Today’s New Launch and Updates

Sydney, Oct 24: From Qantas’ $40 million investment in aviation training to HOYTS’ revamped app and Adobe Fresco’s exciting new features, there’s plenty happening across industries.
Spotify unveils creative playlist customisation, Sydney’s food scene gets a whimsical addition with fish-shaped dumplings, and Korean Air expands its routes to meet growing travel demand.
Read more below.

Qantas Invests in Training Initiatives

Sydney, Oct 24: Qantas Group is committing over $40 million to expand aviation training with new facilities and programs.
A Safety Academy will launch in 2025 in partnership with RMIT and Griffith University, offering micro-credentials and postgraduate programs.
New ground training facilities will open in Sydney by mid-2026 and in Perth by 2025, with upgrades planned for Brisbane and Melbourne.
The airline will also double scholarships at its Pilot Academy, supporting women and Indigenous students.
Qantas plans to create 8,500 new jobs by 2033, including 4,500 cabin crew and 1,600 pilots, to meet the demands of fleet and workforce growth.

HOYTS Revamps Mobile App

Sydney, Oct 24: HOYTS has launched a revamped mobile app, offering a modern look and enhanced features for moviegoers.
The new platform provides exclusive benefits for HOYTS Rewards members, including food deals, personalised notifications, and a watch list for upcoming films.
Users can pre-book tickets, order snacks, and receive real-time updates on promotions and events.
The app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

Adobe Fresco Now Free

Sydney, Oct 24: Adobe celebrates five years of Fresco by making the digital drawing and painting app free for all users.
With over 1,000 pixel brushes and advanced tools, Fresco supports vector and raster content creation, offering features like motion tools, vector trimming, and haptic feedback.
Designed for all skill levels, the app integrates seamlessly with Photoshop and Illustrator, streamlining workflows for both hobbyists and professionals.
Fresco is now available for download with new features and creative tools unlocked, inspiring users to explore digital art on touch and stylus devices.

Spotify Adds Cover Customisation

Sydney, Oct 24: Spotify now allows users to create custom cover art for their playlists, encouraging creativity and self-expression.
The new feature offers listeners a way to visually represent the music and themes in their playlists, adding a personal touch to their collections.
Artists and creators are embracing the feature to tell stories and connect through music and design.

Fish-Shaped Dumpling Craze

Sydney, Oct 24: From October 26 to November 10, Sydney food lovers can enjoy the Ocean Treasures Bowl, a fish-shaped prawn dumpling served over truffle-infused chawanmushi.
This dish, priced at $6.50, offers a cute and flavourful experience perfect for Instagram.
With limited availability each day, it’s expected to become a must-try item on the foodie scene.

Korean Air Expands Routes

Sydney, Oct 24: Korean Air will launch a new Seoul Incheon to Fuzhou route starting December 28, 2024.
The service will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—with flight times of approximately two hours and 50 minutes.
Fuzhou, known as the “City of Blessings,” offers mild winter temperatures and is recognized for its cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and golf tourism.
This route is part of Korean Air’s ongoing expansion in China, following recent enhancements to other routes.

Qantas, Oman Air Partner

Sydney, Oct 24: Qantas Frequent Flyers gain access to more international reward seats with a new partnership with Oman Air, expanding travel options to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Members can now use points for flights to destinations such as London, Paris, and Milan.
The partnership also offers seamless connections via Bangkok, Manila, and Jakarta, with Business Studio suites available in early 2025.
Oman Air, which will join the oneworld alliance next year, adds to Qantas’ growing network of travel rewards.

Kasbah Tamadot Reopens

Sydney, Oct 24: Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s luxury Moroccan retreat in the High Atlas Mountains, reopens after a year-long restoration following a devastating earthquake.
The property, part of Virgin Limited Edition, now features six new Riads, expanding from 28 to 42 rooms.
The new Riads offer three-bedroom accommodations, private pools, and rooftop suites with hot tubs, all showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship supported by The Eve Branson Foundation.
Kasbah Tamadot’s staff remained employed during the restoration, with the Berber Tents staying open to support tourism.
Rates start at MAD 7,200 for hotel rooms and MAD 45,100 for a three-bedroom Riad.