Etihad signs MoU with Falcon Aviation Services, second preferred partner in 'Premium Connect' portfolio

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Falcon Aviation Services to add the Abu Dhabi-based helicopter charter service to the growing portfolio of preferred partnerships in Etihad'snew 'Premium Connect' travel service offering.

Established in 2006, Falcon Aviation Services is a leading operator in the aviation market, providing a range of premium helicopter services. Operating from Al Bateen Executive Airport, the air service provider is ideally located for quick transfers from the Etihad terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport to a wide range of destinations within the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement between the two companies will enable guests to access a personalised service beyond Etihad's extensive network. This is the purpose of Etihad's portfolio of carefully selected Premium Connect partnerships: to enable guests to continue their journey from Abu Dhabi to the rest of the UAE in style.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad's Chief Commercial Officer, said: "We are pleased to align our brand with Falcon Aviation Services as a unique travel provider well-suited to meet the expectations of our discerning premium passengers. Falcon Aviation Services is committed to high quality services that establish benchmark standards in terms of safety, quality and customer service and therefore an ideal partner for our Premium Connect programme."

A.J Baker, Falcon Aviation's Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, said: "Falcon Aviation Services is honoured to partner with Etihad to provide enhanced guest services via Premium Connect. In our luxury helicopters we will provide the same levels of excellent service that Etihad guests have come to expect."

For more information on Premium Connect and Falcon Aviation Services, visit Etihad Airways Premium Connect online.

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About Etihad
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, began operations in 2003, and in 2010 carried more than seven million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad serves 67 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America (New York, Chicago and Toronto), with a fleet of 57 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world's largest passenger aircraft. For more information, please visit: www.etihadairways.com.

About Falcon Aviation Services
Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) was formed in early 2006 under the initiative of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. With its main operating base at Al Bateen Executive Airport, situated only 10km from the City Centre of Abu Dhabi, FAS helicopter and corporate jet fleet services include corporate jet charter, helicopter tourism, aerial photography & filming, aerial banner advertising, offshore/on-shore oil & gas support, aircraft maintenance and aircraft managerment. FAS is a founding board member of the Middle East Business Aircraft Association (MEBAA). For more information, please visit www.falconaviation.ae.

Etihad Airways launches Facebook page with promotion

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has launched its Facebook fan page with a major competition promoting new services to Malé, capital of the Maldives.

The winner of the promotion, titled ‘Escape to Paradise,’ will receive roundtrip airfares for two on the inaugural flight to Malé, transfers and four nights’ villa accommodation at SixSenses Laamu Maldives with full board, a company statement said.

The ‘Escape to Paradise’ promotion involves fans completing a Facebook quiz to determine how romantic they are, it added.

Users will receive fun, instant feedback from the quiz, as well as be entered to win the grand prize trip, according to the statement.

The competition will be available for participation and entry through to July 31 exclusively on Etihad Airways’ Facebook page.

“Social media channels are allowing companies to become increasingly creative and innovative with their marketing and communications approach,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad’s chief commercial officer.

“We are thrilled to officially launch this exciting campaign promoting Etihad’s services to the Maldives, one of the most romantic places in the world and a top honeymoon destination for our guests.”

“This is just the beginning for Etihad. We are focused on creating compelling and exciting content and promotions for our fan base and will look for innovative ways to tell the Etihad story and further encourage people to fly on the world’s leading airline,” he added.

Etihad will commence operations to Malé, the capital city of the Republic of Maldives, on November 1, making it the 67th destination on Etihad’s global network.

The airline will operate a daily return service from its home base in Abu Dhabi to Malé International Airport, operating Airbus A320 aircraft on the route.

Etihad’s Facebook page is accessible at facebook.com/etihad.airways.

AirAsia X Launches KL - Christchurch Flights with Double Promotion

AirAsia X has launched flights to Christchurch, New Zealand, and to celebrate the airline has said it will donate a percentage of each ticket purchased by every passenger travelling to and from New Zealand to help fund the restoration of some of the Christchurch’s most iconic buildings.

“We’ve set a target of raising RM500,000 (NZ$220,000) and expect to reach the target within 12 months,” said AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani. “We thank our guests for all the support and hope this financial gesture will assist in some way to restore Christchurch’s heritage icons ... It made sense to contribute to preserving some of the things that almost every traveler to the South Island takes a photo of. The image presented by the Arts Centre, the Cathedral and other beautiful historic buildings is not only central to the city’s tourism image, when fully restored they will become an enduring reminder of the community’s remarkable resilience”

Severely damaged by the 22 February earthquake, Christchurch’s Anglican Cathedral alone is estimated to cost tens of millions to strengthen and reconstruct.

To mark the arrival of the first flight, AirAsia X is offering a promotional all-in Economy fare from as low as RM 499 (NZ$279) one way and all-in, Premium fare from as low as RM1799 (NZ$799) one way from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch for bookings until 5 April 2011 for travel from 11 November 2010 to 29 February, 2011.

And to top the icing on the cake, the airline is offering a 24-hour sale of 15% off on all seats, all flights to all AirAsia X destinations for guests only departing from Christchurch to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), India (Delhi, Mumbai), China (Chengdu), Taiwan (Taipei), France (Paris), and UK (Stansted). The 24-hour sale is available online from 4 (0000 NZDT) to 5 (0000NDZT) April 2011 for travel between 1 August 2011 to 29 February 2012. Terms and conditions apply.

The launch of AirAsia flights to Christchurch is forecast to add 70,000 new visitors to New Zealand in the first year of operation – nearly half that which will be achieved by the Rugby World Cup.

Flight Review of Etihad Airways EY41 Abu Dhabi to Dublin

Flight Details:
A330-200 aircraft, EY41 Abu Dhabi to Dublin, Pearl Business Class, Seat 7K

Check-in and luggage allowance:
Since this was on onward connection originating in Sydney, my bags had been tagged to Dublin and boarding pass already issued.

Lounge access:
As soon as I disembarked from the aircraft, I spotted an Etihad representative holding a sign with my name, which could only signify something good, or something bad. Unbeknownst to me at the time, it was the extra VIP service provided for my entire trip, with the escorts provided at every sector to show me to the lounges, help with my bags, skip pass long queues, again showcasing the Etihad principle for good service.

The lounge in Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi airport was a short 10 minute walk from the Gate, and is located in the 'new' 3 year old wing. With the Pearl Business and First Class lounges located next to each other, I was pleasantly surprised to learn I too had access to the Six Senses Spa treatments.

After quickly perusing the Spa Menu at front desk, I booked in my 15 minute facial an hour before my flight, allowing plenty of time to shower afterwards. The treatment was conducted by specially trained Six Senses Spa therapists in a relaxing private treatment room, with showers located within the spa area allowing guests easy access.

The Pearl Business Class Lounge is relatively large, but before long, was filled to maximum capacity with only a few seats to spare. An extensive breakfast buffet with a mix of local delicacies and hot and cold Western food, was repeatedly refilled but notably, the bar was relatively empty - it was 7am after all.

Free WIFI is provided throughout the lounge, as are access to half a dozen computers.

Seat condition

Greeted again by my Etihad representative, I was escorted to the old wing of the airport to board my onward journey to Dublin.

As soon as I stepped on board, the Etihad service continued and was escorted to my seat, asked what pre-flight beverage I would prefer and helped with my hand carry to be lifted to the overhead compartments.

The A330 cabin was configured in full Business Class and Economy only, therefore putting us in the front end of the plane. The larger space was refreshing and my window seat on the right provided a different aspect and even more privacy to where I was seated on my first leg.

Customer service:

The customer service throughout the Etihad crew is on par, and showcases the training staff must undergo to join the airline.

Meal and snack service:

As soon as we are in the air, drinks are served with an amuse bouche of Falafel and Haloumi skewers.

Again, an extensive menu featuring an 'all kitchen dining' list of options as well as full courses are on offer, and I opt for the traditional dips and chicken tangine en papillote - meaning it's cooked and served in a baking bag, which must be one of the most creative dishes I've had on any flight.

The traditional dips were served first with a trio of warm breads, and a special mention must be made to the humous which was presented in an edible turkish bread bowl.

The main course, served with warm scented cous cous, was delicious with wonderfully flavoured tender pieces of meat and vegetables - again another five-star meal that could easily be featured on any five-star restaurant menu.

Entertainment:

Nestling into the seat (49-inch seat pitch), I switch on the 16-inch flat screen, but decide to watch my iPad shows instead of the movies on offer, which were the same on my earlier leg.

Plugging in my iPad to the socket provided allowed for extensive viewing throughout the 8 hour flight.

Cabin:

Since this was a day flight, the cabin was dimmed to allow guests to sleep, but not to the extent of an overnight journey.

The larger business class and seemingly wider aircraft allowed for more air to flow throughout the cabin.

On-time performance:
Arriving on time in Dublin, I again was greeted with a personal Irish escort who fast-tracked me through immigration and helped with my luggage.

Flight frequency:

Etihad Airways operates 10 services per week from Abu Dhabi to Dublin.

Helicopter crashes at Nelson airport, New Zealand

I am in my Dad's office today in Jakarta and I have just read there is a helicopter crash in New Zealand. Here is the story

Two people on board a helicopter when it crashed at Nelson Airport this afternoon escaped with only minor injuries, police say.
The helicopter crashed near a runway at the airport at 3.46pm today, Police Southern Communications shift manager Warren Kemp said.
Mr Kemp said the Civil Aviation Authority was investigating.
Ian Henderson, of St John, said two ambulances attended the crash and two patients were treated for minor injuries.
The airport is New Zealand's fourth busiest commercial airport.