Travelbeat
Aviation News
Update: July 24, 2008 [2 Stories]
Canada
WestJet Comments On Report Of Potential Fraud
WestJet today commented on a report of alleged fraudulent activity involving customer credit card information potentially emanating from self-serve check-in kiosks at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.
WestJet announced that it will disable its credit card check-in functionality at all airport kiosks across Canada today.
"Despite the fact that there does not appear to be any fraud committed, we're not prepared to take any chances with our guests' credit card information," said Ken McKenzie, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Operations.
"Until we know what's happened, if in fact anything has, this is the best way to protect our guests. We take our guests' credit card information very seriously. It is part of the trust our guests place in us, and it's an integral part of our values as an organization."
WestJet has been made aware that Visa is investigating reports of a potential security breach involving credit card information at Pearson International, and has isolated the potential source as self-serve check-in kiosks.
These kiosks allow airline guests from numerous air carriers using a credit card or booking reservation number to check in and print boarding passes.
(WestJet)
USA
First-Quarter 2008 Air Fare Data
Average domestic air fares in the first quarter of 2008 were up 4.4% from the first quarter of 2007 in the largest year-to-year increase since second quarter 2006 but average fares remained 4.6% below the January-to-March high set in 2001.
Details have been released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).
A press release containing information about first-quarter average fares and the Air Travel Price Index, a quarterly measure of changes in airfares is available at www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm.
Additional information about air fares in the first quarter, including average fares for the top 100 airports, and about ATPI, including indexes for foreign-origin itineraries and the top 85 air travel markets based on originating passengers, can be found on the BTS website, www.bts.gov/xml/atpi/src/index.xml.
(U.S. Department of Transportation)
Update: July 23, 2008 [2 Stories]
Sweden
S&P Downgrades SAS Credit Rating
The SAS credit rating has been under review by Standard & Poors since February 2008.
As a result, long term SAS credit rating was today downgraded from BB to BB- for the company corresponding to a one-step downgrade of the rating.
SAS is also removed from credit watch and the outlook is changed from negative to stable.
The downgrade is mainly a result of the present challenging conditions with the high jet fuel prices increasing overcapacity in the Scandinavian aviation market
and the decision to terminate the Spanair sales process.
S&P acknowledges that the SAS Group has a satisfactory liquidity position, limited capex plans and programmes in place to reduce cost.
The downgrade does not affect any of the SAS Group's loans or credit facilities since they are not connected to S&P's rating.
(SAS Group Corporate Communications Department)
Spain
Spanair Decides To Sell Club Vacaciones
Spanair has made the decision to sell Club Vacaciones after more than 20-years, as part of the business strategy implemented by Spanair and SAS Group to focus on the airline industry.
Spanair at present owns 100% Club Vacaciones share capital.
After 45-years Club Vacaciones is one of the most dynamic and powerful Spanish tour operators.
The company is focused on charter and scheduled flights - mainly operated by Spanair, and the launch of new touristic destinations.
Club Vacaciones has eight branch companies and 104 employees.
(SAS Group Corporate Communications Department)
Update: July 22, 2008 [4 Stories]
USA
Fuel Prices Force Midwest To Cut Service
The surging cost of jet fuel has forced Midwest Airlines to cut daily service to 11 cities, including Baltimore, St. Louis and San Diego.
Midwest will stop flying on September 8 to Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers in Florida, as well as to San Diego.
The airline will keep its service to Los Angeles and Seattle, though passengers will travel through Kansas City, Mo., as they do on its San Francisco route.
Eight more cities, including Baltimore, Hartford, St. Louis, San Antonio and Louisville, Ky., would be dropped from its Midwest Connect regional jet service after September 8.
The airline also says it will no longer offer daily flights to Orlando, Florida, from Milwaukee, though it will fly passengers there from October to April.
Last month, Midwest grounded all 12 of its less fuel-efficient Boeing MD-80s, in response to a 36% increase in the price of jet fuel this year, leaving it with a fleet of 25 smaller Boeing 717s.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Canada
Second Year For Passports to Success Programme
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and WestJet today announced that over 150 children from 14 cities will participate in their national partnership programme, Passport to Success, between July 21 and 28, 2008.
Passport to Success offers young boys and girls from across Canada an inside look at how an airport works.
The programme helps them understand how the subjects they learn in school can lead to exciting career opportunities.
WestJetters in Comox, Calgary, Saskatoon, St. John's (NF), Edmonton, Thunder Bay, Saint John (NB), Montreal, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Halifax, Victoria, and Regina will provide behind-the-scenes tours of their airports to local Boys and Girls Club children.
"WestJet is pleased to partner with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and to offer the Passport to Success programme for the 2nd-year in a row," said Richard Bartrem, WestJet Vice-President of Culture and Communications.
"The Passport to Success partnership with WestJet Cares for Kids not only supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada through the gift of flight, but through WestJet's caring culture at the local level by providing opportunities like these airport tours."
(WestJet)
Australia
Air Zimbabwe Flights
The following press release was issued jointly by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese MP, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith MP.
Reports this morning that Air Zimbabwe flights travel through Australian air space are incorrect.
Air Zimbabwe flights between Harare and China via Singapore do not fly through airspace over Australian territory, but through international airspace managed by Airservices Australia on behalf of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
The role of Airservices Australia is to simply ensure that flights pass through this airspace safely.
Under the Chicago Convention - which came into effect in 1947 - international airspace is open to all civil planes.
Australia has no general jurisdiction to prevent flights over international airspace.
(Department of Foreign Affairs)
Indonesia
Garuda's New Aircraft Begin to Arrive
Garuda's fleet of new Boeing 737-800 New Generation aircraft have begun to arrive in Indonesia from their production plant in Seattle, Washington (U.S.A.).
The first of the new aircraft arrived on July 18 with a second scheduled to arrive next month.
The first aircraft is being provided to the Indonesian flag carrier under a 'dry lease' agreement worth a total of US$40-million per aircraft.
Under the terms of a 'dry lease' Garuda rents only the airplanes, providing their own pilots, crew, maintenance, fuel and insurance coverage.
Despite the high rental rate, the CEO of the airline, Emirsyah Satar said ... "the main point is that we will profit because these new aircraft are 20% more fuel efficient than their predecessors."
He said the new Boeing 737-800NG will be used initially to increase flight frequencies to Perth and Hong Kong.
On longer routes Garuda will employ Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft.
Garuda presently operates a fleet of 49 aircraft, targeting to soon have 50 Boeing 737-800NG and 10 Boeing 777-300ER operating under its colours.
(Bali Discovery Tours)
Update: July 21, 2008 [3 Stories]
Australia
Tiger Airways’ Planes To Be Groomed In Melbourne
Tiger Airways today signed a contract with Melbourne based John Holland Aviation Services to expand its current engineering support arrangements to also include major heavy maintenance ‘C’ Checks of Tiger Airways’ Australian based Airbus aircraft.
Shelley Roberts, Managing Director of Tiger Airways Australia, said ... “Tiger Airways could be doing this major maintenance anywhere in the world, but John Holland Aviation Services has both the facilities and top notch people here in Victoria to ensure a first class job, at a competitive price.
"This means that Tiger Airways can continue to provide our passengers not only the lowest fares in the country but also ensure that Tiger Airways maintains its position as Australia’s most reliable airline.”
“John Holland Aviation Services has already demonstrated its reliability and excellence in engineering services through the routine daily maintenance of our Melbourne based aircraft,” Shelley Roberts added.
In addition, Tiger Airways has announced that it is commencing recruitment of over 60 additional pilot and cabin crew positions to operate additional brand new aircraft arriving later this summer.
(Tiger Airways)
Switzerland
SWISS Acquires Servair
SWISS acquired Zurich-based Servair Private Charter AG on Thursday, July 17, 2008.
Servair will operate as Swiss Private Aviation AG, a fully-owned subsidiary of Swiss International Air Lines AG.
SWISS Private will be based at Zurich Airport and will provide specialist services in the aircraft management and commercial charter fields.
With demand for executive charter flights showing sizeable growth, SWISS has decided to enter this segment through SWISS Private, and will use its new subsidiary to offer aircraft management services to private clients and companies.
The new activities envisaged include providing assistance and advice on procuring and introducing new executive jets, planning and performing flight operations, recruiting and supplying crews, handling, catering and arranging the requisite maintenance, repair and overhaul services on the customer's behalf.
Swiss Private Aviation AG also provides a new platform for operating the Lufthansa Private Jet (LPJ) fleet, which has been entrusted to the care of SWISS's Swiss European Air Lines subsidiary.
From spring 2009 onwards, the LPJ fleet should be operated under SWISS Private's air operator's certificate.
Lufthansa will retain commercial responsibility - including product design, marketing, distribution and customer management - for the LPJ fleet.
Servair, which was founded in 1984 and has a workforce of eight, will continue to be led by its present management.
(Ink Publicity)
Argentina
Three Weekly Nonstops To Argentina
LAN Argentina announced today the introduction of codeshare services from Australia, with three new non-stop flights per week between Sydney and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The flights, to be operated by fellow oneworld carrier Qantas and marketed by LAN Argentina, will commence on November 24 - subject to government approvals in Argentina and Australia.
“South America is one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world for tourism and for business, with double-digit annual growth in demand from Australia,” said Rodrigo Contreras, LAN’s General Manager Australia, NZ & Asia.
“With three flights per week to Buenos Aires, and our current services to Santiago, Chile, via Auckland, New Zealand, we can now offer our customers a choice of gateways to South America,” said Mr Contreras.
“The addition of Sydney-Buenos Aires fights also offers our customers many more travel options and confirms LAN as the airline of choice to South and Central America,” he said.
LAN Airlines’ current one-stop flights between Sydney and Santiago will continue with Airbus A340-300s, while the non-stop Sydney-Buenos Aires flights, which LAN Argentina will code share, will operate with Qantas Boeing 747-400ER.
Flight LA 4517 will depart Sydney at 10:35am each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, crossing the international dateline and arriving in Buenos Aires at 10:35am the same day - a flight time of 13 hours.
The return service, LA 4518, will leave Buenos Aires at 2:05pm each Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, arriving back in Sydney at 5:45pm the following day - a nonstop flight of 14-hours, 40-minutes.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Update: July 20, 2008 [1 Story]
England
IATA: Taxes Don’t Reduce Emissions
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on governments to abandon punitive environment taxes and instead support global environment solutions that will actually reduce aviation’s 2% of global carbon emissions.
“Taxes don’t reduce emissions. Only better operations and technology can do that,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
The full story ... Taxes Don’t Reduce Emissions
(International Air Transport Association)
Update: July 19, 2008 [5 Stories]
Spain
Spanair Announces A Feasibility Plan
Spanair's Management has announced a Feasibility Plan to face the current crisis that the airline industry is going through as a consequence of the high fuel prices and the decrease of demand.
In order to ensure the future profitability of the Company, the plan implies reduction of capacity and staff.
The Feasibility Plan is based on four strategic pillars: re-dimensioning of the aircraft capacity, cost reductions, improvement of efficiency and revenue
improvement measures.
As a necessary measure to stop the Company losses, worsened by the record high fuel prices, Spanair will ground an estimated number of 15 aircraft during September and October.
Spanair will thereby cancel 9 unprofitable routes (Madrid-Viena, Madrid-Munich, Madrid-Girona, Madrid-San Sebastián, Madrid-Granada, Madrid-Oviedo, Barcelona-Zurich, Bilbao-Málaga and Bilbao-Jerez) as the present and future demand does not justify their continuity.
Following the capacity reduction, Spanair will operate over 80% of its network and will continue as the second largest operator in the market with 260 daily
flights to 48 destinations.
The implementation of the Feasibility Plan, whose main guidelines have been presented to all personnel and the Union representatives, will also imply
the reduction of approximately 900 full-time positions.
The company will continue working on the definition of concrete measures included in this Feasibility Plan to start negotiating with the Union representatives in order to place it in force during the month of September.
(Spanair Corporate Communications Department)
USA
Rule Reduces Risk Of Fuel Tank Flammability
Within 2-years, all new aircraft must include technology designed to significantly reduce the risk of center fuel tank fires as part of a final rule announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.
In addition, passenger aircraft built after 1991 must be retrofitted with technology designed to keep center fuel tanks from catching fire, she said.
“We want to do everything possible to make sure safety examiners won’t have to investigate another plane shattered by an exploding tank,” said Secretary Peters.
“We can’t change the past, but we can make the future safer for thousands of air travelers, and this rule does just that.”
The Secretary, who spoke on the day before the anniversary of the crash of TWA Flight 800, said the new rule was needed to help avoid a similar tragic incident.
Secretary Peters noted that in the wake of the TWA crash researchers with the Federal Aviation Administration developed a breakthrough system that replaces oxygen in the fuel tank with inert gas, which effectively prevents the potential ignition of flammable vapors.
She added that commercial aircraft manufacturer Boeing also has developed a similar system.
Secretary Peters noted the cost of installing the new technology would range from $92,000 to $311,000 per aircraft, depending on its size.
The U.S. aircraft that will be retrofitted include approximately 2,730 aircraft belonging to the A320 family of 900 airplanes, 50 A330s, 965 Boeing 737s, 60 Boeing 747s, 475 Boeing 757s, 150 Boeing 767s and 130 Boeing 777s.
(U.S. Department of Transportation)
Australia
Korean Charter Flights Touch Down In Cairns
More than 250 Korean tourists touched down in Cairns this morning on the first of nine specially chartered flights which will bring up to 1800 additional tourists to the region over the next month.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle, who was at Cairns Airport to welcome the first of the charter flights, said the Korean visitors would inject some welcome tourism dollars into the region.
"I met with executives from Korean Airlines on my recent trade mission and they are still very excited by the potential of the Cairns and Tropical North Queensland tourism market," Ms Boyle said.
"The Korean visitors particularly interested includes families, honeymooners and the youth adventure market.
"Charter flight holidays work exceptionally well throughout Europe and the UK and destinations such as Tropical North Queensland, with its world-class international airport and its proximity to Asia makes it perfectly positioned to capitalise on this form of short-break holiday."
Ms Boyle said Tourism Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland had worked with Korean Airlines and travel wholesalers to put together a highly-competitive deal aimed at capturing the Korean summer holiday market.
"This is the peak Korean summer holiday period so is perfect for targeting the couples and families markets in particular," Ms Boyle said.
She said the Korean market had good potential for growth into the region, particularly as a honeymoon destination.
"Special charters are a fantastic initiative that assists in boosting international visitor numbers to the region."
(Government of Queensland)
USA
AirTran Signs EcoPower(R) Engine Wash Agreement
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. has signed an exclusive agreement with JET Aircraft Maintenance, Inc., a designated service provider of Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners EcoPower(R) engine wash services.
Under the agreement, AirTran will use EcoPower(R) engine wash services on its fleet of 143 aircraft, which consists of Boeing 737-700s and 717-200s, part of America's youngest all-Boeing fleet.
"With today's rising fuel costs, we see EcoPower engine wash and this agreement with JET Aircraft Maintenance as a key step to improving our operating costs," said Kirk Thornburg, Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering for AirTran Airways.
"Over time, we expect this agreement to save AirTran Airways about a million gallons of fuel annually, which leads right to savings at the bottom line."
EcoPower(R) washes reduce engine fuel burn by as much as 1.2%, eliminate 3-pounds of carbon dioxide emissions for every pound of fuel saved, and decrease exhaust gas temperature by as much as 15 degrees Celsius, improving performance and increasing the amount of time an engine can stay on wing.
(AirTran Airways)
Switzerland
More Flights In Northern Winter Schedules
SWISS will be further expanding its services in Europe with the start of the new northern winter schedules on October 26, to the benefit of travellers to and from London City, Istanbul, Valencia and Budapest.
SWISS will also be operating Airbus A340 equipment on its Zurich-Dubai-Muscat route from mid-December onwards.
London City will see its service to and from Zurich increased from eight to nine daily frequencies from the start of the northern winter timetable period.
The new non-stop flight will cover the present gap in the schedules between 08:00 and 10:00, and will further strengthen SWISS's position in this key market. Service on the Zurich-Istanbul route will be increased to two daily flights.
Additional Saturday and Sunday SWISS services will also be operated between Christmas and Easter.
The extra frequencies will be added to the Geneva-Manchester and Zurich-Stockholm routes.
In response to changed traffic demand, SWISS's services to Valencia will be switched from Geneva to Zurich.
The capacity released in Geneva will be used to offer a new non-stop service to and from Budapest.
Elsewhere, Zurich-Manchester flights will be newly operated with Airbus A319 equipment.
On the intercontinental front, SWISS will be raising capacity on its Zurich-Dubai-Muscat route: from December 15 onwards, the service will be operated using Airbus A340 equipment with a three-class cabin.
As a result, the shorter Zurich-Tel Aviv route will be switched to Airbus A330 operation from the same date.
(Ink Publicity)
Update: July 17, 2008 [6 Stories]
China
Scenic Sendai With China Southern
China Southern Airlines has introduced two weekly non-stop flights from China’s southern gateway city, Guangzhou, to the northeastern Japanese city of Sendai.
The flights depart Guangzhou every Wednesday and Sunday morning, arriving in Sendai early afternoon.
Known as the ‘city of trees’, Sendai is a modern, green city, with its tree-lined streets, abundance of parks and beautiful scenery along the Hirose-Gawa River.
“Sendai is the 10th Japanese city to be added to our growing network,” said James Liu, regional Manager Australia for China Southern Airlines.
“Australian travellers can use vibrant Guangzhou as a stopover en route to Sendai and other destinations throughout Asia and beyond,” said Mr Liu.
In addition to Sendai, China Southern Airlines operates frequent flights to Japanese destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Italy
Alitalia Expands International Network
Alitalia, the national airline of Italy, has expanded its international network, introducing five weekly flights between its hub in Rome and Los Angeles.
Alitalia’s hub at Rome Fiumicino Airport is centrally located for travel throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.
Passengers can fly as far west as Lisbon in Portugal, south to Malta, north to Copenhagen and east to Poland or Romania.
In Australia, Alitalia is represented by World Aviation Systems, a Stella Travel Company.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Canada
WestJet Introduces Seat Selection Option
WestJet has announced the introduction of a new seat selection option, which for a small fee, will allow guests to choose where they will be seated at the time of booking, or up to 24-hours before their flight departs.
"WestJet is committed to providing guests with new options to enhance their travel experience and meet their wants and needs," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Guest Experience and Marketing.
"Guests have told us they want to select their seats well in advance, rather than wait to go online 24-hours before they fly or be assigned a seat at check-in.
"We know that this will be very popular for families and groups who want to make sure they can sit together, especially on long flights. It's also going to be a big hit with guests who like to stretch their legs in the emergency exit row."
The seat selection fee will be $10 for an aisle, middle or window seat, and $15 for seats in the coveted emergency exit rows, which have substantially more legroom.
All WestJet guests, regardless of the fare they purchased, will still be able to select their seat at no charge when using Web check-in or Mobile check-in within 24-hours of their flight.
(WestJet)
England
Malaysia Airlines Orders 35 Next-Generation 737s
Boeing and Kuala Lumpur-based Malaysia Airlines have announced the airline has ordered 35 Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft worth more than $2.6 billion at current list prices.
The airline also has acquired purchase rights for an additional 20 Next-Generation 737-800s.
The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow by Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Scott Carson; Malaysia Airlines Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer Tengku Azmil Zahruddin; and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President, Sales, South and Southeast Asia Dinesh Keskar.
"Today we celebrate Malaysia Airlines as the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 family of operators, and we welcome this occasion to strengthen our long-term relationship with a valued partner," Carson said.
"The selection of the Next-Generation 737 to support the airline's strategic fleet modernisation plan reinforces the superior economics of the most fuel efficient single-aisle airplane operating in today's market."
The 737s will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which improve fuel efficiency by up to 4%, increase range, and reduce CO2 emissions and takeoff noise.
"This new fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s will replace our existing 737-400 fleet, allowing Malaysia Airlines to expand to points which were not previously economically viable and will create a strong platform for the airline to profitably grow," said Azmil.
(Boeing Commercial Airplanes)
England
Prestigious Award For Technological Progress
SAS was presented with the Leadership in Technology Award at the annual award ceremony of the trade magazine, Airline Business, which was held in London on July 13.
SAS received the award primarily for its contributions to 'green approaches' and the use of biometry at checking-in.
The commendation for the award included ... "SAS has demonstrated that a strained commercial position does not necessarily mean that innovation is sacrificed."
"We are happy to receive this fine award in recognition of our progress," said Peter Söderlund, Vice President, Product Concepts at SAS.
"We began using biometric scanning of passengers' fingerprints at checking-in in response to intensified security requirements," said Peter Söderlund.
"The objective was to find a way to securely connect passengers with tickets and baggage. ID-card control was too complicated in practical terms, since the number of passengers is significant. A fully automatic solution was the solution and the biometry has functioned quite well,"
SAS performed 2,300 "green approaches" in 2006 and 2007.
Establishing communication between the airline's flight-path computer and the air-traffic control system created the possibility to predetermine approaches for optimal flying and considerable time precision.
The results include energy saving, less emissions and better predictability for all players at the airport.
(SAS Group Corporate Communications)
USA
May Passenger Airline Employment Data
U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 0.8% more workers in May 2008 than in May 2007, the 16th consecutive increase in full-time equivalent employee (FTE) levels for the scheduled passenger carriers from the same month of the previous year but the smallest year-to-year increase since March 2007.
Details have been released by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).
A news release and summary tables can be found at www.bts.gov.
(U.S. Department of Transportation)
Update: July 16, 2008 [6 Stories]
Austria
Austrian Reduces Winter Capacities
Against the background of the current crisis in aviation, high kerosene prices and reduced demand, the Austrian Airlines Group is evaluating a series of measures designed to optimise its own production.
Now, in a first step, the company will be carrying out selective capacity adjustments in the coming months.
As the situation stands at present, overall production will be reduced by 5% this coming winter compared to the original plan, with three fewer aircraft being used in 2009.
Austrian Chief Executive Officer Alfred Ötsch, said ... “With this step, we are reacting selectively to the tense situation in the industry. On North Atlantic routes, which have come under particularly sharp pressure due to the weak rate of the dollar and collapse in economic activity, we will be reducing our capacities by a total of 21% this winter.
"Seasonal frequency reductions in various markets in Western Europe will complement our package of measures, without affecting our route network in the growth markets of Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East, which are a fundamental strength and competitive advantage. Our new Austrian Premium Service will begin as planned on July 15.”
Chicago will no longer be served from the beginning of the winter schedule.
The flight schedule to Mumbai will be reduced from seven to five flights a week in the winter season.
From mid-January 2009 until the end of the winter season, the number of flights to New York will be reduced from six to five a week, and to Washington from seven to six.
Flights to London City Airport will be removed from the schedule from August 18.
The flight schedule to London Heathrow, with up to five flights a day, remains unchanged.
(Austrian Airlines)
USA
LeadingEdge Communications.aero Expands
LeadingEdge Communications.aero, the world’s first public relations alliance specialising in communications services for the aviation industry, is delighted to welcome Dallas, US-based Blake-Miller Communications as its newest partner.
Blake-Miller is a 7-year old PR and e-marketing firm serving primarily aerospace clients in the U.S, Canada and Europe and becomes LEA’s second US-based associate.
Blake-Miller has arranged media and advertising campaigns for simulator training organisation CAE, as well as fractional ownership companies HeliFlite Shares and JetDirect.
For the past 4-years Blake-Miller has been retained by Aerion Corp, which plans to bring to market the world’s first supersonic business jet in 2014.
The company has also worked with Eurocopter, Turbomeca, Socata, Dassault, Universal Avionics, L3 Avionics and other prominent aerospace companies.
Blake-Miller Agency principal Jeff Miller is a commercially rated pilot, who started his aviation career writing for AOPA Pilot.
LeadingEdge Communications.Aero was established earlier this year by three aviation PR consultancies - Emerald Media, led by Alison Chambers in Europe and Kelly Murphy in the US, Australasian company Asia Pacific Public Relations, led by Tony Harrington and Singapore-based Euro Asia Communications, led by Anthony Phillips.
(LeadingEdgeCommunications.aero)
USA
May Passenger Airline Employment Data
U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 0.8% more workers in May 2008 than in May 2007, the 16th consecutive increase in full-time equivalent employee (FTE) levels for the scheduled passenger carriers from the same month of the previous year but the smallest year-to-year increase since March 2007.
Details were relased by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).
A news release and summary tables can be found at www.bts.gov.
(U.S. Department of Transportation)
England
Etihad Places Order For Up To 205 Aircraft
Etihad Airways has placed one of the largest aircraft orders in commercial aviation history at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The total deal for up to 205 wide-body and narrow-body planes is worth approximately US$43-billion, at list prices.
It comprises 100 firm orders, 55 options and 50 purchase rights in a combination of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
Etihad Airways’ Chairman His Highness Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan and Chief Executive James Hogan, announced the orders on the first day of the air show signing separate contracts with Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim McNerney and also with Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, Tom Enders.
The agreement with Airbus comprises firm orders for 55 aircraft ...
- 20 A320 aircraft. The engine type is subject to further discussions.
- 25 A350 aircraft, powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines
- 10 A380 aircraft. The engine type is subject to further discussions.
There are options for 5 A320s, 10 A350s and 5 A380sand purchase rights for a further 15 A320s, 15 A350s and 5 A380s.
The agreement with Boeing comprises firm orders for 45 aircraft ...
- 35 B787 aircraft. The engine type is subject to further discussions.
- 10 B777-300ER aircraft, powered by GE90 engines.
There are also options for 25 B787s and 10 B777-300ERs and purchase rights for a further 10 B787s and five B777s.
The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2011 and 2020 to Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways.
(Hill And Knowlton)
England
ATR Confirms Its Annual Goals
On the occasion of the Farnborough Airshow, Stéphane Mayer, ATR CEO, held a press conference to update the 2008 activities and outlined the goals of the turboprop manufacturer for the remainder of the year.
Despite the softening market trends affecting the commercial aviation in the first half of the year, ATR expects to reach the 1,000th sold aircraft, a turnover of more than US$ 1.3-billion and over 60 aircraft deliveries at the end of the year.
"While the first semester has been characterized by a slowing economy, high pressure on airlines' costs and rocketing fuel prices, there is strong growth potential in the regional market," said Stéphane Mayer.
"There is an expected demand for 2,900 turboprops in the next 20-years, and an estimated annual passenger traffic growth around 8%.
"We strongly believe that the fundamental reasons of ATR's success are long-term characteristics, and that our capacity to provide aircraft that feature the most updated technology, the lowest operating costs and the highest environmental-friendliness of the regional aviation will sustain our success.
"In the last 3-years we have tripled our backlog and achieved a 5-fold increase in aircraft production.
"We are currently achieving a dramatic growth, in coordination with our suppliers, in order to respond to the market needs, consolidate our market position and maintain our market share between 50% and 60% in the next 10-years.
"We are proud of our ATR -600 series, which with its newest technologies being installed in the cockpit and its most modern engines, represents the most cost-effective and environmental-friendly regional aircraft of the next decade."
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
USA
Best Domestic Airline, Best for Customer Service
Continental Airlines was named the Best Domestic Airline, Best Airline for Customer Service and Best Airline for Flights to Mexico in Executive Travel Magazine's 2008 Leading Edge Awards.
The award winners were selected by a survey of the magazine's readers.
In addition, Continental was named the No. 2 Best Domestic Airline for First Class Service and No. 2 Best Domestic Airline for Business Class Service, as well as the No. 3 airline for airport lounges and for flights to Canada and the Caribbean.
Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture.
For the 5th consecutive year, Fortune magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2008 list of World's Most Admired Companies.
Continental Airlines also was named the Best Airline in North America at the 2008 OAG Airline of the Year Awards, for the 5th consecutive year.
The airline has also been named Best Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific Business Class among U.S. Airlines for ten consecutive years by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Update: July 15, 2008 [2 Stories]
England
Boeing, Etihad Announce Twin-Aisle Order
Boeing and Etihad Airways have announced an order for 35 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs (Extended Range) at the Farnborough Airshow.
Valued at $9.4-billion at current list prices, the order has been attributed on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site to an unidentified customer.
"The new-generation Boeing aircraft we have ordered are among the most fuel efficient and will help maintain Etihad's fleet as one of the youngest and greenest in the sky," said James Hogan, Etihad Airways' CEO.
"The size of our order also mirrors the rising prominence of the Middle East and its increasing emergence as a new focal point of global aviation offering the fastest air links for travelers and freight forwarders."
Since beginning commercial operations in November 2003, Etihad Airways has grown rapidly to offer service to 45 destinations.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline carried 2.8-million passengers during the first 6-months of 2008, compared to nearly 2-million for the same period in 2007.
(The Boeing Company)
USA
Airlines Cut Flights To America's Playgrounds
As airlines continue to trim their schedules, Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada are both facing substantial reductions in air service.
According to an airline-schedule data firm, there are 13% fewer flights to both destinations this year compared with last year.
Furthermore, US Airways is planning to cut its service to Las Vegas by 20%.
"What you're seeing in Las Vegas and other leisure markets like Orlando is a kind of mild panic setting in, because all of a sudden airline seats are evaporating," said M. Ponder Harrison, Managing Director for Marketing at Allegiant Air.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Update: July 14, 2008 [2 Stories]
Australia
Work Starts On Airport Redevelopment
A $1-billion upgrade of Perth Airport has begun, with Western Australian Premier Alan Carpenter turning the first sod for works on the facility’s 23ha aircraft parking apron.
The apron will service the new intra-state Terminal WA and have a capacity to hold 35 aircraft servicing flights within Western Australia.
“These works signal the start of some major infrastructure changes at Perth Airport,” Mr Carpenter said.
“Terminal WA will play an important role in expanding Perth Airport’s capacity over coming years and help service fly-in fly-out operations to resources projects across the State.”
Perth Airport Chief of Staff Brad Geatches said the start of redevelopment works came as the number of passengers being handled by the airport hit a record nine million for the 2007-08 financial year.
“This represents an increase of more than 13% on last financial year, with domestic passengers increasing to 6.65-million and international passengers rising to 2.51-million,” Mr Geatches said.
“Passenger traffic at the airport has more than doubled since 2001-02, while airfield movements associated with the resources sector have doubled since 2005."
Mr Geatches said the airport had started discussions with airlines on the future use and commercial arrangements for Terminal WA, which was a separate project from the apron.
The redevelopment includes plans for an airport hotel and multi-storey car park to be delivered over the next 5- to 7-years.
(Government of Western Australia)
Switzerland
15th SWISS Airbus A340 Takes Off
SWISS added its 15th Airbus A340 to its long-haul fleet on Friday, July 11.
The aircraft, which bears the registration HB-JMN, took off for Johannesburg on Friday evening.
The entry-into-service of this latest A340 concludes the expansion of the SWISS Airbus fleet that was embarked upon in November 2006.
As originally envisaged, the new Airbus A340 will replace one of SWISS's current Airbus A330 aircraft.
The new long-hauler offers 228 seats in a three-class cabin configuration, and will be deployed on intercontinental routes.
The entry-into-service of this 15th Airbus A340 concludes the fleet expansion which SWISS initiated back in November 2006 and which has seen six Airbus A340s, two A330s, five A320s and two A321s added to the fleet.
The increased capacity has enabled SWISS to serve new destinations such as Delhi, Shanghai, Florence, St. Petersburg, Sofia and Valencia, and to add further frequencies to existing services throughout its route network.
SWISS currently serves 76 destinations worldwide with a fleet of 77 aircraft.
The next major fleet development will begin next spring, when the airline's Airbus A330-200s will start to be replaced by new, bigger, more advanced and more fuel-efficient A330-300s.
The renewal will not only enable SWISS to share in further market growth; it will also reduce the fuel consumption and the specific CO2 emissions of its A330 fleet by a sizeable 13%.
(Ink Publicity)
Update: July 12, 2008 [8 Stories]
USA
Fingerprinting Would Cost Money & Time
A proposal by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to fingerprint foreign visitors exiting the country could leave Canadians waiting in long security lines.
Air Canada recently called the DHS plan a "big step backward" for airlines.
"It also would impair the value of the airlines' technology investments at a time when these companies are struggling mightily with unbearable, record-high fuel and other costs," the airline said.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
USA
Northwest Will Shed 8.3% Of Work Force
Northwest Airlines will cut its work force by 8.3%, raise fees for ticket changes, and charge fees for checked bags and frequent-flier tickets as part of a plan to offset soaring fuel prices.
The airline previously announced plans to cut its capacity by up to 9.5% by the end of the year.
"In order to manage through this unprecedented fuel challenge, we have to take action to both control costs and increase our revenue," said Northwest CEO Doug Steenland.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Egypt
Egyptair Becomes 21st Member Of Star Alliance
At a ceremony in Cairo yesterday, Egyptair officially became the 21st member of Star Alliance bringing with it 1,624 weekly flights to 69 destinations around the world.
Egyptair is the nation's flag carrier, and will strengthen the alliance's network throughout Africa and the Middle East.
The announcement at the Cairo International Airport marked the end of a 9-month integration project in which the airline adapted its reservation,
ticketing, frequent flyer and other customer-oriented programmes to work more closely with the infrastructure of the other members of the alliance.
As a major part of its increased role as a hub, the Cairo Airport Authority is completing work on a new terminal.
When Terminal 3 opens this fall, it will be a dedicated Star Alliance terminal serving passengers of seven Star Alliance members.
The new terminal will have a capacity to serve 11-million passengers annually.
The Star Alliance members are Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, Egyptair, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways.
Regional member carriers Adria Airways (Slovenia), Blue1 (Finland) and Croatia Airlines enhance the global network, while Air India has been accepted as a future member.
(SAS Group Corporate Communications)
USA
Air Travellers Need To Be Flexible
So far this year, airlines have cancelled almost 65,000 flights, and travellers are being warned that more cancellations are expected as airlines reduce their schedules to deal with soaring fuel prices.
Passengers who booked their seats months in advance may have to scramble to find new flights if their flight is part of the cutbacks, observers say.
Airline expert Terry Trippler said the situation is unfair ... "You cannot take people's money 4-, and 5- and 6-months out, and then one month out say 'it's changed.'"
(American Society of Travel Agents)
USA
FAA Offers Funding For Denver Airport Facilities
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced its intention to give $28-million to Denver International Airport for ground capacity enhancing projects.
“This is money well spent,” said Robert A. Sturgell, the FAA’s Acting Administrator. “It’s a boost for Denver, and it’s a boost for the entire aviation system. When you increase capacity at Denver, it pays dividends nationwide. This grant allows the city to move forward with much-needed improvement projects.”
The projects include the expansion of ramps in Concourses A and C. Additional commuter aircraft parking will be constructed which will increase capacity and reduce congestion in the terminal area.
The letter of intent (LOI) ensures that Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds will be set aside for the project as long as funds are available.
The LOI proposes to provide funding for the project from 2008-2013.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $59 million which is to be paid from a combination of AIP funds, airport funds and general airport revenue bonds.
This marks the third LOI for the airport since its construction in 1995.
The three LOIs represent a $421-million investment in the airport.
(U.S. Department of Transportation)
Australia
New Low-cost Route To Boost Local Tourism
Low-cost carrier Jetstar has announced a new Singapore-to-Perth service which will significantly increase the number of Asian tourists visiting Western Australia.
WA Tourism Minister Sheila McHale welcomed the new service, starting in December this year, which will offer an exciting opportunity for tourism in the State.
“In its short history, Jetstar has had tremendous success in boosting tourism by offering competitive fares and attracting visitors who had not travelled widely before,” Ms McHale said.
“This additional service by Jetstar between Singapore and Perth will trigger even more growth in the Asian market as travelers take advantage of competitive prices.
“Singapore is our second largest international market with more than 66,000 visitors in the past 12-months, spending a massive $22-million in WA.
“Asians love to travel, especially in short breaks, and the emergence of low-cost carriers and their extensive networks throughout Asia has introduced a whole new range of destinations and markets.”
The Minister said tourism markets across the globe were experiencing challenges in aviation.
“I congratulate Jetstar on its recognition of this important market by introducing a new service between Singapore and Perth during difficult times for the aviation industry,” Ms McHale said.
“Perth will link with Jetstar’s extensive networks in the Asia-Pacific region, exposing WA to vital new Asian markets.”
(Government of Western Australia)
England
Rolls-Royce And BA Launch Aternative Fuel Trial
Rolls-Royce and British Airways have announced the start of a scientific test programme to investigate the viability of alternative fuels for the aviation industry.
The in-depth study will seek to identify practical alternatives to the current industry-standard fuel kerosene, with the potential to make real reductions to the carbon footprint of aircraft.
The companies will initiate a joint tender process, inviting suppliers to offer alternative fuel samples for testing on a Rolls-Royce RB211 engine from a British Airways Boeing 747.
The tests will be carried out on an indoor engine test bed at the Rolls-Royce facility in Derby, UK.
Testing the engine in the controlled environment of a Rolls-Royce test bed enables more accurate data to be gathered than would be possible on an actual flight because additional instrumentation can be used and performance and emissions will not be affected by other external factors.
(Red Agency)
Australia
Jetstar Launches Perth-Singapore Service
Australia’s low fares airline Jetstar has announced it will commence daily A320 services between Perth-Singapore -subject to regulatory approval - on December 2, 2008.
Singapore will become the third international destination to be serviced by Jetstar from Perth, with Perth-Jakarta and Perth-Denpasar services to commence in October.
Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce said that by the end of the year Jetstar would offer 14 weekly international services from Perth to South East Asia, operated by A320 aircraft seat configured for 177 passengers in one class.
“Perth has been flagged as an important new port for Jetstar as we look to expand our Pan Asian blueprint and link more operations from Australia into our sister networks from Jetstar Asia and Jetstar Pacific,” he said.
“The Perth-Singapore market continues to be the third biggest international route in Australia in terms of traffic and has continued to grow at over 13% over the last year.
“Singapore is the biggest source of South East Asian traffic to Australia and this, combined with the strong Western Australian economy, shows great potential for the Jetstar brand,” Mr Joyce said.
The Perth-Singapore service is in addition to Jetstar’s existing twice daily services between Singapore and Darwin.
(Jetstar Airways Pty Limited)
Update: July 10, 2008 [4 Stories]
Australia
Celebrating 10-years Of Cairns-Guam Services
Continental Micronesia this week celebrates the 10th anniversary of flights between Cairns and the territory of Guam, in Micronesia.
The airline, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the world’s fifth-largest carrier, Continental, operates two weekly flights from Cairns, departing every Monday and Friday morning.
The early morning departures enable passengers from throughout Australia to connect in Cairns for the 4-hour, 25-minute flight to Guam’s A.B. Won Pat International Airport.
From the Guam hub, Continental Micronesia offers 236 departures each week between 23 cities around the Pacific Rim, the Micronesian Islands and Hawaii, operating a fleet of 12 next-generation Boeing 737s and Boeing 767 aircraft.
In addition, Continental Micronesia and its code share partner Cape Air operate 86 weekly commuter service flights between Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Cairns - Guam flights are operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, configured to seat 155 passengers in a two class cabin - 14 in Business Class and 141 in Economy Class.
To help celebrate the Cairns-Guam flight milestone, 13 representatives from Micronesia’s national travel organisations, hoteliers and tour organisations have come to Queensland this week to promote travel to the North Pacific oceanic islands at industry and media briefings in Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane.
In Australia, Continental Airlines and Continental Micronesia are represented by World Aviation Systems.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Australia
A380 Means Quieter Flying Over Sydney
Sydney Airport has welcomed Airservices Australia's report that finds the new Airbus A380 operating from Sydney Airport is more than six decibels quieter than the 747.
Airservices Australia is the government agency responsible for managing Australia's air space and their noise monitoring is the most comprehensive study yet of the new A380.
Airservices Australia found that the A380 is between 2.3 and 6.7 decibels quieter than the 747-400 when departing Sydney Airport.
The report states that ... "a three decibel reduction is regarded as a halving of an aircraft's noise energy."
CEO of Sydney Airport, Russell Balding, has welcomed the research saying Sydney Airport invested about $120-million in upgrading aviation infrastructure to ensure Sydney received the benefits of new generation aircraft like the A380.
"The significance of the A380 is that it can carry more passengers than other aircraft meaning that fewer and quieter A380 flights are required to transport the same number of passengers," Mr Balding said.
"The A380 is important because it helps Sydney Airport meet the demand for flights, and it does so in a way that reduces aviation's impact on the environment.
"Sydney Airport already has a daily A380 service from Singapore Airlines and both Qantas and Emirates have announced their plans to introduce their A380s into services from Sydney Airport.
"Boeing's new airliner, the 787 Dreamliner will also provide much improved environmental performance once it enters commercial service."
(Sydney Airport)
Switzerland
Airlines Criticize Approval Of Emissions Plan
European Union lawmakers Tuesday approved an agreement with governments that will include aviation in the EU's Emission Trading Scheme.
Airlines oppose the plan and say it will cost hundreds of millions of euros each year and take money the industry could have used to invest in cleaner technology.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Sweden
SAS Launches Gay Site On the Web
SAS Scandinavian Airlines has launched a gay site on its international www.flysas.com website, thereby becoming the first European airline with a website dedicated to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender / transsexual (GLBT) market.
The website features SAS' popular crew tips, providing tips from its own gay crew of the best that Stockholm and Copenhagen has to offer.
The new site, www.flysas.com/gay, was recently launched to celebrate EuroPride Gay and Lesbian Festival
SAS has partnered up with Stockholm Visitors Board, Wonderful Copenhagen, Swedish publisher QX and Copenhagen Gay Life to offer gay maps, gay guides and an events calendar which is updated daily for both cities.
Next year Copenhagen will host the World Out Games 2009, bringing again a major gay event to Scandinavia, SAS' home market.
SAS is the proud Strategic Partner and the official airline of the World Out Games 2009.
(Finnesse Communications Marketing and PR)
Update: July 09, 2008 [3 Stories]
Canada
WestJet and Southwest Sign Agreement
Calgary-based WestJet has signed a memorandum of understanding to build a distribution and codeshare agreement with U.S. based Southwest Airlines.
This memorandum of understanding is the first step that will see both airlines, by late 2009, have the ability to commence codeshare flights across both networks.
In the near future, southwest.com will become a distribution channel for WestJet's existing Canadian and transborder flights.
Other potential opportunities within the agreement include purchasing, ground handling, marketing and selling to corporate accounts and other areas of mutual gain.
Sean Durfy, President and CEO of WestJet said ... "This is a defining moment for WestJet. Clearly, we are delivering on our strategic plan with this announcement today. It marks an important step forward for our guests and their ability to fly to more destinations in the United States conveniently and cost effectively.
"When you examine our network in Canada and Southwest's network in the United States, and the potential to significantly improve both organizations' market access, this is indeed a great day."
(WestJet)
Australia
Independence Day - the WA Way
American Independence Day is a big deal - so big, in fact, that the celebrations went all the way to Perth!
Continental Airlines - one of the biggest and best-known American carriers - hosted a Fourth of July lunch for travel agents at Dux Restaurant in South Perth.
Present for the festivities were, from bottom left ...
Tammy Longshaw, Globetrotter Travel;
Kerry Coupar, Consolidated Travel;
Michael Deering, Flightworld;
Nicole Burton, Total Travel;
Chris Evans, Best Flights;
Gemma Smith, Continental Airlines;
Melissa Martin, Continental Airlines;
Russell Jahn, Harvey World Booragoon;
Simone Whitworth, Orba Travel;
Glenn Wilcox, Corporate Travel Management;
Fiona Prosser, Carlson Wagonlit Travel;
Russell Brown, Travel Associates.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
USA
Airline On-Time Performance Improves In May
The largest U.S. airlines’ rate of on-time flights this past May was higher than in both the same month last year and April 2008, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT).
The rates of flight cancellations and mishandled baggage also declined compared to the same periods, according to the report.
According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DoT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 19 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 79.0% in May, higher than both May 2007’s 77.9% and April 2008’s 77.7%.
The monthly report also includes data on the causes of flight delays and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by DoT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.
This report also includes reports required to be filed by U.S. carriers of incidents involving pets traveling by air.
Detailed information on flight delays and their causes is available on the BTS site at www.bts.gov.
(U.S. Department of Transportation)
Update: July 08, 2008 [1 Story]
China
China Southern Increases Fuel Surcharges
China Southern Airlines will increase fuel surcharges on most international routes, effective from Thursday, 10 July, to assist in offsetting the continuing surge in aircraft fuel prices.
Between Australia and China, the new one-way fuel surcharge will be 1,100 Chinese Yuan (CNY) - or approximately AUD $166.55 at today’s exchange rate.
This level will fluctuate according to the day’s rate.
In addition to Australian routes, the one-way charge of CNY 1,100 applies on routes between China and Africa, USA, Europe and Middle East, and between Africa and the Middle East.
A one-way fuel surcharge of CNY 550 will apply on routes within the South Asia Subcontinent and between China and South Asia, East Asia and Korea, while a one-way fuel surcharge of CNY 260 will apply between Guangzhou and Bangkok.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Update: July 07, 2008 [2 Stories]
Sweden
Official Airline For International Climate Conferences
SAS is to be the Official Airline and Greening Partner at four international conferences up until the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009.
SAS has undertaken to offset CO2 emissions from air travel for all conference delegates who travel with SAS.
SAS has entered into a partnership agreement with the Copenhagen Climate Council and, as a result, has become an Official Airline and Greening Partner of a number of international conferences in Copenhagen up until the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December 2009.
Under the agreement, all conference delegates will be offered discounts on SAS tickets and at the same time SAS has undertaken to offset CO2 emissions from air travel for all delegates traveling to the conferences with SAS.
The Copenhagen Climate Council is responsible for four climate conferences in Copenhagen in the run up to the UN conference, such as the Nordic Climate Solutions in November 2008 and the World Business Summit on Climate Change in May 2009, with researchers, business leaders, government officials and politicians from across the world.
The new partnership agreement is to be seen in the light of the SAS Group's new environment strategies, which is aimed at halving CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by 2020.
Actions being taken to achieve this include new technology, more direct flights, Green Approaches, fuel-saving programmes, and in the longer term mixing in the next generation of alternative fuels and a gradual renewal of the fleet.
SAS is also participating in the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy's CO2 campaign '1 ton less'.
(Cision)
Sri Lanka
SriLankan Responds To Fuel Hikes
SriLankan Airlines has introduced a fuel surcharge on all airline fares, effective immediately.
The decision to increase fares is due to the unprecedented rise in world fuel prices.
Crude oil prices which averaged around US$75 per barrel in 2007 have shot up to US$141 for the first half of 2008, recording an 84% increase.
In January this year, a barrel of crude oil was US$95, and has increased to US$128 as at June 2008 which is an increase of 35%.
The speed at which world oil prices are rising is the biggest challenge for airlines. There is no time to manage the transition.
While any business has to make sure its product reflects the cost of production, SriLankan is not passing on the total increase in the cost to its passengers. It has, like most international airlines introduced a fuel surcharge, effective immediately, but it will recover only 50% of the additional costs incurred.
At this juncture of volatility and soaring prices, the most practical way to respond to the sharp increase in cost (fuel consists of 52% of the airline's cost as compared to 27% of the total cost last year) is by way of a fuel surcharge based on the distance.
The surcharge differs according to the destination from US$25 to US$80 one-way, on short, medium and long haul sectors.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Update: July 05, 2008 [4 Stories]
Norway
New President Of Widerøe
Lars Kobberstad has been appointed the new President of Widerøe Flyveselskap, a subsidiary of the SAS Group.
Lars Kobberstad is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO of Widerøe, and is responsible for economic, financial and HR issues.
He has been employed at the company since 1993, and served as finance manager and CFO until 2002 when he took office as Deputy CEO.
"I am delighted with the appointment of Lars Kobberstad. With his long experience at Widerøe, he has the right capabilities to further develop the company's position in Norway and the existing positive cooperation with the SAS Group," said Mats Jansson, Chairman of Widerøe and President and CEO of SAS.
Lars Kobberstad holds a degree in business administration from the University of Augsburg in Germany.
He has also studied management at IMD in Switzerland. He will take office on August 1.
(SAS Group Corporate Communications)
Australia
V AustraliaTo Boost Queensland Tourism
Queensland tourism got a much needed boost yesterday with the announcement of V Australia's newest international route from Los Angeles to Brisbane.
Queensland Premier, The Honourable Anna Bligh welcomed the news from Virgin Blue's international long-haul airline, hailing it a huge vote of confidence in Queensland's tourism product.
"V Australia's decision to fly this route in an increasingly tough international tourism and airline market is fantastic," she said.
"These tri-weekly flights will bring American holiday-makers and executive travellers to Brisbane, which will likely be a catalyst for them travelling on to our other spectacular destinations including the Gold Coast, Whitsundays and Tropical North Queensland."
Ms Bligh said North America was an important market for Queensland, and access was one of its biggest challenges.
"Last year 172,000 Americans visited Queensland and we want to see these numbers grow.
"But when we're contending with the downturn in the US economy, the strong Australian dollar and fierce competition from other countries - we need to make it as easy as possible for Americans to make the long trip 'down under'.
"These direct flights will go a long way to do that," she said.
V Australia will launch three flights a week between Brisbane and Los Angeles - Monday, Wednesday and Friday - as of March 1, 2009.
(Government of Queensland)
USA
AirTran Reports All-Time Record June Traffic
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has reported record traffic for the month of June 2008.
The airline reported that revenue passenger miles (RPMs), available seat miles (ASMs), enplaned passengers, and load factor represent new all-time company records for the month of June.
For June, traffic grew by 15.5% to more than 1.8-billion RPMs based on a 13.0% increase in capacity.
The company's load factor for the month was 84.7%.
The airline enplaned more than 2.3-million passengers for the month, a 4.2% increase from June 2007.
In the month of June, AirTran Airways began new service to San Antonio, Texas.
(AirTran Airways)
USA
$47-million In Government Travel For AirTran
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., has announced that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded the airline 119 city pair contracts for federal employee travel for the 2009 fiscal year.
These contracts have an estimated value of more than $47-million, a nearly 30% increase over last year.
Last year, the GSA awarded AirTran Airways 118 city pairs for government travel during the 2008 fiscal year, worth approximately $36-million.
AirTran Airways markets awarded the highest number of city pairs by the GSA include: Atlanta at 43, Orlando at 14, Baltimore/Washington at 12, Ft. Lauderdale at 10 and Tampa at 9.
The GSA, an independent agency of the United States government, helps manage and support the basic functioning of federal agencies. Among other management tasks, the organization provides transportation to federal employees.
(AirTran Airways)
Update: July 03, 2008 [1 Story]
USA
Southwest Airlines Reports June Traffic
Southwest Airlines Co. has announced that the Company flew 6.9 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in June 2008, a 0.7% increase from the 6.8-billion RPMs flown in June 2007.
Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 5.7% to 8.8-billion from the June 2007 level of 8.3-billion.
The load factor for the month was 78.2%, compared to 82.1% for the same period last year.
For the second quarter 2008, Southwest flew 19.8-billion RPMs, compared to the 19.0-billion RPMs recorded for the same period of 2007, an increase of 4.2%.
Available seat miles increased 5.4% to 26.3-billion from the second quarter 2007 level of 25.0-billion.
The second quarter 2008 load factor was 75.2%, compared to 76.1% for the same period last year.
For the first half of 2008, Southwest flew 37.4 billion RPMs, compared to the 35.1 billion RPMs recorded for the same period in 2007, an increase of 6.5%.
Available seat miles increased 5.9% to 51.5-billion from the 2007 level of 48.7-billion.
The year-to-date load factor was 72.6%, compared to 72.2% for the same period last year.
(Southwest Airlines Co.)
Update: July 02, 2008 [4 Stories]
Switzerland
New Edelweiss Air Board of Directors
SWISS will formally acquire Edelweiss Air on November 1, and with the new subsidiary's Management Board already appointed, SWISS has announced the company's three-member Board of Directors.
The new Edelweiss Air Board of Directors will be chaired by Harry Hohmeister, SWISS's Chief Network & Distribution Officer, and will have two further ordinary members: Gaudenz Ambühl, SWISS Chief Operating Officer, and Josef Felder, former CEO of Unique, the operator of Zurich Airport.
The new Board of Directors will assume its duties on November 1.
"We are delighted to have secured the services of Josef Felder and Gaudenz Ambühl, who are such proven industry specialists, for our Edelweiss Air Board of Directors," said Chairman-designate Harry Hohmeister.
"And in appointing one of our Board members from outside SWISS's ranks, we are also underlining the autonomy that Edelweiss Air will enjoy within the SWISS Group."
For Edelweiss Air's day-to-day operations, Karl Kistler will serve as CEO, while Peter Spring has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer - with effect from July 1.
With the designation of its Board of Directors, the new SWISS subsidiary now has its key personnel in place at the strategic level, too.
SWISS's acquisition of Edelweiss Air is part of a strategic partnership for SWISS and Kuoni announced in February.
Edelweiss Air employs 240 personnel and operates three short-haul Airbus A320s and a long-haul Airbus A330-200.
(Ink Publicity)
USA
Hawaiian Holdings Added To Russell 3000 Index
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc., has been added to the Russell 3000® Index.
The Russell 3000 Index is market cap weighted and measures the performance of the largest 3000 common stocks incorporated in the United States and its territories.
The index was constructed to provide a comprehensive barometer of the broad market. It is reconstituted annually to capture new and growing equities.
“Being added to the Russell 3000 index is a major accomplishment for Hawaiian. It is recognition of our achievements, growth and Hawaiian’s strengthened market position in our industry,” said Mark Dunkerley, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“We believe our inclusion in this well known index will help us bring Hawaiian’s story to a wider audience of institutional investors which will more closely align our market capitalization with the company’s performance.”
The Russell 3000 also serves as the U.S. component to the Russell Global®Index, which Russell launched last year.
Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for both passive and active investment strategies.
(Asia Pacific Public Relations)
Abu Dhabi
Etihad Flying High In First Half Of 2008
Etihad Airways continues to enjoy a record-breaking 2008 with its latest passenger figures for the first six months flying high with a 41% rise on the same period last year.
The airline is well on track to achieve its target of carrying 6-million passengers by the end of the year.
Highlights of the first half year results show that the Abu Dhabi-based airline carried 2.8-million passengers during the first 6-months of 2008, compared to nearly 2-million for the same period in 2007.
And Etihad also witnessed the busiest day in its 4-year history on Friday, June 29, with a record-breaking 19,709 customers flown across the airline’s network at a seat factor of 85%.
The airline achieved average seat factors of 73% across its network of 45 destinations between January 1 and June 30.
Year-on-year this represents an increase in seat factor of nine percentage points and comes as Etihad continues to expand its global flying programme and add aircraft to a fleet that will grow from its current 37 to 45 by the end of 2008.
In the second half of the year the airline will introduce non-stop flights from its Abu Dhabi base to five new destinations.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive, said ... “Etihad’s performance during the first 6-months of 2008 has been extremely strong against a well documented backdrop of higher fuel prices and economic slow-down in parts of Europe and the Americas.
“Despite these significant challenges faced by many airlines, Etihad is not seeing any signs of a decline in demand in any of our markets or any of our cabins. Indeed our forward bookings are currently well ahead of expectations.”
(Hill And Knowlton)
Australia
SAA Welcomes Decision To Allow More Capacity
South African Airways has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to allow additional flights on the Australia-South Africa route.
SAA’s Head of Australasia, Thevan Krishna said the decision was a reflection of the strength of recreational and business traffic between the two countries.
“Over the past few years we have seen visitor numbers both ways grow substantially and this decision means we will be able to meet the increased future demand for flights and additional capacity,” Thevan said this week.
“SAA has invested heavily in its Australian operations with new sales and administrative appointments and greater focus on marketing to key targets in the local market,” he said.
“SAA’s confidence in the Australian market is why we have scheduled our new A340-600 aircraft to fly into Perth from November 1, with five flights per week to meet increased demand.
“The new aircraft means we will have an additional 67-seat capacity, including an extra 18 business class seats.
"We have found unprecedented demand for our business class with our award-winning lie-flat seat on all flights and improved menus and on-board service.
“With the value of the South African rand at 7.5 to the Aussie dollar (2-years ago it was 5 to the dollar), South Africa is very much a value-for-money destination for recreational and business travellers, including the MICE market where we are seeing huge interest,” Thevan said.
(Jarvis Public Relations)
Update: July 01, 2008 [1 Story]
USA
Air-dependent Locations See Travel Decline
Destinations that rely heavily on air travel, such as Phoenix, Las Vegas and Hawaii, are suffering declines in business visitors and tourism as airlines eliminate flights, raise fares and lay off workers in response to spiraling fuel prices.
US Airways has trimmed domestic flights by as much as 8%, and traffic at Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport was down 3% in April over the year earlier.
"Approximately 80% of Scottsdale's visitors arrive by airplane, so any factors that negatively impact air travel will impact our tourism business," said Brent DeRaad of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Update: June 30, 2008 [2 Stories]
France
Fifth A380 Paves Way For Additional Service
Singapore Airlines took delivery of its fifth A380, the world’s largest passenger plane, at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, on June 28.
After a delivery flight, the A380 aircraft arrived in Singapore on Sunday, June 29 at around 0320 hrs.
Just a few hours before, Singapore Airlines took delivery of its 18th Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at the Boeing Delivery Centre, at Everett, Washington.
This is the first occasion where Singapore Airlines has received an aircraft from each manufacturer on the same day.
With the addition of this fifth A380, Singapore Airlines will upgrade more of its B747-400 flights to A380 operations on the Singapore-London route.
SQ318 - the lunch-time departure from Singapore to London Heathrow - and SQ321 - late-evening departure from London - will be operated by an A380 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from July 16, 2008.
This is in addition to the current daily A380 service on flights SQ322 (Singapore-London) and SQ317 (London-Singapore).
However, from August 2 to August 8 inclusive, the aircraft will be deployed to Beijing, to cater to the increased demand in the lead-up to the start of the Olympic Games.
These will be the first A380 flights to the People’s Republic of China.
Singapore Airlines is the first to fly the A380, and is currently the only airline operating the superjumbo.
The airline has firm orders for a further fourteen A380s and options on six more.
(Weber Shandwick)
Australians
Australians More Confident About Air Safety
Australians are increasingly confident about the safety of aviation in Australia, a national survey has found.
A total of 78% of Australians say they are completely confident or very confident about their safety when flying between Australian capital cities - up 4% on the same survey done 3-years ago.
Confidence in the safety of flights in regional Australia has also increased, with 64% of people saying they are highly confident about their safety.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority commissioned the national survey of public attitudes to aviation safety, with 1,526 people interviewed by telephone earlier this year. Roy Morgan Research conducted the survey.
The survey found 55% of Australians believe flights between capital cities are safer than similar flights in other leading aviation nations, such as the United States. Only 2% believe flights are less safe.
The number of people who are concerned about air safety has remained very low, at 5% – down 1% on the 2005 survey. Reasons for being worried about safety include psychological factors, mechanical problems with aircraft and human error.
The number of people concerned about terrorism fell from 52% in 2005 to 16% this year.
56% of the respondents say CASA is doing either a great or good job. This rating has been steadily improving since the first survey was taken in 2000, when confidence in the regulator was measured at 33%.
The survey found 92% of Australians have flown during their lives and about half have flown in the last 12-months. Males are more likely to have travelled recently than women and wealthier people are more likely to have flown recently.
Find out more at: www.casa.gov.au/oar/download/ctaf/CTAFstudy.pdf
(Civil Aviation Safety Authority)
Update: June 29, 2008 [4 Stories]
USA
ASTA Testifies At Air Transportation Crisis Hearing
ASTA has testified at a House Committee on Small Business hearing on How the Air Transportation Crisis is Hurting Travellers, Entrepreneurs and the Economy.
In his testimony, ASTA's Senior Vice President of Legal and Industry Affairs Paul Ruden addressed the negative effect the current airline crisis is having on leisure and business travel, as well on the travel agency industry, specifically.
The full story ... ASTA Testifies At Air Transportation Crisis Hearing
(American Society of Travel Agents)
Australia
Qantas Dives In Latest Authenticity Study
Australia’s national carrier Qantas has fallen 13 places from its number one spot as Australia’s most authentic brand, according to latest figures from the second landmark Authentic Brand Index (ABI) study released by Principals and Synovate.
The ABI is the only study to measure the authenticity of global and local brands among Australian consumers and ranks more than 100 brands across a variety of industries.
In the first ABI study, which was published in 2006, Qantas was Australia’s most authentic brand but its perceived authenticity among consumers has nose-dived by 8.7 points, placing it at No. 14 on the index of 104 brands.
However, the study also showed Qantas is still the most authentic brand in its sector with its nearest competitor Virgin Blue achieving an overall index ranking of 33.
This was followed by Jetstar (73), Emirates (74), British Airways (79), Virgin Atlantic (87) and Tiger Airways (100).
“There is real evidence this year that consumers are holding brands more to account and are increasingly critical in their assessment of their authentic credentials. Indeed, our study showed all airlines have battled to sustain their authentic reputations in 2008, with no airline having advanced compared to our 2006 study,” said Principals Planning Director Wayde Bull.
More than 4,500 consumers participated in this year’s study.
The fieldwork was undertaken over a 2-month period from mid-March through to mid-May and a total of 104 brands (up from 70 in 2006) were tracked for their authentic engagement with consumers.
(Access Public Relations)
Sweden
SAS Sells Remaining Shares In SAS Component
In 2005, SAS divested 67 % of its share in SAS Component, now renamed to ST Aerospace Solutions (Europe) A/S, to Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aerospace), the aerospace arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.
On June 27, 2008, SAS Group announced that it has divested its remaining shareholding in SAS Component to ST Aerospace for a value of 28.3 MEUR.
The purchase follows the exercise of a put option by SAS pursuant to the Shareholders' Agreement entered into between SAS and ST Aerospace on March 15, 2006.
(SAS Group Investor Relations)
Australia
CASA Suspends Far North Queensland Airline
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority suspended the operations of Cairns-based airline Lip Air Pty Ltd on Friday, June 27, 2008.
Lip Air - which trades as Aero Tropics - was suspended because CASA believes there were serious and imminent risks to the safety of passengers travelling on the airline. The airline's operations were ‘grounded' immediately.
CASA will apply to the Federal Court to extend the suspension of their air operators certificate for up to 40-days.
If the extension is granted CASA will complete investigations into safety deficiencies within Lip Air and may seek to cancel the airline's air operators certificate.
CASA began investigations into safety problems at Lip Air in September 2007.
The airline and key personnel have been subject to a number of actions by CASA, taken to achieve improvements in safety performance.
However, in recent days CASA has discovered further evidence that safety standards within Lip Air have not in improved and in fact have deteriorated.
CASA has serious concerns about the capacity and commitment of Lip Air's management to manage safety obligations.
CASA believes the deficiencies are indicative of a total failure of the airline's management structure.
This has created an unacceptable risk to aviation safety.
CASA's safety concerns with Lip Air centre on the airline's pilot training and checking systems.
(Civil Aviation Safety Authority)
Update: June 28, 2008 [3 Stories]
Australia
Tiger To Reduce Flights From Darwin
Tiger Airways is to reduce the number of flights from Melbourne to Darwin from September 1 2008 from 7 times a week to 4 times a week due to seasonal demand.
Passengers affected by the changes to the Darwin route will be offered a change of travel date at no cost or a full refund.
Tiger Airways will be contacting affected passengers over coming weeks.
Chris Ward, Managing Director of Tiger Airways Australia, said ... “Darwin has been on the Tiger route map for many years. It was our first Australian international gateway and was one of our first Australian domestic routes.
" We are committed to the Northern Territory for the long term and Darwin
remains Tiger Airways longest domestic route.”
The reduction of services between Melbourne and Darwin will not impact on Tiger’s plans for expansion to other destinations in Australia.
The airline will take delivery of two A319s and another A320 and will establish its second base early in 2009.
(Tiger Airways)
USA
Southwest Adds Flights In High-demand Markets
Southwest Airlines is adding service in high-demand markets to take advantage of other carriers' capacity cuts.
The carrier's current hedging program allows it to pay less for fuel than most of its rivals.
"We are trimming our flight schedule, frequently and continually, of unproductive flights, while we continue to grow in cities like Denver," CEO Gary Kelly said.
"We have a much different story to tell today than our competitors."
(Southwest Airlines Co.)
USA
U.S. And Brazil To Expanded Air Services
The United States and Brazil have concluded an agreement that will provide for a nearly 50% increase in passenger flights between the two countries as well as eliminate restrictions on the number of airlines that can provide U.S.-Brazil air service.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters, said ... “This agreement will help air carriers meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo services between the United States and Brazil.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we give U.S. carriers every possible opportunity to compete and succeed wherever passengers want to fly.”
Any number of U.S. or Brazilian airlines now may fly between the two countries, removing the previous limit of four carriers from each side.
The agreement also will, in four stages between July 2008 and October 2010, permit an increase in the number of weekly U.S.-Brazil passenger flights from 105 to 154 for each country’s carriers, Secretary Peters added.
Under the agreement, U.S. carriers may serve five new cities in Brazil - Fortaleza, Curitiba and three others to be selected by the United States.
Currently, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines provide service between the United States and Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro.
The agreement also allows, for the first time, U.S. and Brazilian carriers to provide certain types of service on a code-share basis with their partner airlines from third-countries.
(U.S. Secretary of Transportation)
Update: June 27, 2008 [2 Stories]
Australia
Tiger Airways On Time Performance
As promised earlier in the year Tiger Airways business objective to offer the most reliable airline product in Australia has commenced with the airline reporting its on time performance statistics so consumers can make their own choice.
In April 2008, Tiger Airways led the Australian industry with 0 Cancellations compared with 242 cancellations for Qantas, 200 for Virgin Blue and 30 for Jetstar.
It is important to stress the point that Qantas had the second highest percentage of cancellations for April 2008 at 2.3% of all flights, followed by Virgin Blue at 1.9%, QantasLink and Skywest both at 1.3%, Regional Express at 1.1%, and Jetstar at 0.6%.
Tiger Airways recorded zero cancellations for the month.
Tiger Airways Australia also achieved the highest level of on time departures for April 2008 at 81.3%.
April’s on time performance statistics for domestic Australian flights are available from the Australian Government, at:
http://www.bitre.gov.au
(Tiger Airways Australia)
New Zealand
Changes Given Time To Bed In Before Reviews
The government has decided to give more time for changes to airport regulation to bed in before deciding whether to proceed with further work looking at the effectiveness of that regulation and whether regional airports should also be regulated under the Commerce Act.
Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel and Transport Minister Annette King said this gives Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports and their customers more certainty over the next 2-years as the Commerce Commission develops input methodologies for the new information disclosure regime contained in the Commerce Amendment Bill currently before Select Committee.
In November last year the government made decisions which will transfer responsibility for the regulation of aeronautical charges at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports from the Airports Authorities Act to the Commerce Act.
This change is aimed at improving information disclosure required of airport companies at the time of setting their prices.
The government had decided to carry out a further review, to be concluded by June 2009, to investigate whether other airports should be subject to regulation and whether other forms of regulation to that proposed should apply to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports.
However concerns have been raised about the uncertainty created by the overlap in the timing of further work with the development of the new regulatory regime decided on late last year.
Accordingly, the Ministers of Commerce and Transport will consider whether a further review of airport regulation is necessary once the Commerce Commission complete and implement rules under the new regime in the Commerce Act.
(FeedBurner)
Update: June 26, 2008 [5 Stories]
Canada
WestJet Expands International Network
Calgary-based WestJet has announced the introduction of seasonal non-stop service to two new international sun destinations in the Caribbean: Bridgetown, Barbados and La Romana, Dominican Republic.
These new sun destinations are part of WestJet's enhanced winter schedule, which will also include new service to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from various cities across Canada.
WestJet will announce schedule details for the new Mexican destinations shortly.
WestJet also announced increased frequencies from Toronto to Jamaica, St Lucia and the Dominican Republic.
"With 20 destinations in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, we continue to deliver on our international expansion strategy and strengthen our position as a strong and rapidly growing player on the international scene," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Guest Experience and Marketing.
"Our current service to key vacation spots is extremely popular and with the addition of Barbados and La Romana, our guests will have more places to go for fun and relaxation in the sun this winter."
WestJet is also introducing service to Kamloops, B.C., from Calgary and adding a new non-stop route between Calgary and Grande Prairie.
These announcements will bring WestJet's existing scheduled destinations to 49.
By 2013, WestJet will fly to over 65 scheduled destinations.
(WestJet)
China
Air China Announces Direct Flights To Taiwan
Air China has announced that from July 4, 2008 it will be commencing regular direct flights from Beijing to Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The first flight, on an Airbus A330, will depart from Beijing Capital International Airport at 8:30am Beijing time and arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 1:00pm.
This will be the first time in over 60-years that there have been regular direct flights between Mainland China and Taiwan.
Since 2006, Air China has operated special charter flights between Beijing and Taiwan during the four traditional Chinese holidays - Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Day, Tomb Sweeping Day, and Dragon Boat Festival.
The new flights will help all travellers from both sides of the Straits to travel more freely between the Mainland and Taiwan.
This will open up business, cultural and travel opportunities between the cities.
(Air China)
USA
New Daily Ft Lauderdale - Bogota Service
Starting July 24, 2008, ultra low cost carrier Spirit Airlines is offering daily non-stop service from its Fort Lauderdale home to Bogota, Colombia.
In addition to this new non-stop service from Fort Lauderdale, Spirit also offers convenient connections from its network of 16 other destinations in the United States to Bogota.
The new route will be operated by Spirit’s new Airbus fleet, the youngest in the Americas.
The city of Bogota, with a population of seven million inhabitants, has become one of the most important capitals and business centers in the region.
“We are excited about liberating millions of Colombians in Bogota from high fares as we’ve already done in Cartagena and other cities in the region,” said Spirit Chief Marketing Officer Barry Biffle.
“This new service will offer over 100 million people low fare access to Bogota through our Fort Lauderdale gateway.”
(Spirit Airlines)
Switzerland
A Step Forward On SES
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has congratulated the European Commission on adopting the second package of legislation for a Single European Sky (SES).
“Every drop of fuel saved counts. With oil at US$135 and jet fuel even higher, saving fuel is critical for financial survival. And it is at the core of our commitment to improving environmental performance. Today’s adoption of the Single European Sky II package is a welcome response to IATA’s call for governments to act quickly to eliminate inefficiencies in air traffic management,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
At its recent Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, the 230 members of IATA agreed an Istanbul Declaration that asks governments, labour and service providers to show leadership and responsibility in this time of crisis.
The Declaration specifically called for governments to “invest to modernise air transport infrastructure urgently, eliminating wasteful fuel consumption and emissions.”
“Vice President Tajani has quickly understood the urgency of the situation. Commission adoption is a step in the right direction, but we have a lot of ground to cover before a Single European Sky can become a reality,” said Bisignani.
“Only with the support of national governments will the European Parliament and the Council be able to follow up on Vice President Tajani’s quick action. I urge Europe’s national governments to put aside local politics and focus on what is best for Europe and for the environment. That is a Single European Sky with the ambitious objective of a 10% improvement in carbon emissions and fuel savings. After decades of discussion, it’s time for success,” said Bisignani.
(International Air Transport Association)
Spain
More Flights Between Barcelona And Algiers
Spanair has increased its flight offer between Barcelona and Algiers since June 8 in view of the summer season, offering to its passengers six weekly flights between both cities, four additional frequencies than in 2007 summer season, when these flights started.
The Barcelona - Algiers route has several connection possibilities with Spanair domestic flights to and from the cities of Malaga, A Coruña, Vigo, Madrid,
Oviedo, Palma de Mallorca and Seville, as well as with the international flights offered by Spanair and Star Alliance's member carriers to Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Lisbon, Munich and Zurich.
"The development of Spanair's flights network to North Africa, a strategic market for the company, is designed to cover the increasing needs of costumers, especially those passengers travelling for business reasons," said Marcus Hedblom, Spanair's CEO.
"Moreover, with this operation we strengthen our international flights offer, becoming a connection point for the Star Alliance flight network in this dynamic African region," he added.
Spanair, founded in 1986, offers more than 600 flights per day with a fleet of 63 airplanes to 241 destinations, sharing codes with its partners.
(Spanair PR & Communications Department)
Update: June 25, 2008 [2 Stories]
China
Air Mauritius Named Indian Ocean Leading Airline
Air Mauritius has won the 15th World Travel Awards (WTA) in the category Indian Ocean Leading Airline for the second consecutive year.
The award was presented to Mr Prakash Rai, Air Mauritius Regional Manager South East Asia by Mr Graham Cooke, President and Founder of the World Travel Awards at the Inaugural World Travel Awards for Asia and Indian Ocean
Ceremony which was held on June 19, 2008 at the Swissôtel Grand, Shanghai.
A total of 800 nominated companies and organisations held their breath to see if they had captured one of the coveted awards, bringing the recipients
worldwide recognition as supreme centres of excellence.
Mr Manoj R K Ujoodha, G.O.S.K., Air Mauritius CEO said ... “We are extremely pleased to receive the Indian Ocean Leading Airline Award for the second consecutive year.
"This worldwide recognition will help raise our international profile and give a new boost to our team. It is thanks to their sustained efforts and hard work that we have been able to obtain this distinction.
"We would also like to thank our trade partners and customers for their continued trust in and support to the national airline.”
Air Mauritius - the national carrier of the Republic of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean - was created in 1967 and currently operates a fleet of five A340-300s, two A340-300Es, two A319-100s, one A330-200s and two ATR72-500s.
Air Mauritius presently flies to twenty-seven destinations in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
(Devahasdin Communications)
Australia
Lufthansa Brings The World To Sydney's Martin Place
On June 23, spectators flocked to Sydney’s Martin Place to see internationally renowned street artists Anton Pulvirenti and Rudy Kistler create a huge 3D chalk drawing of a globe to represent Lufthansa’s worldwide network.
The event celebrated the launch of Lufthansa’s new non-stop flights between Singapore and Munich.
Spectators, including key travel agents, had their photographs taken ‘holding the world in their hands’ or ‘being on top of the world’ by a professional photographer, and entered a prize draw to win the trip of a lifetime - a Discover Europe ticket connecting 5 European cities within Lufthansa’s extensive European network.
Lufthansa’s five weekly non-stop flights between Singapore and Munich commenced on June 8, offering a greater choice for passengers travelling to Europe, with timely connections from key Australian cities.
Lufthansa’s flight LH791 departs Singapore daily - except Tuesday and Sunday - at 09:10, arriving in Munich at 16:05 local time on the same day.
The return flight LH790 takes off at 13:20 - except Monday and Saturday - arriving in Singapore at 07:25 the following day.
Pictured: The Lufthansa service team: Elena Seow, Merilee Lewis, Gaby Roberts and Helen Ho, in Martin Place.
(Ink Publicity)
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