Lufthansa’s private managers
Lufthansa, which recognised a trend in Europe for clients wanting more accessible private air travel by creating Lufthansa Private Jets, now has a dedicated account manager for each client. The manager takes care of clients from the commercial carrier door from which they are taken by limousine to be cleared by customs and immigration and taken to the private aircraft for their onward journeys through Europe. This limousine service is in partnership with Sixth Rent a Car. New products from the airline include an unaccompanied minor service - children between 5 and 11 are provided with a nanny, and children more than 11 years old can travel on their own. In addition, the airline allows the carriage of pets in the cabin with the client. It also serves those with limited mobility, and those requiring personal security. Lufthansa Private Jets have expansion plans are looking towards India and China.
Direct from Bahrain to Shanghai
GULF Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, began direct flight from Bahrain to Shanghai, China on June 16. The four times a week flight operated by an A340 with all three class configurations. At a reception held during the Asia Travel Market and hosted by Gulf Air, the airline’s CEO Bjِrn Nنf indicated that with two decades of diplomatic ties between Bahrain and China these services will fill the needs of both the business and leisure traveller. The service will be upgraded to daily flights, effective winter schedule 2008. Gulf Air is hoping to fly to more destinations in China as part of its expansion plans. Nنf said, “China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and we hope to make Gulf Air the national carrier of trade and investment between business friendly Bahrain and emerging world superpower China.”
Langham to operate 20 China hotels
Langham Hotels and Resorts began 143 years ago with its flagship hotel in London. It was Europe’s first grand hotel attracting royalty, celebrities and high society clientele.Langham Hotels International portfolio consists of 12 luxury hotel properties including their sibling brand Langham Place in major cities across four continents, four which open in 2008/2009. Its first property in China in Shanghai is due to open end 2008 with a Langham, Yangtze Boutique Hotel, followed by two in Beijing in Changchum in 2009. Within five years, Langham will operate 20 hotels in China making it one of the largest hotel groups in the country.
Hyatt presents all brands to ALTM
HYATT Hotels consists of 216 properties in 45 countries under the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency and their new brand Andaz. The group has also begun an aggressive growth pace with more than 50 full service hotels in the pipeline. These include the world's highest hotel in Shanghai with its Park Hyatt brand in autumn 2008. The Vertical Complex City situated in the near of the Lujiazui business district in Pudong, the 492 metre (Shanghai World Financial Center) SWFC will be one of the tallest buildings in the world with 101 storeys, making Park Hyatt Shanghai the highest hotel in the world. Other projects include the Grand Hyatt Guanghou, Park Hyatt Beijing (opening in time for the Olympics); 2009 will see the arrival of two Park Hyatt's, in Eastern China (Dongquia Lake) and in Kho Samui Thailand, two Grand Hyatts - one in Shenzen and one in Macau China. The Hyatt Pure spa brand, where every spa in its portfolio has an indivdual concept and adapts the local environment, was also presented at ALTM.