Chris AshtonFrom the opening of the new Melbourne Airport T4 to the announcement we’ll soon be able to visit a galaxy far, far away, here are some of the news stories you need to know this week.
At Home
Melbourne Airport Terminal 4 now open
Melbourne Airport opened the doors to its new Terminal 4 in August 2015, marking the start of a staged opening over the coming months. The new domestic terminal will be home to Jetstar, Tigerair Australia and Regional Express (Rex).
Tigerair Australia CEO Rob Sharp was at the terminal this morning to greet customers when the doors opened for business for the first time.
“The move to our new home here in Melbourne is another significant milestone for Tigerair Australia as our transformation strategy continues to gather momentum,” he said. “The new terminal is symbolic of the new Tigerair reflecting a step change from the old terminal with which our customers are familiar.”
Learn more at melbourneairport.com.au
Singapore Airlines launch Premium Economy
Following a two-year development and an investment of roughly US$80 million,, Singapore Airlines has officially started flying with its new Premium Economy class offering from Sydney, the first destination to have the new seat.
Each Premium Economy seat has a width of either 18.5 or 19.5 inches, depending on aircraft type, with an 8-inch recline and a seat pitch of 38 inches, and comes with active noise-cancelling headphones and a 13.3-inch full HD screen.
Other features include a full leather finishing, calf-rest and foot-bar for every seat, individual in-seat power supply, two USB ports, personal in-seat reading light, cocktail table, and more stowage space for personal items.
Learn more at singaporeairlines.com
Overseas
Disney bringing The Force to its parks
This one has my inner 12-year-old geeking out with anticipation. Speaking at the D23 Expo, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced visitors will soon be able to visit a galaxy far, far away when not one but two Star Wars themed worlds open at it’s parks.
The two lands at Disneyland Park in Anaheim and Hollywood Studios in Orlando will feature familiar ships, droids, aliens, a cantina, and two signature rides – including the ability to take control of the Millennium Falcon. No word yet on an open date.
Learn more at disney.com
Seabourn unveil new Encore Suites
Seabourn has revealed design renderings of it’s luxurious all-suite, all-veranda accommodations on Seabourn Encore – the line’s ultra-luxury ship set to launch late 2016.
Seabourn Encore will feature 300 spacious suites ranging from 28 square metres to upwards of 120sqm for the luxurious Wintergarden suites, which also feature verandas of nearly 20sqm.
“As on every one of our ships, guests will feel right at home when they enter their suite aboard Seabourn Encore,” said Seabourn President Richard Meadows. “The suites will offer many thoughtful amenities and personal touches that we are known for, and will be designed with the style and elegance our guests have come to love and expect from Seabourn.”
Learn more at seabourn.com
