Articles by Eva Leonard
Virgin Atlantic Announces New Upper Class Cabin with $158 Million Investment
Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will invest more than $158 million to upgrade its Upper Class offering.
The new Upper Class will feature amenities including an improved seat, bar, and fine dining service and will be launched on Virgin Atlantic’s new A330-300 aircraft due for delivery in the spring.
The new Upper Class is to begin on the London Heathrow to New York JFK morning flight and to continue its rollout …
JAL and Air Berlin Begin Codeshare
Japan Airlines, a member of the oneworld alliance, and Air Berlin have begun a new code share agreement.
Air Berlin’s six-times-weekly flights between Berlin and Frankfurt will carry JAL’s flight code starting February 12 and are now available for sale.
Air Berlin is scheduled to become a member of the oneworld alliance in March.
Alaska Airlines to Begin Daily Seattle to Philly, Ft. Lauderdale Flights
Alaska Airlines is launching two new routes this summer. Starting June 11, the carrier is scheduled to begin new nonstop daily service between Seattle and Philadelphia. In addition, daily nonstop service between Seattle and Fort Lauderdale will start July 16.
The new flights will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft. With the launch of the new Ft. Lauderdale service, Alaska Airlines will discontinue its flights between Seattle and Miami.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members …
GlobeRunner: Dick Kreidel, Entrepreneur, Pilot, and Manufacturing Executive
It isn’t every frequent flyer who can say that he built his own plane. But Dick Kreidel can.
“In 1983 I built a LongEZ experimental aircraft that I keep in Southern California, and that I continue to fly,” says Kreidel, adding, “I also own an Aviat A1-C Husky that remains at my home in Montana for flying into remote backcountry areas in Montana and Idaho.”
It’s not surprising then, that Kreidel’s career …
Starwood to Convert New York Helmsley Hotel to Westin
Starwood Hotels & Resorts is spending $65 million to renovate and rebrand Midtown’s New York Helmsley Hotel as Manhattan’s second Westin property.
The 774-room hotel will have a completely new façade, and will offer amenities including Westin Heavenly Beds, 15,000 square feet of event and meeting space, and an expanded lobby bar/restaurant.
The hotel will remain open during the renovation, which is scheduled for completion in June 2012.
Joie de Vivre to Open Hotel Lincoln in Chicago
In March, San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hospitality will open Hotel Lincoln in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.
The 184-room boutique property will feature amenities that include a rooftop lounge with views of the city and Lake Michigan, meeting space, a coffee bar, and Chef Paul Virant’s Perennial Virant restaurant.
Hotel Lincoln is accepting reservations now for stays that begin in mid-March.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Hotel Review
Following its opening in October 2009, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi became immediately recognizable by its modern, boxy, glass exterior, outlined at night with linear lighting, and fronted by a long row of palm trees.
When we pulled up to the entrance, several speedy doormen were instantly car-side to open doors and take our luggage, and we were politely whisked inside.
With its soaring ceilings, white modular furnishings, and abundant mirrors, …
