Daily flights from Singapore to Zurich by Swiss

Swiss International Air Lines, the flag carrier airline of Switzerland, returns to Singapore Changi Airport after 4 years of absence. The airline will operate daily non-stop flights from Zurich to Singapore and from Singapore to Zurich which will enhance Singapore's connectivity with Europe. 

Swiss’s flight from Singapore to Zurich, LX 179, departs from Singapore at 23:10 and arrives in Zurich at 06:10 the following day. Passengers of this flight will be able to connect to up to 35 European destinations as well as to attractive destinations at the East Coast of the United States of America like New York or Miami. Flights from Zurich to Singapore, LX 178, will depart from Zurich at 22:45 and lands in Singapore at 17:15 the next day.

"With our daily non-stop service between Singapore and Switzerland, we want to meet the growing travel needs of both business and leisure travellers between our countries. In addition, our double-night service perfectly complements our Star Alliance partners' offering and we are delighted to now bring the best of service, products and hospitality from Switzerland to Singapore," said Swiss Air Chief Executive Officer Harry Hohmeister.

Tourist arrivals from South East Asia to Switzerland have grown by 30% in the past 3 years.

“We expect a further positive quantitative impact of an additional 5 – 10% growth from this region and Australia due to the new direct Swiss flight,” said Urs Eberhard, Executive Vice President of Switzerland Tourism, the national tourism office of Switzerland. “This new Swiss service will strengthen the position of Switzerland as an ideal and easy-to-reach vacation and incentive destination.”

a SWISS Airbus A340-300 at Zürich Airport in 2007. Swiss will operate A340-300 between Zurich
and Singapore seating 219 passengers in a three-class cabin configuration.

The new Zurich-Singapore-Zurich service will be served by Swiss's Airbus A 340-300 aircraft seating 219 passengers in a three-class cabin configuration. Swiss’s A340s are fitted with the company’s state-of-the-art Business Class cabin, where adjustable-air-cushion seats convert into a two-metre-long lie-flat bed.

7 Months of Scoot : 44 Destinations, 500,000 guests and counting

Singapore-based low-cost long-haul airline Scoot has announced a substantial expansion in the number of destinations on sale, with the addition of 19 new cities taking the total offered to 44. The expansion arises from the addition of more sectors operated by Tiger Airways Singapore, and the addition of partner airlines.

Bearing testament to its rapid growth, Scoot yesterday celebrated its 500,000th guest! The lucky guest was Mr Roland Teh travelling together with his wife Mrs Queenie Teh and daughter Miss Annabelle Teh to Gold Coast. Mrs Teh and her daughter were instantly upgraded to ScootBiz and the Teh family was given another three round-trip ScootBiz tickets to any of Scoot’s destinations, on the house.

Said Campbell Wilson, CEO of Scoot, “It’s another great milestone for Scoot that we’ve grown from nothing to having carried half-a-million guests in such a short period of time and with just four aircraft! Today’s dramatic expansion in the number of cities on offer is also great news for the traveller. More destinations, more great value and more choice, all with a touch of Scootitude. And with the great facilities of Changi Airport, plus our facilitated transfer option Scoot-Thru, there’s no reason to stay on the couch!”

“But we’re not done yet! We’ll be announcing new destinations – some that we’ll operate ourselves and others that we’ll offer with new partners – very soon, so that your dollar takes you even further,” added Campbell.

Fares (for FlyBag) on the joint itineraries originating from Scoot’s destinations (except Singapore) are available for booking at www.flyscoot.com or through the call centre, from 15 January 2013 (Tuesday) until seats sell out.

Travel can commence immediately on itineraries operated by Tiger Airways, and from 1 April 2013 for those involving other partner airlines.

Scoot-Thru, offered in conjunction with Changi Airport Group, saves time and hassle. Guests who have purchased Scoot-Thru can remain in the transit area of Singapore Changi Airport and collect their onward boarding passes, obviating the need to clear customs, collect baggage and re-check in. Scoot-Thru is available online at www.flyscoot.com for just SGD16 per person per flight connection, or to walk-up customers at Transfer desk at Transfer E, Changi Airport Terminal 2 for SGD20.

Countries	Operated by Scoot	Operated by Partner Airlines
Singapore	• Singapore	• Singapore
Australia	• Sydney • Gold Coast	• Melbourne • Perth
Bangladesh		• Dhaka
Brunei		• Bandar Seri Begawan
Cambodia		• Phnom Penh
China	• Tianjin • Shenyang • Qingdao	• Guangzhou • Haikou • Hong Kong • Macau
India		• Bangalore • Kochi • Hyderabad • Chennai • Thiruvananthapuram • Tiruchirapalli
Indonesia		• Balikpapan • Bandung • Denpasar (Bali) • Jakarta • Lombok • Medan • Palembang • Pekanbaru
Japan	• Tokyo
Malaysia		• Kuala Lumpur • Kuching • Langkawi • Penang
Philippines		• Cebu • Manila
Sri Lanka		• Colombo
Taiwan	• Taipei
Thailand	• Bangkok	• Hat Yai • Krabi • Phuket
Vietnam		• Hanoi • Ho Chi Minh City

British Airways Top 13 destinations to visit in 2013

"If 2012 was about East London, then 2013 is about the Far East – as holidaymakers seek the natural unspoilt beauty, charm and good-value that Asia has to offer", says British Airways, the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom in its announcement of top 13 destinations to visit in 2013.

“Undoubtedly consumers will continue to be driven by value-for-money next year, with routes such as Dubai, Cape Town and Bangkok already proving popular. We’re also experiencing a real growth in Asia right now and responding to demand with a number of new routes, including Seoul and Sri Lanka”, quoted Richard Tams, British Airways head of UK & I sales.

In a recent poll on the airline’s Facebook page, over 2,660 users nominated the overseas destinations they most want to visit next year. New York topped the list (22 per cent), followed by Australia (eight per cent), Hong Kong (seven per cent), Rio de Janeiro (five per cent) and Dubai (three per cent).

Compiled by a panel of experts and using company data, British Airways’ top 13 for 2013 features new destinations and popular favourites, as follows:

1. Sri Lanka
The ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the tropical island of Sri Lanka has seen a recent boost to tourism, becoming the must-visit destination for intrepid travellers.

Ash van Wensveen, British Airways’ destination manager, said: “There’s a real buzz about Sri Lanka right now. For a small island it offers a lot, from endless beaches, to elephant treks and several UNESCO world heritage sites to visit – it’s hard to think what Sri Lanka doesn’t offer.”

British Airways launches flights to Colombo in April, starting from £721 return.

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If the afterglow of the London 2012 Games has left you longing for more, then its next host Rio is the place to visit, as it gears up to 2016 Games, the 2014 Brazil World Cup, and FIFA Confederations Cup next year. With its famous sun-kissed beaches to enjoy by day and fun parties at night, there’s a lot to love about one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Flights to Rio start from £797 return.

3. Seoul, Korea
Gangnam style may have awakened our senses to Korea, but there’s a lot more to Seoul than ‘K-pop music! Mike Rock, British Airways commercial manager Seoul, said: “There’s a lot happening in Korea right now, business is thriving and it’s a tourist destination on the up. The mega metropolis is home to some 10 million people, and is attracting a fresh new audience.”

Flights to Seoul start from £691 return.

4. Croatia
The jewel of the Adriatic ocean, Dubrovnik continues to appeal to holidaymakers from far and wide, including many high profile celebrities. 2013 will be a big year for Croatia, as the country joins the EU in July.

One-way flights to Dubrovnik start at £59.

5. Vietnam
Vietnam has become one of the most talked about destinations in recent years. Its capital Ho Chi Minh City is rapidly attracting a crowd of adventurous travellers, looking to soak up the local culture of which there’s plenty. Not mainstream enough to be a tourist trap, many compare it to Thailand twenty years ago – making now the perfect time to visit. British Airways operates flights to Hong Kong, with connecting flights to Ho
Chi Minh City using OneWorld partner Cathy Pacific, for £832 return.

British Airways Top 13 destinations to visit in 2013

6.  Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Nestled in the Spanish Caribbean Punta Cana is earning itself a reputation as a great value destination for family holidays.

Ash van Wensveen, British Airways’ destination manager, said: “People are really waking up to Punta Cana. There’s a real buzz from holidaymakers creating word of mouth on its affordability, fabulous hotels and beaches that dip into the Caribbean Sea.”

Flights to Punta Cana start from £676 return.

7.  Derry, Northern Ireland
Voted as the City of Culture for 2013, there’s never been a better time to visit Derry. Just over an hour from Belfast, it’s a great destination for a city break, especially to enjoy the many celebrations and cultural events taking place there next year.”

Flights to Belfast start at £81 one-way.

8. Las Vegas, USA
The classics never go out of fashion, and with more services to Sin City than ever before, tourists hoping to party like Prince Harry need look no further! Top-end hotels, theatrical shows, exquisite restaurants and all-night entertainment continue to draw the crowds.

Flights to Las Vegas start at £575 return.

9. Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia’s capital has enjoyed a makeover, with a number of new restaurants and hotels opening.
British Airways’ head of UK and I sales, Richard Tams, said: “With its scenic walks, charming town, vineyards and local wine and cognac to enjoy, Tbilisi is perfect for a cultural weekend away and is already attracting couples and grown up stag nights!”

Flights to Tbilisi, from £399 return.

10.  San Diego, USA
In the year that San Diego’s Ron Burgundy returns to the big screen with Anchorman 2, the city reminds us why it’s still classy. Great for golf, excellent for eating, brilliant for barhopping, California’s best kept secret is a great place to visit any time of year.

Flights to San Diego, from £677 return.

11. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town offers everything you could want from a holiday. Good food, great wine, day trips, stunning views, vineyards, beaches, sunsets and much more!

Ian Petrie, British Airways’ commercial manager South Africa, said: “Once you visit Cape Town, you’ll want to come again and again. One day you could be watching the Springboks, the next visiting vineyards. Its attractions pack a cultural punch, and its always great value for money, making it one of our most popular destinations.”

Flights to Cape Town start from £917 return.

12. Alicante
The Spanish do fiesta like no one else, and Alicante is a great city for those who prefer to fiesta than siesta! The Old Town offers dozens of bars and restaurants for after dark, and is also host to a growing number of festivals. During the day the local markets are buzzing, and sandy beaches welcoming.

Flights to Alicante start at £80 one way.

13. Dubai
Ever-popular Dubai continues to attract travellers with its Middle Eastern charm. It recently launched a ‘Hello Kitty’ spa, and boasts its own indoor ski slope.

Ash van Wensveen, British Airways destination manager, said: “Dubai has become more affordable over the past few years, yet still offers super high-end hotels and unrivalled luxury.”

Flights to Dubai from £472 return.

All fares stated are for January 2013 and available on ba.com.

Source : British Airways Press Office - Hot to Globe Trot for 2013…

From Europe to Xi´an and Hanoi by Finair

Finnair, the flag carrier and largest airline of Finland, will be the first airline to fly to Xi´an from Europe. Finnair will begin flying to Xi´an in summer 2013, further deepening the airline’s network of Asian destinations. The airline will begin offering the service to Xi´an from its hub in Helsinki with three frequencies per week starting 14 June until the end of the summer season on 26 October 2013. The first direct connection between Xi´an and Europe is Finnair’s latest step toward its goal of doubling Asian revenue by 2020.

“I’m very excited and pleased to announce Xi´an as our fifth destination in China,” says CEO Mika Vehviläinen. “The fast-growing Chinese economy continues to fuel rapid growth in demand for air travel to and from Europe, and to open up new opportunities for Finnair. We have a history of pioneering better connections between Europe and China going back to 1988, when we began flying to Beijing. We look forward to building on that history and offering the quickest and smoothest itineraries between dozens of European destinations and Xi´an.”

Located in central-northwest China, Xi´an is a metropolis of about 8 million people and a growing centre in the development of China’s aerospace and software industries. The city is also an ancient imperial capital and an historic cradle of Chinese civilisation. The world-famous Terracotta Army, the vast collection of burial sculptures found around the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, is located about 40 km to the east of the city centre.

Earlier this year, Finnair became the first airline to directly connect Europe with Chongqing, another fast-growing inland megacity. Elsewhere in China, Finnair also flies to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. A further eight destinations round out Finnair’s Asian network: Bangkok, Delhi, Hanoi, Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo.

Finair will fly to Xi'an (China) and Hanoi (Vietnam) from Helsinki in 2013.

Finnair earlier announced a new summer connection to Hanoi from 15 June, also with three frequencies per week. Finnair will open flights to Hanoi Vietnam in summer 2013, continuing the airline’s strategic focus on traffic between Asia and Europe. Subject to regulatory approvals, Finnair will become the only European airline to offer a direct connection from Europe to the dynamic capital of Vietnam with a population of 6.5 million.

Finnair earlier announced a new summer connection to Hanoi from 15 June, also with three frequencies per week. Starting on June 14, Finnair will begin service to Hanoi from its hub in Helsinki with three frequencies per week. From Helsinki, Finnair offers connections to more than 60 European destinations. The Hanoi route will be operated during the summer schedule season, which lasts until Oct 27. Finnair is represented in Vietnam by its partner East Sea Travel & Air Service Group.

Finnair will operate to Hanoi with A330 aircraft. The flight time is 10 hrs 10 min from Helsinki to Hanoi and 10 hrs 55 minutes from Hanoi to Helsinki. Finnair does not add its capacity with this route, but will make small adjustments to summer schedules as we start operating the three weekly flights to Hanoi.