Category: Luxury News (Page 8 of 15)

New Special Edition Appearance Package Brings Throwback Style to Mustang Family

August 19, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 19, 2021 – Today in celebration of the Woodward Dream Cruise, Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is taking a page out of its Mustang history book with the introduction of the new Mustang Ice White Edition Appearance Package for both Mustang coupe and Mustang Mach-E. This marks the first time in 28 years Ford is offering a white-on-white Mustang and the first time ever for the coupe.

“Mustang has always had the power to attract attention on the road, but the new Mustang Ice White Edition could – just like the original ’93 Triple White Fox body feature Mustang – become one of the hot collectibles of future generations,” said Jim Owens, Mustang brand marketing manager. “We are proud to continue a longstanding Mustang tradition of continuously offering fresh, new styling options for customers to empower them to make their Mustang an extension of who they are.”

The package is the first to be offered to both Mustang Mach-E and Mustang coupe customers.

Ice White Edition Mustang Mach-E

The 2021 Car and Driver EV of the Year, North American SUV of the Year and one of the hottest all-electric SUVs on the market will exclusively offer the new Mustang Ice White Edition Appearance Package on Mustang Mach-E Premium models.

Star White Metallic Tri-Coat paint includes unique Star White mirror caps and wheel lip moldings to ice-out the exterior. Front and center on the grille is an Oxford White pony badge, which also appears between the tri-bar taillamps. The package adds unique 19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with Oxford White-painted pockets.

Light Space Gray sets the cabin stage, appearing on the seats, center console and door-panel armrests. A Bright Silver hex-patterned instrument panel plus an Oxford White pony badge on the steering wheel add chill to the interior environment.

Orders for the 2022 Mustang Mach-E Ice White Edition open in the fall. The vehicle will be in showrooms early next year.

Ice White Edition Mustang Coupe

Reminiscent of the 1993 Triple White Fox body feature Mustang, the 2022 Mustang coupe Ice White Edition gives customers the option to add even more head-turning style to the world’s best-selling sports car¹. Ford made just 1,500 Triple White Fox body feature Mustangs – all convertibles.

Available on Mustang EcoBoost^® and GT Premium fastback models, the Mustang Ice White Edition comes lacquered exclusively in Oxford White and features unique iced-out taillamps, plus heritage-inspired 19×9-inch wheels in matching Oxford White with machine-surfaced pockets. Just like on the Ice White Edition Mustang Mach-E, the Ice White Mustang coupe comes with Oxford White pony badges and fender badging.

The black and white interior features Oxford White leather seat inserts front and rear, plus Oxford White leather door panels. An aluminum appliqué on the dash and white accent stitching on the center console, door panels, shifter boot, headrests and more add to the cool cabin environment.

Ice White Edition Appearance Package-equipped Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT Premium coupes arrive at dealers in early 2022.

Textron Launches Data Communications Program to Support Legacy Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign Aircraft

August 18, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

WICHITA, Kan. (Aug. 18, 2021) – Textron Aviation and Honeywell Aerospace are developing an exclusive program for Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign aircraft equipped with the Honeywell PRIMUS EPIC integrated cockpit to allow pilots to communicate more easily with air traffic controllers and utilize the most current Data Link services offered in North America and Europe. The aircraft upgrade is expected to be available in mid-2022.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, through a global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.

Future Air Navigation System (FANS) Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) and Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN) Protected Mode CPDLC (PM-CPDLC) replace the traditional voice communications used by pilots and controllers with data/text messaging for many standard operating procedures, allowing pilots to communicate with air traffic control with the touch of a button. This increases pilot heads-up time, frees up VHF voice communication bandwidth for more critical communications, and significantly reduces voice readback errors. CPDLC is similar to SMS text messaging used on your personal cell phone but uses prescribed text messages that enable pilots and air traffic controllers (ATC) to quickly and accurately request and authorize clearances and flight plan changes.

The FANS 1/A+ and Protected Mode CPDLC program features:

Ease of operation by quickly and accurately loading complex instructions into the aircraft flight management system with the push of a button
Support for future FAA Next Gen Data Com capabilities
Trajectory-based operations
Improved re-routing of aircraft around severe weather events and traffic congestion
Prioritized departure clearances that can save several minutes of wait time before takeoff

Aircraft operating in continental Europe will also be able to use PM-CPDLC to obtain equivalent benefits of ATC prioritization, delay avoidance, and optimal flight durations.

Textron Aviation’s collaboration with Honeywell on this project enables a cost-effective solution for customers for modernizing the Data Link capabilities of these important aircraft and reduces the certification and installation time. As the original equipment manufacturer of the aircraft, Textron Aviation can offer the OEM-certified upgrade to the PRIMUS EPIC avionics suite that maintains the system integrity as originally certified. Installation can be completed at any domestic or international Textron Aviation service center.

Singapore Airlines To Showcase The Best Of Singapore To The World

August 16, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Singapore Airlines Limited (SI: C6L) today launched the Singapore Showcase, an initiative to support and collaborate with leading Singaporean brands to offer unique on ground and in-flight experiences for its global customer base.

Under the initiative, SIA has worked with renowned Singapore-based hawker brands to enhance the Airline’s popular local fare options by presenting their distinctive dishes to customers. As a result, the Airline will be able to offer an even wider range of Singapore’s iconic hawker cuisine on board flights out of Singapore. This is also a celebration of Singapore’s Hawker Culture, which was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.

The carrier has also partnered local media production and distribution companies to offer more Singaporean content in its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system. This will result in an even larger selection of Singaporean movies, documentaries, television series, music, and podcasts for our customers, and introduce some of Singapore’s leading talents to the world.

SIA has also worked with Scent by SIX, a Singapore-based artisanal perfume label, to develop a unique signature scent for the airline. This scent includes floral notes from flowers in SIA’s new batik motif. It will be introduced at key customer-facing locations, helping to create a unique sensory experience for passengers during their journey with us which will elevate their overall customer experience.

Small Ship Cruise Line Windstar Resumes Operations in Tahiti for Vaccinated Guests

July 17, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Seattle, Washington, July 16, 2021 – U.S. headquartered small ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has resumed cruising this week in French Polynesia/the Islands of Tahiti with vaccinated guests + crew aboard the line’s 148-passenger Wind Spirit sailing ship. Half of the line’s six yacht fleet is now back in the water cruising.

To celebrate Wind Spirit’s return, the line has added free drinks to its already enticing bundled pricing.

Windstar offers a convenient Air + Hotel package from Los Angeles International Airport that includes the round trip Air Tahiti Nui flight from Los Angeles, pre-cruise accommodations and a post-cruise day room, ground transfers in Tahiti, and a seven, 10, or 11 night boutique cruise in French Polynesia. Now on cruise vacations including air and hotel booked during the promotional period ending July 30, 2021, guests also receive the promise of a free beverage package (with unlimited select spirits, wine, beer, cocktails, and minibar items), guaranteeing an extra Mai Tai or three beneath a palm tree. If guests don’t imbibe, they can alternately choose shipboard credit to put towards other experiences, like a relaxing onboard spa treatment or shore excursions such as SCUBA diving, reef snorkeling, or even harvesting Tahitian black pearls.

Windstar typically sails year-round from Tahiti, where cruises take place on Wind Spirit, a 148- guest motorized sailing yacht specifically designed for the region and capturing the South Pacific trade winds in its billowing sails. However, Windstar’s reimagined, new all-suite Star Breeze yacht carrying 312 guests will begin sailings in the region on September 19 and will remain on a limited engagement in Tahiti until March of 2022, giving guests a unique chance to sail on the larger, more amenity-intensive yacht in gracious ocean view 277 square feet suites. Windstar offers guests a complimentary private event on their Tahiti cruises: a private beach party and locally sourced feast on one of Bora Bora’s tiny motus, followed by a kinetic fire-dancing performance. It is available on all sailings/both yachts.

Windstar is returning to operations in a phased manner, with its fleet of six yachts debuting on various dates through November, while requiring vaccines of all passengers amongst a host of health and safety precautions including testing, social distancing, masks, and high-tech air filtration. On June 19, Windstar’s Wind Star yacht resumed revenue operations in Greece, and on July 10, Windstar’s Star Breeze began sailing in the Caribbean, both with vaccinated guests and crew.

Windstar has plans to resume sailing on the following yachts in 2021 with vaccinated guests + crew:

Wind Surf – August 8, 2021 – Mediterranean

Star Legend – September 4, 2021 – Northern Europe

Star Pride – November 3, 2021 – Caribbean

For more details on Windstar Cruises, visit www.windstarcruises.com

Hilton Expands All-Inclusive and Luxury Beachfront Resort Portfolio in Mexico

July 15, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

McLean, Virginia – Leading global hospitality company, Hilton (NYSE: HLT), announced today the signing of three managed resorts in Mexico, furthering the company’s all-inclusive and luxury expansion plans: Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort, Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort and the luxurious Conrad Tulum. The newest additions to the company’s portfolio showcase Hilton’s deep-rooted commitment to growing its unrivaled offerings in Mexico, where Hilton has more than 70 hotels open and more than 30 in the development pipeline.

“Mexico has always been an incredibly important destination for Hilton. These new additions are one more symbol that tourism in Mexico is rebounding and it is with great pride that we continue evolving our offerings in this burgeoning market, especially in the luxury and all-inclusive segments,” said Danny Hughes, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton. “We are extremely proud of our new products, ongoing partnership with Parks Holdings and the resilient Team Members who are working to bring the warmth of hospitality to the new resorts entering our portfolio.”

A development by Parks Hospitality and owned by Fibra UNO, Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort is expected to convert in Q4 2021. Situated between the beaches of the Bay of Banderas and the majestic Sierra Madres Mountain, the 444-room AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort features a picturesque private beach, two glistening pools, full-service spa, fitness center, six craft cocktail bars, and seven specialty restaurants offering a variety of cuisine including Asian, Italian and Mexican flavors, as well as seafood and tapas options. Catering to the evolving needs of today’s business traveler, the resort offers nearly 26,000 square feet divided with 13,000 square feet of outdoor event space and 13,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting space.

Owned and developed by Parks Hospitality, Conrad Tulum and Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort are anticipated to join the Hilton portfolio in Q4 2021 and Q1 2022 respectively. The distinctly unique hotels will each provide guests with a brand-exclusive experience featuring world-class dining and extensive recreation options, while offering visitors access to shared amenities including a meetings and events complex and a state-of-art spa.

“We are honored and excited to be extending our successful partnership with Hilton with these iconic resorts and bringing new unprecedented luxury options to Tulum. We believe Mexico’s unique combination of people, culture, gastronomy, and natural beauties, make it the best global destination for tourism and we look forward to our continued future growth with Hilton. I would like to thank all of Parks, FUNO and Hilton’s team for all their hard work in bringing these amazing projects to reality,” said Charles Elmann Fasja, CEO Parks Holdings.

Nestled among verdant tropical vegetation, overlooking the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waters, and situated on an expansive stretch of beach, the new-build 349-room luxurious Conrad Tulum will be Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in Quintana Roo on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Located near one of the best-preserved Mayan sites in Mexico, the property will provide a secluded haven for travelers featuring a bold design aesthetic inspired by Tulum’s lush landscape, picturesque beaches, and surrounding nature reserves. In addition to elegantly appointed rooms, the new hotel’s selection of accommodations will feature contemporary and sophisticated master suites, governor suites and presidential suites. Guests can choose from seven world-class restaurants and bars featuring an array of cuisine options from Mediterranean and Asian to a special Chef Table’s dining experience and relax and unwind in five pools. Like other properties in the Conrad Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Conrad Tulum will draw on the destination’s local influence and offer a distinct experience for travelers. Travelers will enjoy an enriching escape with effortless and passionately delivered service as they explore and immerse themselves in Tulum’s culture and community.

The 735-room oceanfront Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort will introduce travelers to an upscale and elevated all-inclusive experience in this sought-after destination. Set to boast unrestricted views of the picturesque waters of the Caribbean Sea, the resort will offer seven dining experiences featuring international cuisine, an expansive multiple pool complex with a waterpark, and a secluded beach.

In addition to the variety of dining and recreation options at the luxurious Conrad Tulum or Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive Resort, all guests at either hotel will have access to a 21,500-plus square foot spa, with 16 treatment rooms and a pool, in a private and quiet area surrounded by tropical resort grounds. Guests visiting for meetings or events will have access to a 55,000 square foot convention center and an auditorium that seats up to 400 people.

Cessna Citation Longitude Achieves EASA Certification

July 13, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Textron Aviation today announced its flagship Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet achieved certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), clearing the way for customer deliveries to begin in the region.

The Cessna Citation Longitude super-midsize business jet is designed, produced and delivered by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company.

The largest jet in the Cessna Citation lineup, the Longitude was designed with business and return on investment at the forefront, with the lowest direct operating cost of any super-midsize jet. Capable of flying from Geneva to Dubai or Rome to New Delhi, the Longitude offers class-leading comfort, the quietest cabin in class, and advanced connectivity for those focused on staying productive in the air.

As a clean-sheet aircraft, the Longitude was designed with innovation front of mind, and a cabin experience shaped around customer input and a broad range of mission capabilities.

The Longitude is backed by Textron Aviation’s extensive global customer service network, providing customers with direct access to nearly 3,000 expert employees, including service representatives offering maintenance, inspections, parts, repairs, avionic upgrades, equipment installations, refurbishments and other specialized services.

Emirates Restarts Passenger Services to Mauritius as Island Nation Reopens

July 11, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Emirates has announced it will restart passenger services to Mauritius this summer with two weekly flights from 15 July, as the island-nation gradually re-opens its borders to international tourists. To serve market demand, the airline has also announced it will deploy its iconic Emirates A380 aircraft to Mauritius starting 1 August. Fully vaccinated travellers can enjoy a relaxing and safe getaway in a list of pre-approved COVID-19 safe resorts across the island.

Emirates’ flights to Mauritius will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays. Starting from 15 July, the route will be served utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and from 1 August, utilising the Emirates A380 aircraft. Emirates flight EK 701 will depart Dubai 2:35hrs and arrive in Mauritius at 9:10hrs local time. The return flight will operate on Fridays and Sundays. Emirates flight EK 704 will depart Mauritius at 23:10hrs and arrive in Dubai at 5:45hrs local time, the following day.

Emirates flights to Mauritius can be booked on emirates.com, via travel agents or Emirates Sales Office.

The Emirates A380 experience remains a favourite amongst travellers for its spacious and comfortable cabins and the airline will continue to expand its deployment in line with the gradual return in demand. Emirates currently operates the A380 to New York JFK, Los Angeles, Washington D.C, Toronto, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Frankfurt, Moscow, Amman, Cairo, and Guangzhou.

From white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and luscious landscapes – Mauritius remains one the most popular holiday destinations, attracting travellers across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. Emirates passengers can also enjoy other Indian Ocean destinations, as the airline offers 28 weekly flights to Maldives and seven weekly flights to Seychelles.

Travellers can also book with Emirates Holidays and enjoy tailor-made packages at world-class hotels and resorts across the island. For more information, click here

Hilton Hotels Named One of Sri Lanka’s Best Workplaces

July 5, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work^® announced Hilton Worldwide Holdings (NYSE: HLT) placement on this year’s Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka list. This is the second time that Hilton has been named one of Sri Lanka’s Best Workplaces.

The accolade had been awarded to Hilton following a survey by Great Place to Work^® of over 100 registrations representing 51,000 employees in Sri Lanka. The survey assesses employees’ perceptions of leadership, organizational culture and trust, and is critical to a company being selected to the list of Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka. To be eligible for this list, organizations must be certified by the firm in the past year. A total of 40 companies were named in the list this year.

Recognising the importance of mental wellness, Hilton has incorporated a series of family-focused benefits for team members, including flexible working environments and mental health campaigns. Hilton also provides a variety of resources and programs aimed at attracting, developing and supporting team members at various stages of their careers. Through the Thrive@Hilton Program, Hilton supports team members in their professional and personal growth. Globally, Hilton also provides further learning and development opportunities through Hilton University, its Executive Committee Networking Program, as well as team member benefits such as Go Hilton.

Further to creating opportunities for its team members, Hilton had also launched a specially-curated female development program in Sri Lanka in March 2021 through a partnership with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management. Translating to “female courage,” Hilton Liya Diriya aims to provide training opportunities for local female students keen to build a career in hospitality, and in doing so, advance women’s economic empowerment and grow the country’s hospitality talent pool.

Dassault Aviation Adds Third Falcon 6X to Test Program

July 4, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

A third Falcon 6X recently took flight and joined Dassault Aviation’s flight test campaign, moving the new long-range extra widebody twin a step closer to anticipated certification in 2022.

Falcon 6X s/n 003 is fitted with a full interior and will be used for cabin design validation. The aircraft completed a two-hour maiden flight from Dassault’s Bordeaux-Mérignac final assembly plant to its Istres flight test facility on June 24, climbing to Flight Level 400 and accelerating to a cruise speed of Mach 0.85. The first 6X flew on March 10 and the second on April 30.

Aircraft no. 3 is outfitted with the Falcon 6X’s award winning interior, including in-flight entertainment and communications systems. In addition to testing this equipment, the aircraft will be used to evaluate environmental features and temperature control and validate cabin acoustics systems, which alongside those on the ultra long-range Falcon 8X trijet are expected to be the industry reference.

A fourth aircraft will also be equipped with a full cabin interior, currently being installed in Mérignac. It will conduct a two-month global endurance flight campaign intended to ensure that all 6X systems are fully mature upon entry into service.

Production of additional units is in full swing, with aircraft no. 10 scheduled to be on the final assembly line by beginning of July. The Falcon 6X has received several prestigious design awards, including the Red Dot prize for premium cabin design. The aircraft was recognized this month as the “Best of the Best” in aviation by the Robb Report luxury-lifestyle magazine, which noted: “Dassault’s newest aircraft pairs size with technology to create an award-worthy new class of business jet.”

United Signs Agreement to Buy Aircraft from Boom Supersonic

June 6, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

PRNewswire/ — United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) today announced a commercial agreement with Denver-based aerospace company Boom Supersonic to add aircraft to its global fleet as well as a cooperative sustainability initiative – a move that facilitates a leap forward in returning supersonic speeds to aviation.

Under the terms of the agreement, United will purchase 15 of Boom’s ‘Overture’ airliners, once Overture meets United’s demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft. The companies will work together on meeting those requirements before delivery. Once operational, Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from day one, optimized to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is slated to roll out in 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029. United and Boom will also work together to accelerate production of greater supplies of SAF.

Capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 – twice the speed of today’s fastest airliners – Overture can connect more than 500 destinations in nearly half the time. Among the many future potential routes for United are Newark to London in just three and a half hours, Newark to Frankfurt in four hours and San Francisco to Tokyo in just six hours. Overture will also be designed with features such as in-seat entertainment screens, ample personal space, and contactless technology. Working with Boom is another component of United’s strategy to invest in innovative technologies that will build a more sustainable future of air travel.

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