June 2011

BA launches Windows 7 mobile boarding app

British Airways has teamed up with Microsoft to bring mobile boarding to Windows Phone 7 users.  While the airline already offers mobile boarding apps for iPhone, Blackberry and Android users, this is the first time the functionality has been extended to Windows 7 customers.  Like BA’s earlier apps, the new one is available only to Executive Club members and is free to download.

Mövenpick prepares for Indian debut

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is about to enter the Indian market with the soft opening of the Mövenpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore early in June.  The hotel, located between the airport and the city centre, has 182 spacious rooms – with twin rooms from 40sqm – including 9 suites equipped with latest technology. Two exclusive floors comprising 40 rooms are dedicated to business travellers and the hotel contains three restaurants and a bar.  Bangalore will serve as a springboard into India for the Swiss chain, which has properties earmarked for Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Goa and Chennai.

United and Continental push through further integration plans

United Continental Holdings is pushing through more transformative changes that will deepen integration between United and Continental and further enhance consistency of service offerings.  The two carriers are taking steps to align their loyalty programmes, airport services, customer policies and social media platforms.  Passengers who are members of both United’s Mileage Plus and Continental’s OnePass loyalty programmes can now link their accounts enabling them to combine miles, earn more miles faster and view mileage balances from both accounts on one website. Furthermore, elite-status frequent flyers will have priority phone access when calling either one of the two airlines.

Etihad to introduce in-flight chefs

Etihad Airways has announced that it will introduce chefs into its first class cabins later this year to separate its in-flight meals from a more traditional service. The airline is to appoint food and beverage managers and chefs to introduce a restaurant style service on its flights. Chefs will also co-ordinate the lounge and flight menus throughout Etihad to offer a consistent service.

Novotel opens at Auckland airport

Novotel Auckland Airport was officially opened last month by Maori King Tuheitia and New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key. The NZ$65 million (US$52 million) hotel, located 50 metres from the airport’s has 263 rooms and is the first hotel in the Pacific region to have Novotel’s new NEXT concept room, with large windows and glass portioned bathrooms. The restaurant offers dining pods for solo diners, with private TV screens, while other facilities include a gym with special facilities for airline crews, as well as a conference centre with 12 meeting rooms.