March 30, 2007
Grand Canyon Skywalk Celebrates Public Opening : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The Grand Canyon Skywalk, suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, opened to the public on Wednesday, March 28, 2007.
LAS VEGAS, March 30 -- Almost 2,000 people visited Grand Canyon West, home of the new Skywalk, on Wednesday. The Skywalk is the first ever cantilever-shaped glass walkway suspended more than 4,000 feet above the canyon's floor and extending 70 feet from the canyon's rim.
The first excited visitors lined up to watch as members of the Hualapai Tribe and founder David Jin cut a ribbon to officially open The Skywalk. After a celebratory countdown, guests were then welcomed onto the glass. Awed reactions ensued, with guests declaring The Skywalk to be amazing, beautiful and the experience of a lifetime. At the Grand Canyon West Airport terminal, visitors from all over the world lined up to purchase tour packages and be among the first to take a walk on the Skywalk. |GlobalGiants.com|
Located at Grand Canyon West's Eagle Point, The Skywalk is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The cost of walking on The Skywalk is $25 in addition to the purchase of a Grand Canyon West tour package. The Spirit Package, $49.95, is the lowest-priced option and includes the Hualapai visitation permit, access to all points of interest at Grand Canyon West including Guano Point, Hualapai Ranch and Eagle Point, choice of an all-you-can-eat buffet or cowboy cookin' and photo opportunities with Hualapai Members. To maximize visitors' experience, a limit of 120 people are permitted on The Skywalk at any one time. To avoid scratches and slipping, shoe covers are handed out prior to walking and guests are not allowed to bring carry-on items on the glass. Although cameras may not be taken on The Skywalk, photos are available. Lockers are provided for guests to store personal belongings.
Upon completion, the visitor's center will include a museum, movie "The Making of the Skywalk," a VIP lounge and gift shop as well as private indoor and outdoor facilities for meetings, special events and weddings. Several restaurants and bars will be available, including The Skywalk Cafe, a high-end restaurant with outdoor patio and rooftop dining on the edge of the canyon. The second floor of the visitor's center will provide access to The Skywalk glass walkway.
Any media who would like to visit Grand Canyon West are invited to attend a guided media tour, offered every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Media tours will accommodate a limited number of people and reservations must be made in advance. All media inquiries should be directed to Amanda Hill at 702-254-5704.
Grand Canyon West is located approximately 120 miles east of Las Vegas, Nev., and 72 miles northwest of Kingman, Ariz. Attractions available at Grand Canyon West include The Indian Village with authentic dwellings depicting multiple tribes, The Hualapai Market, and The Hualapai Ranch, a western town with horseback and wagon rides. Grand Canyon West is the only location throughout the entire Grand Canyon where visitors can access the river and water recreation activities at the bottom of the canyon via helicopter tours. In addition to boat tours on the river, Hummer tours are available along the rim of the canyon and through private areas that are otherwise inaccessible to the public. There are more than 30 tour and transportation companies that service Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas, Phoenix and Sedona by airplane, helicopter, coach, SUV, and Hummer. In addition, Park & Ride services are available from Dolan Springs, Ariz., a one-hour drive from Las Vegas. The Hualapai operate the only one day white water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon as well as a Lodge on Historic Route 66.
To book reservations, view a complete list of activities or receive maps and directions, visitors may log on to www.destinationgrandcanyon.com or call 1(877) 716-WEST (9378). The Hualapai Tribe, consisting of approximately 2,000 Hualapai members, owns nearly one million acres of land throughout the Grand Canyon's western rim. The capitol of the Hualapai Reservation is Peach Springs, Ariz.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:10 PM | Link to this Post
March 16, 2007
Hawaii's Low Fare Airline Expands With Launch of go!Express : GlobalGiants.com
HONOLULU -- go!, Hawaii's low-fare interisland carrier, today announced expansion of its route network in Hawaii with the launch of go!Express, operated under a code share agreement with Mokulele Airlines. Beginning April 16, go!Express will offer 12 flights per day between Kona and Kahului, Kahului and Kapalua, and Kapalua and Honolulu.
To celebrate the launch of this exciting new service, go! is offering one-way fares on all interisland flights for just $19*. This special fare may be purchased from March 16th through March 23rd and is applicable for travel through April 23rd, 2007.
These incredibly low go! fares can be booked online beginning March 16th at www.iflygo.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-IFLYGO2.
go!Express will feature new turbine engine Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft which offer first class comfort including 34" pitch, reclining, leather seats and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment.
go! operates 60 flights a day from its Honolulu hub to Lihue, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo using a fleet of modern regional jets. go! operates state-of-the-art Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft outfitted with comfortable leather interiors, no middle seats and quiet cabin. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:19 PM | Link to this Post
March 14, 2007
US AIRWAYS CELEBRATION : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: CEO Doug Parker and US Airways employees celebrate a profitable 2006. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:26 PM | Link to this Post
March 13, 2007
Boeing, Volga-Dnepr Group Announce Order for Five 747-8 Freighters : GlobalGiants.com
SEATTLE -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Moscow-based freight company Volga-Dnepr Group today announced an order for five Boeing 747-8 Freighters with purchase rights for an additional five airplanes. Air Bridge Cargo, a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Group, will operate the airplanes valued at $ 1.4 billion at list prices. With this order, Volga-Dnepr becomes the seventh customer announced for the new 747-8 Freighter, joining Atlas Air, Cargolux, Emirates, Guggenheim Aviation Partners, Nippon Cargo Airlines and Korean Air. Air Bridge Cargo will use the freighters for its growing cargo business on routes to Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Europe. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:54 AM | Link to this Post
The New York Times ''Win a Trip With Nick'' Essay Contest : GlobalGiants.com
Submissions Invited.
The objective -- increasing awareness of Africa among young people in the USA.
Photo: Africa: Tanzania: Black Headed Heron at Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
NEW YORK -- The New York Times has announced that today it will begin accepting submissions for the second "Win a Trip With Nick" essay contest. The contest was conceived of by Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas D. Kristof, New York Times Op-Ed and TimesSelect columnist. The objective -- increasing awareness of Africa among young people. As he did in 2006, Mr. Kristof will choose one college or graduate student to accompany him on a reporting trip to Africa. This year, he will also select one middle- or high-school teacher to join the trip.
Any student 18 or older who is attending an American college, university or graduate school, and any teacher currently working in a middle or high school in the United States, is eligible to apply for TimesSelect's "Win a Trip With Nick." Interested individuals should visit www.nytimes.com/winatrip to submit an online application.
Also beginning on March 13, subscriptions to TimesSelect will be available for free to all registered college students and faculty with a .edu in their e-mail addresses. "We want students to have unfettered access to the full, rich content of The New York Times, especially the varied opinions expressed by the 22 columnists whose voices are heard through TimesSelect," said Vivian Schiller, senior vice president and general manager, NYTimes.com. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:43 AM | Link to this Post
March 12, 2007
Continental Airlines Increases Its Commitment to the Long-Range, Fuel- Efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner : GlobalGiants.com
First Airline in the Americas to Order the 787-9.
HOUSTON, March 12 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL) today announced that it has increased its commitment to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising its firm order from 20 to 25 aircraft. By adding five 787-9 aircraft to its firm order, Continental is strengthening its ability to further modernize its fleet in the years ahead and unlocking additional international expansion opportunities. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:41 PM | Link to this Post
QUEEN MARY 2 DEBUTS IN DUBAI : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: QUEEN MARY 2 DEBUTS IN DUBAI. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:58 AM | Link to this Post
Siemens installs biometrics infrastructure for Swiss passports : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Since the end of 2006, Swiss citizens have been able to apply for passports which contain an electronically stored copy of their passport photo identifying the passport holder without the possibility of error. The information is stored on a chip that is embedded into the passport and protected against unauthorized access or manipulation. Siemens IT Solutions and Services was commissioned to provide the entire solution for recording the biometric data and processing it for the production of the new passports. Each year about 100,000 passports can be issued. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:48 AM | Link to this Post
March 5, 2007
Siemens Baggage Handling System at Madrid Airport to be expanded : GlobalGiants.com
Madrid, Spain -- Three early bag stores (EBS) with a total capacity of 8,000 bags are going to be integrated into the existing installation. Today, flight passengers expect a high standard of comfort and service. They would like to avoid long queues by checking in early. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:01 AM | Link to this Post
March 3, 2007
Queen Mary 2 Bids Farewell to Hong Kong During 'Symphony of Lights' : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: HONG KONG, March 3 -- Making a graceful departure from Hong Kong after her maiden visit on February 28, Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 bids farewell to the city in regal style, as she sails through Victoria Harbor during Hong Kong's renowned "Symphony of Lights." The world's grandest and most luxurious ocean liner is en route to Singapore as part of her 80-day maiden world voyage visiting 20 of the world's most celebrated cities. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:34 AM | Link to this Post
February 22, 2007
SYDNEY CELEBRATES HISTORIC ARRIVAL OF QM2 AND QE2 : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: An historical event was celebrated today in Sydney with a spectacular party welcoming both the QM2 and QE2 into its harbor for the first time since 1941, when the originals were serving as troop ships during WW2. Thousands of people gathered to welcome the 5000 passengers who disembarked to enjoy iconic sites including the Opera House and Bondi Beach.
More information on Sydney is available at www.sydneyaustralia.com.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:37 AM | Link to this Post
February 21, 2007
Cunard Queens Make Majestic Royal Rendezvous in Sydney Harbour : GlobalGiants.com
SYDNEY, Australia, Feb. 20 -- Escorted by a flotilla of small boats and pleasure craft along with thousands of Sydney-siders lining the shores to welcome the grandest ocean liners in the world, grande dame QE2 whistle saluted her sistership Queen Mary 2 during an historic afternoon arrival into Sydney Harbour. Not since World War II have two Cunard Queens called on Sydney together. The celebration included fireworks from the harbour before Queen Mary 2 set sail later that evening for Hong Kong continuing on her Maiden World Cruise. QE2 is sailing her 25th Silver Jubilee World Cruise and calls on Sydney until Thursday. The arrival of the Queen's was a spectacle that caused grid-lock both on the streets and shores of Sydney. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:01 AM | Link to this Post
February 14, 2007
New Site Selected For First Museum of the American Revolution : GlobalGiants.com
WAYNE, Pa., Feb. 14 -- The Board of Directors of The American Revolution Center today announced that The American Revolution Center(R) (ARC), a private corporation, has selected a new site for the nation's first museum dedicated to the complete story of the American Revolution and its legacy. The site is on private land in Valley Forge. The mission of the ARC is to engage the public in the history and significance of the American Revolution.
Photo: Robert A.M. Stern has designed a critically acclaimed, environmentally sensitive building for the 130,000 square foot museum.
According to The American Revolution Center (ARC), "The American Revolution is the only event in our nation's history that does not have a museum to commemorate it. Studies show a continuing decline in historical literacy. A 2001 report by the National Assessment of Education Programs shows that 57% of America's 12th-graders have a less than basic knowledge of U.S. history. Not only the historical data but also the very spirit of the momentous events of the American Revolution are poorly comprehended and still very relevant today." [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:57 AM | Link to this Post
Grace Bay Club Named 'Most Excellent Resort' in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific' by Conde Nast Johansens
Photo: Cindy Crawford presents the 2007 Conde Nast Johansens prestigious "Most Excellent Resort" Award to Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos in a by-invitation-only ceremony at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. (Left to right) Nikheel Advani, Managing Director; Mark Durliat, CEO and Developer; Cindy Crawford. Grace Bay Club is a 59-suite luxury property on the island of Providenciales. (C) Bruce Hulse and Conde Nast Johansens. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by Editor | 5:21 AM | Link to this Post
Midwest Airlines Debuts New Inflight Magazine - MyMidwest : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Midwest Airlines' new inflight magazine -- MyMidwest -- debuts March 1. The new magazine reflects the airline's efforts to continually improve its customers' onboard experience. Passengers will enjoy a larger magazine filled with engaging feature articles, useful destination guides and expanded onboard service information, packaged in a fresh, new design. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by Editor | 5:17 AM | Link to this Post
January 21, 2007
Airbus delivers 3,000th single-aisle to AirAsia : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Asian low-cost carrier AirAsia received Airbus' 3,000th A320 during a ceremony at Toulouse, France on 18 January 2007. This A320 carries a special livery highlighting this delivery milestone for the world’s aviation industry. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:11 PM | Link to this Post
January 12, 2007
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Unfurls Its Flag in Boston : GlobalGiants.com
Assumes Ownership of 80-Year-Old Landmark Hotel on Arlington Street.
Taj Boston Brings Over 100 Years of Worldwide Commitment to Elegant Accommodations and Unrivaled Service.
BOSTON, Jan. 11 -- At noon today, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, with 76 luxury hotels worldwide, unfurled its distinctive white-and- gold flag over the 15 Arlington Street entrance to the 80-year-old classic Beaux Arts hotel facing the Boston Public Garden.
PHOTO: (From left to right): Raymond Bickson, managing director and CEO, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, which operates Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces; Pat Moscaritolo, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Franz Zeller, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces; and David Gibbons, Taj Boston general manager.
The 273-room hotel officially became the Taj Boston at the ceremonial handover. Attending were Taj Hotels CEO Raymond Bickson, General Manager David Gibbons, numerous business, hospitality and neighborhood representatives, and a large contingent of the hotel's employees.
Acquired for $170 million last November from Millennium Partners in New York, the landmark property is Taj Hotels' second U.S. hotel and is part of the India-based company's highly selective global expansion plan. In 2005, Taj Hotels entered into a lease agreement to operate and manage The Pierre, the luxurious landmark hotel on New York's Fifth Avenue.
With a legacy dating back to the launch of its landmark hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai, in 1903, the Taj portfolio worldwide today encompasses luxury and business hotels, and distinctive leisure resorts, including the award winning Taj Exotica Resort & Spa at Mauritius and the Maldives, 51 Buckingham Gate in London, and Blue, Woolloomooloo Bay in Sydney, amongst others.
Taj Hotels also manages a portfolio of some of the finest authentic palace hotels in the world. These include the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, recipient of the World Monuments Fund's 2006 Hadrian Award for architectural restoration, and selected by the editors of Robb Report Luxury Hotels 2006 as one of the world's 100 most exceptional hotels, The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur was rated 10th in The Top 100 Travel+Leisure's annual Readers' Poll - World's Best Awards 2006, and the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, rated among the Top 50 in Asia.
In 2006, Taj Hotels announced the launch of four new luxury projects: The Taj Exotica Golf Resort & Spa (Opening 2008) in Doha, Qatar; the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Opening 2008) on the Palm Jumeirah Crescent in Dubai; the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Opening 2009) in Phuket, Thailand and a Taj Luxury Hotel (Opening 2008) in Cape Town, South Africa.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by Editor | 7:53 PM | Link to this Post
December 30, 2006
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Completes Post-Katrina Transformation
Resort Continues Revitalization of Gulf Coast Tourism.
BILOXI, Miss., Dec. 29 -- Today, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino will complete its $550-million transformation with the opening of the Beau Rivage Theatre. Widely regarded as the premier entertainment venue in the south, the Theatre will play host to today's brightest stars in its 1,550-seat showroom and be home to Imaginaya, the Beau's newest production by acclaimed Russian choreographer Alla Duhova. The theatre features a $3-million, state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and is one of the best-equipped theaters in the USA.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Beau Rivage underwent a dramatic renovation to restore its legendary southern charm while adding new amenities and experiences for guests to enjoy. It reopened for business on August 29, 2006. Now boasting enhanced architecture and interior design schemes; 1,740 luxurious guest rooms and suites; a redesigned casino; 11 world-class restaurants including Todd English's OLiVES, four exciting lounges and bars; 12 retail venues; a lavish spa and salon; tropical pool; convention center; an unparalleled Fazio-designed golf course and the Beau Rivage Theatre; the Beau is back.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is MGM MIRAGE's destination resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Named one of the top 100 hotels in the continental United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure, Beau Rivage blends world-class amenities with world-famous Southern hospitality. Featuring 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites; 11 restaurants; four nightclubs and bars; a 1,550-seat theatre; an upscale shopping promenade; a world-class spa & salon; and Fallen Oak, a new Tom Fazio designed championship golf course; Beau Rivage offers one of the finest destination resort experiences in the Southeast USA.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 6:35 PM | Link to this Post
December 21, 2006
MIDWEST AIRLINES AGREEMENT WITH SKYWEST AIRLINES
PHOTO: Midwest Airlines has reached agreement with SkyWest Airlines to operate 50-seat regional jet service beginning in April 2007. Flying as Midwest Connect, the SkyWest Canadair Regional Jets will allow Midwest to add new destinations and upgrade existing routes to all-jet service. The aircraft will be painted in the Midwest Connect livery and feature Midwest's brown leather seats, buy-onboard Best Care Cuisine meals, and popular baked-onboard chocolate chip cookies.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:51 PM | Link to this Post
December 17, 2006
Lufthansa further expands Airbus A340-600 long-range fleet
Lufthansa German Airlines is expanding its Airbus long-range fleet with an order for seven additional Airbus A340-600 aircraft. The new order raises the total number of A340s in Lufthansa's fleet to 52. With this order Airbus passes the milestone of 1000 aircraft sales of the A330/A340 Family.
The A340-600s will have about 300 seats in a three-class configuration and will be delivered from early 2008. Lufthansa plans to use the aircraft on high passenger demand long haul routes out of Frankfurt and Munich, to destinations like the US West Coast and Asia.
Lufthansa is one of the longest standing and largest Airbus customers worldwide, and one of the launch customers for the A340. Currently Lufthansa has nearly 140 Airbus aircraft in its mainline fleet.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:16 PM | Link to this Post
