AirGuide - Travel Technology News

As in-flight wireless internet access - so-called wi-fi - moves from being a tantalising prospect for the near future to a current reality for many travellers, the price they are willing to pay to stay connected is falling. According to Innovation Analysis Group, which has been surveying the in-flight connectivity market for three years, in 2006 the typical traveller who opted for a fixed annual payment for wi-fi was prepared to pay USD 200. But that figure has dropped to USD 137.
Airbus
A European project that promises to offer a step change in passenger service concepts is nearing completion after a key demonstration at the Airbus cabin test centre in Hamburg. Launched in 2006 and funded by the European Commission, the so-called E-Cab or "e-enabled cabin" project is a cooperative effort by Airbus, Cranfield University, in-flight mobile connectivity provider OnAir, in-flight entertainment and communications (IFE&C) hardware manufacturer Thales, satellite communications specialist TriaGnoSys and 25 other stakeholders.
British Airways, OnAir
British Airways could consider a trial of voice calls using the OnAir mobile communication system installed on its transatlantic Airbus A318s, to assess demand and possible consequences. It plans initially to limit the mobile service to silent messaging but BA corporate programme management team member Paul Beadsmoore says the carrier could hold a voice trial on the London City-Shannon sector.
Luxury Link
Luxury Link www.luxurylink.com, the world's premier online luxury travel resource, announced its partnership with ideeli www.ideeli.com, the first members-only shopping community in the US. Members of the ideeli community now have access to select properties from Luxury Link's esteemed portfolio of world-class hotels, resorts, and tour companies in over 60 countries.
Michigan
In a recent study, How Social is Your State DMO, conducted by Gammet Interactive, Michigan takes the top spot amongst the 50 official US tourism office web sites for the use of popular social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and others on their tourism web site. In addition to the most popular state tourism web site, michigan.org, visitors now have other means to stay up-to-date on Michigan tourism deals, discounts, and events. Connect and get the inside scoop on where the fish are biting, what greens are running fast, and how you can make your visit "Pure Michigan" at the newly-launched blog, Pure Michigan Connect. Read about bloggers' experiences along the nation's longest fresh water coastline or an experience at a small town celebration. Take a minute to comment on the blog posts, or submit one of your own. Follow PureMichigan on Twitter for the latest events and breaking news, along with some fun behind-the-scenes information on all the things going on with Michigan tourism.
PerfectFamilyVacation.com
With the addition of three new destinations available through travel booking site PerfectFamilyVacation.com, families have even more options for memorable getaways. PerfectFamilyVacation.com features resort-style accommodations and settings to deliver truly wonderful and perfect family vacations. Multiple bedrooms, living spaces, multiple bathrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, swimming pools and an array of resort features and amenities provide flexibility and value for optimal family vacations in destinations around the world. In addition to properties in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, families can now visit two more properties in Mexico -- Buganvilias Resort in Puerto Vallarta and Villas at Club Intrawest in Zihuatanejo. If parents are looking for a getaway tailored more towards outdoor adventure, PerfectFamilyVacation.com other new destination could be just the ticket -- Tahoe Summit Village located in the pristine natural environment of Lake Tahoe, Calif. For more information, visit www.PerfectFamilyVacation.com.
ZZ AirGuide 090909
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