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Volume 7, Issue 23, June 10, 2009 |
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In light of the recent Air France Flight 447 tragedy, critics are questioning the quality of current aircraft technology.
Perhaps the most important component of any flight, particularly in the wake of a tragic accident, is the black box recorder. Searches for the black box can be costly and difficult. After years of prodding, the Transportation Security Administration will begin testing a detachable recorder on flights this summer. The lost recorders from two flights on 9/11 and the recent Air France crash have emphasized the need to test this technology.
The detachable recorders emit signals within minutes of a crash, indicating the crash location. The new recorders will be located on an inset in the plane’s tail. Beginning in March, the Federal Aviation Administration will also require recorders to hold more critical information, have two hours of recording time and meet tougher reliability standards.
Other critics are calling on the United States and other countries to make the move to GPS-based tracking. The technology is currently being tested in parts of the United States, but the expense associated with full implementation has delayed the process. The project is said to be top priority for the Obama administration. Many European and Asian countries are making the move to the new technology, while other countries, including Brazil, are falling behind.
The GPS technology will allow air traffic controllers to track planes at all times, while current systems can only detect aircraft within 200 miles of land. By using satellite systems, rescuers will be able to determine the precise crash locations. The systems can also track worldwide weather information and display real-time weather maps in cockpits. 
Delta Air Lines was forced to cancel its inaugural flight between Atlanta (ATL) and Nairobi (NBO). The U.S. government will not allow Delta to service the route until security concerns in the area are settled. Delta was also forced to cancel the inaugural flight between Atlanta and Monrovia (ROB) for the same reasons.
United Airlines is looking to purchase as many as 150 new aircraft. Sources say the airline will consider both Boeing and Airbus, hoping to negotiate low prices as other airlines cancel and postpone existing orders.
As mobile boarding passes continue to become more popular, American Airlines expands its paperless program. AA has rolled out its program in three new airports — Atlanta (ATL), Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) and Las Vegas (LAS). The airports join existing programs in Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX) and Orange County (SNA).
According to recent reports, Hilton Hotels is seeking an out-of-court settlement in its ongoing legal battle with Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Hilton, accused of corporate espionage, is looking to avoid a long trial aired in the public forum. Hilton has placed its entire luxury and lifestyle team on paid administrative leave since the accusations broke. The case specifically involves the development of Hilton’s lifestyle hotel brand, Denizen Hotels. All further development on the brand has been put on hold until the matter is resolved. For more on the battle, click here.
Korean Air is in the midst of a $200 million upgrade of its first- and business-class seats. The upgraded aircraft took its first flight from New York (JFK) on June 3. The new first-class suites offer roomier seats, added privacy, natural wood accents and an updated video monitor. The new business class features fully flat sleeper seats, larger video monitors and privacy partitions. First-class passengers will also enjoy a new gourmet menu, featuring organically grown meat and poultry. The airline’s popular signature Bibimbap dish will be debuting at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic this month. For more on Korean Air’s cuisine, check out our exclusive interview with Chef Charles Muther.
Virgin America and V Australia have solidified an Australia–U.S. interline agreement. The new agreement will ensure easy connections and seamless travel between the airlines and across the trans-Pacific route. The agreement, which began June 8, allows guests to book single tickets online for travel in the United States and Australia on either carrier. By late 2009, passengers will be able to earn and redeem Velocity frequent-flyer points on Virgin America flights. For more from Virgin America, click here. Read here for more from V Australia.
Hotel Indigo is continuing its global rollout with expansion in Canada. Following in the footsteps of the Hotel Indigo Ottawa (the brand’s first Canadian property opened in 2007), is the Hotel Indigo Toronto Airport. The third Canadian property, in Vancouver, will be opened in time for the 2010 Olympics. The Toronto property, located 15 minutes from the heart of downtown, features plush bedding, a spa-inspired bath experience and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Hotel Indigo Toronto is its 27th property worldwide. Future 2009 openings include New York City, San Diego, St. Louis and Miami Beach. Look for more from Hotel Indigo in an upcoming issue of Global Traveler.
28 W. New York St.
Aurora, IL 60506
tel 630 844 0400
Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant is located in the heart of historic downtown Aurora, Ill. Ballydoyle was converted from an 1800s coat factory into a sprawling Irish pub and entertainment complex, offering a feast for the eyes, stomach and soul.
Ballydoyle’s owner, Phil Cullen, strived to create a place where guests immediately feel welcome. Despite the fact that the décor conjures a cathedral, Cullen and his Tartan-clad staff create a warm ambience allowing visitors to slide into a refurbished church pew and feel at home. This is Cullen’s second endeavor (the first being in Downers Grove, Ill.) and it is clearly a winner since opening in March 2009.
The dedication to detail and design is obvious immediately upon entering. Each lighting fixture, seat, stained glass and virtually all else was recovered from churches, estate sales, demolitions and other buildings under Cullen’s direction and commitment to sustainable architecture. As my eyes wandered around the large interior, they were met by many beautiful pieces.
Ballydoyle seats 300 comfortably. The seats by the wall-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the Fox River, allow diners a relaxing, beautiful view. The seats near the two bars are livelier, especially when entertainers perform. There are also several cozy nooks, including my favorite area, called the confessional. What the décor does for your eyes, the menu does for your palate. Ballydoyle offers traditional Irish fare with flare.
I started with two appetizers. The mushroom caps were filled with cheddar cheese, bacon and scallions. The flavors were distinct, but blended well. Toasted pita chips, celery and carrot sticks accompanied the creamy spinach and artichoke dip. The dip itself was surprisingly light, but perfect for dipping.
At Cullen’s suggestion, we tried the house specialty — corned beef bites. I’ll admit, I was amazed. Corned beef mixed with cream cheese, then breaded and fried sounded a bit exotic for my tastes, but my opinion quickly changed as I bit into one. They were light and zesty. Cocktail sauce added a new layer of taste.
The chicken and wild rice soup was chockfull of chicken and vegetables. This was one of the heartiest soups I have eaten. It had me anticipating others on future visits.
I ordered the shrimp and chips as my entrée. The shrimp were medium in size, but the flavor was gigantic. I was immediately hit by the slightly spicy flavor of the breading, followed by meaty shrimp. I eschewed the lemon and cocktail sauce, as nothing could enhance this flavor sensation. As a side note, the shrimp were almost as good when I ate the leftovers.
I also tried the traditional, hard-to-find Irish boxty. This boxty was filled with juicy chicken, fresh spinach and peas, swimming in a creamy white sauce and nestled in a delicious Irish potato pancake. Much like the soup, the chicken and vegetable chunks were large, fresh and flavorful. I was amazed at how well the flavors blended and also stood out on their own. Steak, vegetable and shepherd’s pie boxty are also available.
The rest of the menu is loaded with a lot of choices. The menu and food are great, but the experience is heightened by the uniqueness of the restaurant. I could come in seven straight nights, in seven different moods, and find a food and a dining spot to suit me that night.
Score: ••••• John Wroblewski
Summer In Style with South African Airways Vacations. The luxury nine-day escape is on sale for $2,299. Valid for travel from Aug. 15–31, the package, with stops in Cape Town and Kruger National Park, includes round-trip airfare from Washington, D.C. (IAD) or New York (JFK) to Johannesburg (JNB) on South African Airways; game drives and activities; four-night stay at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa; two-night stay at the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge; six breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners; and transfers. Visit the website. Read here for more on Cape Town. Click here for more from SAA.
In celebration of Hawaii’s 50 years of statehood, the Hilton Waikoloa Village is offering 50 Years Of Aloha. The package, with a five-night minimum stay required, offers nightly rates of $199, with the fifth night available for $50. Two commemorative State of Hawaii quarters and a $50 credit for spa, dining, snorkeling or beach-craft rental are also included. Guests with a 1959 birth year receive a complimentary entrée at select restaurants. Through Dec. 20, visit the website or call 800 HILTONS. For more on Hawaii, click here.
Avianca passengers at Miami International Airport (MIA) can enjoy one day of free parking through an exclusive Avianca promotion. Through June 30, all Avianca passengers parking at Airport Fast Park will receive the first day of parking free. Additional days are $7; a minimum three days are required for the promotion. Avianca boarding pass and website flyer must be presented at time of exit. Check out GT’s article on Colombia’s Pacific Coast here.
San Francisco’s Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is offering two great opportunities for family fun this summer. The Just Ducky package includes four tickets for Ride The Ducks tour, overnight accommodations for a family of four, breakfast, four gifts and two passports for the children. The hotel’s passport is stamped for children after each San Francisco excursion. The passport contest encourages young visitors to take photographs of the city and upload them to the hotel’s blog website. Submissions will be accepted throughout the summer; winners selected in September. Grand prize is a future stay at the Hyatt and runners-up receive dinner for four. Visit the website or call 800 233 1234. For more on what to see, do and enjoy in San Francisco, click here.
Explore Chicago on Shoreline’s famous Chicago River Architecture Cruise. Through 2009, Shoreline is offering visitors a $3 discount on adult or senior tickets. Tickets must be purchased online using promotion code #2282. Shoreline offers professional guides, Lake Michigan skyline boat tours, fast water taxi connections between attractions and fireworks and special event cruises. Call 312 222 9328 or visit the website. For more on the city, click here.
