Changes at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Cathay Pacific:

Effective from 1 October 2014, Cathay Pacific will be moving its operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). The check-in counters will close 40 mins prior to flight departure.

Dragonair flights remain service in Terminal 1 until further notice.

Singapore Airlines:

With effect from 1 September 2014, Singapore Airlines will be moving its operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3.

We would like to inform customers departing Manila that check-in counters, which are located at Terminal 3's Row B1-9, will be open three hours before the scheduled flight departure time and will close 40 mins prior to flight departure.

Due to the move, our SilverKris Lounge located at Terminal 1 will be closed. During this period, customers who are eligible for lounge access will be invited to Lounge One Fourteen, which is located at Level 3, Terminal 3 (Gate 114). A new lounge is scheduled to open at Terminal 3 in early 2015.

Media Statement: Malaysia Airlines

Media Statement

Malaysia Airlines Flight Forced into Emergency Landing After Flying Over Icelandic

Wednesday, 17 September 2014 - Malaysia Airlines refers to the article “Malaysia Airlines Flight Forced Into Emergency Landing After Flying Over Icelandic” published by a web portal – worldnewsdaily.com.

The airline is deeply troubled that such irresponsible articles and amateurish “reporting” was allowed by the editors of the news portal to be published, and it calls on the public to not to be fooled by such blatant lies.

Whilst not wishing to dignify the full content of the article to any extent, due to the malicious absurdity of the author's claims, it was reported that “flight MH131 from Paris to New York was forced to land in Iceland when its pilots flew the B777 aircraft almost directly over the active Bardarbunga volcano”.  MAS feels compelled to bring such glaring falsehoods to the attention of the public.

It is widely known that MAS operates the Kuala Lumpur/Paris/Kuala Lumpur sector utilizing its A380 aircraft.  The airline does not fly onwards to New York, or any other American destinations.

Given recent tragedies, and despite the suffering of all, we believe that such stories only serve one purpose, that is to fuel conjecture, misunderstanding and instill fear amongst the travelling public.  Whatever the motive behind the story, it does not represent the ethos of ethical and factual journalism. 

Malaysia Airlines
Auckland Office
09 379 3743

Farewell to the Boeing 747

It's the end of an era.

Reading this article has sparked a degree of reflection. The 747 was truly a remarkable aircraft. I was surprised to learn that Air New Zealand has been flying them since June 1981. My fondest memory of flying in one goes back to the mid-1990's. I was traveling from Auckland to Los Angeles for work. Fresh-faced, bright-eyed and full of youth. I thought I'd try my luck and asked for an upgrade. And I got one. I was astonished. There was something wondrous about entering the aircraft and walking upstairs to Business Class. I've never forgotten how that felt, and of course the excellent service I received!

So - what memories do you have of the 747? Feel free to share stories and pictures!

An update from Emirates regarding travel security

Travellers to the UK, USA and Canada are required to demonstrate that their electronic and battery powered devices switch on at Dubai International airport, including telephones, laptops, tablets and e-books. This means charging your devices before arriving at the airport.  All passengers will still be required to follow instructions for electronic devices for take-off and landing.

Please read the below frequently asked questions related to this recently implemented security measure:

Will all baggage be screened for electronic devices?
Screening only applies to hand and carry-on baggage.

Who will be doing the screening? Where?
Emirates Group Security will be screening travellers at the boarding gates for flights departing
to destinations in the UK, US or Canada.

What if I can’t power up my electronic device?
You will not be allowed to board your flight, unless you choose to leave the device behind.
These regulations are specified by the authorities of the three countries. There are no facilities to keep devices in storage.

Does this mean that we need more pre-boarding time for flights heading to these countries?
No. Current pre-boarding times are as normal for Emirates departures.
Emirates is complying with new security requirements from the UK and US Governments, so please ensure that items you bring with you are fully powered before you arrive at the airport.

Singapore Airlines A380 Launch Specials

A380 LAUNCH SPECIAL FARES TO SINGAPORE

Singapore Airlines is excited to announce the release of their A380 Launch Fares to Singapore. These return and one way economy class fares are only on sale for a strictly limited time, from 13 August to 15 August 2014. There are conditions, so you need to call us for details.

Here are some details about the Singapore Airlines A380 experience:

A380 SERVICES ON SQ286/286 EX AUCKLAND 

Singapore Airlines New Zealand is proud to announce the arrival of the world's largest passenger aircraft, Singapore Airlines' A380, available for flights ex Auckland from 28 October 2014.

The 471-seat A380 will be deployed daily on flight SQ285, departing Singapore at 2050hrs and arriving in Auckland at 1145hrs the following day.

The return flight SQ286 will depart Auckland at 1330hrs, arriving in Singapore at 1900hrs. The flights are currently operated with 278-seat Boeing 777-300ERs.

Initially, the A380 will operate on a seasonal basis, and the service will revert to our B777 during the Northern Summer Operating Season.

A380 ECONOMY CLASS 

More inviting than ever before, the new and improved Economy Class design has been revolutionised in order to minimise intrusion into our passengers’ personal space by allowing greater knee and legroom.

To increase comfort levels, we have also added extra features such as a new seatback mounted handset, non-intrusive reading light, in-seat power supply and 10.5 inch widescreen LCD.

Alongside comfort, we have also endeavoured to deliver a wide array of on-demand entertainment options to make our passengers journey the greatest experience possible.

A380 BUSINESS CLASS

More spacious than ever before, Singapore Airlines Business Class offers ample room to not only work productively in a spacious environment, but also to relax and unwind.

Unrivalled space and direct access to aisles from every seat are signatures of our distinctive 1-2-1 forward-facing cabin.

Our luxurious 34-inch leather seat unfolds to become the largest full-flat bed in its class; allowing plenty of room to lounge and sleep comfortably in virtually any position.

A personal 15.4-inch LCD screen delivers a myriad of video and audio options and also contains all of the conveniences you would expect in an office in our all-in-one business panel, which includes an in-seat power supply and USB ports.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES’ A380 SUITE

Exclusively available on board the new A380, the Singapore Airlines Suites provide a privileged few with their own haven of tranquillity.

The suites are fitted with our largest ever seat; a lavish leather armchair hand-stitched by master Italian craftsman Poltrona Frau.

Another added luxury only available in our Singapore Airlines' Suite is the comfort of sleeping on a real bed, not one which has been converted from a seat, ensuring a restful slumber.

Each of these cabins offers versatility with sliding doors and window blinds letting our passengers choose their preferred level of privacy.

With 12 astonishing cabins available, the Singapore Airlines' Suites provides a level of exclusivity that will ensure our passengers feel special and well cared for.

Adventure World Active Breaks

Our friends at Adventure World want to talk about this weeks intriguing active trips!

Wilderness Journeys: Visit Borneo, Botswana or go on an Antarctic Cruise.

Exploring or Skiing in Canada: See the best of the Canadian West, Ski the Big 3 or see the Aurora Borealis.

Walking or Cycling Tours: Gastronomic Cycling in France, Cycle Hanoi to Saigon or Trek to Machu Picchu.

Take your pick, or call our team for more ideas and options.

Message from Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines Corporate Exercise

Our majority shareholder, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the strategic investment fund of the Government of Malaysia, intends to take full ownership of our Company. This process will take several months to complete, most likely till the end of the year.

We assure you that there are no changes to our current flights, schedules and reservations.

Our commitment is to continue to serve and we look forward to your continuous support to Malaysia Airlines.

Important Update with respect to Malaysia Airlines MH17 tragedy

Referring to this Trade Release.

Key points to notes:

• Should clients wish to change they need to advise us before 2pm on the 24th July 2014. No extensions will be permitted after this deadline.
• We have been advised by the airline that refunds can take up to 8 weeks to be processed however the airline will be making every effort to process refunds in the shortest time possible.
• The waiver for full refund only applies for travel that was ticketed to commence between 18th July and 31st December 2014 only. All travel outside of these dates will have the applicable fare rule applied i.e. cancellation and amendment fees will apply.
• For clients who wish to book travel on other carriers the full amount of the new airfare will need to be paid as there no arrangement for money to be transferred between airlines. 

Please also be advised that any new fares may be at a significantly higher cost than the purchase price of your original airfare.  

Consular Services for Filipinos in Auckland and surrounding areas

As the Philippine Embassy continues to embark on its priority to deliver more effective and efficient consular services directly to the Filipino communities throughout the North Island of New Zealand, its Mobile Consular Team will render consular services and registration of overseas voters to Filipinos in Auckland and surrounding areas on the following schedule:

VENUE:  Philippine Consulate General, Auckland
                  Garcia Law, Level 5
                  16 High Street corner Vulcan Lane
                  Auckland

DATE / TIME:    23 July 2014 (Wednesday)    1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                          24 July 2014 (Thursday)         9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                          25 July 2014 (Friday)              9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                          26 July 2014 (Saturday)          9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                          27 July 2014 (Sunday)            9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                          28 July 2014 (Monday)            9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                          29 July 2014 (Tuesday)           9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The consular services are passport renewal/issuance, authentication & notarization of legal documents, NBI fingerprinting & certification (latest passport-sized photos required) and dual citizenship application and oath taking.

The Embassy will also conduct overseas voter registration for the upcoming presidential elections in 2016. Filipino citizens, who will be at least 18 years of age on 09 May 2016, are eligible to register to vote.  The Philippine Embassy enjoins all Filipinos eligible to vote to exercise their rights in choosing the next leaders of the Philippines in 2016.

Yasawa Island Resort & Spa

I have been researching destinations for a long overdue Winter’s getaway.

Fiji is looking very appealing and getting there has never been easier with an increased number of flights from Auckland.

As you are aware, there are many Resort options available.

Working out what kind of holiday you want is the important thing. Do you want your kids entertained (and out of your hair) while you relax? Do you want a romantic getaway? Do you want to get amongst the locals and learn more about Fijian culture? What is your budget?

One destination that resonates with me is the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa. Having spoken to people that have stayed there and reading more about it puts me in an anticipatory state of relaxation. I can’t help it!

This resort is located on one of the most remote and unspoiled islands of Fiji. It has only 18 bures so you’re guaranteed seclusion.

You can learn more about the Yasawa Island Resort & Spa here.

Call us about getting you and your loved ones to Fiji! We can book your flights, transfers and accommodation and make it easy. Your holiday will start before you get on the aircraft.

And who knows? You might even see me there!

* imagery is the property of Yasawa Island Resort & Spa and used by permission.