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November 13, 2008

Top Story

Air New Zealand and Boeing See Green Skies on the Horizon

Air New Zealand and Boeing have announced another test flight for sustainable biofuels scheduled to depart Auckland on December 3. It will be operated by a 747-400 jetliner, with one of the engines partly powered using advanced generation biofuels.

The biojet fuels are the first to be created on a large-scale production in a commercially viable and sustainable manner. Of course, being affordable and sustainable means nothing in this field if the product doesn't work. But according to Boeing's commercial airplane's managing director of environmental strategy, Bill Glover, advanced testing has already proven that the fuel exceeded strict requirements regarding jet fuel yields, freeze points and energy density. "That tells us we're on the right path to certification and commercial availability," says Glover.

Air New Zealand has also ordered a number of 787 Dreamliners, which will burn 20 percent less fuel than their predecessors. "Introducing a new generation of sustainable fuels is the next logical step," says Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe. Additional flight details will be released closer to the departure date. Ally Miola

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news

AirTran Re-imagines the Way Business Class is Booked

AirTran Airways has introduced an antidote for anyone who's ever suffered buyers' remorse with an economy-class ticket purchase. Now passengers can upgrade to a business-class seat while onboard the aircraft, either prior to departure or even at cruising altitude. The upgrades cost anywhere from $49 to $99 one-way for all customers, regardless of the fare class their ticket belongs to. Vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran Airways Tad Hutcheson, points out that this new option is a great way to let travelers see the business-class product before committing to the cost of a ticket. In addition to wider seats and more leg room than economy offers, the business-class cabin serves complimentary snacks and cocktails and can provide a welcome haven if you happen to be seated next to a loud talker or in front of a seat-kicker. Then again, it might be nice to just treat yourself after an exhausting trip. AM

Frequent Fliers Benefit on Jet and United

Jet Airways and United Airlines have formed a frequent-flier partnership agreement, allowing reciprocal mileage accruement for members of JetPrivilige and Mileage Plus on either airline's flights. As part of the agreement, members of both frequent flier programs can also redeem award miles for travel and other benefits on both Jet Airways and United Airlines flights. AM

Aloft Arrives in China

Fledgling Starwood brand Aloft has just opened its first property outside of North America, the 186-room Aloft Beijing, Haidian. The first of two Aloft hotels expected to open in China in the next two years, Aloft Beijing, Haidian is also one of 100 Aloft hotels scheduled to open worldwide by 2011. The aggressive expansion policy put forth by Starwood emphasizes the company's confidence in the brand's hip, urban concept. Situated in what he calls "China's Silicon Valley," Aloft senior vice president of specialty select brands, Brian McGuinness expects, "the younger, style-conscious and tech savvy visitors to this booming business center will connect with the electric, eclectic experience of Aloft."

The hotel will be part of a new mixed-use complex that will include the Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, offices and residential buildings, and its rooms will feature plug and play, which allows electronic devices to be linked to a 42-inch flat screen television. Additional Aloft hotels are scheduled to open in the United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, Belgium, Canada and the U.S. over the next three years. AM

Air France and KLM Launch Social Networking Site for Fliers

Air France and KLM have launched a social networking Web site for air travelers, which the airlines call the first of its kind. At bluenity.com, travelers will be able to share hotel, restaurant and shopping tips for any destination worldwide, while sharing flight information and even arranging to share a taxi. "This is a response to those customers who would like to be proactive on their trip, whether they are traveling for professional or leisure purposes," said Patrick Roux, senior vice president marketing at Air France KLM. Bluenity.com is available free of charge in French, English and Dutch. AM

question of the week

Question of the Week

Last Week's Question

Do you or have you voted with an absentee ballot when traveling during an election? Would you do it again?

Peter W. Nathan wrote:

I have had to vote using an absentee ballot on several occasions over the past 50+ years. Having emigrated from Europe, and recognizing the responsibility of citizenship, I would never not vote. With early voting apparently coming into practice, that could present alternatives to using an absentee ballot.

deal of the week

Can't Cook? No Problem!

The Hay-Adams in Washington, D.C. is dishing out the ideal holiday offer for the culinary-challenged. Straight from the kitchen of The Lafayette, guests will receive a complimentary side dish or dessert for eight and a bottle of wine to bring to Thanksgiving dinner. Avoid long lines at the grocery store with selections like fresh sage and celery stuffing or homemade pumpkin pie, and see if you can get away with passing it off as your own.

In addition to the to-go bag, guests staying for a minimum of two nights will receive standard room accommodations for $329 per night (breakfast included at a nightly rate of $50 more), while guests staying on for a third night will receive fifty percent off that rate. For more information, visit www.hayadams.com or call 202-638-6600. AM

Open and Shut Case

OpenSkies is having a limited time sale on tickets from New York to Paris and Amsterdam that make a trip to Europe a no-brainer. One-way BIZ (business-class) fares to Amsterdam start at $1,050 and $1,100 to Paris, while PREM+ tickets are available for $550 one way to Amsterdam and $600 to Paris. Tickets are available at this price now through November 21, 2008 for travel between November 20, 2008 and March 31, 2009. For more information visit www.flyopenskies.com. AM

Skating in a Winter Wonderland

Affinia's six hotels in New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. invite guests to embrace winter's seasonal delights with its Winter Wonderland package. Included in this package is ice skating for two in Central Park's Wollman Rink, the National Gallery of Art Ice Skating Rink in D.C. and the rink at Millennium Park in Chicago, plus a thermos of Jacques Torres gourmet hot chocolate and an Affinia Hotels tote. If the hot chocolate doesn't warm you up, you can feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that $10 from every paid booking will be donated to Common Ground and their efforts to end homelessness.

This offer is available from $289 in New York, $219 in Chicago and $149 in D.C. between November 24, 2008 and March 31, 2009, although higher rates apply between November 29 and December 31. For more information, visit www.affinia.com. AM

Book it to Barbados

Air Jamaica has special online fares available for flights out of Baltimore, New York and Fort Lauderdale to Barbados that are discounted up to fifty percent. With this offer, roundtrip fares from New York and Baltimore are now $279, while roundtrip tickets from Fort Lauderdale are just $229. The discounted tickets, which are available for travel completed by December 15, 2008, are only available for online purchase now through December 20, 2008. Visit www.airjamaica.com and enter coupon number EGEVPGF and promotion code BGI08. AM

What would you like to see more of in BT-e. Less of? Let us know. Don't be shy. We want you to get the most out of your weekly business travel update. E-mail your suggestions to: bte@btusonline.com.