THAI
AIRWAYS will launch a nonstop route between New York and
Bangkok, beginning May 1. The 17-hour flight will use Airbus
A340-500 aircraft. The airline is promoting the introduction with
bonus frequent-flyer miles. Royal Silk class passengers will
receive 150% mileage credit and Premium Economy class will receive
125% mileage credit. Promotional fares of $862 roundtrip will be
offered May 1 to June 9.
UNITEDS nonstop, daily service between San
Francisco and the new Central Japan International Airport near
Nagoya began. United is giving double miles to its Mileage Plus
members who fly the route roundtrip through June 11 and 1,000 bonus
miles for those flying the route roundtrip through Dec. 31. To
retrieve the bonus miles, register at www.united.com/nagoyabonus or (800) 447-6772 using
code 693.
QANTAS
AIRWAYS introduced free stopovers in Sydney, Melbourne or
Brisbane, Australia, on flights from the U.S. to Bali and Jakarta,
Indonesia; Mumbai, India and Johannesburg, South Africa. Qantas
frequent-flyer miles apply to mileage programs of all its Oneworld
partners.
KOREAN
AIR is the latest airline to introduce high-fashion
outfits for flight attendants. The new uniforms were designed by
Gianfranco Ferre, who is known for blending Eastern with Western
styles and traditional with modern aesthetics. Ferre said the
design is meant to capture the quiet elegance that fits the
airlines style. Its the first uniform change for Korean Air since
1991. Uniforms will change for all
flight attendants, front-line staff, pilots and mechanics. Korean
Air Chairman and CEO Y.H. Cho also
announced that the airline will introduce first-class sleeper
seats, new Prestige Plus business-class seats, new entertainment
options and onboard Internet access later this year.
CHINA
SOUTHERN AIRLINES will expand its summer service between
Guangzhou, China and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. There will be two
daily flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
instead of one. The airline will use Airbus A320 or Boeing 757
aircraft on the route.