Technology: Dohop.com Flight Search Engine launches in Japan

The world's fastest and most comprehensive flight search engine now available in Japanese; Searches 73 airlines servicing Japan and 660 airlines world wide for the best travel deals

Reykjavik, Iceland - Dohop Ltd., the travel technology company, today announces the release of the Japanese version of the award winning Dohop.com Flight Planner, the world's fastest and most comprehensive flight search engine.

The Japanese version of Dohop Flight Planner (http://www.dohop.jp) is free to use and provides guests with a fully localized service in the Japanese language and pricing information in Japanese Yen.

Dohop searches total of 73 airlines that service the Japanese market, 16 of which are based in Japan and other 57 foreign airlines that provide service to and from Japan.

In total, Dohop searches 660 airlines worldwide, including over 100 low-cost airlines, that fly to over 3,000 destinations.

The Dohop Flight Planner excels in finding cheap flight connections with low-cost airlines, and ranks flights results by combination of 'lowest price and fastest route,' helping travelers get to their destinations in the fastest and cheapest way.

"The launch of the Dohop Flight Planner in Japanese is a significant step towards our goal of offering a localized version of the Dohop Flight Planner in all major markets. Now our guests from Japan can find cheap flights and view travel information in their native language," says Frosti Sigurjonsson, CEO and co-founder of Dohop Ltd.

The Dohop Flight Planner uses a unique connection search technology that computes and finds all the naturally existing connections between airlines.

It is ideal for travelers who want to see all possible flight options for a trip and take advantage of cheap flights offered by low cost airlines.

About Dohop Ltd.

Dohop Ltd. is a technology company serving the travel industry. The Dohop Flight Planner has been recommended by travel editors of major media including CNN.com, BBC.co.uk, Times.co.uk. Dohop holds the Travel Mole Web Awards 2006 for best travel technology and was in 2007 nominated to the Innovator Awards by the Travel Industry Association of America.

Dohop solutions for airlines include the Dohop Connection Platform that enables airlines to book and cross-sell connected flights and the Dohop Connection Search, a connection flight information tool for airline websites.

Dohop also offers distribution and marketing services, and powers white label travel search engines on travel websites.

Dohop Press:Kristinn Thorleifsson, +354-561-4848 kt@dohop.comPress center: http://www.dohop.com/newsroom
Website: http://www.dohop.jp

Business: Jetstar partner's with Vietnam's Pacific Airlines

Let's All Fly Jetstar Pacific

Ho Chi Minh City - Medianet International - AsiaNet - Qantas Group airline Jetstar and Pacific Airlines (the Pacific Airlines Joint Stock Aviation Company) have entered into a major strategic and commercial partnership to support the Vietnamese carrier's plan for future growth within both Vietnam and intra Asia markets under the Jetstar brand.

On 23 May 2008, Vietnam's second-largest carrier, Pacific Airlines, will complete its transformation to become Vietnam's first low-cost, value-based airline and is being renamed 'Jetstar Pacific' (Jetstar Pacific Airlines Joint Stock Aviation Company).

The State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) and shareholders of Pacific Airlines have approved the establishment of a Business Service Agreement (BSA) between the Australian airline Jetstar and Pacific Airlines under an agreed business plan, supported by a management team that includes Jetstar and Qantas executives.

The wide-reaching Agreement for Jetstar Pacific includes the renaming of the airline, operating future flights within Vietnam and across Asia under the Jetstar brand, providing everyday low fares and a standardized customer experience.

The BSA will support new commercial and distribution arrangements for Jetstar Pacific, the development of a Vietnamese website at Jetstar.com as a core distribution and revenue channel in Vietnam, and the introduction of a future fleet of up to 30 Airbus A320 aircraft by 2014 to support its expansion.

The first A320 is proposed to enter Jetstar Pacific's operations in August 2008, supporting the ongoing development of a comprehensive domestic network within Vietnam, before undertaking future international expansion from late this year into markets likely to include Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia.

A series of announcements were made jointly in Ho Chi Minh City today by Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Geoff Dixon, Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce and Pacific Airlines Chief Executive Officer Luong Hoai Nam, accompanied by the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, His Excellency Mr Bill Tweddell.

The Qantas Group, which made an investment of 18 per cent in Pacific Airlines in July 2007, will increase its investment in the airline to a 30 per cent holding in 2010.

Qantas Group CEO Geoff Dixon said that in joining Jetstar and its existing branded operations across Asia, Jetstar Pacific would help form one of the largest and fastest-growing airline brands in the region.

"Jetstar Pacific will be able to access and leverage the significant expertise and resources within the Qantas Group that will help enable its planned future growth," Mr Dixon said.

"This includes the placement of Qantas and Jetstar executives in key management roles within Jetstar Pacific, and the supply of a range of aviation services."

Jetstar CEO Alan Joyce said the establishment of this Agreement placed the Vietnamese carrier in a strong position to leverage the successful Jetstar brand and business model.

"We have repositioned the airline as Vietnam's first low cost carrier to enable its future sustainable expansion within Vietnam and into many international markets," Mr Joyce said.

"Jetstar Pacific will offer a comprehensive domestic and future intra Asia network from Vietnam by tapping into a rapidly-growing market and stimulating demand for air travel through low fares."

Jetstar Pacific CEO Luong Hoai Nam said that Jetstar Pacific would become part of one of the region's fastest-growing and exciting Pan Asian airline networks into the future.

"Our future success will be achieved through this innovative and unique partnership with Jetstar via a proven low cost airline business model and our ability to expand through the strong Jetstar brand," Mr Luong Hoai Nam said.

"We will be following in the footsteps of Jetstar's success by achieving the benefits of low fares leadership and strong and successful growth in other parts of the world.

"It is my vision that by delivering a high level of customer service, comparable to the best airlines in the world, combined with our commitment to delivering a low cost base, we will be able to lead the market in the region."

Mr Luong Hoai Nam said under the BSA the implementation of the Jetstar brand would apply to all aspects of Jetstar Pacific, including marketing and advertising, aircraft livery, sales channels and employee uniforms.

Jetstar Pacific today serves an existing seven destinations within Vietnam operating almost 130 weekly return services with an existing fleet of four single class Boeing 737-400s.

Mr Luong Hoai Nam said its future growth plans would support at least an eight fold rise in weekly operations under transition to an all Airbus A320 fleet of up to 30 aircraft.

The A320 fleet will be seat configured in single class for 180 passengers.

The A320 boasts the widest cabin and highest fuel and technology efficiencies of any aircraft in its class and will feature on-board product enhancements for Jetstar Pacific consistent with existing Jetstar branded operations in Australia and Singapore, including all leather seats, provision of hot meals available for purchase and improved freight capability.

"The addition of our first A320 into the airline in August 2008 will support an additional service between Ho Chi Minh City Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh City Buon Me Thout, in addition to launching three new direct routes from Hanoi to Da Nang, Hue and Cam Rahn commencing 1 June 2008," Mr Luong Hoai Nam said.

"We will also expand daily Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi frequencies and have plans for future growth from Hanoi to other Vietnamese cities including Da Lat, Buon Me Thout and Can Tho.

"Our re-launch of intra Asia services from late this year will allow our operations to make air travel more affordable to more people in Vietnam by offering greater access onto many international markets through our new airline model that offers low fares, more choice and great customer service."

Jetstar branded operations into Vietnam currently include a three times weekly Sydney Ho Chi Minh City service operated by an A330 and Singapore Ho Chi Minh City A320 services operating 16 times weekly.

Jetstar Pacific has also unveiled cabin crew uniforms and a new aircraft livery for its future fleet of A320s reflecting Jetstars distinctive brand colours of orange and black, and predominant silver aircraft livery. The aircraft will also feature a distinctive five-point star in orange on its tail and Jetstar.com on the livery.

New cabin crew uniforms were designed by Jetstar Pacific in conjunction with Jetstar. Black in colour, the smart uniforms feature Jetstar's orange brand colour within the traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai dress and highlights on the male cabin crew uniforms.

"Our fresh brand image for the future under Jetstar is best reflected through our strongest visual advertisements our crew and our aircraft," Mr Luong Hoai Nam said.

"The Jetstar in-flight service in Vietnam and on future intra Asia services will also reinforce what travellers will come to expect from an airline that combines every day low fares and delivering a positive travel experience."

Mr Luong Hoai Nam said his six point plan for Jetstar Pacific included:
* Operating a profitable and lowest cost airline in the Asia Pacific region enabling Jetstar Pacific to deliver consistent
and sustainable low fares;
* Achieving an effective operation with high on-time performance;
* Providing excellent customer service to all passengers;
* To constantly evolve the airline through growth and innovation;
* Provide high safety standards and a safe work environment;
* Be a community and environmentally friendly organisation.

Jetstar CEO Alan Joyce and Jetstar Chief Financial Officer David Hall currently represent the Qantas Group on Jetstar Pacific's six-member Board of Directors.

Key management roles in Jetstar Pacific now filled by Qantas and Jetstar executives include Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Pilot and Heads of Ground Operations, Safety and Security.

Over time most of these positions will be transferred to Vietnamese managers.

Jetstar is one of the most profitable and fastest growing airlines in Asia. For the 2008 financial half year to 31 December 2007, the Jetstar Brands achieved AUD $113 million Profit before Tax result. It has carried over 24 million passengers since 2004.

Jetstar is an award winning airline and in 2007 was voted the Worlds Best Low Cost Airline and Best Low Cost Airline in the Asia Pacific by SkyTrax.

Jetstar Pacific will soon be unveiling an advertising campaign announcing the arrival of the Jetstar brand in Vietnam.

Mr Luong Hoai Nam said announcements supporting Jetstar Pacifics new fare offering, products and further commercial relationships to support the operation will be made in the near future.

With the launch of Jetstar Pacific, Jetstar airline brands will fly to over 40 destinations across Asia, the Asia Pacific and Australia.

CONTACT: Simon Westaway
General Manager Corporate Relations - Jetstar
M +61 (0) 401 994 627 simon.westaway@jetstar.com
Cao Hong Phuong
Marketing Manager Jetstar Pacific M +84 (0) 916 838 626
phuongch@pacificairlines.com.vn
Matthew Underwood
TQPR Vietnam M +84 (0) 908 658 893 matt@tqpr.com
SOURCE: Jetstar

V Australia Airlines media conference

Brisbane - Medianet International-AsiaNet/ -

WHAT:
Americans and Aussies in LA are all welcome at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday 31 March, 2008 to witness history in the making with an announcement from Virgin Blue and V Australia Management.

WHO:
Please join with:
MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES, ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY, MARY PETERS (VIA SATELLITE) SIR RICHARD BRANSON, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF VIRGIN GROUP BRETT GODFREY, CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, VIRGIN BLUE GROUP
And members of the V Australia Management team

WHEN:
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2008 at 10:30 AM (LA time)

WHERE:
LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TOM BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL (INSIDE OF TERMINAL TICKET LOBBY) UPPER/DEPARTURES LEVEL LOS ANGELES, CA

For further information:
Heather Jeffery General Manager, Public Affairs Virgin Blue Group of Airlines +61 412 922 122
Heather.jeffery@virginblue.com.au
Amanda Bolger Manager, Public & Media Relations Virgin Blue Group of Airlines +61 402 137 071
amanda.bolger@virginblue.com.au

SOURCE: Virgin Australia Airlines

Over 30 airlines to attend UATP 2008 conference

Washington, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - UATP and Airline Business magazine present Airline Distribution 2008, a global conference focusing on distribution and issues facing the airline industry today; 22-24 April, Kuala Lumpur, the Mandarin Oriental.

Airline Business Editor Mark Pilling will present opening remarks and moderate the lead Executive panel with senior commercial executives from network carriers and industry analysts. The panel will focus on managing distribution costs as the rules of the game change rapidly in the way that tickets are sold as well as the debate of profitability on short-haul routes and future initiatives.

JUST ANNOUNCED: keynote address by Idris Jala, Managing Director/CEO, Malaysia Airlines. Transforming an airline from near bankruptcy to profitability in less than 18 months, Jala will address the successful turn-around strategies and discuss future strategies for the continued growth success of Malaysia Airlines. Jala will join Asia-Pacific Airline Business Editor, Nicholas Ionides, for a Q&A session with the audience; and Cam Wallace, General Manager for New Zealand and Pacific Sales, Air New Zealand. Wallace will discuss Air New Zealand's distribution strategies and the future of Air New Zealand. Airline Business Editor Mark Pilling will join Wallace for a Q&A session with the audience. Don't miss your chance to quiz these industry leaders!

Other speakers include industry experts from Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, Amadeus, Zuji, Edgar Dunn & Company, Abacus, BilltoBill, UATP, Travel Technology Research Limited and more!

Register now for the UATP-Airline Business: Airline Distribution 2008 Conference, Kuala Lumpur at the incomparable Mandarin Oriental.

Online registration is at http:/www.uatp.com/distribution2008

Listen to the industry's leading experts speak out on business critical topics during sessions that will address:
1. Executive Session -- The Asian Outlook
2. The Distribution Debate -- what major factors must be considered within the distribution chain?
3. The LCC Model -- Expanding Choices and Offerings
4. The Payment Debate -- credit card costs are now the largest distribution expense for airlines; what is being done to change this?
5. Corporate Buyers -- Give Me What I Want -- Is it Managed Travel?
6. Ancillary Revenue -- The New Model?

Join your colleagues for this executive-level distribution forum and networking event.

For complete details, an up-to-date agenda and a chance to "meet our speakers and sponsors" visit www.uatp.com distribution2008 Contact marketing@uatp.com with any questions.

Press contact:
Wendy L. Ward
+1 202-626-4077
wward@uatp.com

SOURCE: UATP
CONTACT: Wendy L. Ward of UATP,
+1-202-626-4077,
wward@uatp.com
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040318UATPLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk:
photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.uatp.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008

UATP expands Chinese market; Hainan Airlines joins UATP network

Washington, (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Hainan Airlines Company Limited (HNA), China, joins the UATP network as a new Merchant airline.

Hainan Airlines now accepts all UATP corporate cards and is a part of the UATP global corporate travel payment network made up of more than 220 airlines and travel agencies worldwide.

General Manager of Marketing and Sales, Xuxin, Hainan Airlines Co. Ltd., said: "Hainan Airlines is focusing on the development of international air markets and meeting clients' needs."

He added, "Accepting UATP is essential to the success of Hainan; we can achieve our expectations and we believe our corporation will be successful."

HNA has changed the traditional conception that airlines service is only restricted in the cabin. The company showed a brand-new conception "Air Products" for customers, and took the lead in introducing the new service principle of "Whole-course series products and customized service" with the promises to offer customers seamless services.

HNA advocates the corporate tenet of Faithfulness, Kindness, Excellence and Perfection and the corporate concept of "To do something for the society, to do something for others, and to do something for oneself". HNA is doing its best to reach its goals of being the first choice of airline for passengers and being one of the world's famous brands as a Chinese company in the future.

"Hainan joins other Chinese carriers in its expansion for market share. By accepting UATP, Hainan will be able to grow its corporate travel sector and increase its presence," said Ralph Kaiser, CEO and president, UATP. "China continues to be the leading growth area for corporate travel in the world; Hainan is positioning itself to capitalize on this growth and meeting the demands of corporate travelers by accepting UATP."

Visit uatp.com for additional information.

About UATP

UATP accounts are accepted as a form of payment for corporate business travel by airlines and travel agencies worldwide. UATP accounts are issued by: Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, American Airlines (NYSE: AMR), Austrian Airlines, Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), Japan Airlines (Nasdaq OTC: JALSY), Northwest Airlines (NYSE: NWA), Qantas Airways, Ltd., United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA), and US Airways (NYSE: LCC). AirPlus International issues the UATP-based Company Account for: British Airways (NYSE: BAIRY), Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), and Lufthansa German Airlines.

SOURCE: UATP
CONTACT: Wendy L. Ward of UATP, +1-202-626-4077
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040318UATPLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.uatp.com

COPYRIGHT © 2008