Qatar Airways has offered its congratulations to world number one Victoria Azarenka from Belarus on winning the annual Qatar Total Open ladies tennis championships in Doha.

Azarenka thrashed Australian Samantha Stosur in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, in front of a packed crowd at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.

Qatar Airways was proud to welcome the world’s best female tennis players to Qatar for the week-long prestigious event, now in its tenth year.

Other top-seeded players including last year’s winner, Russian Vera Zvonareva and the world’s former top player, Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki, took to the courts in a display of some of the best tennis action ever seen in Qatar.

Azarenka, number one since winning her first Grand Slam at the Australian Open last month, and more than 50 other tennis professionals from over 25 countries played in the tournament between February 13th–19th.

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said the airline was proud to once again be part of the Qatar Total Open, the second leading tennis event of the year in Doha after some of the world’s best men’s players competed in the capital city early last month.

“Our congratulations go out to Victoria Azarenka for winning here in Doha, yet another top performance after securing the world number one spot last month,” he said.

“We were very pleased to bring these amazing tennis stars from the women’s international circuit to our city and we hoped they enjoyed the warm hospitality that our country is so renowned for.”

Qatar Airways is recognised as the World’s Leading Airline Business Class by the World Travel Awards.

Finnair, a major European airline carrying over 8 million passengers a year and with growth markets in Asia, has adopted the Amadeus Ancillary Services solution to distribute its ancillary programme in northern Europe. The service enables passengers to book their preferred seat in Scandinavia, Finland and Benelux, as well as extra baggage in Finland, both through Amadeus travel agencies and via Finnair’s direct channels, including the carrier’s website.

The Amadeus ancillary solution is also integrated across Finnair’s airport and city ticket offices so that travellers can be consistently served across these channels.

Amadeus Airline Ancillary Services is an end-to-end solution which enables users to price, book and pay services across all channels in full compliance with industry standards set by IATA.

“By adopting the Amadeus solution, we can capture more bookings through ancillary service differentiation”, says Petteri Skaffair, Head of Customer Experience & Sales Applications at Finnair. “It increases the visibility of optional services at the optimal purchase time and its consistent level of quality in the delivery across all channels results in greater customer satisfaction and loyalty”.

Finnair will use the Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD) as the fulfilment solution to sell excess baggage and seats in Finland. EMD is the IATA standard solution for the fulfilment of ancillary services and it brings the same benefits as e-ticketing since it eliminates the use of paper and eases processes.

Finnair has been Amadeus’ launch partner –together with Egyptair- of the world’s first interline Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD) link. The application of EMD to interline partnerships means that participating airlines can now facilitate payment for and delivery of ancillary services across their partnerships and alliances.

Amadeus estimates that up to 20% of air bookings made through its system are the result of interline partnerships, representing a huge opportunity for airlines to increase revenues through the sale of ancillary services via their partner carriers.

“Recent research by Ideaworks shows that ancillary services were worth over $32.5 billion to airlines in 2011 and that ancillary revenue is helping to lift airline industry earnings”, says David Doctor, Director Distribution Marketing at Amadeus. “We are delighted to be able to help Finnair tap into a sector of services which is critical to airline profitability”.

In celebration of the newly launched Emirates airline routes direct fromDubai to Dublin and Buenos Aires, Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm has handpicked a wide variety of holiday options for travellers to discover these two beautiful cities in 2012.

Travellers are invited to embark on an array of memorable experiences from seeing some of the historical landmarks and cultural wonders of Dublin, to exploring Buenos Aires’ famed culture through its art galleries, museums and theatres, and of course, its renowned Tango heritage.

“Dublin and Buenos Aires have distinct cultural traditions that will add further dimension to our already diverse portfolio of destinations. In joining Emirates’ network of more than 100 cities worldwide, Buenos Aires and Dublin will enjoy a new bridge to the world, through one of the world’s most respected airlines. We hope travellers will enjoy our exclusive choice of hotels, accommodation and activities in these two vibrant cities,” said Frederic Bardin, Senior Vice President, Emirates Holidays.

Whatever the choice may be; travellers are guaranteed to enjoy an exceptional holiday in either city, with the new Emirates direct route and excellent Emirates Holidays travel options on offer in both destinations.

Dublin - History & Culture
A Haven of Relaxation in the Heart of Dublin
The Merrion is a restored five-star hotel which provides guests with relaxed grandeur and a timeless experience. A classic and iconic hotel, The Merrion hotel proudly displays antiques, 18th and 19th century paintings and stamp collections to complement the Georgian interiors, ideal for visitors yearning for a trip filled bursting with the unique history and heritage of Ireland.

Travel options start from AED 5,981 per person in a Superior Room Garden Wing on twin-sharing basis and are valid until March 31st 2012.
A Harmonious Integration of Contemporary Culture

Overlooking St. Stephen’s Green Park and within walking distance of the main shopping areas including the popular Grafton Street, Stephen’s Green Hotel has a unique design that incorporates two beautifully restored Georgian houses with contemporary architecture. All rooms are elegantly appointed, featuring warm colours with modern, light-wood furnishings, perfect for a weekend in one of Europe’s finest cities.

Travel options start from AED 4,697 per person in a Standard Room on twin-sharing basis and are valid until April 30th 2012. 

The above offers include return Economy Class Airfare Dubai/Dublin/Dubai, 3 nights’ accommodation with American breakfast, transfers airport/hotel/airport in a private car and all room tax and service charges
Bonus Offer: Stay three nights for the price of two nights. Above prices are inclusive of the bonus night. 

Buenos Aires - Experience The City Life

Indulge in Buenos Aires with style
Guests looking to experience Buenos Aires’ unique beauty can stay at the Hilton Buenos Aires contemporary five-star hotel, ideally situated in one of the newest and most lively waterfront neighborhoods in the city. The Hilton Buenos Aires is just a short walk to the financial district, prominent tourist attractions, limitless restaurants and nightlife. All rooms feature stunning views of Puerto Madero, including the yachts on the river, Casa Rosada Government House and the surrounding green areas.

Travel options start from AED 10,174, for four nights for the price of three and are valid until 31st March 2012. 

International Luxury and Elegance
Buenos Aires’ first luxury hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city on the pedestrian Calle Florida, The Marriott Plaza overlooks the historic Plaza San Martin and has hosted royals and dignitaries for over nine decades. The five-star hotel’s classic and well-appointed rooms feature luxurious bedding with some of the rooms overlooking Plaza San Martín, providing dreamlike views of the green canopy of trees in the spring and summer, the perfect setting for a romantic break.

Travel options start from AED 9,787 for four nights for the price of three and are valid until 23rd March 2012.

Vista Sol Buenos Aires
This urban, avant-garde hotel is strategically located in the centre of Buenos Aires, close to major tourist attractions as well as the entertainment district. Vista Sol’s perfect fusion of modern materials and minimalist style gives the hotel a unique character and through its concept, is an attraction in its own right.

Travel options start from AED 9,518, for four nights for the price of three and are valid until 31st March 2012.

The above prices are quoted per person on twin-sharing basis and are subject to availability at the time of booking. They exclude airport departure taxes and apply to specific room types. Please note other terms and conditions may apply.

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline and the UK’s Number One Domestic carrier, has Increased capacity on one of its key routes from Glasgow International Airport, namely its popular three times a day weekday service to Birmingham, and has based one of its state-of-the-art Embraer 195 jet aircraft at the airport for the first time to facilitate this upgrade. This has resulted in an additional 70k seats now being available for sale.

In a further move designed to provide its Glasgow passengers and frequent flyers with additional benefits and to ensure their flying experience is even better, Flybe will also be opening a new Executive Lounge in the next few months.

Flybe currently offers up to 82 flights a week on this key route between Glasgow and Birmingham that will now be operated exclusively by the 118-seat jet aircraft featuring roomy 2x2 seat configuration. One way fares are from £29.99 including taxes and airport charges.

Simon Lilley, Flybe’s Director of Marketing comments: “We are committed to listening and responding to the needs of our passengers and this is why we have taken the decision to base one of our state-of-the-art Embraer 195 fleet at Glasgow.  Our Glasgow to Birmingham service is particularly popular with business passengers and now not only do they have a schedule that offers a choice of flights that are ideal for convenient day returns but also a brand new jet service. We are continually striving to provide a better flying experience for our passengers and our decision to base one of our larger jet aircraft at Glasgow is just one extra way in which we are delivering on that commitment.”

Glasgow Airport’s Commercial Director, Francois Bourienne, adds: “Flybe’s decision to upgrade its aircraft is excellent news for customers. The airline is responding to an increase in demand for the service, which is extremely popular with both business and leisure passengers, and the decision to introduce a new aircraft on the route clearly demonstrates Flybe’s commitment to Glasgow Airport and the West of Scotland.”

Flybe offers a choice of seven routes across its UK and Europe network from Glasgow with a choice of up to 284 flights a week.

Virgin Atlantic has confirmed it will employ as many as 500 new cabin crew in coming months as it continues to expand its route network.

The positions will be based at London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports the transatlantic carrier said in a statement earlier.

Virgin Atlantic will launch new routes to Cancun andVancouver in the coming months.

Services are also set to be boosted to New York, Barbados, Las Vegas and Shanghai.
The airline is also set to take delivery of seven new A330-300 aircraft later in the year.

Corneel Koster, director of operations, safety and security for Virgin Atlantic, commented:  “It is an exciting year of growth and investment for Virgin Atlantic as we look forward to expanding our network and welcoming a new fleet of aircraft. 

“The new roles have been created to support our new destinations of Cancun and Vancouver, a second rotation on our San Francisco route and also our new A330-300 aircraft of which we take delivery of seven later in the year.”