month.

TIGER AIRWAYS TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO HAIKOU, GUANGZHOU AND SHENZHEN

Singapore-based Tiger Airways will start services to the Chinese destinations of Haikou, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in April. The low-cost airline will initially fly four times per week to Haikou and three times per week to Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The carrier is offering fares from S$24.98 (US$15) one way for its service to Thailand’s Krabi between March 26th and October 25th.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS TO LAUNCH NEW MANCHESTER ROUTE
 
Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways will begin daily flights to the UK destination of Manchester on March the 26th. Last week the airline launched a service to the Philippine capital Manila.

GARUDA INDONESIA TO RESUME FLYING TO SEOUL
 
Indonesian flag-carrier Garuda will resume scheduled flights to Seoul, South Korea. The airline will recommence direct Denpasar-Seoul flights under a code-share agreement with Korea Airlines, with Garuda to service the route four times per week and Korea Airlines three times per week. Garuda suspended Denpasar-Seoul flights in late 2004.

ASIA-PACIFIC TO HAVE SOME 870 MLN AIR PASSENGERS BY 2014
 
Some 870 million passengers will be travelling to, within and from Asia-Pacific by 2014, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Aviation Summit 2006 was told.

Citing figures by the Air Transport Action Group, Singapore Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong said the number was more than double the figure in 1999.

By 2022, eight of the top 10 airports using large aircraft would be in Asia and nine of the top 10 large aircraft routes would serve Asia, he added.

IHG COMPLETES REFURBISHMENT AND RE-BRANDING OF PARKROYAL QUEENSTOWN TO CROWNE PLAZA QUEENSTOWN

InterContinental Hotels Group has completed a refurbishment and re-branding of the Parkroyal Queenstown to the Crowne Plaza Queenstown.

Meeting areas at Crowne Plaza Queenstown have been extended, with the hotel now offering the full range of Crowne Plaza Meeting Success products and services, along with a dedicated Crowne Meetings Director, a Two Hour Response time to all meeting enquiries.

CELADON INTERNATIONAL HOTELS TO MANAGE LUXURY HOTEL IN HUE
 
Vietnam-based international hotel management group, Celadon International Hotels will manage a new luxury hotel in Hue, the Celadon Hotel Hue. Located in the ancient Vietnamese capital and UNESCO-listed World Heritage city, the 5-star hotel will open for business later this year.

Housing 238 suites and rooms, the Celadon Hotel Hue will also contain function facilities and meeting rooms for gatherings of up to 500.

MERITUS LAUNCHES WEEKENDS PLUS AT SINGAPORE HOTELS

Meritus Hotels & Resorts has launched Weekends Plus at Meritus in three of its Singapore hotels; Meritus Mandarin Singapore - S$148, Marina Mandarin Singapore - S$148 and Meritus Negara Singapore - S$148. Rates are valid on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only but not for arrival on Sunday for just a one night stay. The offer runs from February 24th to March 31st.

PACKAGES FOR POOL TERRACE ROOMS AT SINGAPORE MARRIOTT
 
The Singapore Marriott has launched various packages for its Pool Terrace accommodations.

These include the Spa Package, Spa Peeling Massage, the Thalasso Swedish Massage, the Seaweed Soap Massage, the Getaway Package, and the Honeymoon/Anniversary Package.

All package rates are based on single or double occupancy and are available until August 31st.
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