US AIRWAYS aims to have 90% of its mainline domestic fleet equipped with Wi-Fi internet access with the addition of the service to more aircraft. In-flight ‘Gogo’ internet access is being added to its fleet of Airbus A319, A320 and Embraer 190 aircraft by the end of 2013. The service will also be expanded to US Airways Express Embraer 170 and 175 aircraft operated by Republic Airlines. The airline is also launching Gogo Vision, a streaming video link that will allow passengers to watch movies and TV shows on their own Wi-Fi enabled devices. Gogo Vision will be available through a new multimedia platform that will give passengers access to movies, TV shows, games, destination content, news and exclusive shopping deals. Movies and TV shows will remain accessible for viewing after the passenger has landed - movies for 24 hours and TV shows for 72 hours. Unexpired rentals will be available for playback on the ground using the same device and browser used onboard. Gogo Vision entertainment...

Mark in our office was on safari in Kenya recently...... A safari is one of the greatest travel experiences imaginable – there’s nothing quite like seeing huge herds of elephants crossing the plains, packs of lions lazing under a tree or a pod of hippos cooling off in the river making their unique noise that sounds like they’re laughing. At this time of year the annual migration is in full swing on Kenya ’s Masai Mara, when a million or more grazing animals – wildebeest, zebra and a host of other creatures – head to the area in search of fresh grasslands, staying here until November when they return to the Serengeti. Whatever time of year you go on safari, though, there’s always likely to be a huge amount of wildlife activity, with big cats, elephants and most other game being resident here year-round.   Each safari experience is different, and totally memorable. Even if you’ve been on safari before you’re likely to see different wildlife on a repeat trip, and the variety of...

MALAYSIA  Airlines plans to introduce its first Airbus A380 on the Heathrow-Kuala Lumpur route from July 1. The first 494-seat aircraft, featuring a new livery, will run flights three times a week between London and the Malaysian capital. A second A380 will enter the London route from the end of August to offer daily operations while a third will be used on the Kuala Lumpur -Sydney route. Group chief executive Encik Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said: “We are the first to introduce the A380 into service using a uniquely refreshed look and feel, instead of the regular corporate identity, to showcase our latest premium offering in products and services. "This will be our flagship aircraft to launch our exciting new levels of comfort, luxury and convenience in long haul travel. “The investment in this latest aircraft, its technology, futuristic style and innovative design in cabin comfort are our initiatives to ensure that our passengers continue to experience an exciting new level...

OMAN  hopes to lure more tourists by slashing visa costs by 75%. The new tourist entry visa fee is OMR 5 and is valid for up to 10 days. Cruise arrival visas are free for up to 24 hours or OMR 5 for multiple visits. A fee of OMR 20 for a single entry for up to a month remains in place. Under-secretary of tourism Maitha Al Mahrouqi said: “The government has moved proactively to improve Oman’s competitiveness in stop-over, short-stay and conference tourism. “The changes also encourage travel to Salalah and other regional destinations, and conference organisers to consider Oman as an event location”. The tourism ministry expects a lift in leisure and short stay visits in the short-term as well as growing numbers of airline transit passengers, up by 19% in the year to September 2011 to 787,000. Oman is also seeing an increase in cruise ship activity and the new visa arrangements strengthen the case for lines to consider Muscat for crew and passenger exchanges. “The change...

Escape Worldwide are proud to introduce a new luxury 5* hotel in Mombasa, the Swahili Beach Hotel. The Swahili Beach Hotel is authentic, elegant and simply stunning, and has just opened on beautiful Diani Beach on Mombasa's south coast . African, Arabic and Indian architectural influences have been fused to create the vibrant surroundings of this new hotel. <><><>   The Swahili Beach Hotel offers a selection of restaurants with both formal and casual dining. In addition it has a seafront spa, a fitness centre and a choice of shops. For the more energetic, water sports and a PADI scuba diving centre are available, plus a beautiful eight-tier swimming pool , and for younger children a mix of daily daytime activities to keep them entertained. Whether you are looking for relaxation after a safari, a luxury beachfront hotel in which to unwind, or are a family looking for a beachfront hotel on one of Mombasa's finest beaches. The Swahili Beach Hotel has ...

HONG KONG - Cathay Pacific's newly configured Boeing B747-400 and B777-300ER, featuring the highly anticipated premium economy cabin, will be deployed on the Hong Kong-London route from May onwards. Between May and June, the B747-400 will service the route thrice weekly – Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. From July until October, it will go daily. The aircraft will feature a total of 359 seats: nine in first class, 46 business class seats and 26 premium economy seats, the particulars of which were unveiled in December last year. As a result of the premium economy cabin, there will be fewer economy class seats: 278 instead of 324. From September onwards, Cathay will deploy B777-300ER, also featuring four classes, operating the same route daily. The B777-300ER aircraft will consist of six first class seats, 53 business class seats, 34 premium economy seats and 182 economy seats. According to John Slosar, chief executive of Cathay Pacific, the premium economy cabin will not only b...