This week's ABTN news in brief
Continental to fly Heathrow-Cleveland
Continental Airlines is to fly from Cleveland to Heathrow from May next year, replacing its current Gatwick service.
The new seasonal service will operate from May 3 until September 27, departing Cleveland daily at 2025 to arrive in London at 0915 the following morning.
The return flight will depart London daily at 1140, arriving in Cleveland at 1530 the same day.
The route will be served by 175-seat Boeing 757 aircraft offering economy and Business First cabins.
The airline has also announced it is to end its seasonal service from Cleveland to Paris Charles de Gaulle, but will continue to serve the French capital daily from Houston and New York.
www.continental.com
Rotana to debut in Baghdad
Rotana has unveiled plans to open its first property in Baghdad.
The new hotel is set to open early 2012 as part of a joint management agreement with Summit Hotels Limited.
The five-star property will include 250 rooms and suites, restaurants, bars, banqueting and conference facilities, as well as bars, a gym and a swimming pool.
The hotel will be located within the International Green Zone, a heavily guarded diplomatic and government area in central Baghdad.
Selim El Zyr, president and ceo of Rotana, said he aims to have a property located in every key Middle Eastern city.
Rotana hopes to expand its Middle East portfolio to 67 properties by 2012.
www.rotana.com
Oxford to Jersey with Air Southwest
Air Southwest has announced it is to link Oxford to Jersey for the first time.
The new route will be served by a 50-seat Bombardier aircraft flying every Saturday between July 11 and September 12 next year.
The airline said it is the first time Oxford Airport has been linked with the Channel Islands.
The route will be sold exclusively by C.I. Travel Group's brands including Airways Holidays, Discovery Jersey and Channel Islands Travel Service.
Jersey hoteliers will also be able to offer guests direct flights.
www.airsouthwest.com