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The Air Dispatch

Category Archives: Travel

Airbus big winner at Paris Air Show

18 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Airbus, Aircraft, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, CS300, CSeries, Le Bourget, News, Paris Air Show, Transport, Travel, Wizz Air

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AirbusAirbus has won firm orders for 124 aircraft worth more than $16 billion at the Paris Air Show, the European manufacturer announced in Le Bourget, France, on Thursday.

In addition, the company has also received commitments for 297 airplanes worth another $41 billion.

WizzThe final tally included a commitment by the Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air to buy 110 Airbus A321neo (new engine option) aircraft.

“Our latest forecast for 32,600 planes in the next 20 years is being proved correct,” said Airbus CEO John Leahy.

“The orders and commitments at this year’s Paris Air Show demonstrate three things; Asia is powering the growth, we are leading in single-aisle and widebody and our A321neo is the aircraft of choice in the middle of the market.”

The Budapest-based Wizz Air is the largest low-cost carrier serving Eastern and Central Europe and operates an all-Airbus fleet.

“Thanks to our rapidly growing A320 fleet, we’ve become one of Europe’s leading carriers,” said Jozsef Varadi, CEO of Wizz Air.

b2Boeing, meanwhile, won orders and commitments for 331 aircraft worth just over $50 billion. That included a firm order from AerCap for 100 737 MAX 8s, valued at $10.7 billion, announced on the second day of the week-long show.

“Boeing is focused on execution and remains on track to deliver between 750 and 755 airplanes in 2015, a new industry record,” the American manufacturer said Thursday.

“Upcoming commercial development program milestones scheduled before the end of this year include factory rollout of the 737 MAX and firm configuration of the 777X.”

Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier, which debuted its brand new CS300 at the show, did not win any new orders for the single-aisle aircraft.

Images are courtesy of Airbus and Boeing.

IATA pauses rollout of Cabin OK program

17 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Aircraft, Airlines, Aviation, Baggage, Business, Cabin OK, Carry-on, IATA, Luggage, News, Transport, Travel

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logoThe group that represents airlines says it is pausing the rollout of its “Cabin OK” initiative for carry-on baggage in light of concerns expressed, primarily in North America.

The Geneva-based International Air Transport Association launched the initiative last week.

The plan offered passengers with a voluntary option to use a “Cabin OK” labelled bag (of 55 x 35 x 20 centimetres or 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches) that would be immediately recognizable as complying with the vast majority of airline maximum-size requirements for cabin baggage.

iataUnder the initiative, such bags would also be given a priority to remain in the cabin on full flights when cabin storage capacity is exceeded.

But the plan quickly backfired with several North American airlines openly opposing the idea.

“We need to get it right,”  acknowledged Tom Windmuller, senior vice-president, airport, passenger, cargo and security for IATA.

“Today we are pausing the rollout and launching a comprehensive reassessment of the Cabin OK program with plans to further engage program participants, the rest of our members, and other key stakeholders,” he said in a release on Wednesday.

The group reiterated that “Cabin OK” is just a guideline for an optimally sized cabin bag, not an industry standard.

It also noted that “Cabin OK” does not seek to define a maximum size for carry-on bags, which is something each airline does individually.

“And no consumer will be forced into buying a new bag as a result of this voluntary initiative.”

IATA represents more than 260 airlines.

Image is courtesy of IATA.

Airbus begins work on new heavy-lift helicopter

16 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, Aircraft, Aviation, Business, Concept Aircraft, Le Bourget, News, Paris, Paris Air Show, Transport, Travel, X6

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H2Airbus has announced plans for a new heavy-lift helicopter at the Paris Air Show.

With a concept phase of two years, the X6 (above) will be tailored for the civilian market, the European manufacturer said.

It will initially target oil and gas missions and will also be perfectly suited for search and rescue, VIP and other applications, it said.

“Major marketing, architecture and design choices for the twin-engine aircraft will be assessed to meet customer operational requirements during the concept phase,” Airbus said.

H3“It will set new standards in the industry not only for design, but for its production strategy as well, as we will rely on the industrial capacities of our core countries, including the upcoming pillar in Poland,” said Guillaume Faury, president and CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

“Our objective is to bring to the market the most efficient helicopter solutions adapted for how our customers’ needs and the industry itself will evolve in the future.”

One of the major innovations to be integrated on the X6 is the fly-by-wire flight control system, the company said.

“Once adequate program maturity has been achieved in the concept phase, a subsequent development phase will follow, leading to an X6 entry into service anticipated in the 2020s,” the company said.

Image is courtesy of Airbus.

Boeing MAX big winner on Day Two of Paris Air Show

16 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in 737 MAX, AerCap, Airbus, Aircraft, ATR, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Embraer, Le Bourget, News, Paris, Paris Air Show, Transport, Travel

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ATR, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Buisness, CSeries, Embraer, Le Bourget, News, Paris, Paris Air Show, Transport, Travel

AercapIn its Current Market Outlook released last week, Boeing forecast that the world will need almost 27,000 single-aisle airplanes over the coming two decades.

On Tuesday, at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourge, the American manufacturer announced the biggest order of the show so far – for 100 737 MAX 8s from aircraft leaser AerCap.

“This order complements our existing order book in the single-aisle category and is in line with our customer needs and our fleet strategy of leasing the most-in-demand and technologically advanced equipment,” said AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly.

AC“We see significant market appetite for this aircraft type from our diverse customer base spanning approximately 90 countries around the world,”

The 737 MAX is the fourth generation of the Boeing 737 family. It is under development. Boeing said Tuesday assembly of the first 737 MAX had begun as scheduled in May.

“The 737 MAX 8 will give AerCap’s customers a unique advantage in the heart of the single-aisle market,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner.

A global leader in aircraft leasing, AerCap has 1,800 aircraft that are owned, managed, or under contract to purchase.

In other news:

LeasingMinsheng Financial Leasing signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing for the purchase of 30 737s, a mix of Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX airplanes.

Ruili Airlines announced that the airline has committed to purchase 30 737 MAXs.

Korean Air announced the airline’s intention to purchase 30 737 MAXs and two 777-300ER jetliners, with options for an additional 20 737 MAXs.

SMBC Aviation Capital ordered 10 737 MAX 8s.  Peach

Korean Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to acquire up to 50 A321neo aircraft.

Cebu Pacific Air ordered 16 ATR72 -600 from ATR, an Airbus subsidiary.

Peach Aviation ordered three Airbus A320s. 

Images are courtesy of Boeing and Airbus.

Saudia to become launch customer of Airbus A330-300 Regional

15 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Airbus, Airbus A330-300 Regional, Aircraft, Aviation, Business, Le Bourget, News, Paris Air Show, Saudi Arabian Airlines Saudia, Saudia, Transport, Travel

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SaudiaSaudi Arabia’s national airline is set to become the launch customer of the new Airbus A330-300 Regional.

At the opening of the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget on Monday, the Saudi Arabian Airlines announced that it would buy 20 of the new aircraft.

In addition, the airline, also known as Saudia, has ordered 30 A320neo (new engine option) aircraft, but the focus on Monday was certainly on the new airplane.

Saudia3“The A330-300 Regional’s unique flexibility, high capacity and operational capabilities will enable us to expand our domestic and regional network and better absorb growing passenger traffic,” said Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines.

“Introducing the A330-300 Regional in our current fleet is an ideal choice and follows our previous commitment to a family of aircraft which already successfully helped us achieve our ambitions.”

The single-aisle widebody aircraft will join the airline’s fleet of 12 A330-300s and 50 A320s.

Airbus says the new A330-300 Regional is its solution for markets with large populations and fast growing, concentrated air traffic flows.

“We salute Saudi Arabian Airlines for becoming the launch operator of the A330-300 Regional,” said Airbus CEO John Leahy.

The Airbus A330 family has won more than 1,500 orders from over 100 customers and has more than 1,100 aircraft in operation.

Images are courtesy of Airbus and Saudia.

Paris Air Show opens with mega deals

15 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in A350XWB, Airbus, Aircraft, ATR, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Dreamliners, Embraer, EVA, Garuda Indonesia, Le Bourget, News, Paris, Paris Air Show, Q400, Saudi Arabian Airlines, SWISS, Transport, Travel

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The 51st edition of the Paris Air Show opened Monday with major aircraft manufacturers announcing a series of deals worth billions of dollars.

Here are the highlights of Day One:

A350Garuda Indonesia signs a Letter of Intent to buy 30 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft  (left).

Garuda also signs an LOI with Boeing to purchase 30 787-9 Dreamliners, as well as up to 30 737 MAX 8 airplanes.
Swiss

Launch customer SWISS converts 10 of its 30 firm-ordered Bombardier CS100 aircraft to the larger CS300s (left).

WestJet Encore orders five Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

Airbus says Saudi Arabian Airlines will become the first airline in the world to operate the new A330-300 Regional.

JALATR announces 46 firm orders and 35 options for its regional aircraft. That includes the sale of the 1500th ATR aircraft.

Qatar Airways orders 10 777-8Xs and four 777 freighters.

Taiwan’s EVA Airways announces it intends to purchase five Boeing 777 freighters.

Images are courtesy of Airbus, Bombardier and ATR.

E-Fan: The plug-in plane takes off

12 Friday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Airbus, Aircraft, Aviation, Business, CO2, E-Fan, Emissions, Environment, France, Le Bourget, News, Paris, Paris Air Show, Transport, Travel

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EFan2The Paris Air Show doesn’t open until Monday, but one airplane is already creating a lot of buzz.

Airbus has unveiled the E-Fan, the environment-friendly plug-in plane.

The European manufacturer says it will be the world’s first series production electric plane and will open the way for a new era in air transportation that is environmentally-friendly and highly efficient.

The  the E-Fan 2.0 (left) and the E-Fan 4.0.

The the E-Fan 2.0 (left) and the E-Fan 4.0.

“The E-Fan demonstrator will be followed by serial production versions – first, the two-seat E-Fan 2.0 version for basic pilot training, then by the E-Fan 4.0, a four-seat airplane for full pilot licensing and the general aviation market,“ the company says on its website.

The first flight for E-Fan 2.0 is planned for late 2017. It is expected to go into service the following year.

“It will be CO2 emissions-free and nearly silent in flight, becoming the world’s first all-electric plane certified to international civil airworthiness standards,” Airbus said.

The E-Fan 4.0 is scheduled to arrive in 2019.

“E-Fan is a crucial step on Airbus Group’s journey toward all-electric aviation,” said Detlef Muller-Wiesner, head of Airbus E-Aircraft Programmes.

Airbus subsidiary Voltair will manage the airplanes’ industrial evolution.

Images are courtesy of Airbus.

Boeing Dreamliner in stunning performance ahead of the Paris Air Show

11 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in 787-9, Aircraft, Aviation, Boeing, Business, Dreamliner, News, Paris Air Show, Transport, Travel, Vietnam Airlines

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B
oeing has released a stunning new video of the 787-9 Dreamliner soaring above Washington state ahead of next week’s Paris Air Show.

The Vietnam Airlines Dreamliner is scheduled to fly during the show that opens June 15.

The video was filmed above Moses Lake, Wash. It highlights technical manoeuvres that showcase some of the airplane’s many capabilities.

As of last month, Boeing says, 30 customers have ordered 509 787-9s, 46 per cent of all 787 orders.

The Dreamliner video is courtesy of Boeing.

Boeing: World needs airplanes worth $5.6 trillion in 20 years

11 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Le Bourget, Paris Air Show, Transport, Travel

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Show logoJ
ust days before the opening of the Paris Air Show, Boeing has forecast a demand for more 38,000 new airplanes over the next 20 years.

The U.S. manufacturer says that is an increase of 3.5 per cent from last year’s forecast.

Boeing’s annual Current Market Outlook estimates the total value of those new airplanes at $5.6 trillion.

“The commercial airplane market continues to be strong and resilient,” said Randy Tinseth, vice-president of marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“As we look forward, we expect the market to continue to grow and the demand for new aircraft to be robust.”

InfoBy the end of the forecast period, the commercial airplane fleet will double, from 21,600 airplanes in 2014 to 43,560 airplanes in 2034, Boeing said.

“Fifty-eight per cent of the 38,050 airplanes delivered over that time will be to accommodate growth,” it added.

According to Boeing, the single-aisle market continues to be the fastest-growing, requiring nearly 27,00 airplanes over the coming two decades.

“These aircraft are the foundation of the world’s airline fleet, carrying up to 75 per cent of passengers on more than 70 per cent of the world’s commercial aviation routes,” the forecast noted.

“This sector is fuelled by growth in low-cost carriers and airlines in developing and emerging markets.”

As for widebody aircraft, Boeing says the segment will require about 9,000 new airplanes, led by airplanes in the 200- to 300-seat range.

The week-long Paris Air Show opens in Le Bourge next Monday.

The infographic is courtesy of Boeing

IATA launches Cabin OK logo for carry-ons

09 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Airbus, Airlines, Aviation, Baggage, Boeing, Bombardier, Carry-ons, Embraer, IATA, Passengers, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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Aviation, Baggage, Boeing, Bombardier, Carry-ons, Embraer, IATA, Passengers, Tourism, Transport, Travel


Bag1T
he International Air Transport Association has finally decided to address the perennial problem of carry-on luggage.

The group that represents more than 260 airlines has announced a new initiative to optimize the accommodation of cabin baggage.

“Working with airline members of IATA and aircraft manufacturers, an optimum size guideline for carry-on bags has been agreed that will make the best use of cabin storage space,” it said Tuesday.

“A size of 55 x 35 x 20 cm (or 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches) means that theoretically everyone should have a chance to store their carry-on bags on board aircraft of 120 seats or larger,” it said in a release issued in Miami, Fl., where IATA is holding its annual general meeting.

logoTo facilitate a smooth check-in, IATA has also developed an “IATA Cabin OK” logo, indicating that a bag meets the agreed size guidelines.

“A number of major international airlines have signalled their interest to join the initiative and will soon be introducing the guidelines into their operations,” the group said.

“The development of an agreed optimal cabin bag size will bring common sense and order to the problem of differing sizes for carry-on bags,” said Tom Windmuller, IATA’s senior vice-president for airport, passenger, cargo and security.

“We know the current situation can be frustrating for passengers. This work will help to iron out inconsistencies and lead to an improved passenger experience.”

IATA said it was working with baggage tracking-solutions provider Okoban to manage the approval process of bag manufacturers.

“Recognition of the ‘IATA Cabin OK’ logo is expected to grow with time as more airlines opt-in to this IATA initiative,” the group said.

Bags carrying the label are expected to reach retail shops later this year.

Images are courtesy of IATA

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The stars of the Paris Air Show 2015

08 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in A350XWB, A380, Airbus, Airlines, Airports, Airshow, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Canada, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Dreamliner, Embraer, Le Bourget, News, Paris, Tourism, Travel

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Some of the aircraft that will be on static/flying display at the Paris Air Show next week.

The Bombardier CS300

The Bombardier CS300

The Bombardier CS100

The Bombardier CS100

The Airbus A350XWB

The Airbus A350 XWB

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The Bell 429 WLG

The Bell 429 WLG

The Embraer ERJ135

The Embraer ERJ135

 Images are courtesy of Bombardier, Qatar Airways, Boeing, Bell and Embraer.

CS300 to make air show debut in Paris

03 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Airbus, Aviation, Boeing, Bombardier, Business, Canada, CS100, CS300, CSeries, Embraer, France, Le Bourget, News, Paris Air Show, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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CS3L
ess than four months after its maiden flight, Bombardier’s CS300 is set to make its air show debut at the world’s premier aviation event in Paris this month.

The long-delayed airplane, designed for the 100- to 149-seat, single-aisle market, is expected to enter service in late 2016.

Bombardier believes the CS300 offers the best seat-mile cost in its category and is ideal for a range of routes from short-haul to longer transcontinental markets.

CSTest flights for the smaller CS100, which can carry up to 125 people, began in 2013.

Certification for that aircraft is expected in the second half of this year with commercial flights starting shortly after that.

Bombardier has won 243 firm orders for the CSeries aircraft, 180 of them for the CS300.

The 51st edition of the Paris Air Show opens on June 15. The week-long event has attracted more than 2,200 exhibitors from 45 countries including 18 from Canada.

The United States will have the biggest presence – more than 350 companies will gather at the American pavilion.

In all, 150 aircraft will be on display at the show and 40 of them will take to the skies of Le Bourget.

Logo “Paris Air and Space Show is a major player in the aerospace industry, and shows its richness and diversity,” says Emeric d’Arcimoles, the show’s chairman and CEO.

“More than just a showcase, the show is an extraordinary exchange tool, in which every actor of this industry finds the contacts and ideas that will help them to grow.”

Images are courtesy of Bombardier and Paris Air Show

Niagara Falls hosts Rendez-vous Canada

26 Tuesday May 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Alberta, Business, News, Ontario, Rendez-vous Canada, Tourism, Travel, Travel Market

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TravelNiagara Falls. There couldn’t be a better Canadian city to host the country’s premier travel market, Rendez-vous Canada 2015.

The four-day annual event, which opens Tuesday, has attracted hundreds of travel buyers from around the world.

Showcasing Canadian tourism products and services to them will be promoters from every part of the country.

This year’s event includes presentations from Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Edmonton Tourism and Aboriginal Tourism.

But the city that needs no introduction will benefit most.Travel5

Niagara Falls, which attracts 12 million visitors on average every year, is expected to get a big bounce from the market.

“Rendez-vous Canada provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase this iconic destination to the world’s leading influencers of travel purchasing behaviour!” said   Catherine McNabb, executive director of Niagara Falls Tourism.

“The impact of this level of exposure, among key decision makers, will be felt for many years to come in the entire Niagara region,” she added in an email to exitStamp.

Travel6No wonder, the city is laying out a lavish welcome to the delegates.

The organizers say there will be a full evening event beginning at 6:30 p.m. and culminating with a “surprise experience” at 10:30 p.m.

Official estimates show more than 600,000 Canadian jobs depend on tourism.

Fortunately, the industry is steadily growing.

The Canadian Tourism Commission reported this week that in the first quarter of 2015, more than 2.3 million international travellers came to the country.

That is up 7 per cent over 2014.

Rendez-vous Canada 2016 will be held in Montreal.

43.089558 -79.084944

New Emirates A380: Sorry, no First Class

12 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in A380, Airbus, Aircraft, Airlines, Airports, Aviation, Business, Copenhagen, Dubai, Emirates, News, Tourism, Transport, Travel

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All of the 13 airlines currently flying the Airbus A380 use aircraft with a three-class configuration, featuring First-, Business- and Economy-class cabins.

Hub2
The world’s largest operator of the superjumbo is planning to change that with the introduction of a two-class A380 later this year.

Emirates is launching a daily service from Dubai to Copenhagen in December, using what it says is the world’s first two-class configured A380, which can carry up to 615 passengers.

But the down side is the new A380 will not have a First-Class cabin. Instead, it will have 58 seats in the Business Class and 557 in the Economy Class.

Emirates began flying to the Danish capital about four years ago, using an Airbus A330. A few months later, the airline switched to the bigger Boeing 777.

Tim Clark  and Thomas Woldbye announce the A380 service.

Tim Clark and Thomas Woldbye announce the A380 service.

“Today, based on strong load factors, we are happy to further up-gauge the route to our iconic double-decker, the A380,” said president Tim Clark.

As of December, the airline will offer more than 8,600 seats a week between Copenhagen and Dubai.

Emirates also noted that the aircraft would be more environmentally efficient than others, producing the lowest CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre of all commercial airplanes.

“Emirates is making history with this aircraft, its fuel efficiency is better than most modern small passenger cars in terms of fuel economy per passenger kilometre, allowing us to reduce emissions without compromising on comfort,” said Clark.

CPH2Meanwhile, the airport says it is investing heavily to make its infrastructure A380-compatible.

Copenhagen will be the first in Scandinavia to offer a scheduled A380 service.

“The increased capacity will hopefully stimulate more trade and tourism between Denmark and countries of the Middle East, Asia and Africa,” said Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Copenhagen Airports.

Emirates has 59 A380s in its fleet, operating from Dubai to more than 30 destinations worldwide. The airline has ordered a total of 140 superjumbos.

Images are courtesy of Emirates and Copenhagen Airport.

The largest habitable work of art

23 Monday Mar 2015

Posted by Abdul Latheef in Arnold Schwarzenegger, Arts, Austria, Automotive, Business, Cities, Culture, Environment, General Motors, Graz, Hotels, Life, Luxury Hotels, Luxury Travel, New Zealand, News, Opel, People, Rogner-Bad Blumau, Spa Hotels, Tourism, Transport, Travel, Travel Blog

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Dome“The water feels like silk on your skin.”

That is how Rogner-Bad Blumau describes the thermal water at the Austrian hotel’s spa.

The supply is from the nearby Vulkania springs and is said to be the most mineral-rich curative water in the spa town of Bad Blumau.

And the healing water is just one of many features that make this hotel out of the ordinary.

Billed as the world’s largest habitable work of art, Rogner-Bad Blumau was designed by eccentric Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, whose last name literally means “100 waters.”

“Your name is Hundertwasser, I have water of hundred degrees,” businessman Robert Rogner told the artist as they began the work on the hotel in early 1990s.

Postcard3

Rogner-Bad Blumau is unique in so many ways – the most compelling being the architecture itself.

There are six “houses” connected by a maze of hallways and green roofs with golden onion domes.

In addition to supplies from the Vulkania springs, the hotel’s numerous pools and bathing areas get water from the Melchior and Balthasar springs.

Original roof tiles from old farmhouses have been used for the facade of one of the rainbow-coloured buildings.

Artist

The late Friedensreich Hundertwasser

They all fit well with the philosophy of Hundertwasser: A life in harmony with nature.

“The great thing about Blumau is the uniqueness,” said Jasmin Rogner, co-owner of the 312-room, four-star hotel.

“It’s a great artwork, which rather increases in value with time,” she wrote in an email.

“The biggest challenge is to interpret this great place consistently.”

Hundertwasser died in February 2000 in his adopted home country of New Zealand.

The hotel sits on the beautiful rolling hills of Bad Blumau, less than an hour from the city of Graz – a UNESCO City of Design and the hometown of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I stayed at the hotel back in March 1998, barely a year after Rogner-Bad Blumau opened its doors to first guests.

004

The 1998 launch of Opel Astra at Rogner-Bad Blumau. Photo by Abdul Latheef

I was among a group of journalists flown in from around the world for the launch of a new General Motors car, Opel Astra.

The hotel has since become a major site for product launches and corporate events.

The property is owned by Rogner International Hotels and Resorts.

Bad Blumau is easily accessible from Graz, Vienna and Salzburg. Austrian Airlines has direct flights from Toronto to Vienna while Lufthansa offers flights to Graz from several German cities.

Postcard2

 Images are courtesy of Rogner-Bad Blumau

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