Jetsettersblog

A whole 3-weeks cruising from Sydney through Asia to Singapore aboard P&O’s classic Arcadia with all meals including up to 5-course dinners, a night at Singapore’s Novotel Clarke Quay post-cruise with transfers for a day’s shopping, and air back to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide is selling through ecruising.travel in February next year from just $3649pp twin-share.

And adding to Arcadia’s many grand indulgences for her near-2000 guests as she cruises 21-nights to Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Hong Kong, Halong Bay in Vietnam and Bangkok and Koh Samui in Thailand, is the fact this is a child-free ship offering adults the best in cruise experiences.

Arcadia has no fewer than fourteen bars and lounges, a fine dining restaurant through two decks and featuring 5-course dinner menus in the cruise price, two optional specialty restaurants at which a small additional charge applies (Arcadian Rhodes with the creations of famous British chef Gary Rhodes, and The Orchid specialising in Asian fusion) plus there’s a grill, Pan Pacific restaurant, tapas bar and pizzeria for more relaxed dining, and room service.

Nightly West End-style shows are staged in a 3-tier theatre, there’s a cinema, on-board guest speakers, two pools (one with a skydome), five whirlpool spas, a luxury spa, gym, casinos, and shopping facilities.

Arcadia sails from Sydney on February 13 2011;

for full details phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

And Launch Of Signature Beachfront Restaurant

Bintan Lagoon Resort will be launching its very own ferry terminal and ferry services, expected to be in operation by June 2010. The project, costing the resort SGD15 million, has commenced works since November 2009. The completion of the project will add an iconic structure to the shoreline, which forms the link bridge from the disembarkation point to the Bintan Lagoon Ferry Terminal.

The Bintan Lagoon Ferry Service will be made up of a fleet of two catamarans, one seating up to 150 passengers and the other seating up to 250 passengers, operating from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Guests requiring exclusivity will also have the option of arriving at the resort via its VIP boat, with a seating capacity of 30 passengers. Ferry pricing and booking details will be released at a later date once available.

Upon approaching the shores of Bintan Lagoon Resort, tourists will be greeted by a towering, iconic structure which forms the link bridge to the ferry terminal in the resort, conceptualised by Shafee Sajari of Acid Singapore, a Singapore based firm specializing in lifestyle, hospitality and retail designs. The 65-metre long bridge, designed to be serpentine in character, is a salute to nature with sides of the bridge opening up to allow sea breeze onto the bridge. The tall and airy bridge entrance will taper off at the immigration point, forming a screen for secure entry into the building.

The Bintan Lagoon Ferry Terminal spans 1251 square metres in floor area and is expected to be fully operational with immigration facilities for incoming and outgoing tourists, baggage handling, seating area and a duty-free shop. Immigration facilities have been designed in a smooth flowing layout to enable seamless entry and exit for the guests, where checkpoints, baggage belts and security checks are strategically positioned. A VIP desk will be available at the terminal to facilitate entry and exit for guests requiring exclusivity.

The Bintan Lagoon Ferry Terminal and Service is established to add greater convenience for the resort’s guests as they are ferried right to the shores of the resort, be it for overnight stays or golf day trippers. For large leisure or meeting groups, the ability to charter catamarans with the resort’s ferry service will add to the resort’s appeal as a MICE destination.

Other Projects

3 Degrees, Bintan Lagoon Resort’s signature beachfront restaurant – In addition to the ferry terminal and service project, Bintan Lagoon Resort will be unraveling its signature beachfront restaurant, named 3 Degrees, come March 2010. With a seating capacity of 389 persons, the restaurant features large al fresco dining and bar areas with a view of the South China Sea as well as air-conditioned comfort for group dining.

The new restaurant, at 2380 square metres, is located in a standalone building with its inviting beachfront location and slated to be the biggest restaurant on Bintan Island. A feature wall with ethnic carvings creates an impressive welcome at the restaurant’s main entrance which faces the resort. A walk through the courtyard fountain will reveal a beach bar, where upon entering will unravel the stylish, airy interiors of the restaurant.

Designed by the very same designer who conceptualised the resort’s ferry terminal and iconic link bridge, the restaurant follows a casual, laidback concept so as not to distract from its beach appeal. Interiors are done in a light vanilla shade throughout, incorporated with interesting textures from volcanic stones and river pebbles to add tactile character to the restaurant. Natural, preserved chunks of local trees further characterize the restaurant.

3 Degrees is also designed with the guidelines set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in mind as the resort gears up for its Green Building certification (see note on LEED on page 3) in 2010. Much of the restaurant’s space is opened up to take advantage of the natural sea breeze, thus cutting down on air-conditioned areas; and natural, sustainable materials are incorporated in the design of the restaurant.

Also directly accessible from the beach, the sprawling Beach Bar with its sundeck offers the best vantage point to capture the beach panorama. Dotted with sun loungers, parasols and landscaped with tall leafy trees on the sundeck to provide shade, the Beach Bar offers sunseekers a relaxing oasis of cool sea breeze and wide variety of ice cold beverages to quench their thirst amidst the backdrop of the South China Sea. An upper sundeck accessible from the beach bar offers patrons more privacy and shade without sacrificing on the view of the sparkling blue waters. Otherwise, retreat to the library bar with a cuppa in air-conditioned comfort.

In the main restaurant, dining in air conditioned comfort is split into two areas. The seafood bar features an open kitchen where guests have an almost theatric view of the chefs’ work area as they conjure up dishes of delightful cuisine amongst the sparks and flames. Cosy groups in this area can also enjoy convenient access to the restaurant’s sundeck. For a warmer ambience, guests can proceed to spacious dining room, where large groups can be catered to.

Apart from the stylish surroundings, patrons are assured of a vast menu offering a fusion of Western and Asian cuisine, which will be priced for the masses with the option of Chef’s menus for those seeking better things in life.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – Apart from the resort’s constant efforts to upgrade its facilities, corporate social responsibility remains a priority for the organization. As such, the resort is in the process of acquiring its Green certification with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. All construction projects in Bintan Lagoon Resort are carried out in accordance with guidelines set by the council which addresses areas such as sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources etc. The certification, estimated to be approved by end of first quarter of 2010, will establish Bintan Lagoon Resort as the only green resort on the island.

About Bintan Lagoon Resort
Situated just 55 minutes by high-speed ferry from Singapore, Bintan Lagoon Resort has been the venue of choice for holiday makers and meeting organizers alike. Featuring 473 spacious rooms, suites and villas complemented by 12 wining & dining options, 9 function rooms, the resort boasts of a variety of outdoor locations to cater for every event requirement.

The resort houses two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker-Finch, a spa and a chic nightclub, Silk alongside a wide range of recreational, water and teambuilding activities.

Great Discounts For Early Bookers!

Tickets for the 2010 Formula OneTM SINGTEL Singapore Grand Prix will go on sale from 1st March 2010 and those booking by 30th April will get discounted rates of up to 19%!

Plus this, the third annual night race in Singapore, promises hospitality guests a better experience than ever before, with upgraded facilities for the Formula One Paddock ClubTM, Sky and Club Suites.

This year also sees the introduction of single-day walkabout tickets, giving fans the opportunity to visit on specific days, when their favourite artists are performing. It is expected that three-day tickets will offer at least a 25% saving over individual day tickets.

Singapore has successfully hosted the only night race in Grand Prix history, and Asia’s only street race on the Formula OneTM calendar, on a street circuit of public roads in downtown Singapore for two years since the inaugural race in 2008.

The 2010 Formula OneTM SINGTEL Singapore Grand Prix, with its signature mix of lights, glamour, and non-stop action, returns to the heart of the city at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from 24th to 26th September 2010.

Singapore has brought a unique offering to the Formula OneTM programme and is very proud of its place within the sporting calendar. A destination with such a wide variety of options for visitors of every kind, Singapore provides the ultimate lifestyle experience for those seeking a high octane, yet cultured break.

“It’s an exciting proposition that visitors could potentially leave their desks on a Friday night, experience all the thrills of Singapore during the F1 race weekend, and be back at their desks on Monday”, says Eunice Yeo, Area Director of Northern Europe for the Singapore Tourism Board,

“Singapore is a city of surprises, and 2010 will see the arrival of some of the most exciting developments yet, with the opening of two integrated resorts – Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, which includes the first Universal Studios in Asia.

The entertainment, dining and accommodation options will be vastly increased with the arrival of these exciting projects and visitors to Singapore will find much more to the city than they ever expected”.

Tickets will be available for sale online (www.singaporegp.sg), via the ticketing hotline +65 6738 6738 as well as official ticketing agents. A full list of the appointed agents will be listed on the official website.

For further information on race weekend activities in Singapore log on to www.visitsingapore.com

‘Two week adventure travel’ is the 2010 trend to watch for according to travel specialist STA Travel. STA Travel has identified a clear shift in bookings, as British holidaymakers cram even more activities into their two week holiday than ever before.

In 2009 STA Travel saw a significant increase in year-on-year sales of tours up to 14 days, with an increase of 20%¹ of travellers opting for a two week adventure holiday instead of the traditional beach break.

This is also supported by further research from STA Travel’s Future of Independent Travel report in which 40% of holidaymakers described themselves as adventurous travellers keen on discovering little-known destinations.

And whilst 48% of respondents intended to go on a beach holiday in 2010, 30% of respondents intended to take trips in search of adventure, opting for trekking, exploration, volunteering and extreme, snow or water sports.

Distance and physical demand is no object to two week travellers.

Far eastern destinations such as Australia, Bangkok, Tokyo and Singapore were the most popular and tours such as “Grand Aussie” from Sydney to Darwin, “Inca Discovery”; a 4 day Inca Trail trek and “Everest Adventure”; a physically demanding trip that sees travellers trek to the base of the highest mountain in the world, topped the list.

John Constable, Group MD of STA Travel said: “Travellers are becoming increasingly ambitious with their holiday choices as they try to make the most of their time away. With the recession in full swing at home many people now see their holiday as the chance to experience something completely different; they want adventure and an amazing experience whilst also getting away”.

STA Travel is the official sponsor of the Adventure Travel Show 2010 and will be offering exclusive discounts on many two week adventure tours at the show. Please see below for the exclusive deals*:

Uncover India
WAS £599 NOW £479
15 days, Delhi to Goa

Galapagos on a shoestring
WAS £1,129 NOW £903
9 days, Start & Finish: Quito

Kilimanjaro Trek
WAS £1,129 NOW £903
8 days, Start & Finish: Moshi, Tanzania

Kenya Wildlife Adventure
WAS £1,059 NOW £848
9 days, Start & Finish: Nairobi, Kenya

Florida Fantasy
WAS £700 NOW £560
8 days, Start & Finish: Orlando

Island Suntanner
WAS £1150 NOW £1035
14 days, Sydney to Cairns

The Yachts of Seabourn is offering two-for-one, cruise-only fares on more than 80 voyages in Europe and Asia, plus reduced roundtrip airfare from $499 for economy class and $1,999 for business class from 40 North American gateways.

The cruises depart from May to November and are seven to 15 days long.

To get the deal, cruises must be booked by April 30.

Among the eligible departures are the Seabourn Spirit’s Adriatic and Dalmatian voyages, the Seabourn Legend’s French and Italian Riviera cruises, and the Seabourn Odyssey’s sailings in the Greek Isles, Turkey and the Black Sea.

In June, the new Seabourn Sojourn will begin its maiden season in Northern Europe, cruising Scandinavia, Russia, Scotland and Norway.

In Asia, Seabourn Pride offers voyages visiting Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and China, including pre- and post-cruise extensions to Beijing on some departures.

All-inclusive cruise-only fares start at $3,550 per person, based on double occupancy of an ocean-view suite.

Hard Rock International announced the opening of Hard Rock Hotel Singapore.

Launched with a ceremonial lion dance and ribbon-cutting, the luxurious, 360-room hotel is part of Resorts World Sentosa, a $4.4 billion resort destination on Sentosa Island.

Opened in January 2010, the 49-hectare Resorts World Sentosa is Singapore’s first integrated family resort destination, complete with Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park, the world’s largest Marine Life Park, six unique hotels offering 1,800 rooms, more than 60 dining outlets and a casino.

The Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, a nearly $223 million venture, is one of six unique destination hotels at Resorts World Sentosa, which include Festive Hotel, Crockfords Tower, Hotel Michael, Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas.

The hotel offers 360 keys (including nine suites and 351 rooms), modern conference facilities with 26 meeting rooms and Asia’s largest column-free ballrooms with seating for 7,300 guests.

Featuring the latest in audio-visual equipment, the ballroom will be an ideal venue for concerts, seminars, performances and banquets and can be further subdivided into smaller ballrooms or separate conference halls for more intimate affairs.

The Rock Pool, a quintessential Hard Rock element, is a focal area for both music and relaxation, as well as a social gathering place. The hotel offers Starz Restaurant, with al fresco dining area overlooking the Rock Pool.

Inspired by the healthy and energetic lifestyle of Singapore, the restaurant’s buffet-style dining with live cooking stations complements an A la Carte menu with the culinary flavors of Morocco, Europe, Middle East and Australia.

The Rock Bar, located on the second level of the hotel, is a trendy lounge and bar complete with a DJ spinning rock and techno music.

Rang Mahal Group’s latest dining concept of Indian cuisine is housed at the Hard Rock Hotel Singapore.

For more information on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com    For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com

Fashion initiative leverages three-pronged approach to develop industry by cultivating design talent, stimulating demand locally and internationally, and positioning Singapore as a fashion centre on the international stage

The fashion runway lights up in April when Singapore’s definitive fashion initiative Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX) is launched as part of a joint effort by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, SPRING Singapore (SPRING), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the private sector. To be held annually, the AFX will help the industry to develop a strong base of local design talent, stimulate demand for local fashion brands locally and internationally, and position Singapore as a gateway to Asian designers and markets.

Last March, a consultancy study was commissioned by the three agencies to better understand the needs of the local fashion industry with the aim of bringing it to greater international heights. The four-month study covered major international and Asian fashion events, and involved fashion professionals from Singapore and London in mapping out industry gaps and identifying opportunities for Singapore to evolve as a sustainable design-led fashion industry.

The AFX is designed to address some of these industry needs and will comprise both business-to-business and business-to-consumer components, as well as talent development programmes to identify promising local and regional talent. With Asia’s potential as a viable market for the fashion industry and growing pool of talent, AFX aims to be a premier fashion event for the region.

“International fashion professionals see strong opportunities in Asia. Singapore, with its strategic location, is ideal as a fashion exchange hub and springboard to the region. With our strong MICE infrastructure, Singapore offers a unique setting where the leaders of the fashion business can congregate for an exchange of ideas and products.” said Mr Andrew Phua, Director of Tourism Shopping and Dining, at the Singapore Tourism Board who elaborated that the buzz surrounding AFX is expected to attract both business and leisure visitors to Singapore. “We recognise that as a new brand, the AFX will take time to grow and root itself in the minds of fashion professionals.

The New York and Milan Fashion Weeks took years to develop their strongholds of the industry and we hope that the AFX will quickly step up to fill a current gap in the industry and become a fashion exchange hub of the region. As it does so, the AFX will not only provide a boost to the industry, but also unite the various elements of the industry to bring the local fashion industry one step closer to the international playing field.”

For its launch in 2010, AFX will showcase events such as Blueprint, Asia Fashion Summit, Audi Fashion Festival, and a fashion design competition to identify promising local and regional talent. Further details of these individual events will be unveiled over the coming months.

Blueprint – A Business to Business Networking and Trade Platform for International Fashion Industry

Blueprint is a business-to-business fashion tradeshow targeting regional and international fashion professionals and the first of its kind bringing together the best of Asian designers and international buyers. Blueprint is organised by Mercury Marketing and Communications and supported by the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFf). It will run from 29 April to 1 May at the Pit Building.

Some 50 exhibitors and 1,000 buyers and visitors from regional and long-haul markets such as Europe and the United States, are expected to attend the trade show which will showcase

evening and formal wear, contemporary and ready-to-wear collections as well as mid- to high-end jewellery and accessories.

On 1 May, the event will open to the public as Blueprint Emporium. This ticketed event will offer consumers a rare chance to sample the offerings of cutting-edge brands, many of which are not available commercially in Singapore. It will also allow exhibitors to test their brands on the Singapore market. Blueprint Emporium is looking to attract some 3,000 visitors.

“The anchoring of a fashion trade show in Singapore in conjunction with other fashion events under AFX represents a collective approach to develop the local fashion industry.

Through the Blueprint platform, leading designers from Singapore and Asia are able to congregate in one place to showcase their latest collections, exchange ideas and break new grounds to cater to the needs of the international market”, said Mr Tan Soon Kim, Deputy Director, Lifestyle Division of IE Singapore. “This show differentiates itself by being Asian-centric, showcasing the best of Asian designers, while facilitating access to the international market.

As Blueprint develops and draws top global buyers and business partners in the years to come, the international fashion industry can look forward to an established Asian fashion trade platform in Singapore to further their growth.”

Asia Fashion Summit – Bringing Together Fashion Industry Professionals in Asia

The Asia Fashion Summit aims to bring together fashion industry professionals across Asia to exchange ideas, network, keep abreast of emerging industry trends and business management strategies to gain foothold in the Asian markets.

Organised by TaFf from 28 to 30 April, the inaugural summit will be the converging point for 200 senior managers, creative directors, and principal designers of fashion retailers, brand owners and buying houses.

Participants can attend speaker sessions, forums and workshops touching on topics such as fashion brand building, trend forecasts, eco-fashion sustainability and fast retailing to the increasingly savvy consumer.

“Singapore’s textile and apparel industry has evolved much over the past 20 years, from a manufacturing based industry to one which emphasizes retail and innovation and design creativity. The various elements of Asia Fashion Exchange are intended to help the industry

shore up their capabilities and will create many businesses and brand building opportunities for our members. This is a joint effort by the government with the close support of the industry, making it a meaningful endeavour. The success of AFX will be the success of our members and I look forward to this new phase of development for the Singapore fashion industry.” said Mr Benny Pua, President of TaFf.

Audi Fashion Festival – Enhancing Consumers’ Fashion Experience in Singapore

Launched and organised by Mercury Marketing and Communications last year, the Audi Fashion Festival (AFF) returns for a second instalment this year at Ngee Ann City from 28 April to 2 May 2010. The AFF will showcase world-class collections by top international designers and labels, amidst glittering red-carpet parties attended by supermodels and members of the fashion elite.

Fashion Design Competition – Recognising and Grooming Local and Asian Fashion Talent

The fashion design competition is an industry effort driven by TaFf, and supported by the private sector to identify and develop the best design talent across Asia, and aims to anchor regional talent in Singapore by attracting them to build their base here.

The competition in April will showcase the creations of aspiring local and regional fashion designers.

They will vie for prize money and a coveted one-year internship with a leading Asian fashion house. In addition, the winners will receive mentorship and resources to design and produce a collection to be showcased at the next AFX to an international audience.

“At the heart of every established fashion city and successful fashion industry is a thriving magnet of design and creative talent.

This competition will be a much anticipated platform for many aspiring designers and fashion names-in-waiting to showcase their collection, link with international brand names and potentially catapult to fame.

Through this programme, we hope to draw top talent from the region which will further strengthen Singapore’s positioning as an exciting Asian nucleus of fashion and design talent,” said Mrs Kee Ai Nah, Director of Lifestyle Division, SPRING Singapore.”

Key AFX Event Timelines
ASIA FASHION EXCHANGE
28 April to 2 May

Audi Fashion Festival
28 April to 2 May

Asia Fashion Summit
28 to 30 April

Blueprint
29 April to 1 May

Fashion Design Competition
29 April

Music fans will be heading to Singapore for next month’s Mosaic Music Festival at Esplanade.

SINGAPORE, — The annual Mosaic Music Festival gets underway in Singapore on March 12th, kicking off a diverse ten-day programme of international artists and bands.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay hosts the event, which offers visitors an appealing mix of jazz, soul, hip hop, rock and world music.

Highlights of this year’s line-up include US alternative rock pioneers Dinosaur Jr, Norwegian acoustic duo Kings of Convenience and disco veterans Kool & The Gang.

People staying in Singapore hotels can also expect a number of acclaimed acts from south-east Asia, including Indonesia’s Goodnight Electric and the Hong Kong-based experimental jazz ensemble Signal to Noise.

Esplanade, a waterfront performing arts centre situated in Marina Bay, features several music venues which host the Mosaic events.

As well as the 1,600-seater concert hall, the complex also includes a 2,000-capacity theatre and the Heineken Music Club, which is a more intimate venue with space for 220 people.

Tickets for Mosaic performances are individually priced, with Kool & The Gang prices ranging from S$40 (GBP17.90) to S$120.

The festival was launched in 2005 and last year’s bill featured artists such as NERD, Indigo Girls and Brian McKnight.

Athletes are being encouraged to challenge themselves at the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Singapore.

SINGAPORE — Triathletes from around the world will be attempting a gruelling test of endurance in Singapore on March 21st.

The Ironman 70.3 is an annual race that consists of a 1.9 km swim, a 90.1 km bicycle ride and a 21.1 km run.

Over 1,250 athletes have already confirmed their participation in the event, with 56 different countries represented and 20 professional athletes in the field.

However, there is still time for people using accommodation in Singapore to sign up for the Ironman 70.3, with the organisers anticipating a “frenetic” few weeks of entries before the cut-off point on February 28th.

The minimum age for entry is 18 and competitors are divided into age groups, which start at 18 to 24 and then go up at five-year intervals to 70 plus.

Participants will race over the Benjamin Sheares Bridge and pass other Singapore landmarks, making this Ironman event a truly unique experience for many athletes.

Connecting Changi Airport in the east with Shenton Way in the centre of the business district, the Benjamin Sheares Bridge was opened in 1981 and is the longest structure of its kind in Singapore.

The individual entry fee for the Ironman 70.3 is set at S$375 (GBP167), while team entries are priced at S$600. Teams may comprise of two or three athletes.

In a world first for low cost airlines, Jetstar and AirAsia announced today they would form a new alliance that would reduce costs, pool expertise and ultimately result in cheaper fares for both carriers.

The alliance brings together the Asia Pacific’s two leading low cost, low fare carriers and will focus on a range of major cost reduction opportunities and potential savings – to the benefit of customers throughout the region.

Key to the agreement is a proposed joint specification for the next generation of narrow body aircraft, that will best meet the needs of the low fare customer of the future. Both airline groups will also investigate opportunities for the joint procurement of aircraft.

Qantas Airways Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce, Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan and AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes finalised the agreement in Sydney today.

Qantas Airways Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said the historic non-equity alliance would give Jetstar and AirAsia a natural advantage in one of the world’s most competitive aviation markets.

“Jetstar and AirAsia offer unmatched reach in the Asia Pacific region, with more routes and lower fares than their main competitors, and this new alliance will enable them to maximise that scale,” Mr Joyce said.

“Just as both carriers have pioneered the development of the low cost, long haul airline model, today’s announcement breaks the mould of traditional airline alliances and establishes a new model for achieving reduced costs and increased efficiency.

“The aviation market in Asia is a growth market, and has proven resilient over the past 12 months, despite the tough operating environment, with significant growth in passenger numbers forecast in the region.

“This partnership will ensure that both airlines can capitalise on these growth opportunities.”

The agreement includes the development of cooperation in areas such as:

Future fleet specification – both carriers will investigate opportunities for joint procurement of the next generation of narrow body aircraft. A collective goal is to achieve cost reductions in terms of order volume and influencing design specification to deliver more efficient, low cost operations;

Airport passenger and ramp handling services – developing cooperative arrangements for the provision of passenger and ground handling in Australia and within Asia at overlapping airports by leveraging scale;

Shared aircraft parts and ‘pooling’ – pooling inventory arrangements for aircraft components and spare parts;

Procurement – Joint procurement, with a focus on engineering and maintenance supplies and services, with Jetstar maintaining its existing use of and commitment to Australian facilities; and

Passenger disruption arrangements – reciprocal arrangements for passenger management (i.e. support for passenger disruptions and recovery onto the other airline’s service) across both the AirAsia and Jetstar flying networks.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bruce Buchanan, said the cooperative approach was a result of the two organisations’ strong focus on costs.

“Jetstar and AirAsia are passionate about offering consistently low fares,” Mr Buchanan said.

“Year on year, Jetstar is reducing its controllable costs by up to five per cent annually. This agreement will enable a further step-change in our cost position and ensure sustainable low fares.

“In coming years Jetstar and AirAsia want to work with manufacturers on the next generation aircraft to ensure it best meets our business requirements.”

AirAsia Group CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes hailed the agreement as another step in the airline’s strategy to maintain its global leadership as the lowest-cost airline operator.

“AirAsia strongly believes the strategic tie-up will help the airline maintain its position as the lowest-cost airline in the world despite rising costs associated with the fledgling global economic recovery,” Mr Fernandes said.

“It is key for us to keep our costs as low as possible. This is what enables us to provide the low, low fares that our guests have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy.”

Mr Fernandes said a common aircraft type specification in terms of the next generation narrow body offering should be proactively pursued by both airlines because of the many efficiencies it would bring.

“With joint purchasing power it means that we can potentially work with airline manufacturers on the right configuration and design of an aircraft specifically for AirAsia and that best suits our operational needs for the future,” Mr Fernandes said.

“A strategic arrangement with Jetstar focussed on investigation of operational synergies is a logical development for us. AirAsia and Jetstar share the same philosophy of low cost, low fares and high quality customer service.

“There is clear sense in finding the right cost solution for a range of airline and associated services which support AirAsia’s expanding route network.”

The two largest airlines in the Asia Pacific in revenue terms, Jetstar and AirAsia jointly earned nearly AUD3 billion in revenues in the 2009 financial year.

These arrangements are, where required, subject to regulatory approval.