AVIATION

Cathay screens top TV shows inflight

Cathay Pacific Airways announced an exciting development in its award-winning inflight entertainment system, Studio, with passengers onboard all long-haul and some regional flights now able to enjoy full seasons of eight of their favourite comedies and dramas-available in all cabins, on demand and in digital-widescreen format.

From November 1, the full seasons of popular shows such as Mad Men, Californication, 30 Rock, Scrubs and The Thick of it can be found in Studio, with more series to be added in the coming months. The on-demand environment of the inflight entertainment system is ideally suited to full-season viewing, placing control firmly in the hands of passengers.

November also sees an array of blockbuster movies featuring on Studio, along with exciting sports specials covering the world’s greatest competitions for golf, motosports and football, including highlights from the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the best of England’s FA Premier League.

In addition, to commemorate 50 years since the Beatles first performed, five of the group’s albums are playing onboard as part of the 888 CDs available on Studio.

The audio and video on-demand system of Studio offers passengers on all long-haul and some regional flights a choice of 100 movies, more than 350 TV programs and 888 CDs.

Emirates unveils Dubai stopover packages

Emirates passengers transiting in or visiting Dubai can explore the Emirate with a new program introduced by the airline to enable passengers obtain accommodation, go on tours and take part in exciting activities at special rates.

The packages will be on offer till October 31, 2011 and will effectively make it possible for passengers to enjoy two destinations on a single ticket, Emirates said.

Forty seven hotels and apartments ranging from two-star to five-star properties and the six star Al Maha Resort are participating in this program.

Among them are Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Park Hyatt Dubai, Atlantis the Palm, Raffles Dubai, Admiral Plaza Hotel, Rolla Residence Hotel Apartments and Pearl Residence Hotel Apartments.

Besides discounts on accommodation, special rates will apply on food, beverages and spa treatments at some of these hotels and resorts.

Families employing the services of Arabian Adventures, a company in the forefront in the regional destination management industry can also obtain discounts for enchanting cruises, desert exploration, diving, deep sea fishing and golf.

“Dubai is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world and has much to offer a traveller taking a break,” Emirates Sri Lanka Sales Manager Devika Ellepola said.

“This package is a remarkable opportunity for all those who want to have an unforgettable holiday at a significant saving.

The special services launched for the benefit of passengers also make it extremely convenient to break journey in Dubai,” she said.

A 24 hour check-in and check-out option offered by 26 hotels enables passengers to check-in and check-out during any time of the day. Passengers will also be met and assisted when transferring between the airport and the hotel.

Brazil must address capacity shortage - IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on Latin American Governments to address regional challenges of safety, rising taxes and inadequate infrastructure in Brazil.

The Association also called for the region to take advantage of the strength gained through a decade of change to take leadership on global issues including liberalization and climate change.

“Latin America has emerged as a shining star in the industry after a decade of crisis and change. Ten years ago the region was a mess.

Today it is the only region that has delivered a profit in 2009 ($500 million) and in 2010 ($1 billion). We expect profitability to extend to a third consecutive year with a $600 million return in 2011.

The turnaround is the result of hard work and a willingness to change. But aviation remains a tough and dynamic business. Even more change is needed. But the position of the Latin American industry going forward is much different.

The successes over the last decade give the region a platform to be a force for global change,” IATA’s Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani said.

Bisignani made the call in an address to the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) Leadership Forum in Panama City.

- Panama City