Singapore Airlines will be replacing its Boeing 747-400 aircraft to the Airbus A380 on the New York (JFK) – Frankfurt – Singapore route from 16 January 2012, making New York its tenth destination to receive the superjumbo and second point in the USA after Los Angeles.

Etihad Airways introduces “Last Minute Upgrade” allowing guests to upgrade their seats just 72 hours before departure. This option allows passengers to upgrade themselves from Coral Economy to Pearl Business or from Pearl Business to Diamond First.

Garuda Indonesia will be adding an additional eighth daily flight for the Singapore – Jakarta route commencing 1 August 2011. This makes Garuda Indonesia the frequency leader for this route. GA 837 from Singapore to Jakarta and GA 836 from Jakarta to Singapore.

ANA and AirAsia have joint forces to form AirAsia Japan, a new low-cost carrier. To be based at Narita International Airport, AirAsia Japan will be the first low-cost carrier here to serve both domestic and international destinations from August 2012.

Etihad Airways is now letting kids fly on their Coral Economy Class from Singapore between 1 to 25 August 2011, stay in luxurious hotels and enjoy Abu Dhabi’s attractions for as little as USD $1, plus government taxes. This sale is available from now till 31 July 2011 for travel to Abu Dhabi.

In its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, Lufthansa will be introducing new transport containers that are up to 15 percent lighter that will lower kerosene consumption by about 2,180 tonnes per year as well as save 6,867 tonnes of CO2.