Travel News Page 537
Airbus reveals new First Class Experience concept for A350-1000
First Class travel at new levels. With increasing demand for First Class cabins on our Airbus flagship, the A350-1000, we are proud to reveal our latest concept for the most premium of cabins in the skies. To allow airlines to literally step inside our vision, Airbus is displaying its Airspace “First Class Experience” concept on the Airbus stand at Aircraft Interiors Expo this year. Presented to visitors in 3D Augmented Reality (AR), it shows how Airbus is further developing the A350-1000’s interior to accommodate a larger, exclusive First Class cabin which is fitting for a flagship product.
Ethiopian Airlines Wins Prestigious Titles at Two Award Events in Hamburg, Germany
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most award-winning airline, is proud to announce that it has won the ‘Outstanding Food Service by a Carrier – Africa’ award at the 2025 PAX Readership Awards and the ‘Cabin Concept of the Year 2025’ award at the Onboard Hospitality Awards, with both events taking place in Hamburg, Germany.
Announcing the JLPGA Tour “Shiseido JAL Ladies Open”
Japan Airlines (JAL) is pleased to announce its special sponsorship of the “Shiseido JAL Ladies Open,” set to take place at the Totsuka Country Club West Course in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, from Thursday, July 3 to Sunday, July 6, 2025. This tournament marks the 17th event of the JLPGA Tour 2025 season, officially recognized by the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA), headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, chaired by Hiromi Kobayashi.
Emirates introduces newly retrofitted A380s to Manchester and Milan
Emirates will be introducing its newest Airbus A380s fitted with its latest cabins, including Premium Economy, to Manchester and Milan. The latest retrofitted A380s will operate on EK017/018 to Manchester from 6 June, and on EK091/092 to Milan from 1 July. *
China Airlines (CAL) Reveals New Seasonal In-Flight Menu
China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based airline, is introducing a new gourmet experience in the sky for travelers in April to welcome the coming of spring. The new gourmet menu will feature original dishes created by the top chefs at long-time partners Les Palais, Mipon, Toutouan, and Yangming Spring. Co-branded exotic cuisine will also be available for a limited time on the Singapore route. Travelers are invited to a culinary feast at 30,000 feet that will warm the heart!
SIA Group Marks Singapore’s SG60 Celebrations With Fare Promotions & Special Offers
The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group will commemorate Singapore’s 60th year of independence with a series of SG60-themed initiatives from April to December 2025, as part of its Celebrating with Singapore campaign. Customers can enjoy special SG60 fare deals for Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights, bonus miles accrual on Scoot flights, and additional discounts during KrisFlyer’s upcoming Spontaneous Escapes promotions.
AQUAZZURA UNVEILS ITS FIRST BAR AT HOTEL DE RUSSIE IN ROME
Italian luxury fashion brand Aquazzura and the iconic Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel, have partnered to create the first-ever Aquazzura Bar, marking the brand’s debut in the hospitality sector. This exclusive collaboration brings together Aquazzura’s distinctive aesthetics and the timeless elegance of the hotel that this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
MGallery Hotel Collection, Maison Sarah Lavoine and Citadelle Gin redefine the cocktail experience
From the sandy beaches of Thailand to the twinkling city streets of Paris, cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy a touch of modern art this World Cocktail Months. From 13 May, boutique hotel collection MGallery is teaming up with French lifestyle brand, Maison Sarah Lavoine, to launch a set of exclusive glassware. A partnership born out of a collective ethos dedicated to character, curiosity and creativity, MGallery and Maison Sarah Lavoine have come together to expertly infuse emotion and memories into their designs. The three stunning cocktail glasses have been paired with a trio of limited-edition cocktail creations from the world’s first craft gin, Citadelle Gin, that guests can sip and savour in MGallery bars across the world or re-create at home, turning every sip into a work of art.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, officially opened the doors to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives on 1st April 2025, welcoming guests to a secluded haven where gracious Thai hospitality meets Maldivian allure. Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, this sophisticated retreat marks Centara’s fourth distinctive property in the Maldives.
Three Chefs, Three Feasts by The Peninsula
Culinary adventurers are invited to embark on a sensational new journey: Three Chefs, Three Feasts by The Peninsula, is an original dining series uniting Michelin-starred chefs from its European hotels in Paris, London, and Istanbul. Together these celebrated chefs will join forces to offer an immersive dining experience spotlighting the flavours and heritage of their home destinations.
Accor will bring luxury hospitality to both city and country in Rajasthan
Accor and Sukhani Ventures today announced plans to bring two of Accor’s most storied luxury brands – Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Sofitel Legend – to the vibrant region of Rajasthan in Northern India. Raffles Ranthambore will be a 63-villa ultra-luxury resort residing among the famed Ranthambore National Park, appealing to families, intrepid adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts. A mere 130 km away, Sofitel Legend Sukh Bagh Jaipur will be a 300+ key urban oasis in the Kukas Amer region of Jaipur, ideal for events, weddings, and corporate retreats. Raffles Ranthambore is expected to open by mid-2027 and Sofitel Legend Sukh Bagh Jaipur by late 2028.
Turkey’s Antalya airport completes expansion
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated the newly expanded Antalya airport on Saturday, announcing it can accommodate up to 82 million passengers annually. The expansion project, completed through a 927 million euro (1.05 billion U.S. dollars) public-private partnership, was carried out without any cost to the state budget, Erdogan said.