CORPORATE TRAVEL
BOARDING PASS All the latest news for the busy EA organising corporate travel
Emirates ’ new premium economy cabin from Melbourne is looking good
Emirates ’ new premium economy cabin , available between Dubai and Melbourne and part of the airline ’ s multi-million dollar retrofit program , has seen significant local demand since launch – and we ’ re not surprised ! From plush cream leather seats and a five-star dining experience to the generous baggage allowance , it sounds lavish .
The introduction of premium economy between these destinations is part of a global push by Emirates in which almost 4000 premium economy seats will be installed in aircrafts by 2025 . Meanwhile , the introduction of the new cabins to and from Melbourne means the airline now offers three daily services from Australia , including two services from Sydney .
Emirates ’ divisional vice president of Australasia , Barry Brown , said this was an exciting period for the company in Australia , with Melbourne and Sydney sitting at the forefront of Emirates ’ biggest investment in cabin redesign to date : “ We have a strong commitment to Australia as one of our most important markets on our global network ,” he said .
Premium economy : The facts n On a four-class Emirates A380 , flying from Melbourne or Sydney , the premium economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration n Each 50cm wide seat is designed to provide optimal comfort and support , with six-way adjustable headrests , a footrest and a generous recline n Each seat has a 30cm screen ( one of the largest in its class ), plus in-seat charging points and a walnut woodfinished side cocktail table . n The décor is inspired by Emirates ’ private jet service , with creamcoloured leather and a wood panel finishing , similar to business class . S
United announces largest South Pacific expansion ever
Need to get the CEO or some of your executive team to the States from Australia or New Zealand ? It could soon be cheaper and easier , thanks to United Airlines announcing its largest South Pacific network expansion on record .
The company is planning to operate 66 flights between America and Australia / New Zealand each week , including take-offs from Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane , Auckland and Christchurch . United will be the only airline to offer direct flights between the States and New Zealand ’ s South Island with the first direct San Francisco to Christchurch service . The airline will offer this route three times weekly from December .
Before that , United will add an additional four flights per week from Auckland to Los Angeles , and offer daily flights between San Francisco and Brisbane , all starting at the end of October . At this time , it will also fly twice daily between San Francisco and Sydney , offering more flights to Sydney from America than any other carrier .
Now on to the financials , and it ’ s believed that the increased frequency of flights from Australia / New Zealand to the States will see a reduction in the current high costs associated with travelling between the countries . Great news if your boss is on a cost-saving mission this year ! S
48 Executive PA | Winter Issue 2023