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Sydney International Airport is investing in a $500 refurbishment of the current airport, to be completed by 2010. Part of the goal is to provide Sydney Airport’s current 32 million annual visitors with a whole new retail experience – predominantly luxury.
There will be a new shopping area called ‘The Forum’ which has confirmed Burberry and Giorgio Armani boutiques. Aussie luxury brands will be available as well, of course, such as R.M. Williams.
“Upon completion, our International Terminal will offer travellers one of the most exciting and diverse retail experiences in Australia,” said Derek Larson, General Manager of Sydney Airport Corporation Limited.
According to The Airport Retail Study, Sydney International Airport is “the most profitable retail asset per square meter in Australia,” and has double the annual turnover of some of Australia’s largest shopping centres.
Predictions are that Sydney airport will see visitor numbers double up to 79 million within the next two years.
(Above: Wallypower 118; stills from Wally Yachts)
It’s just been confirmed that Informa Yacht Group (IYG) will be hosting the 2009 Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS), which will feature more than 18 of the world’s leading super yacht companies, between March 12 to 14 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).
This will be the first show in Abu Dhabi dedicated to super and mega yachts, between 30 to 100 meters in length. It’s the ultimate luxury boating party.
Brands confirmed are: “Sea Pros Yachts – CRN, Custom line, Ferretti – Wally Yachts, Westport, YachtPlus, Art Marine, Gulf Graft – Benetti and Azimut – XSMG Marine and Rodriguez.”
Representatives from luxury yacht interior designers and craftsmen will also be showcasing their latest and greatest products and design innovations.
“With the participation of the world’s leading yachting companies and ADNEC’s spectacular venue – with its specially-built superyacht berthing canal – the ADYS is set to create a new standard in the world yachting industry events,” said Franck Dailles, Grouper Director of ADYS.
Of the 430 pieces of exquisite jewelry up for auction at Sotheby’s last week, this 36.99 carat yellow diamond ring was sold for $2,658,500. Not bad during a time when even Armani couture is not selling well. The selling price was within the original expectations of $2 million to $3 million – the $3 million must’ve have been a bit of a hopeful guess.
The ring is mounted in gold and platinum and was also flanked by two shield-shaped diamonds, weighing 3.48 and 3.25 carats.
The large diamond is a Fancy Vivid Yellow, natural color and internally flawless. The accompanying 3.48 carat and 3.25 carat diamonds are D color, and VS2 and VS1 clarity. The ring is a size 5
Other great pieces sold at the auction include a 19.86 carat pear-shaped diamond ring, sold for $1,046,500.
It’s really great that there are online catalogues now at Sothebys.com as buyers can browse and compare from past auctions and upcoming ones.
For a gadget that’s so tiny, it is actually able to provide heat for up to 24 hours at a time. It is so sleek like a biscuit, and is a sure guarantor of protection from frost bite.
The platinum-catalyzed glass fiber burner doesn’t produce flame, and thus provides quick heating without the fire-hazard.
When filled with Zippo premium lighter fluid, it produces 10 times more heat than other disposable warmers. At only 0.4 oz of fuel it can last for 24 hours.
Zippo boasts that it is also an environmentally friendly burner, as it is reusable – liu the burner – and “virtually pollution free.” I don’t think that really means that it is environmentally friendly, however the other selling-point is that there is no odor so it’s ideal for hunting.
Other situations it may be suitable for: camping, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling and any other outdoor activity in wintery weather where you normally wouldn’t be able to feel your own fingers.
For those of you who were simply crossing your fingers in anticipation, I’m afraid the news is that Boeing has pushed back the first flight of the 787 Dreamliner to the second quarter of 2009, and the first delivery is now scheduled for the first quarter of 2010.
The delays are partly for the recent Machinist’s strike – between September to November – as well as some technical upgrades to be implemented.
Boeing says that their team is improving its structural testing and systems hardware qualification, as well as production strategies.
“We’re laser focused on what needs to be done to prepare for first flight,” said 787 program vice president, Pat Shanahan. There are remaining engineering changes which will also need to be finalised.
Initially the 787 Dreamliner’s debut flight was scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2008, and the first delivery to be in the third quarter of 2009.
(Above: A proposed movie theater for the 787 Dreamliner by Lufthansa Technik)
(Above: A proposed bedroom suite for the 787 Dreamliner by Lufthansa Technik)
Sources: e-Travel Blackboard, CanadianMarketingBlog
