Qantas received its first flying machine equipped with the new Premium Economy cabin of the carrier.

Mr John Borghetti, Executive General Manager at the airline, said that the introduction of Premium Economy cabin presents passengers a fresh option in long haul international journey.

He said, "Qantas Premium Economy offers extra space and comfort and enhanced levels of service. We have invested significantly in developing this cabin, which is being progressively installed across our B747-400 fleet and will be available on every Qantas A380".

Announcing the airline's biggest and the most attractive flights programme, Zambian Airlines is to offer more then 10,000 seats per week across its network on international destinations in DRC, Tanzania and Africa, in addition to five major destinations located within Zambia. 

Some of the most important services of the new schedule include direct services from Livingstone to Johannesburg; direct services from Ndola to Dar es Salaam direct services; from Ndola connecting to British Airways London flights; services from Solwezi to Johannesburg, Lubumbashi and Ndola and flights from Lusaka to Mfuwe on 737 direct off British Airways. 

Talking about the new schedule, the Chief Operating Officer for Zambian Airways, David Evans, remarked, "We're delighted to present such a comprehensive schedule for our customers. Not only is Zambian Airways providing more flights and more choice for customers traveling on business, but we are also supporting our local tourism industry with a much greater range of services to leisure customers flying into Zambia from international destinations."

Yesterday, with the flight CE102 took off from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International and landed at Gatwick, South African airline Nationwide was once again back in the air. Recently, the South Africa Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) gave all clear to fly to Boeing 767. This move has restored the plane's certificate of airworthiness.

This is vital connection established between South Africa and UK. Due to more concern about responsible tourism and green travelling practices, the tourism opportunities of Africa are increasing, and these timely flight services could secure a connection that is of utmost importance at this point.

Following the return of the flight to Johannesburg yesterday, the flight is being used for a limited service between Johannesburg and Cape Town. This will continue until the next trip of the flight to Gatwick tomorrow. According to a spokesman of the airline, a full range of 60 daily flights are to secure their certificates of airworthiness including Boeing 737-200s, 737-500s and 727s, gradually getting back the airline to its complete range of domestic service.

On 25th November 2007, the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) inaugurated its Holiday Inn property in the Kliptown Township, Soweto–Johannesburg, South Africa. With this, the group has expanded its South African presence.

The brand new property is built at US$3.4 million expenditure and the Holiday Inn Soweto Freedom Square has marked itself as the first internationally-branded hotel in Soweto.

Chief Operating Officer - InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East & Africa, John Bamsey, observed, "We are honoured to be the first international hotel company to contribute to the development of this thriving and historically important region. Holiday Inn Soweto Freedom Square will take hospitality standards to a new level by offering guests great value accommodation, friendly and dependable service and access to one of South Africa's most esteemed heritage sites."

Services offered by Nationwide, the South African carrier, between Gatwick and Johannesburg have been suspended until any further notice from the airline. Travellers should plan their flights on this route with some other airlines.

The carrier operates a four times per week service to South Africa but all its flights were grounded on the 30th of November following the expression of safety fears by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

Vernon Bricknell, the airline's chief executive officer, said, "We apologise profusely for any inconvenience or confusion that has been caused. With immediate effect, all flights have been suspended until further notice".

Book by 31st December and grab the opportunity to fly at a cheaper price. Emirates is offering a number of cheaper price flights to destinations around the globe. For travel between 1st January, 2008 and 12th March, 2008, the airline is offering the following discounted flights.

From Birmingham to: Dubai from £376; Bangkok at a price starting from just £525; Beijing at a price starting from just £423 and Johannesburg at a price starting from just £493.

From London Heathrow to: Dubai at a price starting from just £379; Bangkok at a price starting from just £528 and Kuala Lumpur at a price starting from just £494.