Jetsettersblog

Emirates Airlines is offering up to $700 off roundtrip bookings for travel this summer on economy fares to select destinations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The fares can be used for flights out of seven gateways in the U.S. and a global network of 128 destinations. The airline is offering savings on summer travel on tickets purchased until Feb. 3. Travel dates vary depending on the destination and the special fares are available on selected routes for travel from May to August.

The company is offering flights from Washington, D.C. to Addis Ababa from $1,910; San Francisco to Mumbai from $1,948; Los Angeles to Dubai for $2,268; and Dubai to New York from $1,506.

Strategically-located business hotel offers unique amenities for the discerning traveller

Dusit International, a leading Asian hospitality group,has announced plans to open Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, its first property in the UAE capital, in the first quarter of 2013. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, comprising 402 luxurious guest rooms and suites as well as 131 deluxe serviced apartments, features a wealth of unique facilities that provide the discerning business traveller with a perfect destination.

Strategically located in the new business and government district, the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is 10 minutes drive from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and only a few minutes away from other city landmarks and major corporate headquarters.

Scott Mawhinney, General Manager at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the most sought-after business hubs in the region and we see enormous potential for a world-class business hotel in the capital. We are confident that with its superb strategic location, the new Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi will prove a major attraction to local, regional and international business travellers to the UAE capital seeking comfort, security and convenience.”

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi blends modern architecture with an innovative design creating an exquisite and refreshingly new hotel experience. The 37-storey ‘glass tower’ property has been created to respond to the discerning needs of affluent business traveller seeking style, comfort, luxury and personalised service.

Each of the hotel’s spacious rooms and apartments comprises a mix of Thai influences and modern lifestyle, featuring well-designed furniture and the latest technology. This includes interactive LED TV with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and high-speed internet connection, working desk, electronic safe, individually controlled air conditioning, direct dial phone with voice mail, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar and hair dryer.

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has also been developed with the rapidly growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market in mind. The hotel offers a spacious Conference Centre with a variety of function rooms, including a 785 square metre ballroom that can facilitate all types of events, conferences, exhibitions or social functions that can host up to 2,000 guests.

The innovative design of the pre-function area with its impressive ‘Skydome’, the elegance and convenience of each function room together with state-of-the-art facilities and attentive service make Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi the perfect venue at which to host a memorable event.

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi boasts a broad selection of dining outlets with variety of international cuisine served, for socializing in both casual and elegant environment. Authentic Thai food will also be served at Dusit International’s Thai flagship ‘Benjarong Restaurant’. In addition, the recreational facilities include DFiT, a fully equipped fitness centre and urban sanctuary treatment at Namm Spa.

“Our wide range of leisure facilities, complemented by the strategic location close to many of the city’s major attractions such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, is a perfect fit that embraces the expectations of today’s affluent business traveller,” added Scott Mawhinney

WITH THE END OF 2012 APPROACHING, COX & KINGS SUGGESTS THE DESTINATIONS TO WATCH FOR 2013

As the world’s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings has been making New Year predictions longer than most. Looking at the major events, trends and political changes around the world, Cox & Kings’ predictions for 2013 include destinations such as Sri Lanka, Tasmania, Oman and Russia.

Madagascar
Much of Madagascar’s flora and fauna is found nowhere else on earth. Following the BBC documentary last year, bookings for Madagascar holidays increased by 70% and forward sales for 2013 suggest this will continue. The diverse country offers extraordinary natural history, along with stunning scenery, idyllic beaches and a fascinating culture based on a mix of Christianity and ancient spiritual beliefs.

Madagascar Adventure is a 14-day / 11-night private tour priced from £2,895 per person including flights with Kenya Airways via Nairobi, transfers and excursions, and accommodation with breakfast daily and most other meals.

Sri Lanka
Recently named the best value long-haul destination by the Post Office, Sri Lanka is rich in cultural, archaeological and natural treasures at prices to suit all budgets. Compared to 2010, Cox & Kings has seen a 60% increase in passengers travelling to Sri Lanka in 2012. From March, British Airways will fly to Colombo three-times per week from London Gatwick.

The popular 14-day / 12-night escorted tour, Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island will be priced from £2,295 per person, which is comparable with 2012, and includes direct flights from London with Sri Lankan Airlines, transfers, excursions, and accommodation with breakfast daily.

Russia
Being outside of the Euro zone is a great advantage to Russia, as it is a more affordable destination for those wanting a short-haul holiday. With a 60% increase in 2012 short break bookings to St Petersburg compared to 2011, and the opening of the new Four Seasons hotel in the spring, the city will only increase in popularity. Cox & Kings’ Russia tours saw a 93% increase in bookings in 2012 compared to 2011 and is one of the company’s bestselling group tours.

Cox & Kings’ 8-day / 7-night Classic Russia escorted tour is priced from £1,295 per person including international flights with British Airways, transfers, escorted excursions and 5-star accommodation with breakfast daily. The luxury version of the same tour is priced from £1,895 per person.

Brazil
As the sporting world looks towards the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the World Cup in 2014, it is predicted that tourism will benefit prior to the events with further investment being made into Brazil’s infrastructure and accommodation. Cox & Kings offers a range of Brazil tours or can tailor-make suggestions to suit any budget.

Cox & Kings’ new 11-day / 9-night Taste of Brazil private tour is a stylish but affordable introduction into the southern highlights of this vibrant country priced from £2,595 per person. The 12-day / 10-night escorted group tour is priced from £2,895 per person including flights from London, transfers, escorted excursions, accommodation with breakfast daily and other meals as specified.

Oman
Oman, known for its hospitality and being a safe and welcoming destination, has seen a 40% increase in advance bookings for 2013, compared with 2012. Combining breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural heritage, the sultanate is one of the region’s best kept secrets. Visit nesting sites of green turtles, watch traditional dhow boats being built and explore magnificent forts and palaces.

An Arabian Odyssey is an 8-day / 7-night escorted tour priced from £1,595 per person including international flights with Oman Air, transfers, escorted excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily.

Greece
Considered the birthplace of modern western civilisation, Greece has had a difficult year economically. However, historic sites such as Olympia, Delphi and Epidaurus, and the many islands are open to welcome tourists, and those that travel now will encounter fewer crowds and better value for money. Hotels have maintained 2012 prices for 2013, or reduced them, in order to attract tourists.

Classic Greece is Cox & Kings’ 7-day / 6-night escorted tour priced from £895 per person, which includes British Airways flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily and some dinners.

North-east Thailand
This region, also known as Isaan, is often overlooked by tourists but offers a chance to discover rural Thailand with its array of colourful festivals throughout the year and some of the best Khmer archaeological remains. Khao Yao National Park is the country’s oldest, and home to wild elephants, deer, tigers, gibbons and more than 300 bird species.

Isaan: Thailand’s Hidden Gems is a 15-day / 13-night private tour priced from £3,395 per person including flights with Thai Airways, private transfers and excursions, and accommodation with breakfast daily and most lunches.

Tasmania
The beautiful island of Tasmania offers a very different and rewarding Australian experience. Cox & Kings has seen interest in the state grow, particularly for second-time visitors wanting to discover rugged coastlines and walking tracks, gourmet cuisine and beautiful national parks. Tasmania’s unique wildlife, from the endangered Tasmanian devil to echidnas, quolls and pademelons, is a further attraction.

Cox & Kings offers Tasmania: The Forgotten Coast, an 11-day / 10-night non-exclusive group tour priced from £4,025 including transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily.

For more information, please contact Katie Parsons on 020 7808 5694 or email katie.parsons@coxandkings.co.uk

RESERVATIONS: 020 7873 5000 / www.coxandkings.co.uk
PRESS INFORMATION: Katie Parsons
PRESS OFFICE: 020 7808 5694 / katie.parsons@coxandkings.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/coxandkingsUK
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/coxandkingsUK

NOTE TO EDITORS
Cox & Kings is the world’s longest established travel company. Its history stretches back more than 250 years to 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed regimental agent to the Footguards (later the Grenadier Guards). The company’s fortunes grew hand in hand with the British empire and by the early 20th century the company was acting as agent and banker throughout the armed forces and as a shipping agent. In 1922 Cox & Co merged with the Henry S King bank, which had strong connections with India. The bank became part of Lloyds and the shipping agency grew separately, evolving into the modern travel company.

Today, built on the high quality service and attention to detail established by Richard Cox in the 18th century, the company continues to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan, Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises escorted small-group tours and private tailor-made travel in the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and the Caribbean.

eawings Launches “Higher Learning” An Innovative Educational Fight Programme
26 Nov 12
Email: shweta@seawings.ae
Seawings launches “Higher Learning” – An innovative educational flight programme

Dubai, UAE: Seawings, the UAE’s own seaplane tour operator, announced the launch of Higher Learning – a new education programme which harnesses a bird’s eye view of the city along with the thrill of a Seawings seaplane flight to create a memorable educational experience.

Higher Learning consists of a 40 minute flight over Dubai in a Cessna 208A seaplane, preceded by a 30 minute briefing. The briefing has been designed by professional educators to provide the background information necessary for the students to derive the greatest educational benefit from the flight.

Students on the Seawings Education Programme gain a distinct perspective on the history, development, architecture, economy and ecology of Dubai. They have the opportunity to gather data and analyze patterns on a city-wide scale. Academically, the flight promotes essential understanding of the historic development of the city, infrastructure required to support the city and human impact on the environment.

An Open Day event was organized at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa to introduce this programme to leading schools in Dubai. The event got an overwhelming response from various schools and the guests also got to experience Seawings firsthand with a 40 minute seaplane ride.

Announcing the launch, Dr Nigel Rea, Chief Operating Officer of Seawings said: “We are delighted to make the inspiration and insight that comes from a Seawings flight accessible to students in Dubai. We have specially designed this Programme to combine curriculum relevant teaching with the thrill of a seaplane flight which will make for an unforgettable educational experience for each student.”

The Programme has been developed in such a way that it can be incorporated into a variety of different international curricula in the UAE.

Commenting on its cross curricular links Peter Milne, a former teacher and now environmental education consultant, who helped produce the programme said: “Although strongly linked to geography, the Seawings Education Programme opens up many opportunities, through its unique and stimulating experiences, to support other subjects like language, mathematics, art, history and environment.”

Strategically-located business hotel offers unique amenities for the discerning traveller

Dusit International, a leading Asian hospitality group,has announced plans to open Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, its first property in the UAE capital, in the first quarter of 2013. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, comprising 402 luxurious guest rooms and suites as well as 131 deluxe serviced apartments, features a wealth of unique facilities that provide the discerning business traveller with a perfect destination.

Strategically located in the new business and government district, the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is 10 minutes drive from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and only a few minutes away from other city landmarks and major corporate headquarters.

Scott Mawhinney, General Manager at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the most sought-after business hubs in the region and we see enormous potential for a world-class business hotel in the capital. We are confident that with its superb strategic location, the new Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi will prove a major attraction to local, regional and international business travellers to the UAE capital seeking comfort, security and convenience.”

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi blends modern architecture with an innovative design creating an exquisite and refreshingly new hotel experience. The 37-storey ‘glass tower’ property has been created to respond to the discerning needs of affluent business traveller seeking style, comfort, luxury and personalised service.

Each of the hotel’s spacious rooms and apartments comprises a mix of Thai influences and modern lifestyle, featuring well-designed furniture and the latest technology. This includes interactive LED TV with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and high-speed internet connection, working desk, electronic safe, individually controlled air conditioning, direct dial phone with voice mail, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar and hair dryer.

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has also been developed with the rapidly growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market in mind. The hotel offers a spacious Conference Centre with a variety of function rooms, including a 785 square metre ballroom that can facilitate all types of events, conferences, exhibitions or social functions that can host up to 2,000 guests.

The innovative design of the pre-function area with its impressive ‘Skydome’, the elegance and convenience of each function room together with state-of-the-art facilities and attentive service make Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi the perfect venue at which to host a memorable event.

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi boasts a broad selection of dining outlets with variety of international cuisine served, for socializing in both casual and elegant environment. Authentic Thai food will also be served at Dusit International’s Thai flagship ‘Benjarong Restaurant’. In addition, the recreational facilities include DFiT, a fully equipped fitness centre and urban sanctuary treatment at Namm Spa.

“Our wide range of leisure facilities, complemented by the strategic location close to many of the city’s major attractions such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, is a perfect fit that embraces the expectations of today’s affluent business traveller,” added Scott Mawhinney.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was named the World’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive year. Etihad Airways’ Diamond First Class product was also named the World’s Leading First Class service.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to recognize the best travel businesses through a voting process.

In 2012, nearly 650,000 votes were cast by travel professionals from 191 countries. The awards were called the “Oscars of the Travel Industry” by the Wall Street Journal.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer, said, “We have received this award for four consecutive years and every year we have sought to raise our standards even higher. We are consistently good, but we are always considering ways to enhance our guest offering even further and provide the best experience in the skies.”

In December 2011, Etihad introduced its First Class Chefs program and a new menu design. This year, the company built on its chefs program by entering into a partnership with Abu Dhabi Organic Farms, bringing fresh organic produce, eggs and honey to its menus. The company has just launched its first aircraft equipped with the Panasonic Avionics Global Communications Suite, which delivers high-speed broadband Internet.

By the end of 2014, the company plans to have every Etihad aircraft equipped for in-flight connectivity.

Graham E. Cooke, World Travel Awards founder and president, said,

“The World Travel Awards reward the best travel and tourism organizations in the world. Etihad Airways has now taken home the top airline award for the past four years, a huge and well-deserved achievement.

As the fastest growing airline in the history of commercial aviation,

Etihad Airways has expanded rapidly as a global business yet at the same time has consistently elevated the customer experience.

Congratulations to Etihad Airways on their continued success.”

At the 2012 World Travel Awards Middle East, held in May in Dubai, Etihad Airways received four top awards for the region, including

Middle East’s Leading Airline, Middle East’s Leading Airline First Class, Middle East’s Leading Airline In-Flight Entertainment and Middle East’s Leading Cabin Staff.

Etihad Airways launched its new Etihad Wi-Fly in-flight Internet and mobile connectivity service.

The service is powered by Panasonic Avionics Global Communications Suite. It will be offered on long-haul flights such as Brussels, Dublin, Manchester, Munich, Frankfurt and Milan. The system provides high-speed broadband Internet connectivity as well as data and mobile phone services.

The new service is a result of the 10-year, $1 billion agreement signed with Panasonic Avionics in November 2011.

The airline plans to have 10 aircraft equipped by the end of the first quarter of 2013 and by the end of 2014 to have every Etihad Airways aircraft equipped for in-flight connectivity.

All Etihad Airways narrow-body aircraft will be outfitted with data and mobile phone connectivity, while wide-body aircraft will be additionally equipped for broadband Internet services.

The Wi-Fly connectivity solution is offered to guests at a cost of $13.95 for one hour or $24.95 for 24 hours.

The service will be complimentary for Etihad Airways’ Diamond First Class guests. Mobile telephone usage will be charged based on the international roaming rates of guests’ mobile network providers.

Etihad Airways also currently operates six connectivity-enabled aircraft under an agreement with OnAir: three Airbus A320s and three Airbus A330-300s.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is increasing and upgrading flights to key cities in India at the first of the year. Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, flights to the southern Indian city of Kozhikode increase from three to seven a week.

Flights to the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo will be increased from four to seven a week beginning Jan. 2. Etihad will also reintroduce its Pearl Business class product on the Kozhikode and Colombo flights. Both routes will cater to the growing business and corporate demand as well as to high-end leisure traffic. The additional services will employ Airbus A320 aircraft fitted with 16 Pearl Business Class seats.

Etihad plans to improve the number of connections over the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub to more than 370 connections a week for Kozhikode (an increase of 240 percent) and 300 connections a week for Colombo (an increase of 170 percent). Additional key Etihad destinations, including Jeddah, Johannesburg, Lagos, Milan and Toronto will be connected to Kozhikode, while Geneva, Munich and Astana will be connected to Colombo.

Since the start of flights to Kozhikode in 2008, Etihad Airways has carried more than 180,000 passengers.

The Colombo services were relaunched in January 2010 and have carried more than 200,000 passengers to date.

In addition to Kozhikode, the airline offers 56 flights per week connecting Abu Dhabi directly to eight cities in India, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram and, most recently, Ahmedabad.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to Open Resort in Ajman in 2013 -

AJMAN, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, APRIL 30TH 2012 – A new resort property, Fairmont Ajman, will open in the United Arab Emirates in early 2013. Prominently situated on the Corniche, the sleek and contemporary resort fronts 250 meters of unspoiled, sandy beaches, perfect for leisure and incentive travelers.

The property will feature 252 guestrooms and suites, including two luxurious penthouse offerings. Dining options include an all-day dining outlet, with a multi-kitchen format and two private dining rooms, which will transform into an à la carte restaurant in the evenings, focusing on modern Italian fare. Connected to this will be a lobby lounge, where guests can enjoy afternoon tea, pastries and snacks as well as wireless Internet access. The resort will also include a contemporary eatery offering Turkish cuisine, with an adjoining cocktail bar, as well as a shisha terrace and poolside bar.

Event planners can take advantage of 2,000 square meters of indoor function space as well as outdoor facilities. Guests can enjoy a selection of retail outlets and fitness and water sport facilities for leisurely pursuits onsite while shopping and business districts are located nearby in Sharjah or Dubai.

“Fairmont is extremely pleased to add another resort to the region, as it joins Fairmont Bab Al Bahr as well as upcoming properties on the Palm and Fujairah in affording our guests even more variety for travel,” said Jennifer Fox, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “With its close proximity to the Sharjah and Dubai airports, the resort will attract travelers from Europe as well as serve as a popular destination for GCC residents.”

Ajman, the smallest member state of the United Arab Emirates, offers myriad activities for travelers. Beautiful white sandy beaches lead up to an array of water sports and diving, while culture seekers can explore Arabia’s heritage. Housed in an 18th century fort, the Ajman Museum showcases local history. Visitors to the Dhow Yard, arguably the largest boat building yard in the world, can learn how the ocean-going vessels are built utilizing traditional tools and methods.

Fairmont Ajman is the most recent project to be announced by the brand in the region and joins Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Fairmont Dubai, UAE; Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers, Cairo, Egypt; Fairmont Nile City, Cairo, Egypt; Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, Saudi Arabia; Fairmont Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE (2012); Fairmont Fujairah, UAE (2013); and Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate, Saudi Arabia (2013).

ABOUT FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which will arrive in destinations as diverse as Jaipur, Kyiv and Manila in 2012, is a celebrated collection of more than 60 luxury properties around the globe, including Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel, The Plaza in New York, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The luxury brand’s distinctive hotels offer a sense of heritage and sophistication, warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also recognized internationally for its responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residences club, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.

Become a fan of Fairmont. Join our online communities at everyonesanoriginal.com, facebook.com/fairmonthotels, and twitter.com/fairmonthotels. For career opportunities, visit facebook.com/fairmontcareers

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will add Vietnam’s commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City, to its network in October 2013.

The new flight service is part of the airline’s commitment to expand into the South East Asian region, supporting joint UAE and Vietnam government ventures in areas of energy, infrastructure, tourism and civil construction.

The launch of the new route is part of the airline’s 10-year network growth plan, which will expand Etihad Airways’ direct reach to 100 destinations by 2020. It will be Etihad Airways’ sixth destination within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, joining Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore.

In conjunction with its partner airlines, the new Ho Chi Minh City service extends Etihad Airways’ total flight network reach to 21 ASEAN destinations.

The new air services to Ho Chi Minh City are set to meet growing demand from Vietnam’s rapidly expanding economy and will support the country’s increasing commercial ties with the United Arab Emirates, and in particular Abu Dhabi. The new flight services will also support joint UAE and Vietnam government ventures in areas of energy, infrastructure, tourism, and civil construction. UAE investment in Vietnam now stands at more than $3 billion and two-way trade revenue approximately $1.3 billion.

Flights between Abu Dhabi and Ho Chi Minh City will begin on Oct. 1, 2013, and will be served by a two-class A330-200 aircraft.

The aircraft will have 22 Pearl Business Class seats and 240 Coral Economy Class seats — a total 3,668 seats per week.

Etihad Airways codeshare with Vietnam Airlines, which currently provides Etihad Airways passengers with daily connections through Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur to both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

This year, Etihad Airways has announced the launch of nonstop flights to Sao Paulo, Washington, D.C., Addis Ababa and Ahmedabad.

Etihad Airways began operations in 2003. In 2011, the airline carried 8.3 million passengers. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways serves 85 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 67 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Etihad Airways also holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus.

Emirates and JetBlue Airways announced the launch of a joint frequent-flyer partnership. Starting July 1, 2012, members of JetBlue’s customer loyalty program TrueBlue will be able to earn TrueBlue points across Emirates’ network of more than 120 destinations worldwide, while Emirates’ Skywards members will be able to earn Skywards Miles on JetBlue‘s network throughout the Americas. The partner airlines plan to introduce a redemption agreement in February 2013.

In addition, both airlines are offering a special promotion for customers to earn double TrueBlue points or Skywards Miles.

To sign up for the promotion, members can visit either jetblue.com or skywards.com to register for travel from July 1 through Sept. 30, 2012.

TrueBlue, JetBlue’s loyalty program, is free to join and includes the ability to use points for any seat on any JetBlue operated flight, no blackout dates, and points that don’t expire if you fly JetBlue or use your JetBlue Card by American Express at least once every twelve months.

Emirates and JetBlue already operate a codeshare agreement that connects the carriers’ networks via New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.

Tickets featuring an Emirates flight number are available for sale for JetBlue-operated connections between New York/JFK and the following U.S. destinations: Boston (BOS); Burlington, Vermont (BTV); Buffalo, New York (BUF); Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT); Chicago/O’Hare (ORD); Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL); Jacksonville, Florida (JAX); Orlando, Florida (MCO); Portland, Maine (PWM); Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina (RDU); Tampa, Florida (TPA); and Washington/Dulles (IAD).

Customers also can get a single combined ticket for Emirates and JetBlue-operated flights, plus other advantages including one-stop check-in and baggage transfer.

With the launch of Emirates’ newest routes to Barcelona and Lisbon this week, the airline will fly to 126 cities globally via the airline’s hub in Dubai, the commercial and tourism center of the Gulf region.

Emirates currently serves seven gateways within North America: New York (JFK), Houston (IAH), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) and Toronto (YYZ). The airline will start non-stop daily flights to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 12, 2012. From JFK, Emirates offers two daily nonstop flights aboard its flagship A380 and ultra-long range 777-300ER.