Weekly transport and tourism agenda: February maiden voyages

(AFP PHOTO/ROSLAN RAHMAN)

The Singapore Air Show promises high-flying displays and high-value purchases, from February 2. Two cruise liners are set to make their maiden voyages in February, the AIDAblu hoping to appeal to a young generation of cruise-goers with single cabins.

Singapore Airshow
February 2-7
Singapore
The Singapore Airshow welcomed 130,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors in 2008. Primarily a business-to-business event (only the final two days are open to the public), Singapore 2010 will feature a "Green Pavilion," showcasing the industry's efforts at clean aviation technology. On February 6-7, a spectacular airshow featuring the Royal Australian Air Force and US Air Force will take to the skies over the Changi Exhibition Center.
http://www.singaporeairshow.com.sg

AIDAblu Maiden Voyage
February 9
Hamburg, Germany
The sixth ship in the German cruise line's fleet takes to the seas on its inaugural voyage to Majorca, Spain. The 2,050 passenger ship contains six restaurants and ten bars, and includes "studio" cabins for single travellers.
http://www.aida.de/

International Tourism and Caravaning Exhibition
February 10-14
Hamburg, Germany
More than 900 exhibitors descend on Hamburg for this annual exhibition, dedicated to the world of active holidaying. Specialist tour operators will be on display next to big-name global brands for trade professionals and public visitors alike.
http://www.hamburg-messe.de/reisen/re_en/start_main.php

Duty Free Show of the Americas
February 21-24
Orlando, USA
As the global travel industry reels from new regulations, the first trade show since the attempted Detroit Christmas day 2009 bombing will see the world's duty-free brands coming together to discuss, lobby and network.
http://www.iaadfs.org

Costa Deliziosa Inaugurated in Dubai
February 23
Dubai, UAE
The first ship to be named in Dubai, the Deliziosa is the new flagship of the Costa Cruise Lines fleet. It features a "4-D cinema" and an Italian art collection, along with a 23,000 square-foot (2,136 square-meter) spa and a "PlayStation on Demand" cabin service. The Grand Maiden Voyage will set sail after the naming ceremony.
http://www.costacruise.com

New York Times Travel Show
February 26-28
New York, USA
Last year 500 exhibitors from 150 countries attended the show, which opens to the public on its second day. Highlights of the event, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, include exclusive discounts for attendees and entertainment from around the world.
http://www.nyttravelshow.com/

Runway 13-31 Closes
March 1
JFK Airport, New York, USA
Airlines are cutting flights and preparing for potential delays following the closure of JFK's longest runway, which handles nearly a third of traffic at the already-packed airport. At 14,572 ft (4,441 meters), it is one of the longest runways in the US. It is expected to reopen June 1.
http://www.jfkiat.com/