Crystal’s new luxury jet design, Signature’s new Board of Directors, an executive appointment at Pandaw and a runway shutdown planned for Phoenix are the travel industry headlines you should be watching today.
Crystal AirCruises Announces Luxury Jet Design
As part of Crystal’s major brand expansion, Crystal AirCruises has released details on the design for its new Boeing 777-200LR luxury aircraft. Set to take off in fall 2017, the 84-guest aircraft will transport travelers to remote destinations on 14-, 21- and 28-day itineraries. Onboard guests can expect custom-designed seats, social spaces, large flatscreen TVs, butler and concierge services and Michelin Star-inspired cuisine.
The seats will fully recline into 73.5 inch lie-flat beds, and the plane’s social lounge will have a stand-up bar, two divans and four dining tables with dedicated seating for six guests. Travelers will also get Bose Noise Cancelling headphones, Apple iPads, complimentary global Wi-Fi, 24-inch interactive TVs with on-demand programming and music library, individual USB ports and power outlets, and a live cockpit-to-ground listening channel, plus custom blankets, lumbar and pillows, plush duvets and mattress toppers and lavatories with ETRO amenities.
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| Signature’s 2016/17 Board of Directors (left to right): Paul Coleman, Marc Kazlauskas, Don Walker, Jamie Jones, Steve Orens, Olga Placeres, Craig Hsu, Eric Maryanov, Ryan Hansen, Maegan Sonnier and Carol Lekki |
Signature Elects New Board at Owners’ Meeting
At Signature Travel Network’s recent Owners’ Meeting, the organization elected a new Board of Directors for 2016-2017. Members serve a two-year term.
Signature’s 2016/17 Board of Directors:
Chair: Eric Maryanov, CTC, All-Travel, Los Angeles, California
Vice Chair: Steve Orens, CTIE, Plaza Travel, Encino, California
Treasurer: Carol Lekki, Carol’s Travel Service & Cruise Center, Tinley Park, Illinois
Secretary: Olga Placeres, Preferred Travel of Naples, Inc., Naples, Florida *Re-elected
Director: Paul Coleman, CTA, Sun Travel, El Paso, Texas *Re-elected
Director: Ryan Hansen, Bon Voyage Travel, Tucson, Arizona
Director: Craig Hsu, Travel Design USA Inc., Torrance, California *Re-elected
Director: Jamie Jones, WhirlAway Travel Ltd., Westchester, Pennsylvania
Director: Marc Kazlauskas, FROSCH, New York, New York
Director: Maegan Sonnier, Travel Machine, Lafayette, Louisiana *Newly elected
Director: Don Walker, WMPH Vacations, Delray Beach, Florida *Re-elected
Pandaw Targets Growth With New Appointment
In other executive appointment news, Pandaw has made a new personnel move aimed at fueling the river cruise line’s growth.
The line has appointed Marco Rosa has its new vice president sales and marketing, charged with leading its sales drive as it prepares to add new routes and new products in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Rosa, who has held senior positions at Orient Express and Abercrombie & Kent, said that his priority is to consolidate and grow Pandaw’s relationships with travel agents.
Phoenix Airport Could Face Delays With Runway Closure
In air travel news, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has announced plans to close one of its three runways in early October, USA Today reports. The closure, which is planned to last for one month, could cause flight delays during peak travel times.
Plans call for the north runway to be closed from October 6 through November 6 for construction and maintenance tied to an ongoing renovation of Terminal 3. Departure and arrival delays of up to 30 minutes could be possible during the airport’s busiest travel times, airport officials told USA Today.
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