Businesstraveller.com compiles this week’s stories from the lighter side of business travel.
Ken you believe it?
All-business class airline Silverjet has banned London mayor Ken Livingstone from travelling on its planes, after he described a journey with the carrier as “the worst flight of my life”. Ken later said he was referring to severe turbulence during the flight, rather than the “excellent” service onboard – businesstraveller.com wonders if he was actually just miffed at being sat next to Boris Johnson?
Football fever
The world’s first official FIFA store has opened at Singapore’s Changi airport. The 157-sqm store, located within the airport’s new Terminal 3, is designed to “evoke the passion and enthusiasm exhibited by fans around the globe”, so expect to hear chants of “Stand up if you have checked in”, and “The referee’s a pilot”.
TV tantrums
Flight attendants in Thailand have called for an airborne soap opera to be banned because it is “unrealistic and immoral”. According to its detractors The Air Hostess War ignores “important safety and customer service work carried out by flight attendants”, and portrays affairs and fighting between cabin crew. Now that’s what we call in-flight entertainment.
Changing rooms
The Hilton Tel Aviv is due for refurbishment and fans of the hotel can vote online for their favourite colour scheme. Guests can choose between “light wood” or “dark wood” décor by visiting hilton.com/telaviv.vote – rumours that Carol Smillie will be unveiling the new look are unfounded.
Drive time
Car-rental firm Hertz is offering customers in Dubai the chance to go on a meditation course in a bid to cut accidents on the emirate’s roads. Each month five customers will be offered a place on a three-day relaxation course, aimed at making drivers “calmer, more clear-minded, focused and patient”. The workshop is also said to help drivers sleep more soundly, although hopefully not while at the wheel.
Fabled flight
Middle Eastern low-cost carrier Air Arabia has established a hub in Kathmandu, and has launched a new brand called flyyeti.com. Initially, the carrier will ply routes between the Nepalese capital, Sharjah and Kuala Lumpur – operations commenced earlier this week, although official sightings of the plane have yet to be confirmed.
by Mark Caswell
