FCM Travel Industry Update - September

AIRLINE AND AVIATION

More airlines ban recalled Macbook Pros on flights

Dubai carrier Emirates has joined a growing number of airlines in banning certain MacBook Pros laptops from being carried as checked or carry-on baggage on all flights unless the battery has been replaced due to fire risks. The ban applies to 15-inch MacBook Pro units primarily sold between September 2015 and February 2017. Last month, Etihad Airways and Qantas also placed restrictions on them; allowing their passengers to carry MacBook Pro laptops as cabin baggage, but use of and charging of the device onboard is not permitted.

Lufthansa's modern and eco-friendly long-haul fleet in Munich continues to grow

Recently welcoming its 15th Airbus A350 at the Munich hub, Lufthansa is steadilty investing to increase their ecological efficiency in flight operations over the long-term and committed to the sustainable modernisation of its fleet. 70% of the A350 is built from highly modern materials, and consumes 25% lesser fuel than comparable aircraft models. The fuel savings alone amount to 500,000 tonnes per year, the equivalent of a CO₂ reduction of 1.5 million tonnes.

Singapore Airlines to take over SilkAir's Busan services

Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) regional wing, SilkAir, will transfer its Singapore - Busan services to SIA starting October 28 this year, to boost seat capacity on the route by 76% to meet growing travel demand. SIA will maintain SilkAir’s current flight frequency by operating flights to Busan four times per week, though it's still pending regulatory approvals. Passengers who have booked on Silkair’s Busan flights on and after October 28 this year will be re-accommodated on Singapore Airlines’ flights.

Shanghai Pudong Airport opens new satellite terminal

Shanghai Pudong International Airport's new satellite terminal, dubbed the world's largest, has commenced operation on September 16. The expansion is expected to bump airport's capacity to 80 million trips annually. The satellite terminal, which will be split up into two areas - S1 serving China Eastern and Skyteam member airlines; and S2 serving China Southern, Air China and other member airlines of Star Alliance and Oneworld -  will have 90 boarding gateways and will significantly save passengers’ time by reducing the need for remote boarding and shuttle buses at Pudong Airport. 

HOTEL AND ACCOMMODATION

Rosewood opens in Guangzhou

Rosewood Guangzhou opens September 10 in the heart of Guangzhou’s cosmopolitan Tianhe District, and occupies the top 39 floors of the 108-story CTF Finance Centre, the 7th tallest building in the world. Soaring to 530-meters at its highest point, Rosewood Guangzhou also earns the singular status as the world’s tallest 5-star hotel. The new hotel features 251 guestrooms, including 31 suites and four duplex suites. and 355 Rosewood Residences, 23 of which are duplex apartments. In addition to the hotel’s guest rooms and suites, the property will also introduce Rosewood Residences Guangzhou – which feature 355 serviced apartments designed for longer-term stays.